The Leader of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Councillor George Allen, and the Council’s Interim Head of Regeneration, Thomas Deery, last week presented future Uttoxeter town centre regeneration plans to Uttoxeter Town Council and members of the public.
A number of topics were covered in this presentation including the Maltings scheme, the Quarry Sports Hub site, a Business Improvement District, High Street Task force and the Wheatsheaf site.
Councillor Allen provided an overview of the Maltings scheme and confirmed the site under consideration would include the main shopping precinct, the Co-op building and the Council owned bus station and car park.
It was confirmed any final plans would only be assembled following an extensive public consultation on concept plans for the Maltings, which would commence in January and run for six weeks. The concept plans are to be informed by previous consultation feedback and will present a number of options for consideration.
It was explained the public toilets would not be moved, closed or changed, access to bus services would be maintained and the High Street retail frontage would remain and be improved.
The Leader of the Council also confirmed whilst it is likely an element of housing will be needed on the site for viability, homes above shops such as apartments are the preference rather than town houses, which aligns with feedback from the previous consultation last year.
Councillor George Allen, Leader of the Council, said: “I gave my reassurance to Uttoxeter Town Council that any plans around the Maltings would continue to be informed by the public, who can help to shape a scheme that is both aspirational and pragmatic, whilst maintaining the important points of access to the town centre, such as providing plenty of car parking space.”
With regards to the Quarry Sports Hub site, the Leader of the Council confirmed it was his intention the Council would provide funding towards the delivery of Phase 1 of the scheme, which is expected to be in the region of £1.5m to £2m. Phase 1 includes site access, changing rooms and a new 3G football pitch.
An update was provided on a Business Improvement District (BID) feasibility study, through which the Council is exploring the appropriateness of a BID in Uttoxeter.
A BID is a business led partnership in a defined area, approved by a referendum, where a small levy is charged on ratepayers which is then used to deliver projects that benefit the businesses in that area. A BID cannot be led or created by the Council as it requires majority approval from affected businesses, which is one of the criteria the feasibility study will explore as the work is undertaken over the next three months.
Leader of the Council, Cllr George Allen, added: “I was really pleased to have the opportunity to update the Town Council on ESBC’s regeneration activities so far and I’m looking forward seeing our plans become a reality, particularly around the Maltings precinct, which is an area that has seen no growth or investment for many years.
“It’s important the Council takes the time needed to develop these plans in partnership with Uttoxeter residents, rather than rushing forward with something that may not best reflect the ambitions of the town.
“Any improvements we make will have a lasting impact on the town centre and it will affect many businesses, residents and tourists, so rushing it through will create uncertainty and potentially damage what we are all trying to achieve. In the meantime, it’s important to keep moving forward collaboratively.”