West Lancashire Borough Council is consulting on a new document which will help to shape a successful and vibrant future for Ormskirk town centre. A draft Ormskirk town centre strategy has been developed which aims to help in driving growth and to ensure that Ormskirk remains an attractive and competitive place as high streets continue to change.
Due to exciting schemes coming forward such as the pedestrianized area in Moor Street being refreshed, the Council believe that there is a renewed passion and energy for helping with the revitalisation of the town centre and the draft strategy will be aiming to help guide and deliver the exciting changes.
Amongst the key issues are how can Ormskirk Market diversify and attract extra shoppers, as an example by having local produce’ markets, arts and crafts traders and stalls for student traders from Edge Hill University. Any improvements made to the market would complement the refreshing of the pedestrianized area in Moor Street, which is due to commence shortly.
Some of the main proposals which the strategy covers 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 would like to hear what people have to say in order to help to prepare the final plan. The document, which is currently in its draft stage, can be read and views can be given by visiting your views. The consultation lasts until 14th 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 info.edu@westlancs.gov.uk.
The portfolio holder for Town and Village Centres, Councillor David Griffiths, 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.’
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