 |
 |
|
The opening
of the long-awaited Newbury bypass in 1998 created a unique
opportunity to look at further ways to improve what the town
has to offer.
By removing so much traffic at a stroke, West
Berkshire Council was able to pedestrianise the main shopping
area. To better coordinate the various activities, the town
and district councils teamed up with private business interests,
shopkeepers, and the local bus company to form the Town Centre
Management Steering Group.
A town centre manager was appointed to manage
day-to-day events, direct new business enquiries, and monitor
visitor numbers, among other tasks.
Various pressures to increase retail space,
enhance the street scene and improve amenities for younger
residents soon coalesced into the Vision for Newbury 2025,
which was launched by West Berkshire Council in 2003.
Since then, the town centre partnership has
achieved many successes:
- The pedestrianised area has been extended to the Market
Place
- Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street have had a makeover.
- The new Parkway Shopping Centre opened in the Autumn of 2011.
- The new Vue cinema was completed in November 2009.
- A developer has been chosen to redevelop the area from
the railway station to the town centre.
|
| |
|