Masterplan for area of Accrington moves a step closer (From Blackburn Citizen)

Masterplan for area of Accrington moves a step closer

2:43pm Wednesday 11th November 2009

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AN AMBITIOUS masterplan to transform Accrington has moved a step closer.

At a meeting of council bosses and architects in Scaitcliffe House, Accrington, residents were told about the latest developments for proposals to revamp the town as part of the East Accrington Masterplan.

They heard the plan, first mooted last year, was reaching the end of the public consultation stage with a planning application being prepared.

Andrew Clarke, architect from Taylor Young in Liverpool, gave a presentation outlining the options for the Woodnook and Burnley Road areas.

A new green space would be created and Hurn’s Bakery in Nuttall Street moved into a new building as part of the Woodnook area regeneration.

Apartments blocks would be created with a gym on the ground floor, a Co-op store may be included in a new retail building and an employment/business improvement area would be created.

In the Burnley Road area there would be improvements to gateways and pedestrian access, a green boulevard would be created, houses would be built and revamped and a retail and food area would be developed.

Councillor Peter Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “East Accrington Masterplan is about three quarters complete, following extensive background work and engagement with residents in the Woodnook and Burnley Road neighbourhoods.”

“The council wants the masterplan to be realistic in the current difficult economic situation, so that its objectives can be delivered.

“With Housing Market Renewal funding through Elevate East Lancashire, the council will draw up a programme of different types of intervention including acquisition for clearance and redevelopment, remodelling exist-ing homes and facelifting.”

The proposals are part of a council scheme to improve public spaces, shopping, business, transport routes, parking and other aspects of the town.

Councillor Clarke said consultants were preparing a preferred option for each neighbourhood.

Residents would then be able to view and comment on those, probably next month, before final decisions were made, he added.

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