Articles
Ambition Arnold - have your say
Date Posted: 11:17 AM on Mon, 8 July 2024
Gedling Borough Council launches consultation on ambitious vision for Arnold Town Centre
A consultation has been launched on a vision for Arnold Town Centre and residents and local businesses are being invited to have their say. The vision and plans for the town centre will place the council in a good position to attract investment.
Gedling Borough Council has launched the Ambition Arnold consultation with a vision that could transform the area and secure much needed funding to improve the area.
The council was awarded £150,000 from the One Public Estate (OPE) programme to support the feasibility studies to see how the Arnold Town Centre could be improved. The council was awarded the funding based on its ambitious and innovative plans and the money is being used alongside a further £200,000 from existing budgets to create a business plan, surveys, and design works that will bring to life the vision of a revitalised town centre.
The vision will address key challenges and lay out the groundwork for securing external funding after two unsuccessful attempts to bid for Central Government Levelling Up funding for the area.
Gedling Borough Council is working with consultants Willmott Dixon as a delivery partner, who bring significant experience in delivering similar projects, to create a vision that will focus on economic viability, deliverability, and future sustainability.
Acknowledging the valuable input of local retailers and users of the town centre, the proposal targets issues such as new attractions to draw people into the town, dilapidated buildings, voids, and public realm improvements. Building on past successes like the council’s award-winning £5 million AMP building on Front Street, which is now home to seven new small business startups, the vision will plan for investment across all areas of the town centre.
The vision prioritises accessibility, inclusion, and community pride, aligning with the council's vision for a vibrant town centre.
In line with the council's commitment to Net Zero by 2030, the proposal focuses on green spaces, cycling routes, public transport enhancements, and EV charging facilities.
Residents, businesses and local communities will be encouraged to review the detailed vision, emphasising the critical role it plays in coordinated development and the positive impact the vision could have on Arnold's future.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said:
“We are taking a decisive step forward in our commitment to revitalising our town and realising our Ambition Arnold plans. By creating a vision, we are demonstrating a prudent and forward-thinking approach to town centre regeneration.
This plan not only addresses our immediate challenges but also sets the stage for securing much-needed funding after our previous attempts were unsuccessful.
This plan aligns with our commitment to be Net Zero by 2030, as it focuses on creating more green spaces, cycling routes, public transport, and EV charging facilities.
We’ve invested in the town centre with the creation of the AMP, which is now filled with new businesses and has been an incredible success thanks to the hard work and dedication of this council to improve the borough.
The consultation is now open and we want the local residents, businesses and communities to have their say on this plan and we are confident that this proposal will pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable future for Arnold."
The consultation is now live and people can have their say by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/ambition-arnold and there will also be a chance for people to view the vision in person at pop up sessions being hosted at Arnold Library on Wednesday 24th and 31st July from 1pm – 6pm.
Residents who take part in the consultation will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £50. Full terms and conditions are on the website.
Have your say