Town Centre Investment Plan survey results and next steps
Accrington’s Town Centre Investment Plan (TCIP) was released in January 2022 after months of collaborative work between council officers, expert consultants, and community representatives.
Shortly after the plans were released people were invited to have their say and complete an informal online survey. Over 1,000 people took part, with most people being Accrington residents. Hundreds of people also left additional comments on the survey form.
Results from the consultation highlighted people would like Accrington Market Hall, The Victorian Arcade and the Arndale Centre prioritised as locations for investment or transformation. Heritage and environment are also key priorities and important themes included retail, shopping, food and entertainment facilities in the town.
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said:
“The TCIP for Accrington was created over many months last year. The results of a formal opinion poll conducted in August 2021, the research, analysis and expert advice from consultants plus the steering from partnership boards including local representatives from all sectors throughout the year is what formed this fantastic 10-15 year plan.
“After being presented to elected members in full council then to cabinet for approval residents were invited to have a second say and let us know which parts of the TCIP Hyndburn Council should prioritise for incoming investment or funding opportunities.”
As part of the next steps Hyndburn Borough Council will now work to secure funding and investment for the projects listed in the TCIP. The first of these funding opportunities will be the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside this other income streams are being explored such as Heritage Lottery Funding.
Project ideas from the TCIP will be selected over the coming years and be put forward for various opportunities that align the best, giving the highest chance of funding success.
Cllr Miles Parkinson continued:
“The results from the most recent consultation clearly tell us that people would like us to prioritise Accrington Market Hall, The Victorian Arcade and the Arndale Centre. As our Market Hall is a council-owned and managed facility we are in a fantastic position to take this project idea forward imminently and have already been working closely with architects to create proposed visions and ideas of what the wonderful venue could become.
“Our TCIP document means we are ready to bid into the Government’s levelling up fund and our Market Hall is an ideal fit for this funding stream. When this bid opportunity opens we intend to submit a proposal and I am feeling very confident in our future success.
“Hyndburn Council Officers have also been discussing options and opportunities with owners of both the Victorian Arcade and the Arndale Centre and aim to work collaboratively with both to ensure future plans meet the vision for the Town Centre.”
Cllr Marlene Haworth, Leader of the Opposition for Hyndburn, said:
“I am pleased so many residents took part in the consultation and made sure their views were heard. It was fantastic to see that heritage is high on the list of priorities for investment in Accrington, as this is a key driving force of the TCIP. I also feel very strongly about the future of our wonderful Victorian Market Hall being prioritised and it was great to learn that the people of our borough agree.”
Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn, said:
“I would like to thank all those who have been involved in creating this vision for the future of Accrington and when the time comes for Hyndburn to submit projects into the Government’s levelling up fund, Hyndburn have my full support. I share the views of residents that shopping, retail, food and entertainment is what Accrington needs, whilst supporting and elevating the fantastic independent businesses we already have.”
The full Accrington Town Centre Investment Plan, consultation results and future updates can be found online at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/tcip