Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan receives Executive approval
Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive has endorsed the Dunstable Masterplan which will provide a framework to guide the future growth and regeneration of the Town Centre.
It is recognised that the existing town centre faces a number of issues including traffic congestion, poor air quality, high vacancy rates of retail premises and a poor retail offer. The town centre however, has seen some regeneration, primarily through the recent development of the Grove Theatre and associated developments.
The Masterplan sets out a vision for the town centre and development objectives as well as key principles to help guide emerging proposals as they come forward. It is important to emphasise that the Masterplan is not a blueprint but a vehicle to guide and promote renewal, redevelopment and improvement of the town centre.
The Masterplan, which has been developed with input from key landowners, local residents and businesses includes a number of key proposals such as:
Redeveloping the town centre with a mix of retail, office, leisure, residential and community facilities;
- Building a new medical centre;
- Improving connections to different parts of the town;
- Improving access to the town centre by public transport, including the guided busway;
- Improving walking and cycling routes; and
- Improving congestion.
Cllr Ken Matthews, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council said: “Dunstable is in need of rejuvenation and by providing a Masterplan for the town, we will be able to guide any future developers who are looking to regenerate and invest.
“This is a big step for Dunstable and one that could have a very positive outcome for the town in years to come. We now need to focus our attention to the implementation of the plan and securing the levels of investment needed to turn around the fortunes of Dunstable for all its residents, visitors and businesses.”
The full Masterplan can be viewed under our document section.
Masterplan
Dunstable is the oldest charter town in the county of Bedfordshire, set within the rural landscape of South Bedfordshire. Situated 25 miles to the north west of London, Dunstable is close to the towns of Luton and Milton Keynes. With a population of approximately 35,000, the town also forms part of the Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis conurbation.
Previously dependent upon the motor industry, Dunstable retains an above average percentage of people employed in manufacturing, with unemployment consistently below the regional and national averages.
The inclusion of Dunstable within the Milton Keynes South Midland (MKSM) Growth Area will result in a significant increase in population, with approx 23,000 new homes scheduled to be built by 2026 within Luton and Southern Bedfordshire. This will also have implications for the town centre. The expansion of population in the catchment of Dunstable may impose additional demands on the existing facilities of the town centre, which will need to be accommodated. This may include a range of enhanced demands for environmental, cultural and retail provision.
The town centre is situated at a strategic crossroads, with the A5 running directly through the centre.
It is recognised that the existing town centre faces a number of issues. These include traffic congestion, high vacancy rates of retail premises and a declining retail offer. The town centre however, has seen regeneration, primarily through the recent development of the Grove Theatre and associated developments.