Proposals to bring the wow factor into Warwick, which could involve redesigning parts of the town centre and rebuilding the town’s football ground, have been unveiled.

Residents are being asked to comment on the plans as part of a wide consultation scheme that runs until 23 January 2001.

There are two aspects to the scheme. One involves looking at options for Old Square and Church Street and making it more pedestrian-friendly.

This could include using the same stone as Market Square, or a more complex plan where the parking by the Millennium Garden is removed.

The other scheme, which has been drawn up over the past two years, is to rejuvenate public land around St Mary’s Lands.

These proposals hinge on knocking down the existing stable blocks at the racecourse and selling the land for housing. This would raise money for:

• Building a new ground for Racing Warwick FC
• Moving and improving the stable facilities at the racecourse
• Improving Warwick Common by looking after the open space, managing the parking and employing a ranger
• Providing new facilities for the scout group.

Chris Elliott, strategic director at Warwick District Council, said:

”These proposals potentially represent one of the most significant beneficial changes to Warwick seen in recent times.

“The proposals, if agreed, will enhance the environment and setting of the town, and offer the opportunity to improve the sporting, recreational and community facilities for the people of Warwick town.”

He said they could tie into other initiatives that are of concern to people living in the town, namely:

• Reducing traffic in the town centre by having a bus shuttle to a new long-stay parking area off Hampton Road.
• Linking with the planned restoration of Hill Close gardens, shortly to be the subject of a £700,000 lottery bid.
• Forming a Gardens Trail through the towns.
• Providing affordable housing and improving community facilities for people living on the Forbes Estate.

Letters are being sent to groups that would be affected by the plans, but there will also be an exhibition where people can give their comments on both schemes at Warwick Library from the week beginning 4 December.

Staff will be on hand to answer questions on the first day, and also will be at St Paul’s Church on 13 December from 3pm to 8pm to talk about the St Mary’s Lands scheme.

Cllr Joe Short, chairman of Warwick District Council, said:

“The St Mary’s Lands proposals, if they come to pass, represent an investment of almost £2 million.

“If you add the housing development and the Hill Close Lottery bid there will be a total investment in this area of around £8 million.

“It is not surprising that people are now saying, Warwick –WOW!”
  

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