BUSINESSPEOPLE have broadly backed new concept plans to transform Leamington’s Parade.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum recently heard from Stephen Marks, representing the Leamington Transformation Board, about plans to make the Parade a traffic-free space in a bid to give the town centre both an economic and cultural boost.
The Leamington Transformation Board, made up of representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and LeamingtonTown Council, is holding an engagement exercise on its emerging Parade Masterplan, which runs until July 28.
Part of the masterplan includes exploring options to remove traffic from the Parade, with the aim of increasing the number of people using the space and the time they spend there.
Buses that currently stop at the top of Parade would be re-routed to alternative stops nearby, while delivery vehicles would be permitted limited access during quieter times. Emergency vehicles would still be able to access the town’s main street.
Businesses also heard that a new town square next to the Town Hall would be created, providing a new space for community events, markets, and performances.
The plans also includes new trees, planting, seating and cycle infrastructure, with accessibility at the forefront of its design.
Kate Hunter, the vice-chair of the Chamber’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum said firms were broadly in favour of the changes.
“Businesspeople recognise that all town and city centres have challenges coming at them from all angles – from internet shopping through to high business rates – so it’s vitally important that they move with the times.
“Those businesses in attendance, in the main, liked the concept and the opportunity to create new spaces that would open the town centre. Leamington has so much going for it already, so it’s crucial that any new plans build on its strengths and help to make it fit for the future.
“We’d encourage members to respond directly to the consultation so that it gives the Leamington Transformation Board a really strong picture of what businesses and the wider public think of the plans.”
Anyone wishing to respond to the survey on the plans for Parade should visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ask
