The
challenge
To
make the traditional Forest of Dean town of Coleford more attractive
to shoppers by concentrating on improvements to the town centre
and reinforcing its historical and heritage links.
Developing
the idea
In
1998 Coleford won the BT Better Towns competition which gave
a welcome £50,000 boost to the town’s regeneration plans. Local
sponsors contributed a further £17,000-plus and the remainder
of the funding was made available through the RDA programme.
A
derelict walkway between the town centre and the supermarket
and car parks has been transformed, thanks to the hard work
of the volunteers and local businesses involved.
The
history of the town is also being brought to life through this
project which compliments the local authority led regeneration
initiatives.
During
Phase 2 of the redevelopment, Coleford Town Council worked closely
with the Forest of Dean District Council to consider a regeneration
scheme designed by the county council's highways department.
However,
the town council and Coleford Chamber of Trade felt the county
scheme did not meet the requirements of local people, so they
re-designed it - taking into account local needs and expectations.
 |
| Coleford's
refurbished town centre creates open space for public events |
Two
public exhibitions of the plans were then held, and the district
council's conservation officer had to field some tough questions.
A
major aim of the refurbishment was to create space in the town
centre for public events and to encourage community involvement.
The new-look town centre, which now hosts a regular market,
is working well and has helped to establish a Carnival of Transport
and a music festival as regular annual events.
Keeping
it going
The
project has served as a catalyst for the formation of a local
partnership, which is now addressing other issues in the town.
 |
| Coleford's
new-look town centre now hosts a variety of community events
|
Key
tips
