Garstang town centre strategy unveiled 

A team of consultancies has drawn up a 15-year framework aimed at guiding development in the Wyre market town and addressing various issues before they become major problems. 

“There seem to be no burningly urgent issues to address, rather a range of non-urgent, yet still important ones that will require attention if Garstang is to ensure a thriving future,” the framework states. 

Wyre Council and the Greater Garstang Partnership Board commissioned IBI Group, Stantec, BE Group and CT Consults, to identify these issues and draw up an action plan of how best to address them. 

Steps that can be taken to achieve the council’s vision of Garstang as a “contemporary market town” include: 

• Protecting and enhancing the historic character of the town centre while promoting active uses within the town’s historic buildings and spaces 

• Delivering public realm improvements, including a focus on reducing the impact of traffic in order to enhance the pedestrian experience  
• Identifying sites with opportunities for future change that will support the vision.  
• Providing more effective links to areas outside the town centre, including the river and the canal 

• Encouraging a stronger town centre food and drink offer and an evening economy  
• Developing a quality visitor economy based on heritage, town centre experience and access to the surrounding countryside 
• Improving access from and to the surrounding villages and suburbs, focussing on sustainable, active travel 
• Ensuring a diversity of town centre uses so that it is an attractive destination for all user groups. 

Specific interventions that could help Wyre achieve its vision for Garstang include reimagining Cherestanc Square, making High Street a pedestrian-priority environment, creating a heritage centre and archive, and upgrading the town’s market offer. 

Outside of the town centre, the strategy also identifies the need to create a masterplan for an 80-acre site next to Brockholes Industrial Estate at Catterall. 

“Appropriate development of this land would provide an opportunity for employment growth for many years and support Garstang’s wider economic development,” the framework states.