A NEW initiative has been launched in Cirencester to look at how to ensure that the town has a bright future.

Cirencester Futures – a joint initiative to encourage the viability of the town - was launched on Tuesday, January 29, at a conference held at the Royal Agricultural University.

Leading representatives from local retailers and entrepreneurs, media, Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, Gfirst Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Cirencester Town Council and Cotswold District Council came together to chart a positive way forward for the town centre.

An informative briefing from keynote speaker Matthew Hopkinson, of Didobi and co-author of the Grimsey Reviews, was followed by a review of the key challenges faced by Cirencester’s traditional high street.

Conference attendees also noted the results of a ‘health check’ undertaken by district council planners during November 2018.

The check - based on preliminary discussions with local retailers and businesses - indicated that the town centre is generally still making the grade as a prosperous market town when compared with neighbouring centres.

Looking ahead, the conference considered new concepts for the high street, including the work of influencers like Mary Portas and Bill Grimsey who recommend a more mixed-use approach that encompasses residential, leisure services and businesses alongside a more internet-savvy retail sector.

Following group discussions the conference attendees achieved a broad degree of consensus on the future challenges faced by the town centre.

Over the coming week’s The Standard will be speaking to representatives from the group to learn more about what challenges need to be tackled to ensure that the town remains vibrant as modern high streets evolve.

Our reporters want to know what you think - is parking a priority, or should the challenges facing businesses on the high street be addressed first?

l How do we ensure Cirencester’s future? Email sarah.watson@newsquest.co.uk