New plans for Cheltenham – Civic Pride design scheme

Cheltenham Borough Council is holding a 6 week public consultation of their urban design scheme called Civic Pride. This scheme aims to change the look of the town in the next five years and members of the public are invited to have their say about the scheme.

The three main areas which are to be transformed are High Street at the Boots corner, Royal Well bus station and North Place with Portland Street. The Civic Pride suggests the whole area to be pedestrianised, only accessible by public transport and taxis, similar to the way the west side of the High Street is today. The emphasis is on creating a northern extension of the town centre towards Pittville Park, with the possibility of some of the council services moving there. Additional expansion of the town centre should be the redevelopment of Royal Well, creating a new “destination” with links to Cheltenham Art Gallery. The bus station is likely to move or buses could stop at various other places in the town centre.

There will be a public exhibition in the Regent Arcade, from 9.30am until 5.30pm on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March. Council officers and design consultants will be on hand to answer questions. The exhibition will also be on show at Springbank Community Centre, Oakley Resource Centre, Charlton Kings and Hester’s Way Community Centre. either on-line or in writing.

The final plans will be presented on 30 June and a councillor vote will decide if the plans are accepted.