motherwell town centre - North Lanarkshire Council

December 2013
town centre framework
motherwell
town centre
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/Motherwellconsultation
1. Health Check
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2. Framework
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3. Action Plan
Motherwell Town Centre
Framework
Contents
1: Introduction
2: Context
3. Key Issues, Opportunities and Challenges
4. Vision and Guiding Principles
5. Towards Action
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1. Introduction
1.1
Town centres are of long standing importance to the communities they
serve. However, many centres are currently in decline, affected by the
economic recession and changing lifestyles including a change in shopping
habits with growth in on-line retailing and continued competition from out
of town centres, city centres and supermarkets.
1.2
North Lanarkshire Council seeks to work with its partners, local businesses
and the wider community to develop, manage and promote North
Lanarkshire’s town centres as a focus for economic and social activity as
guided by national policy and local policy, good practice and the local
community’s requirements.
1.3
It is within this context that a framework and associated action plan has
been prepared for Motherwell town centre to build on the physical
improvements delivered through the previous town centre action plan
(2005) and to help guide and facilitate town centre change and
management over the next ten years.
1.4
Working in partnership we aim to build on the success of the Motherwell Town
Centre Action Plan 2005 which delivered physical improvements and development
including:
• refurbishment and upgrading of the pedestrian underpass links to the
town centre;
• three phases of streetscape works and traffic management
improvements;
• new park and ride car parks;
• Greenlink routes to the town centre; and
• the construction of Dalziel Buildings providing new office
accommodation.
1.5
This framework and next generation action plan are broader in scope than the
2005 plan, covering not only physical development and proposals but including
the activities of town centre management, business support, marketing and
promotion. They also seek to provide a strong basis for developing a true
partnership approach to managing and developing the town centre. The
aim of this framework and associated action plan is to facilitate coordinated action by the Council, its partners, local businesses and
residents to increase Motherwell’s resilience to future change and sustain
it as a viable and successful centre.
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2.
Context
Policy
2.1
This framework sits within the planning policy context of the Scottish
Government’s Scottish Planning Policy (SPP); the Glasgow and Clyde Valley
Strategic Development Plan (GCVSDF) and the North Lanarkshire Local Plan
(NLLP) with links to the following regional and local strategies and plans:
•
•
•
•
•
•
North Lanarkshire Council Draft Local Economic and Regeneration
Strategy 2014 - 2017
Designing North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire Council Local Transport Strategy
North Lanarkshire Council Corporate Plan
North Lanarkshire Council Local Housing Strategy
North Lanarkshire Single Outcome Agreement and Community Plan
NATIONAL
National
Planning
Framework 2,
Scottish
Planning Policy
2.2
2.3
2.4
REGIONAL
Glasgow and
Clyde Valley
Strategic
Development
Framework
LOCAL
North
Lanarkshire
Local Plan
TOPIC
Motherwell
Town Centre
Framework
and Action
Plan
Scottish Planning Policy
The challenges facing town centres are widely recognised at a national,
regional and local level. Scottish Planning Policy supports town centres as
a key element of the economic and social fabric of Scotland. Through
frameworks and action plans developed at the local level within the context
of the local development plan Scottish Planning Policy encourages the
development of town centres as accessible places where a diverse mix of
uses contribute to the character and strengthen the identity of a centre.
A Scottish Government commissioned review of the wider role and function
of town centres presents principles and actions to tackle common issues
and support positive action at a local level. The recommendations, as
presented in the reports “Community and Enterprise in Scotland’s Town
Centres” and “Town Centre Action Plan – the Scottish Government
response” are based around the themes of: Town Centre Living; Vibrant
Local Economies; Enterprising Communities; Accessible Public Services;
Digital Towns; and Pro-active Planning.
Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan
Motherwell town centre forms part of the Network of Strategic Centres
within the Glasgow and Clyde Valley region, identified in the Strategic
Development Plan as a centre with civic and community, employment,
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education, retail and business functions.
2.5
The focus of the Network of Strategic Centres is the protection and
enhancement of urban centres beyond Glasgow City Centre, with a
channelling of investment to:
• secure their respective roles;
• improve their quality of offer, public realm, diversity and environment;
• continue their sustainable accessibility.
2.6
Ravenscraig, the former steel works site to the east of Motherwell town centre is
the focus of major redevelopment in the Motherwell area being identified in the
Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan (GCVSDP) as a strategic
economic investment location as well as a strategic centre.
2.7
Motherwell is sited in the south east of the Glasgow conurbation close to Bellshill,
Hamilton, Wishaw and the proposed new town centre at Ravenscraig. Its
location at the junction of the west coast rail line and the Glasgow to Lanark line
and its close proximity to the M74 provide good access links to the north and
south, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the wider central belt.
2.8
Like many Lanarkshire towns, Motherwell changed rapidly during the industrial
revolution from a small collection of farms to a centre of iron and steel
production. Although production of steel plate continues at the Dalzell plant, the
closure of Ravenscraig in the early 1990’s marked the end of steel making as the
main driver of the Motherwell and wider Lanarkshire economy. While there has
been significant regeneration in the wider Motherwell area since, the focus for
new office and industrial development has been in out of town business parks
from which the town centre has not directly benefited.
2.09
Although Motherwell is the second largest of the North Lanarkshire town centres
after Cumbernauld, competition from other town centres such as Hamilton and
East Kilbride, Glasgow city centre and out-of-town centres including the Glasgow
Fort and Glasgow Forge that can command expenditure from larger catchment
populations have made it difficult for it to reach a size sufficient to attract
retailing investment the level of population might otherwise justify.
Role and Characteristics
2.10
Data and trends
A Health Check of Motherwell town centre and socio economic review of the
wider Motherwell area have been undertaken to inform the preparation of this
Framework and to provide a baseline for future monitoring of the accompanying
Action Plan.
2.11
The population of the Motherwell area (Motherwell North, Motherwell West and
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig wards) at 45,700 accounts for around a
sixth of North Lanarkshire’s total population. While the proportion of working age
residents is similar to the North Lanarkshire and national figure, in contrast, there
is a greater proportion of children and young people and a smaller proportion of
residents of pensionable age.
2.12
The number of employees in the Motherwell area in 2011 accounted for a sixth of
North Lanarkshire’s total employee base with a third employed in the health sector
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(17%) and public administration(16%) combined. In recent years the employee
numbers have contracted at a greater rate than compared to North Lanarkshire as
a whole and Scotland. In contrast to the national trend of increasing part time
employment in the Motherwell area part-time employment has decreased more
than full-time employment.
2.13
2.14
2.15
For the period 2008 to 2012 the unemployment rate for the Motherwell area was
higher than that for North Lanarkshire and Scotland, reaching 6.6% in 2012.
Youth unemployment is a particular issue accounting for just under a third of all
claimants in the local area.
Physical Layout
Motherwell town centre is characterised by its redevelopment in the 1970s and
1980s. The main retail area is located in the Brandon Centre, a low rise, flat
roofed development which sits between the two railway lines and ring road.
As shown in the diagram 1 below, retail and commercial uses extend out from
the central parade, east into Merry Street and the pedestrian precinct of Brandon
Parade East, north along Muir Street towards the railway station and south along
Brandon Street/Windmillhill Street to the town’s civic centre, theatre and concert
hall. Further civic buildings, including the listed library, heritage centre and
former town hall lie to the north west of the main shopping area within the
Hamilton Road Conservation Area.
Diagram 1
2.16
The ring road and the railway lines create significant barriers to movement within
the town centre. This issue is compounded by the design of the Brandon Centre
and its poor physical relationship to the rest of the town centre. These elements
have a significant impact on the physical form and character of the town,
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effectively segregating the central shopping area from the rest of the town
centre.
2.17
Brandon Tower, a multi storey block of flats, adjacent to the Brandon Shopping
Centre accommodates the majority of the town centre’s residents. Additional
isolated pockets of residential accommodation are located throughout the town
centre, many experiencing low levels of amenity. Residential areas bound the
town centre to the north, south and west. Motherwell Cathedral lies to the east
of the town centre with the area beyond, between the town centre and
Ravenscraig, being predominantly industrial in nature.
2.18
The remaining Victorian buildings in the town centre together with recent works
to upgrade the streetscape present attractive approaches from the west and
north. The towers and spires of churches and other landmark buildings are a
significant feature of the town’s skyline.
2.19
The barrier effect of the ring road is greatest in the area to the south and east of
the Brandon Shopping Centre where the space is dominated by the road layout
and car parks, cutting off the civic centre and shops and facilities on Brandon
Street / Windmillhill Street from the rest of the town centre.
2.20
2.21
Development Opportunities
There are several gap sites located in and around the town centre, with only a
couple on the edge of centre being long term vacant. While none of them impact
greatly on the appearance of the town centre due to either their location or
screening, in some cases they are having a negative impact on the character and
amenity of the immediate area. The low number of gap sites and their location is
such that they can generally be viewed positively in terms of the development
opportunity they offer rather than being an indication of decline.
Accessibility
The train station is located immediately to the north of the main shopping area
with the main pedestrian approach recently upgraded and park and ride facilities
improved through the 2005 Action Plan. Centrally located bus stops provide good
access into the town centre and are well used. A greenway link provides an off
road walking and cycle route into the town from the north and east.
2.22
A positive feature of the Brandon Centre is good pedestrian access throughout
the central shopping area with pedestrian links to the nearby car parks, train
station, bus stops and shopmobility service.
2.23
While the ring road provides relatively easy access to the majority of the town
centre car parks it presents a barrier to pedestrian movement both into and
through the town centre with underpasses providing the main means of access
for pedestrians.
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Diagram 2
2.24
Town Centre Activity
While shops and services account for the greatest proportion of total occupied
floorspace in the town centre there is a significant office presence. A fifth of the
total occupied floorspace is offices. This is similar to that in Cumbernauld and
significantly greater than the other North Lanarkshire town centres.
2.25
As recorded in the Council’s town centre outlet survey 2012, the majority of the
retail floorspace in Motherwell is occupied by non food shops selling comparison
goods such as clothing, shoes, household items. As could be expected the
proportion of non food to food retail floorspace is greater in Motherwell than in
the nearby smaller centres of Bellshill and Wishaw however the proportion in
Motherwell is significantly greater compared to the other larger centres of
Cumbernauld and Coatbridge.
2.26
Shops are concentrated in Brandon Parade South with services (such as
hairdressers, travel agents, banks, solicitors, estate agents) mainly located in the
adjacent streets of Brandon Street / Windmillhill Street, Muir Street and Merry
Street. Accordingly small units tend to dominate the town centre in streets
outwith the Brandon Centre. Overall the town centre offers a good range of unit
size and is able to accommodate a mix of national and independent retailers and
businesses.
2.27
The impact of the recession and general decline in town centre shopping does
not seem to be impacting on Motherwell, in terms of the number of vacant units,
to the extent it is in many other town centres. The range in unit size and age
provides the flexibility to accommodate a mix of both independent traders and
large multiples. Recent shop closures have been off set by the opening of new
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stores with a reduction in the number of vacant units since 2011 and a vacancy
rate lower than the national average both in terms of units and floorspace.
Vacant ground floor units are scattered throughout the centre rather than being
concentrated in any particular area. This is true of both recently vacant units and
those that have been vacant for more than two years.
2.28
The vacancy level for upper floors is significantly greater than that for the ground
floor. The majority of vacant upper floorspace was previously in use as offices
with around 70% being in buildings which are still in office use and thereby in
general not suitable for alternative uses. The remaining vacant upper floorspace
however is in buildings which could more readily lend themselves to conversion to
residential use.
2.29
The general profile of pedestrian footfall shows a gradual increase in activity
throughout the spring and summer months with a slight decrease in autumn and
a marked decrease in the winter months following Christmas (source: Town
Centre Activities). There was a slight increase in daytime footfall between 2010
and 2011 followed by a 5% decrease in 2012. By contrast pedestrian activity in
the evenings increased by 5% from 2010 to 2012. Evening footfall however is
much lower at around a twelfth of the daytime average.
2.30
There has been an increased Police presence in the town centre since the 2011
with the introduction of Police Constables who focus on the town centre. Local
priorities as identified in the Police Scotland Multi Member Ward Plan for
Motherwell 2013 are to reduce: drunk and disorderly behaviour; drug use and
drug dealing; assault and violent crime; and housebreaking and theft.
2.31
Perceptions
Positive aspects of the town centre expressed through consultation events and
surveys included: the levels of activity in the town centre; relatively few vacant
shops; the community spirit; the compact form of the centre; its function as a
business and civic centre as well as a shopping centre; good access and free
parking.
2.32
The number of issues raised were significantly higher than the positive aspects
and include:
o poor image, poor design and the removal of local features;
o a poor range of shops;
o lack of housing and leisure facilities;
o lack of parking for commuters, lack of on street parking and traffic
congestion;
o the uncertainty created by the redevelopment of Ravenscraig and the
proposed new town centre;
o lack of Council leadership;
o the inward looking nature of the town centre;
o the lack of activity / loss of community feel after 5.30pm
2.33
In terms of what would encourage people to use the town centre more, or at all,
the following were identified by residents and town centre users surveyed:
o a greater choice of shops;
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o
o
2.34
more leisure attractions;
a more attractive environment.
The perception of businesses as to the attraction of Motherwell as a place to do
business is mixed. Some feel there are advantages including: good access; a
community feeling; free car parking; local and repeat customers; high footfall
mid week and a good customer catchment. While others feel there are no
advantages raising issue with: the lack of variety and poor quality of the overall
retail offer; lack of parking; shop lifting and anti social behaviour. There is
concern over past changes in the town centre which it is felt have lead to a
reduction in the number of retailers and lower customer footfall and an ongoing
lack of consideration of retailers needs and poor communication from the
Council. Competition from the development of a new town centre at nearby
Ravenscraig and the uncertainty over the timescale for its development are also
seen as issues compounding difficult trading conditions and affecting the future
viability of Motherwell town centre.
Q1 – Have we missed any key points?
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3.
Key Issues, Opportunities and Challenges
3.1
The following is a summary of key points from the health check and consultation
events.
3.2
Developing the Town Centre Role and Increasing Activity
Motherwell town centre is characterised by strong community loyalty and
community spirit with local and repeat customers and relatively high footfall on
weekdays. It has amenities other than retail to attract visitors to the town,
including the Theatre, Concert Hall, Aquatec, Heritage Centre, Motherwell FC,
Strathclyde Park, Health Centre, Civic Centre.
3.3
The presence of office accommodation together with the town’s established role
as a civic and administrative centre generate significant levels of activity which
have helped increase the town’s resilience to the national decline in High Street
retailing. It is important however that public services remain in the town centre
and also that new businesses are attracted in to diversify the employment base
and increase employment opportunities.
3.4
While the impact of the recession and general decline in town centre shopping
does not seem to be impacting on Motherwell to the extent it is in many other
town centres in terms of the number of vacant units, the poor quality and limited
range of the retail offer is an increasing issue, identified by traders and shoppers
alike.
3.5
With approximately a quarter of available upper floorspace currently unoccupied
this presents an issue to be addressed but also an opportunity for increasing the
number of residents in the town centre through converting upper floors to flats.
3.6
The impact of high unemployment and deprivation in the Motherwell area and its
affect on the role and function of the town centre needs to be recognised. As
does the role of the town centre in providing services for its local population and
for those who do not have the choice to travel to other centres.
3.7
The range and choice of shopping will never compete with that of city centres but
that is not to say Motherwell town centre does not have an important role to play
in serving its local community as a shopping centre as well as a civic centre,
business centre and a place for entertainment and leisure. Survey responses
highlighted the lack of shelter as an issue and a strong desire for the central
parade of the Brandon Centre to be covered over.
3.8
Challenges
• Managing the contraction of retail while building on the quality of the offer.
• Encouraging diversification and establishing a strong but complimentary role
to that of existing larger retail centres and the planned new centre at
Ravenscraig.
• Creating the right environment to encourage and enable local solutions to
keep the town centre relevant.
• Balancing aspirations against achievable goals with regard to the range of the
retail offer.
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•
•
3.9
Managing increased evening uses to ensure acceptable levels of amenity can
be sustained for town centre residents.
Ensuring public services and facilities remain in the town centre.
Ensuring Accessibility
Pedestrian priority within the Brandon Centre is a positive aspect of the purpose
built shopping centre which during the day provides a pedestrian friendly
environment for shoppers with good links to car parking, public transport and the
shop mobility service. However, in the evening when the shops are shut there is
little activity or natural surveillance in the central core. This has a significant
influence on the character of the town centre in the evening and movement
through it.
3.10
A significant population in the Brandon Tower sited in the centre of the town has
a positive impact on the vitality of the centre. However access to the tower and
the quality of the environment is an issue for residents as are the levels of
amenity experienced by other residents in the few properties and flats located in
isolated pockets throughout the town centre.
3.11
In general the town centre car parks are sited within easy access of the shops,
particularly in the central shopping area with good pedestrian links. Lack of
parking in general but particularly on street parking is seen as an issue by
traders. While the good local rail and bus services are a strength they also
provide the opportunity for the local population to readily access competing town
and city centres. The recent loss of traffic wardens is leading to increased illegal
parking with a detrimental effect on traffic flows and servicing of shops and
businesses.
3.12
Challenges
• Achieving a balance between providing for the car and access through the
town centre and creating a people friendly place.
• Managing traffic and parking.
• Increasing trips by walking, cycling and public transport with the associated
environmental and health benefits.
• Improving the layout of and pedestrian access through the town centre to
encourage greater pedestrian movement between the main civic and retail
areas.
• Improving pedestrian links into the centre both from attractions on the edge
of the centre and the adjacent residential areas to capitalise on the compact
nature of the town.
3.13
3.14
Enhancing the Environment
While the recent streetscape works have enhanced the approach to the centre
from the west, improved the link to the train station and improved access and the
environment for pedestrians in Merry Street, further action is needed to address
issues of poor physical appearance in other areas of the centre and reverse the
negative image still held by many. The town’s image remains linked to its
industrial past and subsequent decline with a new identity and role yet to be
widely recognised. Continuing capital improvement is needed to ensure the town
centre feels modern and attractive.
The railway line and ring road present a significant barrier to movement in and
around the town centre and heavily impact on its urban form. The Civic centre
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and leisure amenities lie detached from the central area across the ring road.
The design, quality and location of new development is key to strengthening the
town’s form and character and to reducing the negative physical impact of the
ring road to better integrate Brandon Street / Windmillhil Street with the rest of
the town centre.
3.15
Joint action is needed to better develop, define and promote the attractions of
Motherwell town centre and counter the negative image it is often labelled with.
3.16
Challenges
• Balancing aspirations as to the degree of physical change that is deliverable
given current and foreseeable future market conditions.
• Making the most of the opportunities presented by small scale projects in the
short to medium term to improve the physical layout of the centre, reduce the
barrier effect of the ring road and better link the main retail and civic areas
rather than holding out for wholesale change. Setting realistic goals for short
to medium term change need not preclude realising greater aspirations for
change in the longer term.
• Making the most of development opportunities to enhance the attraction of
the town centre, encouraging diversity and attracting more people to use it
be that to live, work or visit.
• Improving engagement with town centre businesses and the Brandon Centre
and fostering a co-ordinated approach to the management and promotion of
the town centre as a whole.
3.17
Improving Town Centre Management and Business Support
Building on existing collaborative working arrangements and finding better ways
of engaging and working with town centre land and business owners are key to
the effective coordination of activity in the town centre and the delivery of this
Framework.
3.18
Working in partnership with a shared vision is also key to attracting funding and
investment in an increasingly competitive environment. Identifying priority
initiatives and setting realistic targets will help enable the most effective use of
resources.
3.19
Following engagement with local businesses on the current Business
Improvement District (BID) initiative it has been established that there is no
current interest in setting up a BID in Motherwell town centre.
3.20
Challenges
• Achieving an effective partnership approach to deliver change. In order for a
town centre partnership to be effective, it must have strong leadership with
representation from town centre stakeholders, including building and land
owners, local businesses, community and residents and public services and
organisations.
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Strengths
¾ Strong community loyalty and community
spirit
¾ Local and repeat customers
¾ Relatively high footfall on weekdays
¾ Amenities that attract visitors to the area –
Civic Centre, Theatre, Aquatec, Heritage
Centre, Motherwell FC, Strathclyde Park
¾ Relatively low number of vacant retail units
¾ Significant office accommodation
¾ Civic and administrative centre
¾ Pedestrian priority within main shopping
area
¾ Good access to car parks off ring road
¾ Good strategic location close to the
motorway network and served by inter-city
and local rail services and buses
¾ Bus stops well located for access to main
shopping area
Weaknesses
¾ Lack of quality and range in retail offer
¾ Poor physical appearance
¾ Negative image
¾ A few buildings of interest and quality but
architecture and design generally
anonymous
¾ Railway line a barrier to movement in and
around the town centre
¾ Ring road cuts off the town centre from
neighbouring communities
¾ Civic centre and leisure amenities detached
from the town centre by ring road and
railway
¾ Loss of community wardens
¾ Loss of traffic wardens
¾ Empty upper floors above shops
¾ No bus station
Opportunities
¾ Improve retail from low to middle market
offer by improving the attractiveness of the
town centre and increasing demand
¾ Facilitate diversification of the town centre
with leisure, entertainment and high
quality, high density residential uses
through planning policy
¾ Enhancement of streets and open spaces /
upgrading of key routes and gateways
¾ Promote town centre’s strengths
¾ Positive and co-ordinated marketing,
promotion and town centre management
¾ Improve built environment and new
developments through good design
¾ Traffic management, improved pedestrian
routes
¾ Use the planned investment in Ravenscraig
as the catalyst for reinventing and
reinvigorating the town centre
¾ Attract quality hotel and business facilities
through increased economic activity / office
accommodation
Threats
¾ Economic recession and lack of commercial
investment
¾ Public spending cuts
¾ Competition from other centres and on line
shopping
¾ Competing priorities
¾ Reduced spending power of local
community
¾ High youth unemployment
¾ Changing role of town centres with
changing lifestyles - increased commuting
and internet access
¾ Uncertainty created by Ravenscraig
proposals
¾ Failure to deliver true partnership working
¾ Traffic congestion and associated air
pollution
Q2 – Have we missed any key issues?
Q3 – Are there other challenges we need to anticipate?
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4.
The Vision
4.1
A vision for Motherwell Town Centre has been developed in consideration of the
comments made and issues and ideas identified through engagement to provide
a shared goal for future partnership action. The vision is that Motherwell town
centre is a welcoming, vibrant place that serves its local community
well.
4.2
The priority outcomes from working towards this vision are:
1. an attractive and sustainable town centre
2. an accessible town centre
3. businesses having confidence in the town centre
4. a vibrant town centre
1. an attractive town centre that people want to visit, with
•
•
•
•
a mix of chain and independent shops for local shopping
specialist retail, cafes and restaurants
business, community and cultural activity as well as shopping
an attractive streetscape with well maintained and clean streets and a
safe and welcoming environment
2. an accessible town centre which is the focus for the location of
public services, with
•
•
•
•
services and facilities retained in the town centre
good quality public transport and cycling and pedestrian links
improved traffic management and reduced traffic congestion
access for all
3. businesses and social enterprises have confidence in the town
centre and see it as a desirable place to be, where
•
•
•
•
community ventures and new approaches are encouraged
the impact of long term vacant units are minimised
businesses feel supported and involved and that their view counts
businesses are active in town centre management and promotion
4. more people living in the town centre, with
•
•
•
•
•
gap sites developed /vacant buildings / upper floors refurbished for
residential use
a safe and welcoming environment
improved air quality
good levels of residential amenity
a sustainable range of uses
Q4 – Do you agree with this vision - is there the right
balance between aspiration and realism?
Q5 – Are these the right outcomes?
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4.3
While changing town centres to halt their declining role needs to happen
through a true partnership approach, Planning Policy and its application at
a local level through the assessment of planning applications has a role to
play. As the draft Scottish Planning Policy puts it – we need to “put town
centres first”.
4.4
This means applying policies in the North Lanarkshire Local Plan in a way
which:
1. puts town centres first;
2. encourages a greater mix of uses within the town centre;
3. protects the existing civic and office role;
4. ensures new development makes a positive contribution to the town’s
character and form, adding quality to the streetscape through good
design;
5. encourages a shift from using the car to public transport, walking or
cycling.
4.5
Guiding Principles
1. A town centre first approach will be promoted when considering the
location of new public services and the redevelopment of existing public
services and facilities. Existing public services and facilities should
remain in the town centre and not be relocated to outwith the centre.
2. Alternative uses to shops (Use Class 1) which support the centre’s retail
role will be supported and encouraged particularly within areas of
declining retail activity and high vacancy. Opportunities to increase
leisure and entertainment uses should be encouraged, particularly in
Brandon Parade East and South.
3. Residential use within the town centre will be encouraged, particularly
on existing gap sites in Brandon Street and Mason Street and in vacant
upper floors in Hamilton Street, Muir Street, Brandon Street,
Windmillhill Street and Merry Street subject to assessment of the
appropriateness of individual locations with regard to achieving
acceptable levels of residential amenity.
4. The existing office and civic role makes a significant contribution to the
viability and vitality of the town centre. The expansion of this function
and complementary uses will be encouraged.
5. New developments will be expected to demonstrate a high standard of
design to enhance the character of the town centre and strengthen the
sense of place– including making a positive contribution to the
streetscape and urban form in terms of the development’s massing,
layout, boundary treatment, relation to existing buildings and
pedestrian links as per North Lanarkshire Local Plan policy DSP4.
6. Proposals which improve access by public transport, walking and cycling to
increase modal choice and reduce congestion and associated pollution will be
supported.
Q6 - Do you agree with these guiding principles?
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5. Towards Action
Basic good practice informing the Action Plan
5.1 There are many common aspects and good practices that all towns need to apply to
improve their resilience and capacity to cope with the difficult economic climate and
become successful places. These are addressed in a range of proposals from the
Scottish town centre review to the work in other towns across the UK. These
common aspects, as listed below, have been considered in the local context with
regard to the issues and opportunities identified for Motherwell, to inform the
associated Town Centre Action Plan.
Lead
1
A TOWN TEAM: Develop existing partnership to improve communication
between businesses, the council and the community. Is a formal
“constitution” or framework required?
PROMOTION AND MARKETING: Work with Town Centre Activities and
local traders to promote and market the town centre, including publicity
events, shop local campaigns and initiatives, annual festival week.
NLC Planning &
Regeneration
3
TOWN CENTRE BUSINESS SUPPORT: start up and development
initiatives. Supporting firms and investors to retain jobs. Promoting local
skills and knowledge, links to colleges and schools, and effective
collaboration and improved productivity. To enable a successful and
sustainable business and social enterprise sector.
TCA / Planning
& Regeneration
4
IMPROVING COMMUNITY SAFETY: Identify key locations or issues with
anti-social behaviour and work with partners to develop a strategy for
addressing crime and anti-social behaviour as part of ensuring a safe and
attractive town centre.
TCA / Planning
& Regeneration
5
ACCESSIBILITY: Undertake an access audit addressing all mobility issues.
Promote ease of access by bus, train, cycling and on foot. Encourage
improvements to car parks. Improve road safety.
TCA / Planning
& Regeneration
/ NLC Roads
6
PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Work with owners and
landlords to encourage re-use of vacant and derelict buildings and consider
positive and imaginative alternative uses. Consider CPO if necessary to
unlock re-redevelopment potential. Encourage residential and mixed uses to
support core retail areas. To provide high quality appropriate infrastructure
to attract investment and drive regeneration. Asset audit.
Planning &
Regeneration /
land owners
7
PROMOTE QUALITY DESIGN AND LOCAL IDENTITY: pursue a high
standard of quality, sustainability and inclusivity of new town centre
developments. Enhance legibility through a high quality townscape and
public realm approach that promotes local features and heritage and makes
streets and public spaces accessible, attractive and safe.
Planning &
Regeneration /
Community
Forum
8
PUTTING TOWN CENTRES FIRST: public and third sector partners
working to retain existing and locate new public services in the town centre
9
ENCOURAGE NEW TECHNOLOGY AND CONNECTIVITY: work 8with
telecommunications and utility providers to assess opportunities for
introducing high speed WI-FI into the town centre, to benefit local
businesses and town centre users.
10
IMPROVE THE TOWN CENTRE ENVIRONMENT: introduce appropriate
greening measures to enhance the environment and improve biodiversity
and sustainability. Involve communities and local business in environmental
projects and building maintenance. Improve recycling facilities in town
centres.
Motherwell Local
Area Team
partners
EGAS / TCA /
Planning &
Regeneration /
Chester
Properties
Planning &
Regeneration /
Tenants and
Residents /
Community
Forum/ NLC
Land Service
2
Town Centre
Activities (TCA)
16
This information can be made available in a range of languages and formats,
including large print, braille, audio, electronic and accessible formats.
North Lanarkshire Council
Environmental Services
Fleming House
2 Tryst Road
Cumbernauld G67 1JW
t. 01236 632618
e. [email protected]
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/Motherwellconsultation