A bold new vision that sets out how the future of Worksop Town Centre can be re-thought, re-worked and transformed is being put forward by Bassetlaw District Council.
The Worksop Masterplan will stretch forward towards 2030 and beyond, encompassing ambitions for new town centre living, shopping and leisure, with education and training facilities to make Worksop a destination for work, home and relaxation.
So that this exciting proposal may eventually become a reality, the Council needs the views of local people to influence the options and ideas that will help to create the type of town centre people want to use and live in over the coming years. As such, the Council is asking residents and businesses to submit their views via a consultation that will take place over the next eight weeks.
Just some of the ideas that can be commented on include; reviving waterside spaces near the canal and riverside and reconnecting people with the town’s rich history through improvements to historic buildings, as well as better town centre housing and opening up Bridge Street to provide easier cycling routes and vehicle movements around town. The Masterplan also sets out how the town centre needs to evolve to keep up with changes in shopping habits and the impact of climate change.
Other issues addressed include flood prevention, anti-social behaviour and the wider use of public spaces to make the town centre appealing to both new businesses and people living, working and socialising there.
Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said:
“Worksop needs a vibrant town centre and the way we use it has to keep abreast of change and moved forward. New life needs to be injected with more people living within the town so that we gain a sense of a buzzing and lively community.
“It has to become a community base or hub where people want to spend their leisure time with their family and friends. The proposals to make more recreational use of our waterways and highlighting them as a positive feature of the town, adds to the attraction of a town centre and makes them a destination. However, these ambitions can also be combined with the very necessary flood mitigation works that need to happen.”
Further proposals include creating more pedestrianised public space around the cinema and old market place to create a family friendly leisure area in the day and evening; whilst improving links from this area to the north end of town and the railway station ‘gateway’ via shops, homes and amenities which are all easily accessible on foot and bicycle.
The Worksop Masterplan, with a short questionnaire for comments and suggestions, is available here with printed copies available on request. Comments are welcome on all or part of the plan.
The consultation period will last from 17th November to 10th January with all views and comments received from the questionnaire being fed back to councillors and planners.
Cllr White added: “Worksop is your town and your views are vital, so this is your opportunity to have your say on what would make you use and enjoy the town centre in the future. It’s always easy to criticise without suggesting alternatives so please use this consultation to provide your comments – both good and bad – and look towards restoring pride, purpose and sense of community to the place in which you live.”
Further information on the full Masterplan can be obtained from Bassetlaw District Council communications team.
