A new Masterplan for the future development of Swadlincote town centre is to be created. South Derbyshire District Council has appointed experts BDP to lead the project.
Trends such as the growth in online shopping, increase in home working and expansion of leisure activities are all changing the way people use town centres.
The Masterplan will cover the whole of the town centre, with a particular focus on the local authority land ownership at the western end of the centre. Within this area there is a concentration of ageing public buildings, in particular Green Bank Leisure Centre and the Civic Offices.
BDP, supported by AspinallVerdi, will be undertaking a programme of work during 2025, including seeking the views of members of the public, businesses and property owners during the Autumn.
Dr Justin Ives, chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “Swadlincote Town Centre is an incredibly important part of our District, providing a hub for local residents and visitors alike. We host many community events within the town centre, support local businesses and also celebrate the heritage of the area, with popular landmarks such as Sharpe’s Pottery Museum.
“A Town Centre Masterplan will help us to preserve the best of what the town centre already offers, while looking to the future of what it could be, and how we could make meaningful improvements.
“Over the last few years, the District Council has undertaken lots of improvements to the town centre, including refurbishing the market square and public toilets, creating the new Midland Road car park, improving shopfronts, and supporting numerous events – now we are keen to hear what the public and businesses would like to see next.”
Stephen Marshall, architect director, BDP, added: “This is a really exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter for Swadlincote’s town centre. We will be considering the town centre as a whole, with a focus on creating a new vision for the ‘Civic Site’, which is currently home to the leisure centre and council offices.
“We will help to reimagine this important piece of land, creating new spaces and uses that connect with the high street, welcome the community, and attract new life and investment. We will be working closely with the council, local people, and partners to deliver a design that’s ambitious, achievable, and brings vibrancy and prosperity to the town.”
