Plans have been approved to change the focus of the investment in Kingswood to reflect what local people told South Gloucestershire Council they want for the town.
The council has worked with partners to develop a new programme of work that will deliver what people said they want for Kingswood. The proposal was presented to and has been approved by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
The new programme of work includes:
• improvements to shop fronts
• physical improvements to Regent Street
• improvements to the overall appearance of Regent Street
• introducing plants and greenery
• space for markets and events.
The initial focus will be working with businesses on Regent Steet in Kingswood to deliver a programme of shop front improvements in recognition of the difference this will make to the appearance of the town centre. This will be a process of co-design where shop owners will work with local architects on the design of the shop fronts.
Subsequent phases of work will include improvements to Regent Street and investment in public spaces in the town centre. The projects aim to deliver the change people said they want to see in Kingswood.
Working with Kings Chase, the council is also supporting a series of Sunday Social markets starting in October to bring people into Kingswood. The council will be working with its local partners to look at more opportunities for future events and activities in the town.
Using the feedback gathered so far from the community the council will develop plans for improvements to Regent Street, to make it a welcoming and accessible space. Over the next few years people will see the work ongoing, creating a sustainable and exciting town for future generations to enjoy.
Over the coming months, the council will share more details around the timelines for this work and how people can get involved.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member responsible for local place at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Kingswood is a town with a strong sense of community, and we want to support and build on that. This is an exciting time for Kingswood, the work we are talking about today is part of a broader programme of investment in Kingswood which includes Kingswood Park, Kings Chase, The Tabernacle and improvements to walking and cycling routes in and around the town.
“Shoppers at Kings Chase will have already noticed improvement work starting, with scaffolding going up to enable new lighting to be installed, which is part of our wider work in the area.”
The Kingswood improvements are funded by the West of England Combined Authority through the Investment Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
Anyone who wants to find out more about the projects can do so by visiting https://kingswoodregeneration.commonplace.is/