Hyndburn residents asked for views on town centre consultation

Hyndburn residents have been asked for their views on the council’s ambitious proposals to redevelop Accrington town centre.

They have been asked to contribute to the development of the latest version of the masterplan for the £70 million project.

Hyndburn Borough and Lancashire County Councils want bosses to attend drop in sessions on the further development of the Accrington Town Centre Investment Plan 2022-2032 or submit their views online.

Last month businesses were asked for their opinions on the scheme.

Now it is the turn for local people to have their say.

The ambitious blueprint aims to transform Accrington into a vibrant, bustling market town, rich in industrial, cultural, and architectural heritage.

It outlines up to £70 million of potential investments designed to enhance the town’s future and improve the lives and opportunities of local businesses and residents.

This framework will build on the work to transform the area around the Town Square into the town’s central market shopping, enhanced food and drink offering, co-working space, and leisure destination.

The masterplan will provide a 10-year roadmap for regeneration, guiding future growth and development.

Residents are encouraged to view the masterplan framework and share their thoughts by visiting https://accringtontownsquare.com/town-centre-masterplan/ to fill in a questionnaire.

Additionally, drop-in sessions will be held at Market Chambers on the December 12 and January 9 from 3pm to7pm, and at Raza Masjid Community Lin, 39 Lower Antley Street (date to be confirmed).

Information boards will also be available for viewing at Accrington Library from December 13 until the end of the consultation on January 12.

Hyndburn Council’s transformation boss Cllr Noordad Aziz said: “”We are committed to revitalising Accrington Town Centre and making it a place where people want to live, work, and visit.

“The masterplan framework is an important step in achieving our vision and we are eager to hear feedback and ideas from our community.

“Introducing a mix of uses into the town centre, including housing, leisure, play areas, community and cultural spaces, and workspaces, will reduce reliance on retail.

“Bringing more people to live and spend time in the town centre will improve the feeling of safety for residents and visitors and help combat existing anti-social behaviour. ”

Lancashire County Council’s economic development boss Cllr Aidy Riggott said: “”The proposals aim to enhance the lives of Accrington’s residents and make the town centre a more attractive and interesting place to visit.

“The masterplan includes initiatives to promote active travel and health for the local community by making it easier to walk or cycle into town.

“Lancashire County Council has contributed financially and our team is working on traffic modelling for the proposed Viaduct Park.”