Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Centre Proposals - Consultation
Results updated 8 Feb 2023
We would like to thank everybody who took their time to share their views on the Stratford-upon-Avon town centre proposals which set out ideas for what Bridge Street, High Street and Union Street could look like in the future. The consultation took place between March 24th and June 5th 2022, with the main survey generating 949 responses. The responses are currently being analysed and the results of this analysis will be shared with the Stratford Town Centre Strategic Partnership and a report on the consultation will be considered by the County Council’s Cabinet. The report will include analysis of the feedback received and recommended next steps for the project.
A bid for funding towards the cost of delivering improvements in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre was submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund at the beginning of August 2022. The bid was based on the proposals set out in the consultation, but recognised changes may be required in response to feedback received and future design work.
The initial analysis of the consultation feedback carried out to support the funding bid suggests that overall more people agree with the proposals then disagree but identified areas where further design consideration is needed, including in relation to the proposed reduction in on-street short stay parking and changes to blue badge parking provision, as well as changes to taxi access and ranks.
In January 2023 the Government announced the bid to the Levelling Up Fund was not successful. The County Council is continuing to work on the consultation analysis report and expects to release it later this year.
Overview
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Warwickshire County Council have been working together on ideas for what Bridge Street, High Street and Union Street in Stratford-upon-Avon could look like in the future, building on ideas originally set out within Stratford's Neighbourhood Development Plan. We want to improve the look and feel of the town centre and make it easier and safer for people to move around on foot or bicycle, as well as benefiting bus users.
Our vision is a town centre which is full of life and meets the needs of our local community, businesses and visitors. There will be less traffic in the centre, making it safer and more inviting for pedestrians and cyclists. More people will be attracted to the town centre and will spend longer and more money in the local economy. This will be done in a way which respects the historic nature of the town centre’s streets and buildings.
Work so far
We started this work in early 2021 with the help of specialist urban design consultants PJA who initially developed four high level concept designs. With the input of the Town Centre Strategic Partnership (TCSP), a working group involving local Councils, businesses and interest groups, a preferred concept design was selected.
We then shared this design with key organisations and groups in the town including members of the TCSP, emergency services, transport operators, business representatives and event organisers and we made some changes to the design to reflect some of their feedback.
More Information
The proposals
The proposals include measures which:
- Prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over motorised traffic.
- Give more space to pedestrians and make it easier for people to move around.
- Discourage traffic from using town centre streets.
- Create a more attractive and pleasant space for people to be in.
- Remove all on-street parking, other than for blue badge holders.
- Retain the existing level of provision for buses.
Further information on the proposals is available in the survey, the Public Information Document and supporting documents.
We do not have funding to deliver the improvements in full, but carrying out this consultation and continuing to work on the proposals will put us in a better position to bid for funding. A funding submission to the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) in summer 2021 was unsuccessful, but there may be future opportunities to bid to the LUF or other funding streams.
Why your views matter
We would like feedback from the wider community and town centre users to help us make decisions on our next steps. We would like you to tell us what you think about the proposals, what you feel works and doesn’t, and how the proposals could be improved. We are still at an early stage in developing these proposals and your input will help shape our plans and designs.
Information to help you respond
Links to a set of information documents have been provided below to explain the background and thinking that has led to the current proposal and to help you understand how the proposals could affect you. This includes a Frequently Asked Questions document which will be updated during the consultation.
We have also provided below links to a set of core supporting documents which set out the policy basis for the town centre proposals which you may like to refer to.
Information Events
We are running a series of face to face and online information events where you can find out more about the proposals and ask any questions you may have. Details about these events are provided below.
The online information event will be recorded and made available here.
Link to online presentation and question & answer session (Microsoft Teams)
How to take part
You can feed back in the following ways:
- Please complete the online survey below.
- If you would like a paper copy of this survey, need it in an alternative format or need help to complete it please contact us by phone on 01926 412395 or by email: contactcommunitiesgrp@warwickshire.gov.uk
- You can also send your feedback directly to Warwickshire County Council by emailing tpu@warwickshire.gov.uk or in writing to Stratford Town Centre Consultation, Warwickshire County Council, Transport Planning, Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4RL.
What happens next
This survey has now closed. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to share their views with us. All feedback is now being considered and will inform our thinking on these proposals.
Events
-
The Friday Market, Public drop-in session
From 1 Apr 2022 at 09:00 to 1 Apr 2022 at 16:00The Friday Market
Rother Street, CV37 6LP -
Town Hall, Public drop-in session
From 2 Apr 2022 at 10:00 to 2 Apr 2022 at 16:00Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall, Sheep Street
CV37 6EF -
Town Hall, Public drop-in session
From 4 Apr 2022 at 13:00 to 4 Apr 2022 at 19:00Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall, Sheep Street
CV37 6EF -
Online presentation and question & answer session
From 6 Apr 2022 at 19:00 to 6 Apr 2022 at 20:30Please note the link to the broadcast recording is to Microsoft Teams. If you are using a tablet or computer you can view it in your browser. If you use a mobile phone you may be prompted to download the free Microsoft Teams App.
Areas
- District: Stratford-on-Avon District
Audiences
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- Roads and travel
- Business
- Communities
- Transport and economy
- Consultations
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