Key areas of transformation for Eastleigh Town Centre explored
Key themes and areas of regeneration for Eastleigh Town Centre have been identified as a result of quality feedback from the public and local stakeholders under the Together We Make Eastleigh project.
These aim to improve the economy, enjoyment and positive use of the spaces in the town centre, benefiting businesses, residents and visitors into the future.
A presentation of the feedback and some potential designs for partial pedestrianisation have been published to show options and the ambitions of the project. The work is supported by new Vision and Values, that guide the direction and aims of the project, whilst best representing Eastleigh.
Concept designs provided in the video were guided by feedback from the public consultation. The designs provide a starting point for discussion and have been presented to local businesses as examples to show how space could be best used, while retaining important everyday business activities and disabled access. These and other potential design proposals, after further scoping work, will be the subject of a public consultation in the next 18 months.
Watch the video presentation showing relevant case studies and examples of potential High Street and Market Street improvements. They include public and business seating areas, greener sections, encouraging use into the evening, and a nod to Eastleigh’s Spitfire heritage. [20mins long]
Together We Make Eastleigh aims to shape the future of Eastleigh Town Centre and to support the local economy. A consultation asked people what they thought of the town centre and what would make the area more attractive.
We used the public consultation data and experience of consultants Hemingway Design and developed a new ‘Vision’ for the town centre and a set of core “Values” that will underpin the approach to making the town centre an improved destination.
We heard from over 2,500 residents, business owners, employees, students, and visitors, taking part through surveys, workshops, and meetings. We have analysed their feedback and identified key themes highlighted by the community that include the desire for:
- stronger community connections
- a greater variety of cultural events and more green spaces
- a town centre that is more attractive and easier to navigate
- spaces and activities tailored for young people
- a livelier evening economy with more cafés and restaurants
Urban Movement were then appointed, street design specialists, to help us explore ways in which Market Street and High Street could be improved. To encourage multiple and flexible functions for the spaces available for both businesses and visitors to enjoy and make use of - bringing the inside out.
Local businesses were then invited to sessions, and it was an insightful opportunity for the project team to listen to opinions on works done to date and the access needs of local businesses.
The project team have taken away actions to review and address:
- Consider ways to make seating areas for all weathers so that they can be enjoyed all year round
- Create a better first impression of the town by improving the look of entrances to car parks and on the routes from surrounding residential areas
- Encourage young people to be more involved and to help shape the design
- Review car parking, so that visitors are directed to the correct and appropriate parking
We thank all those involved for taking the time to contribute to the Together We Make Eastleigh project and a sign up is available to receive updates as the project evolves.
The Council, Eastleigh Town Council and Eastleigh BID are working in partnership on Together We Make Eastleigh, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Eastleigh Local Area Committee Chair, Alex Bourne, said: “It’s great to see so many businesses and the public coming together to be engaged in this process of making Eastleigh an even more welcoming place to live in and visit. They help to shape plans to ensure more people, visit more often and spend more time in the town centre. It’s a vital resource for local residents and we hope you are encouraged by and continue to support the progress made by Together We Make Eastleigh and their partners to really make the town centre fit for the future.”
For information on the project and view the Vision and Values, visit eastleigh.gov.uk/twme
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