Waltham Cross town centre progress
The Planning and Licensing Committee has
initiated a town centre strategy for Waltham Cross. The
strategy will aim to build on the strengths of the town and set out
a vision for the future, and propose short-term actions in advance
of the 2012 Olympics. The town centre strategy will be an
important element of the Waltham Cross Renaissance
programme.
The Council and its partners are implementing
a broad range of environmental improvements to the area through the
Waltham Cross Renaissance Programme. The works include
upgrading and improving footpaths, cycleways, public spaces, street
furniture, fencing and lighting. This programme continues the
improvements carried out by the Council in the recent past such as
works to Eleanor Cross Memorial piazza, the Four Swannes gantry,
Berkeley Avenue and Monarch’s Way roundabout. The Council has
also intensified its street cleaning regime and town centre
inspection programme.
In the short-term, the town centre has a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to benefit from the presence of the
2012 Olympic white water canoeing event. It is hoped that the area
will benefit from visitors and higher spending in local shops,
hotels and restaurants. In the longer-term, the town centre
must continue to serve its local community by attracting and
retaining a range of shops and services that make it popular during
the daytime and the evening. There may also be scope for new
convenience shopping facilities.
Two documents will be prepared as part of a
final town centre strategy. The first document will identify
current and potential short-term actions to help improve the town
centre and the surrounding area in the build up to the 2012
Olympics. The second document will identify potential
longer-term options for Waltham Cross town centre, making use of
work by Saunders Architects which outlines a number of major
redevelopment possibilities. This will give shoppers and
traders the opportunity to comment on existing town centre
strengths and weaknesses.
There will be public consultation including an
exhibition on the longer term options. Reports will be made
to the Planning and Licensing Committee in March, with longer term
redevelopment options to be reported in April and May. It is
hoped that a final version of the strategy will be agreed in
July. For more information on the Council’s town centre
strategies, residents can telephone 01992 785559.
Page last updated:
10/18/2010