Views sought on Gungate regeneration
Views are being sought on the regeneration of the Gungate site in Tamworth, as part of major redevelopment plans for the town centre.
In 2018, Tamworth Borough Council purchased the piece of land which used to be home to the Gungate Precinct, from private developers.
Plans by the developers to regenerate the site never came to fruition and it has been used as a temporary car park ever since.
The site includes land to the north and south of Spinning School Lane; including the NCP car park, the Spinning School Lane car park, the Magistrates ' Court, Staffordshire County Council Social Services buildings and the former bingo hall.
Proposals drawn up by the council cover potential uses for the land, taking account of market demand, any restrictions to development on the site and the design principles within which we have to operate.
The town 's residents, businesses and shoppers are now being invited to look at the plans and share their views on key aspects of the project, including potential uses, site layout and the size and scale of any potential buildings.
The proposals can be viewed at www.tamworth.gov.uk/consultation together with detailed drawings, artist impressions and 16 survey questions.
Locals have until 1 March to submit views.
Feasibility studies have suggested that a mix of uses will be the most sustainable at the site, which could include uses such as housing, retirement living, a leisure centre, workspace, evening leisure and multi-storey car parking.
Retail is not being suggested as a major component of the site due to its decline on the high street in recent years.
The Gungate regeneration project is separate to the £21.65m Future High Streets Fund award announced recently to transform the heart of the town centre, including St Editha 's Square and the entrance to the Castle Grounds.
Cllr Jeremy Oates, Tamworth Borough Council 's Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said: “Extensive feasibility studies have been carried out to examine in detail what is and isn 't viable, including speaking to potential investors and developers. The resulting proposals set out the basic principles within which that regeneration can take place, to give it the biggest chance of success.
“Obviously the pandemic has changed the situation somewhat so we need to continue to be flexible in our approach, as well as making sure that this site complements regeneration planned for other areas of the town centre.
“Now that we have some parameters around what could potentially be possible, we 'd like to get the views of Tamworth residents and businesses, to see what sort of uses and development they would support. I 'd encourage people to get involved and have their say.
“We have to acknowledge that town centres have changed. Their decline is being driven by changing consumer habits and the collapse of major high street chains over recent years. That 's why any new development has to be viable, made up of uses that the market can support."
Pictured: An artist's impression of what Spinning School Lane, as part of the Gungate site, could look like once developed