Plans unveiled to redevelop 'important' Rugby town shopping centre

[dutchman]

Rugby residents can have their say on the future of Rugby Central - formerly Clock Towers Shopping Centre



Residents in Rugby will have the opportunity to influence the future of a major shopping centre after councillors approved moving the proposals forward.

Rugby Borough Council has launched a consultation on the future of Rugby Central – previously known as Clock Towers Shopping Centre – inviting the public to share their opinions on a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that will shape the site's redevelopment regarding design and placemaking.

The draft SPD outlines expectations for Rugby Central's future design and offers clarity on what is considered desirable.

This encompasses guidance on the variety of units within Rugby Central, the scale of any redevelopment, enhancing access to the site, links to other areas of the town, and additional public realm enhancements connected to Rugby Central.

Following public feedback, if the SPD is adopted, it will carry significant weight in determining whether planning permission for particular aspects of Rugby Central receives approval.

Rugby Borough Council's Cabinet approved the draft SPD for public consultation at a meeting in January, and is urging local residents, businesses and stakeholders to contribute their views.

The consultation arrives as the Council weighs up whether to acquire Rugby Central completely, establish a joint venture with the existing owner, or exercise compulsory purchase powers to assume ownership of the site and secure greater control over its destiny.

Leader of Rugby Borough Council, Cllr Michael Moran, said: "The SPD for Rugby Central will ensure that only high-quality redevelopment takes place at one of the town centre's most significant locations."

Once design expectations for Rugby Central's future are set out, it will be challenging for planning applications that contradict those designs to secure approval.

"The redevelopment of Rugby Central will form a major component of our broader goal to enhance the town centre for the benefit of existing residents and businesses.

"All businesses currently based at Rugby Central will be key stakeholders throughout this process, and we will be keeping them updated from start to finish.

"We would encourage anyone with an interest in Rugby Central's future to look at the SPD and share their views with us."

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Chair of the Town Centre Working Group at Rugby Borough Council, added: "The future of Rugby Central is a crucial part of the Council's ambitions to improve the town centre, so adopting a robust SPD is very important.

"Ensuring the public have their say will enable us to include their views and experiences in the final version of the SPD and make it as good as it can be.

"Whatever the council decides on how best to acquire Rugby Central, the design of it has to be right if it is going to improve Rugby for both residents and businesses."

The consultation launched on Friday 6th February and closes at 5pm on Friday 6th March.

Those wishing to view further information on the draft Rugby Central SPD and participate part in the consultation should visit http://www.rugby.gov.uk/RugbyCentralSPD.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/plans-unveiled-redevelop-important-rugby-33425245