Council wants to hear from residents about plans for Rawtenstall
Public engagement sessions have been organised this month by Rossendale Borough Council for residents and businesses to learn about the progress of the Rawtenstall Masterplan and influence the plans.
The intention is to transform the town centre into a more warmly welcoming place by building on its already attractive appearance and by enhancing the thoroughfares into town to make it a captivating gateway to the Rossendale Valley.
(St Mary's now)
(St Mary's after)
Projects being identified and developed between Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council include::
· Making the streets more vibrant by organising events and improving the Market as a destination for communities to meet and socialise
· Increasing safety by improving lighting, considered crossing points, updating pavements and introducing a variety of public realm elements to help create a more enjoyable ambiance
· Making the town a greener place by introducing more trees along St Mary’s Way, and by developing better access to woodland trails and country cycle ways and launching community garden areas.
· Remodelling vehicular movements making it more user friendly and safer for public and private transport and pedestrians alike
The engagement drop-in sessions will be at Rawtenstall Market on Thursday, February 15, 11am to 2pm; and at Rawtenstall Library on February 22, 4pm-7pm, where officers from Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council will be on hand to answer questions and take on feedback.
There will also be opportunities to see the plans online and to make comment on the council’s website https://www.rossendale.gov.uk/ and on its social media platforms.
The council intends fulfilling its vision which sees Rawtenstall as: “A vibrant town where nature threads through its streets, creating lively brooks, colourful pocket parks and weaving its way into the surrounding hills.
“It is a welcoming place for people of all ages, where locals feel a sense of pride and visitors a sense of excitement and curiosity to explore.
“The cobbled streets set in the historic landscape are bustling with activity showcasing local businesses and artists giving the community space to come together and celebrate their share spirit.”
The Masterplan projects have been developed by Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council with experts Planit, who have been appointed to develop the plans.
Funding is available to deliver a number of priority projects during the initial development phase from central government Levelling Up funding allocated to Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with additional capital funding from both councils. Further external funding will be sought to deliver further elements of the Masterplan over the coming years.
Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes, who is also Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “The regeneration projects in Rawtenstall are all exciting ventures which will help make the Valley a better place to live, work and visit.
“They will also further cement Rawtenstall as a great destination to experience a country lifestyle with city benefits.
“The Masterplan is important so that we can encourage further investment into the town centre and co-ordinate our public realm and functionality of the centre. It’s already a town with excellent strengths but we want to keep driving forward the economic success.
Cllr Barnes added: “We hope as many people as possible, whether they be residents, businesses, shop retailers or market traders, are able to attend the public drop-in sessions where they will discover the extent of the work being planned and have the opportunity to influence the plans.
“Both ourselves and Lancashire County Council are keen to listen to the feedback which will help model the Valley for an exciting future.”
Lancashire County Council cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, County Cllr Aidy Riggott, said: "This is an incredible opportunity to invest in the future of Rawtenstall and make a real difference to the lives of everyone who lives, works and does business in the town.
"Rawtenstall already has many great strengths, such as its sense of community, unique geography, and pride in its history, and these projects look to build on these by making it easier for people to socialise, travel sustainably, and enjoy spending time in the town centre.
"The Masterplan will ensure these projects are complementary and work together as a whole, and I'd ask people to take this opportunity to help us shape them and maximise the benefit to everyone in Rawtenstall."
(Bank Street now)
(Bank Street after)
