Have your say: town centre masterplans

17 Jan 2020 02:27
Published by: Daniel Almond

People across the borough will soon be able to have their say on proposals to improve their local town centre.

 

Bolton Council is creating masterplans for Horwich, Little Lever and Westhoughton.

 

Consultation on the proposals for each area will now start on January 27, ending on February 23.

 

Drop-in events will take place in each area and local residents are being urged to come along to have their say.

 

They are following the lead from Farnworth, whose masterplan was approved last year.

 

A pot of £16m has been allocated to support all four district town centres.

 

Steering groups, chaired by local councillors, have already met in each area to discuss ideas to shape the proposals.

 

Urban regeneration specialists BDP have now drawn up initial proposals following discussions at group meetings, as well as at stakeholder meetings with local residents, councillors, businesses and partners.

 

Proposals include suggestions around redeveloping the high street, improving pedestrian access, and creating new town centre homes.

 

Full details will be revealed when the consultation starts on January 27 and details will be available online at www.investinbolton.com.

 

An online questionnaire will be available and paper questionnaires will also be distributed at locations in each area.

 

Residents are being encouraged to come along to the following drop-in events-

 

  • Horwich Library, Wednesday 29th January, 3pm to 7pm and Saturday 1st February 10am to 2pm
  • Little Lever Library Wednesday 5th February, 3pm to 7pm and Saturday 8th February 10pm to 2pm
  • Westhoughton Library - Wednesday 12th February, 3pm to 7pm and Saturday 15th February 10am to 2pm

 

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “We really want to hear your views about how you think your town could be improved.

 

“Please come along to one of the sessions to have a look at the initial proposals and tell us your ideas.
 
“If you can’t make it to a drop-in, fill in the questionnaire – this is your opportunity to influence and shape your town centre.”
 
Bolton Council will review the proposals following the feedback from the public consultation.
 
A final masterplan document and strategy for each town centre will then be produced by Summer 2020 for formal approval by the council.

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