Nelson masterplan consultation gets under way

Pendle Council has invited public views on the future of the town centre, which is potentially in line for a £10m grant from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

The 10-year vision for Nelson will aim to tackle what the council says are “poor perceptions” of the town, while also offering solutions to numerous problem sites across the town centre.

Attempts will be made to tackle shop vacancies, while investment in culture, leisure, and the night-time economy are also planned.

A previous masterplan included creating additional parking spaces as well as an events space around the Shuttle sculpture, pictured above.

Consultation on the latest masterplan will begin with a drop-in session at the ACE Centre on Tuesday 29 October between 4pm and 7pm, where the public will be invited to give their views on the future of the town.

Neil Watson, Pendle Council’s planning and economic development manager, said: “The last Nelson Masterplan led to a transformation of the town centre, including an amphitheatre for events around the stunning Shuttle sculpture and an attractive boulevard.

“We also opened up the town centre to slow-moving traffic again and created more parking spaces. These were all things which local people wanted.

“But there is still much work to do for Nelson and local people can make a big impact on the next major plans for the town. Nelson faces many challenges including under-used leisure and cultural facilities and empty shops.

“We have a number of problem sites, there isn’t a thriving night-time economy and there are some poor perceptions of the town.”

Pendle Council has got through to the second round of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, with a maximum grant of £10m to be won. There could also be a further £25m to be secured from the Government’s Towns Fund, with Nelson one of several towns chosen across the country.

However, leader of Pendle Council Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said he was “disappointed that [the council] is still waiting for the prospectus to fine-tune plans” to bid for the fund.

“We have ambitious plans for Nelson, working with local and regional organisations, retailers and local residents,” he said.

“Our aim is to make our vision for Nelson as a town centre fit for purpose in the 21st century a reality. This will play a vital part in supporting the economic growth of Pendle over the next 10 – 25 years.”