Transforming Nuneaton programme aims to exploit "tremendous potential" of town

“This conceptual project aims to maintain and build upon the existing potential and formulate a plan which will capture the huge possibilities for the future."

A prospectus showing plans to regenerate Nuneaton town centre and the surrounding area has gone live, launching the Transforming Nuneaton programme.

The visual representation shows the aspirations of Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and other key partners including the Local Enterprise Partnership.

They are seeking, over the coming years, to create more of a vibrant and thriving town centre offering a wide range of opportunities for shopping, leisure, socialising, entertainment, education and, in time, a desirable place for town centre living.

The programme was kickstarted in the autumn with £7.5m of funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The prospectus, which was produced with the input of the commercial sector and other stakeholders, shows the tremendous potential of the town centre for developers. How attractive a proposition it presents for large scale private investment will be key to making the changes sustainable.

Attractive and easily-navigated entrance points to the town centre are essential to present the initial good impression to visitors and plans for public realm are within the prospectus. The work to tackle the congestion at Coton Arches is the first stage of the programme.

Town centre living will help to reinvigorate the area, increasing the footfall during the evening and increasing the market for restaurants, cafes and bars so the prospectus shows the plans for residential areas.

Although related to the ongoing regeneration opportunities specific to Vicarage Street and Abbey Street, this prospectus demonstrates that the ambition for the town stretches beyond even the town centre and surrounding area.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and its portfolio holder for economic development, said:  “This is not a final version of how the town will look. Nor is it definitive. It is an aspiration, an ambition for the town that partners hope will be achieved over the next 30 years or so.

“But, even more than that, it shows that our aspiration for Nuneaton can and will match the town’s residents and businesses and we hope that they will join us on the journey over the coming years.”

Cllr Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said: “Nuneaton has immense potential, the town already offers occupants a fantastic base to live and work providing impressive transport links, a rich cultural heritage, abundant parks and green spaces and an excellent retail mix.

“This conceptual project aims to maintain and build upon the existing potential and formulate a plan which will capture the huge possibilities for the future. The aspirational ideas are hugely exciting and we hope that everyone will be able to share our optimism for the future transformation of our town centre.”

Sean Farnell, a board director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), said: “This is a positive step forward to transform Nuneaton in the short and long-term for the benefit of residents, businesses and people visiting the town.

“The prospectus highlights the ambitions of everyone connected with the Transforming Nuneaton programme to make the most of the fantastic opportunities to regenerate the area.”