Have your say on town centre regeneration

The Town Centre Regeneration Programme outlines ambitious plans to regenerate the area which has recently been rated the 23rd hottest retail opportunity and third best premium retail opportunity in the UK by researchers, CACI.

The aim is to create a dynamic business hub with a vibrant community heart for Crawley and the Gatwick Diamond, to drive a diverse retail and leisure area.

Seven key themes will transform the centre creating the conditions for new high-grade businesses and developing town centre neighbourhood amenities.

Cllr Peter Smith, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “This is a really exciting and bold proposition that we’re putting forward which will transform the centre of Crawley.

“Some of these projects are major undertakings, both in terms of effort and money, so we’re under no illusion that we could deliver it alone. At the heart of this programme is our initial work with stakeholders who are not only supportive of the plans, they’re keen to work with us so we can make it a reality together.

“We’re very keen to hear from Crawley residents, businesses and visitors so we’ve extended the deadline to the end of January. I’d really urge people to get online and take a look at the proposals before we finalise plans in March.”

Some of the plans in the draft document include improvements to various parts of the town, close working with developers to regenerate key town centre sites, plans to enable high grade office space and to create a network of start-up business hubs to encourage and support small and medium businesses - and more.

To see the draft plans visit www.regeneratingcrawley.org.uk

The council and its partners want to hear views from the public and businesses. To comment on the proposals email [email protected] by Sunday 31 January.

Paper copies can be collected from reception at the Town Hall for those who do not have access to the internet and responses can also be made in writing to Communications, Crawley Borough Council, Town Hall, The Boulevard, Crawley, RH10 1UZ.