Basingstoke is a successful and strong town, but we cannot take this success for granted. We need to deliver a dynamic programme to support the town centre and, in particular, the Top of the Town. That’s why your Conservative-run Council has included this as a key priority in the Council Plan.
I have now brought forward the first “Town Centre Programme“, which has a particular focus on renewing Basingstoke’s Top of the Town to make it economically vibrant, in line with other parts of the town centre. Importantly, we will also develop ways to measure the success of the town and will review progress each year.
We had lots of helpful feedback on the best way to spend the Government’s High Street Innovation Fund grant, but it became clear that this was not enough money to do some of the things that are needed. That’s why we’re now investing an additional £300,000 to kick-start the programme.
In addition, we’re looking at a number of important issues – such as car parking – to ensure that everything works together, which will improve the success of our town centre further.