Businesses and residents in Ashington have an opportunity to influence how £250,000 investment will be used on Station Road.
Northumberland County Council, in partnership with Mosedale Gillatt Architects will be holding a drop in session on emerging plans for the Ashington Building Frontage Improvement (BFI) Scheme on Tuesday 14th February from 10.30am-2pm.
The drop in is at Unit 1, Wansbeck Square, Ashington next to Northumberland County Council Customer Services. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and there is no need to book or register. Staff from Mosedale Gillatt, the scheme Architects and the County Council will be on hand to answer questions.
Mosedale Gillatt Architects have completed the first stage of their commission including an appraisal of Station Road currently. This involved assessing the general condition of the buildings and shopfronts as well as the contribution they make to the shopping street. At the same time they have started to look at the potential opportunities for improving Station Road, and would welcome the views of those that know and use Station Road at this early stage in the process before the scheme is delivered during 2017 and 2018.
The Ashington BFI Scheme is being funded by the County Council and is developing with the support and input of Ashington Town Council and Ashington Town Team. It is intended to provide a boost to the street scene, public realm and shopfronts on the High Street. The scheme is part of the wider Ashington Investment Plan aimed at revitalising the town including the development of Portland Park, the recently opened new Leisure Centre and the £1.5m investment through the Station Road Improvement Scheme which has improved the look of the street and re-opened Station Road to traffic.
Cllr Allan Hepple, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Northumberland County Council said: “The launch of this new funding for the High Street, in addition to the £1.5m already invested to re-open the street to traffic demonstrates our commitment to boosting the High Street’s prospects in addition to the wider investment in Portland Park.
“This is a great opportunity for the business community to get on board and revitalise the look and feel of Station Rd and improve their trading prospects. I hope business owners and landlords will get involved and help to determine how the funding will be used through this consultation.”
Tim Mosedale, Director, Mosedale Gillatt Architects said: “Mosedale Gillatt Architects are delighted to be working with Northumberland County Council to help rejuvenate Station Road in Ashington, and we can see tremendous potential to boost the town’s prospects by improving the visual appearance of the buildings.
“Many of the buildings are highly distinctive and offer a unique character to the town, and the Building Frontage Improvement Scheme can help rejuvenate the town centre.”