Vision for Daventry town centre put forward to new council

Daventry District Council has put together a framework looking forward to the next 15 years entitled Daventry Town Centre Vision (TCV) 2035.

At the last full council meeting of the authority today (Thursday, March 18), it will be proposed the TCV is adopted and recommended to West Northamptonshire Council to also adopt.

At a special meeting of the town council on Monday (March 15), eight councillors approved the vision, two voted against it and three abstained.

A previous report in July 2019 explained the current Daventry TCV 2021 was reaching the end of its intended period.

It states the new TCV would look forward to 2035 and would provide a framework for the development of the town centre. The report also suggested it was important the new TCV should be in place by vesting day of the new authority on April 1.

A first phase of consultation took place with the community, businesses, district and town councillors and stakeholder organisations.

Feedback and comment was made on the proposals. This included: the use of digital technology to better promote the town and its buinesses; new and expanded programmes of cultural activities and events and physical development works.

The second phase of consultation between December 7 and January 10 was publicised via town-wide leaflect drop, local media, district council and town council websites and social media. The proposals were refined to produce the TCV presented to the committee for adoption by the district.

The website https://daventry2035.com recieved 4,741 page views from 1,764 users in total and 175 responses to an online survey.

A series of online polls were shared on social media asking if the users agreed with the proposals. There were 798 story views of Facebook with a total of 317 responses to polls and 1,178 story views on Instagram.

Town centre proposals include: Redesign the market place square to create an attractive space; rejuvenate High Street by removing all uncessary street clutter; remodel Bowen Square to allow more outdoor seating and events to take place; redevelop the police station and magistrates court to create a mixed-use development (possibly including a hotel); North West Art – replacement leisure centre with the pools located within the existing roundabout and the sports hall, reception and other facilities located alongside the Old Gas Works car park; Country park entrance link – strengthen the pedestrian link between the park and the town centre to encourage park users to walk into the town centre and vice versa.

The report goes on to state the approved total revenue budget of £75,000 has been sufficient to fund the preparation and production of the new vision.

Its conclusion states: "It is essential for the wellbeing and sustainability of the town, its current community and for its growing population, and for much of the district and rural West Northamptonshire, that the town continues to meet the needs of its community and thrive as a successful sub-regional centre and market town.

"Implementing the new TCV would contibute to a significant number of the council’s objectives, West Northamptonshire Council’s values and DTC’s objectives and priorities.

‘Implementing the new TCV will also contribute to the social and community cohesion and civic focus. The Daventry TCV 2035 would provide a framework to guide and support interventions and investment decisions."

Sol Buckner , Local Democracy Reporting Service