Have a say in shaping future of town (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Have a say in shaping future of town

RESIDENTS across the Cotswolds are being told to let town planners know what the future should hold for Cirencester.

Planning chiefs at Cotswold District Council have compiled a redevelopment brief for Cirencester in the 21st century.

Four key sites in the town centre have been earmarked for possible building work and local stakeholders have until the summer to respond to the document.

Prospective developers are being asked to consider the provision of new housing, a multi-storey car park and a cinema.

But the primary aim of the brief is to encourage popular debate in the community about the changing face of Cirencester.

CDC chief executive Bob Austin said: "It is not so much a brief yet but rather a statement that brings to the table some of those issues that have been addressed in the past, like the building of a new cinema."

The four areas up for review are the Old Station Car Park, the Memorial Hospital site, the Brewery Car Park and the Waterloo Car Park (all pictured).

The report says: "The aim is to provide a broader, more flexible opportunity for the delivery of the desired outcomes for the town centre.

"The brief is in the form of a reference tool for advice to prospective developers and expands upon the most relevant policies that have themselves been the subject of full community involvement and consultation."

Last week council leaders decided to put the document out to consultation at the end of the month.

Bodies like Cirencester Town Council will then have the chance to respond before developers are encouraged to come forward.

Of the Old Station 'Island' Site, the report says redevelopment proposals must include an assessment of leisure uses that can be incorporated, particularly the provision of a cinema.

Also, it states there is opportunity for a three-storey car park, although "the proposals should justify the mitigation of any net loss of public parking, which must be provided elsewhere in a phased manner."

Public art and pedestrian access are other stipulated considerations. Cirencester mayor Norman Whereat welcomed the document and said the town council is looking forward to having its say.

He said it is crucial small retailers are encouraged to set up shop in the town and not more supermarkets.

"And we want decent buildings and not what I would call 30-year jobs," he said.

"We also need to do something about parking and the provision for coaches coming into Cirencester. Dyer Street is always jammed up and we need a coach station."

What are your views on the future of these four sites? Do you think a cinema for Cirencester is a good idea? What else would like to see in the town? Let the Standard know your views by writing to The Editor, 74 Dyer Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2PW or alternatively email editor@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk