Demands for more restaurants and solving traffic issues in Nuneaton town centre

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The town centre has been the focus of a lively debate



More restaurants and solving notorious traffic problems are high on residents’ wish-lists when it comes to improving Nuneaton town centre.

Attracting new places to eat and actually being able to get into the town are, according to householders, key to giving the town centre a much-needed boost.

Issues surrounding the cost of parking and the lack of ‘big name’ shops were also a common theme during an online debate hosted by the Telegraph to discuss how to make the town centre thrive.

There were some innovative ideas put forward, such as covering the whole town centre, making it one giant indoor shopping centre, and other ideas such as breathing life back into the former Co-op building.

But Jonathan White, the borough council’s town centre manager, said that the town already has a lot to shout about.

“Nuneaton has a very strong retail offer, by far the best in the area outside major cities. It also has a wonderful traditional street market right at the heart of town, which draws visitors from far and wide and creates a vibrant community feel.,” he said,

“The town has a great heritage with some wonderful Georgian buildings with the river and the beautiful Riversley Park right on the doorstep.”

But Nuneaton’s voice in Parliament Marcus Jones agrees that town is crying out for places for people to spend their leisure time.

“I would like to see the type of modern bars and restaurants which have made such a difference to places like Hinckley and Rugby,” he said.

“I would also like to see a cultural and entertainment offer that would give people reasons, alongside shopping, to visit and spend time in the town. And create an evening economy where people over 30 can spend their leisure time. This would increase footfall and the amount of money coming into town for other retailers which then increases the chances of getting a better quality of shops.”

“We need to, in my opinion, open Harefield Road, Newdigate Street and Abbey Street back up to traffic, with short stay parking bays so that small businesses are not cut off from their customers,” Mr Jones added.

“To do this we need to attract investment into the sites at Vicarage Street, the old Co-op and the bus station.”

Jo Williams, who owns Joco Interiors in the Abbeygate Shopping Centre, said that the town is not making the most of its best features - such as George Eliot.

“The town needs to SHOUT about what it does have instead of concentrating on the problems, which every town has but they don’t make a big thing of it,” the local business woman said.

“I think next year or possibly the year after marks the 100 year anniversary and this needs to be a big deal. Special town wide events, in the park, town and other historical sites which we have here but don’t often know about.

“She also says that action needs to be taken to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town, stopping large groups of children from congregating, potentially even adopting a Swedish-like system where curfews are imposed on children.”

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Go ahead for £7.5m Nuneaton town centre revamp



A £7.5m scheme to rejuvenate Nuneaton town centre has been announced.

The plans focus on development in Vicarage Street and around the railway station and aim to create a "vibrant gateway" to the Warwickshire town.

Specific details have not yet been revealed but public spaces will be improved and investments made to the transport infrastructure.

Transforming Nuneaton aims to create an "attractive and prosperous town," the borough and county councils said.

Julie Jackson, Labour leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said it had a "clear vision" for the town.

"We want to demonstrate high quality, vibrancy and creativity at every level, we want to inspire people with our plans and I think that we've made a very good start by attracting such a major cash injection."

Izzi Seccombe, leader of Conservative-run Warwickshire County Council hopes the funding "will act as a catalyst" to attracting private sector investment to the town.

Residents and traders said earlier this year the town was among many fighting the loss of key retailers and decline.

However, Green party councillor Keith Kondakor said it was "wishy washy" as specific details has not been revealed.

He said he had seen more details of the scheme and believed these should be revealed to the public.

"They haven't revealed any details so it is wishy washy and woolly," he said.