Consultants sought for Accrington masterplan
Hyndburn Council is starting the tender process for sourcing a project team to map out future development of the town centre.
The authority is seeking to progress regeneration ideas after being successful in securing funding through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Levelling Up Fund.
According to the call for expressions of interest, which can be found on the council’s website, procurement will be handled via the SCAPE framework.
Skills
The document gives an outline of what the council is looking for from potential applicants, with skills required including masterplanning and urban design, along with landscape, heritage, and town planning expertise.
It states: “Our vision is to build on this creating a vibrant, bustling and proud market town steeped in industrial, cultural, and architectural heritage.
“Visitors and locals will come together to sample the best of Lancashire’s homegrown produce and enjoy a diverse mix of local eateries, browse our thriving independent shops and cultural venues, and relax in our family-friendly and green spaces.”
Rider Levett Bucknall has already been appointed to handle project management, according to the EOI document, and a team is being appointed to prepare a site constraints and opportunities report.
Heritage sites in the town are currently being revamped thanks to levelling up funding.
Retail
One specific area the EOI document touches on is retail.
According to a Local Data Company 2021 report referenced in the call-out pitch, one in four retail units in Accrington are vacant, and there is an “oversupply of retail space which has not fallen in line with the fall in demand for physical retail”. The report adds that there is almost 40 sq ft of retail space per resident in Accrington compared to nearly 20 sq ft in England on average.
Tender process
The EOI document also states the specific boundary of the Accrington masterplan will be developed, refined and agreed by the selected project team, along with the council.
Submissions expressing interest are being received up until close of business this Thursday 28 March.
Bidders will be notified of the outcome in May, with the successful commission to start work in June.
A PDF of the full EOI is available to view on the council’s website.
