West Lancashire Borough Council are currently consulting on a new document to help shape a successful and vibrant future for Ormskirk town centre. A draft Ormskirk town centre strategy has been developed to help drive growth and ensure that Ormskirk can remain attractive and competitive as our high streets change.
With exciting schemes such as refreshing the pedestrianised area in Moor Street coming forward, the Council believe that there is renewed passion and energy to help revitalise the town centre and the draft strategy aims to guide and help deliver these exciting changes.
Key issues include how Ormskirk Market can diversify and attract even more shoppers, for example by having local produce’ markets, arts and crafts traders and stalls for student traders from Edge Hill University. Improvements for the market would complement the refreshing of the pedestrianised area in Moor Street, which is due to start shortly.
Some of the main proposals covered in the strategy include:
- Developing a website dedicated to Ormskirk town centre
- Developing a brand, marketing campaign and improving the management of the town centre
- This could include developing one dedicated town centre website and utilising social media
- Improving and enhancing the appearance and appeal of the town centre including making the most of the town’s historic character.
- Reviewing the current car parking arrangements to ensure that a range of parking solutions are provided and considering providing free car parking for shorter periods of time.
- Improving the current transport and access arrangement in the town
- Looking to improve the evening/night time economy to help ensure that the town centre is a vibrant and safe multifunctional environment after 5pm including the introduction of food and drink festivals
- Improving the amount of data held about the town centre including considering the introduction of a new footfall monitoring system.
The Council wants to hear what you have to say to help prepare the final plan. You can read the document, currently in its draft stage, and give your views by visiting your views. The consultation lasts until 14 April 2015.
You can find out more at the following consultation events, where Council staff can answer your questions:
- The Hub, Edge Hill University, Monday 9 February, 10.30am-3pm
- Chapel Gallery, St Helens Road, Thursday 19 February, 11am-4pm
- Ormskirk Library, Burscough Street, Thursday 26 February, 11am-4pm; Monday 2 March, 4pm-7pm; Monday 16 March, 4pm-7pm
- Morrisons Supermarket, Tuesday 10 March 9.30am-1pm and 3pm-6.30pm
To request a printed questionnaire please contact the Economic Regeneration Unit on 01695 585122 or email [email protected].
Councillor David Griffiths, portfolio holder for Town and Village Centres, said: “Ormskirk provides a good offer to visitors and people living in the town with its great history, thriving market, shops, restaurants and fantastic events such as Ormskirk MotorFest. But our strategy can help make it an even better place now and well into the future."
“Everyone can give their views as we want to have the best possible strategy. But we particularly want Ormskirk people to take part in this process as they can give us their invaluable insight on the town in which they live.”
Promoted by G Pratt on behalf of WLCA, both of WLCA, 72C New Court Way, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 2YT .