PLANS to support Rugby Borough’s economy and the town centre – including a new skills hub – have been welcomed by business leaders.
Coun Isabelle McKenzie, Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) Portfolio Holder for Growth and Investment, presented the details of the plans at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum, hosted at Brownsover Hall.
She told businesses that the Economic Strategy adopted last year would deliver ‘sustainable, inclusive growth; put places, people and businesses at the heart of growth; and create a prosperous, resilient and greener local economy’.
Coun McKenzie revealed that RBC had received £10million in Planning Obligations from the Frasers Group to establish a new skills hub in the town centre to help residents prepare for the jobs of the future.
She also updated on the council’s wider town centre regeneration plans.
They included the Public Realm Masterplan, which aims to improve the look and feel of the town centre, and create improved pedestrian areas and areas for community events.
Attendees also heard the new M6 gateway development in the Local Plan had been submitted for examination and, once approved, would provide opportunities for smaller units for local businesses.
Coun McKenzie said: “Rugby has enormous potential, but for too long we have lacked a clear economic vision for how we unlock it.
“Our economic strategy is about turning that ambition into action – supporting local businesses, creating space for start-ups and growing firms, helping residents gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future, and making sure major investment delivers real benefits for our town.
“We are determined to make Rugby town centre a place people choose to visit, shop, work and spend time in. From bringing empty units back into use and improving shopfronts, to developing plans for a cultural quarter, better public spaces and more accessible health and community services, this is about creating a thriving, greener, fairer and healthier Rugby for the long term.”
Dan Mann, the chair of the Rugby Local Business Forum, said it was good to hear about positive things happening in Rugby.
He added: “Many elements of the economic strategy have been key asks of the Chamber over the years – from town centre redevelopment through to smaller industrial units for local businesses to grow into.
“There are exciting times ahead for the borough.”
