RUGBY town centre’s future is being placed in the hands of residents and businesses, as part of a public consultation.
The council has published a new Town Centre Vision – and now needs feedback on its plans.
Plans include increasing the range of shops, leisure and entertainment venues in the town centre, while supporting existing independent shops, pubs and restaurants.
The Vision aims to create a prosperous and attractive town centre which complements and connects to the Elliott’s Field and Junction One retail parks on Leicester Road.
It also aims to build on the council’s town centre enhancement programme for this year’s Rugby World Cup – which has included new bins, public art works and, from September, the introduction of wi-fi – while promoting Rugby’s heritage as the birthplace of the game.
Rugby Borough Council economy spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “Town centres across the country have faced significant challenges in recent years and the role of town centres has changed with the increasing popularity of online shopping and its impact on national retail chains’ business strategies.
“Rugby town centre, like other centres, needs to change and adapt to meet these challenges, and our Town Centre Vision signals the start of the council’s work to draw up a new strategy to support the delivery of a town centre fit for the future.
“However, we’re just one of a number of key stakeholders who have an important role to play in reinvigorating the town centre and it’s vital we work together in order to make the vision a reality.
“We have already discussed our vision with a number of stakeholders, including Rugby First, Warwickshire County Council and Rugby School, and the public consultation now opens up the discussion to all businesses and residents who want to play a part in shaping our strategy for a prosperous and vibrant town centre.”
To support the public consultation, the council has invited all town centre businesses to workshops at the Benn Hall to discuss the vision and contribute ideas for the final strategy.
The workshops take place 6.30pm-8pm next Wednesday (August 26) and on Wednesday September 2.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/tcvision to download a copy of the Town Centre Vision, or pick one up from reception at the Town Hall.
Email [email protected] with comments on the Town Centre Vision. The consultation closes at 5pm on Monday September 14.
