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Ambition Arnold masterplan approved
Date Posted: 4:12 PM on Thu, 12 December 2024
Ambition Arnold Visionary Masterplan details announced following public consultation
Gedling Borough Council Cabinet Members have approved the Ambition Arnold Visionary Masterplan report, a strategic framework designed to revitalise Arnold town centre and address its long-term sustainability. Cabinet members met today (12 December) to discuss the item. The report follows extensive public consultation, which revealed strong support for improvements across key areas.
The consultation, held in summer 2024, gathered feedback from over 650 residents and stakeholders. Findings showed clear backing for measures to improve the town’s appearance, diversify its shops, enhance safety, and create more appealing public spaces. Residents highlighted priorities such as reducing vacant shops, tackling anti-social behaviour, and providing better facilities for pedestrians and young people.
Key features of the masterplan include:
- Upgrading leisure, cultural, and retail offerings to attract more visitors.
- Enhancing public spaces, shopfronts, and access to green areas.
- Developing a car parking strategy and safeguarding public transport links.
- Exploring a modern library facility and better access to council and healthcare services.
The plan also responds to an independent benchmarking review, which compared Arnold to similar towns nationwide. While Arnold benefits from strong transport links and above-average footfall, challenges include vacant shops, limited market stalls, and concerns about anti-social behaviour.
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.
Gedling Borough Council is working with consultants Willmott Dixon as a delivery partner, who bring significant experience in delivering similar projects, who supported the council to create a vision that will focus on economic viability, deliverability, and future sustainability.
The delivery of the masterplan is subject to significant funding, either from government, private investors or a combination of the two.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said:
“Arnold is a vibrant community with great potential. This masterplan gives us a clear vision for creating a thriving town centre that meets residents’ needs and attracts investment. Public feedback has been central to shaping this plan, and we are committed to delivering improvements that make a real difference.
We need to be clear that this is just a plan, for us to realise any of this, we will need huge investment, either from central government or through the private sector but this document makes it clear that if you invest in the area, it will deliver incredible results for the region.
This vision also 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. I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation, we are moving in the right direction for us to be ready if and when investors are ready.”
Now that is has been approved by Cabinet, the Ambition Arnold Visionary Masterplan will serve as a framework for future projects and funding bids, supporting the regeneration and long-term prosperity of the town.
You can find out more about the plan at www.gedling.gov.uk/ambition-arnold