Project Description
The Prestwich Village Strategy is an initiative that is built on local partnership developed through the activities of the Prestwich Area Board. The Strategy will deliver a co-ordinated package of linked development projects that addresses vitality/viability issues raised in the Lichfield 'Assessment' Study of Prestwich Village Centre. The key development projects that make up this co-ordinated approach are:
- Enhancement of the Longfield Centre focusing on improving the Village Square, improving the pedestrian links from Metrolink, along Poppythorn Lane, and the routes through to Bury New Road and the refurbishment of the Longfield Centre car park. These works were carried out between February 2002 and March 2003.
- The town centre element of the Prestwich CCTV anti-crime initiative will be fully integrated into the works to the Longfield Centre.
- The feasibility of enhancing the external appearance of Longfield Suite/Library and relocating the entrance to the Longfield Suite to be fully examined.
- Linked investment in improvements to the Metrolink Station by the Greater Manchester Public Transport Executive (GMPTE).
- Reduction in the dominance of Bury New Rd. through improving pedestrian facilities as part of the Quality Bus Corridor proposals for Prestwich town centre. These works were completed in March 2003.
- Stimulating investment in properties on Bury New Road through the operation of a Shop Front Improvements Grants scheme that builds on the success of Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS).
The anchor Sainsbury store closed down in the summer of 2001 exacerbating the problems of the Longfield Centre. However, the Prestwich Village Strategy and the Council's plans to improve the centre have been instrumental in securing the development of a major mixed-use retail/leisure scheme on the site of the vacant Sainsbury store. In addition, a proposed Marks & Spencer food store on the junction of Bury New Road and Fairfax Road will further strengthen the centre, and will begin to develop linkage with the out of centre Tesco store.
Progress to Date
On 18 October 2000 Executive Committee approved the proposal to reinvest the income the Council receives from the Longfield Centre to act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Prestwich Village centre. The development of the Prestwich Village Strategy has been taken forward by the Prestwich Area Board through it's Development Strategy Working Group. Widespread consultation has been carried out on the content of the strategy plan including a special meeting of the Prestwich Area Board on 11 January 2001. Since this date the improvement scheme for the Longfield Centre has been worked up to detailed design and contract documents are being prepared. A funding bid has been made to the North West Development Agency in support of the project.
Outputs
- The strategy will implement key elements of the Lichfield Assessment Study, and inform the review of the Unitary Development Plan (UDP).
- Deliver an improved pedestrian environment to the Longfield Centre and the linked areas of Bury New Road and Metrolink.
- Stimulate vital private sector investment in the key vacant Sainsbury's site (6 million).
- Stimulate investment in run down premises to boost image of Bury New Road Address the issues of Linkage between Tesco and the Village centre.
Funding
The identified funding sources for strategy are:
Longfield Centre income 390,000
NWDA 690,000
Private sector contribution 160,000
Car Parks revenue 115,000
Local Transport Plan (QBC) 260,000
GMPTE (Metrolink) 160,000
HERS (conservation area grants) 240,000
Highways Cap Prog 205,000
Plan Cap Prog. (shopfront grants) 120,000
Total £2,340,000
(Home Office CCTV funding) (£850,000)
