*This consultation has now closed*
Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council are excited to announce a new vision for Accrington Town Centre aimed at driving its regeneration.
People are encouraged to give their views to help to shape this plan, which will provide a ten-year guide for regeneration, guiding future growth and development in the town.
Image: Vision sketch showing how the area around Accrington Viaduct could be brought to life. Image Credit – JMA and Planit.
The Accrington Town Centre Investment Plan (TCIP) 2022-2032 aspires to create a vibrant, bustling, and proud market town steeped in industrial, cultural, and architectural heritage. This plan outlines up to £70 million of potential investments set to radically transform Accrington’s prospects for the future.
The next stage in delivering this vision involves creating an Accrington Town Centre masterplan framework. This framework will build on the ongoing work to transform the area around the Town Square into the town’s central market shopping, enhanced food and drink offering, co-working space, and leisure destination. The masterplan framework will provide a 10-year roadmap for regeneration, guiding future growth and development while evolving over time.
Councillor Noordad Aziz, Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills said:
“We are committed to revitalising Accrington Town Centre and making it a place where people want to live, work, and visit, The masterplan framework is an important step in achieving our vision and we are eager to hear feedback and ideas from our community.”
The councils have developed initial ideas for the masterplan framework following early engagement with local groups, stakeholders, and businesses. Residents are encouraged to view the masterplan framework and share their thoughts by visiting https://accringtontownsquare.com/town-centre-masterplan/ to fill in a questionnaire.
Additionally, drop-in sessions will be held at Market Chambers on the 12th December and 9th January from 3pm-7pm, and at Raza Masjid Community Lin, 39 Lower Antley Street (date to be confirmed). Information boards will also be available for viewing at Accrington Library from 13th December until the end of the consultation on 12th January 2025.
Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth said:
“The proposals aim to enhance the lives of Accrington’s residents and make the town centre a more attractive and interesting place to visit. The masterplan includes initiatives to promote active travel and health for the local community by making it easier to walk or cycle into town. Lancashire County Council has contributed financially and our team is working on traffic modelling for the proposed Viaduct Park.”
The masterplan framework aims to champion and encourage local independent businesses and start-ups, improve education and training opportunities for residents, particularly young people, and support a diverse workforce to enhance the town’s prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen connections with the wider community by making busy roads easier to cross and more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging walking and cycling, and leading to a healthier environment and improved health outcomes for local people.
Introducing a mix of uses into the town centre, including housing, leisure, play areas, community and cultural spaces, and workspaces, will reduce reliance on retail. Bringing more people to live and spend time in the town centre will improve the feeling of safety for residents and visitors and help combat existing anti-social behaviour.
For more information and to participate in shaping the future of Accrington Town Centre, please visit https://accringtontownsquare.com/town-centre-masterplan/
Accrington Town Square’s transformational projects have been made possible through funding by the UK Government. For further information about the Accrington Town Square transformation and to find out how to get involved in the various upcoming projects, head to Home – Accrington Town Square.
