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.

The Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan will be presented to the Council’s Executive Committee on Tuesday 15th March 2011. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 9.30am in the Council Chamber at Central Bedfordshire Council offices, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ.

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