What’s it like? “A unique Cotswold town with a gritty character quite unlike some of its mellower, prim and pretty neighbours” Stroud Preservation Trust, 2012

Stroud Waterfront

Launch Event, July 2014 Stroud Town Centre Neighbourhood Development Plan The Town Council invites you to the first Public Meeting Letters from Town Council & Interim Steering Group Saturday, 26th July 2014 at Lansdown Hall, Join us at 2pm or 3.30pm

NDP Structure Thematic Issue Based Groups Engagement Group Steering Group (reports to Town Council)

Initial Consultation, September 2014 Contact with residents, workers, shoppers and visitors and specific community groups Launched Three open questions asked What do you like about Stroud? What don’t you like about Stroud? What three things would you like to see happen to improve the Town Centre?

Messages Likes – independent, markets, community, things going on, local, green, countryside setting, transport links, canalside, historic Dislikes - narrow range of shops, ugly appearance of key buildings, empty shops, traffic congestion and parking Changes – better/free parking, more quality shops, strong independents and markets, safe routes, canalside completed and linked to town

Newsletter, October ,000 households (pop 12,690) 250 households within NDP area (pop 430) Businesses in the NDP area approx 400 Explain the NDP process How to get involved and make contact Promote large scale event in November Be transparent and build engagement Avoid rushing into ‘solutions’ and options

Public Event, November 2014 Attended by 400 people Very interactive Shaping a Vision In 20 years’ time, Stroud Town Centre will be an accessible, attractive, welcoming, living, working, economically successful, culturally diverse, vibrant and socially and environmentally conscious place where:

movement is easy routes are safe and convenient attractive links are made to canalside people are encouraged to stay in the town centre public transport is good main entry points are clearly marked and provide a sense of ‘arrival’ canal improvements and upgraded railway capitalised upon high quality accommodation supports business growth modern infrastructure is in place such as high quality communications vibrant and active places throughout the week and evenings known as a place where independents and markets are welcomed high levels of occupancy of retail and business accommodation countryside setting has respected and important views protected historic fabric of the town has been enhanced by attractive public spaces links and pathways to river/canal corridor and open countryside new buildings are high standard, sustainable and wildlife friendly more people of all ages live in the town centre existing living space has been improved and there is high occupancy people are encouraged to use well signposted cultural and leisure facilities facilities for children and young people have been improved opportunities to develop or redevelop land are maximised

Future Plans and Tasks Refine the vision within working groups Build evidence base drawing on past work Consider options and deliberate Draft policies and proposals Further consultations both open and targeted Consultation on draft plan Submission, May 2015 Examination and referendum, September 2015