Regeneration plan for Heanor is underway

People living and working in Heanor are invited to have their say on the future of their town.

Amber Valley Borough Council is currently producing a ‘Masterplan’ for Heanor town centre and the surrounding area. The Masterplan is the first phase of a project that will set out a clear vision for the regeneration of the town centre. Its aim will be to improve the long-term economic future of Heanor by outlining an agreed vision for regeneration and looking at ways to attract future investment into the town.

The Masterplan is the culmination of months of research and development work. Through work previously carried out by the Council and our partners, including consultation with the local community, we have identified a number of issues for Heanor, including:

·vacant property and under-utilised land

·traffic congestion

·town centre shopping

·quality and design of buildings and public spaces

The Masterplan will be the basis for a number of development briefs for specific sites where there is potential for reuse, redevelopment or new development.

Councillor Stephen Hayes, Deputy Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The aim of the Masterplan is to improve the long-term future of Heanor and the quality of life for local residents. People living and working in Heanor therefore have a key role to play in the regeneration of their town.

“Between November 2006 and January 2007 the Council carried out a programme of consultation with residents and local businesses to help understand the issues faced by those living and working in the town. We will now build on this feedback through the development of the Masterplan, and will also be carrying out further consultation with the local community between now and the end of June. We will be looking to create partnerships with local businesses and community organisations to ensure they are actively involved in any proposals.”

In the next few weeks we will be holding two stakeholder workshops to which 220 attendees have been invited from a selection of local businesses, service providers and community groups to ensure it is as inclusive as possible. These will be followed by a two day public exhibition in June, giving local residents the opportunity to have their say.

Ends.

For further information contact Lisa Garnham, PR and Communications Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council, on 01773 841655.