A NEW public square and improved pedestrian routes in Rugby town centre are a step closer to reality.
Rugby Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to turn Old Market Place – currently a car park adjacent to the John Barford multi-storey – into a new public space for events and community activities as the centrepiece of the town’s proposed Cultural Quarter.
The Cabinet also approved a plan to improve the walking route between the Clock Tower and Old Market Place by introducing better pedestrian walkways and crossings, measures to slow vehicles, and changes designed to encourage walking, cycling and longer visits to the town centre.
The cabinet recommended the council approves the allocation of £314,000 from the Town Centre Budget to move the project to the final design stage.
This would enable detailed technical design work, costings and tender preparation to be completed before any future decision on construction.
The proposed funding package includes £214,000 for specialist design work and £100,000 for Warwickshire County Council highways and technical approval requirements, including road safety audits, lighting reviews and design sign-off.
Completing the final design stage would also mean the project is fully developed and costed, which could help the council pursue external funding opportunities.
Coun Louise Robinson, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “This project would be a great start to the host of improvements we are planning in Rugby town centre.
“We want to create attractive spaces where people can spend time, attend events, support local businesses and enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.
“If approved, this next stage would put us in a stronger position to move towards construction and bring our plans to life.”
Coun Jerry Roodhouse, Deputy Leader of Rugby Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Growth and Investment, said: “The route between the Clock Tower and Old Market Place is a really important area in Rugby town centre and improving it has long been identified as a priority.
“The proposed new public square and wider public realm improvements would help increase footfall and investment.
“Moving the project to final design stage would bring us much closer to having a deliverable scheme that can attract future funding and deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”
A full council meeting will consider the proposals on July 15. If approved, detailed design work would begin later this year, with further decisions required before any construction work could proceed.
