The Interim Director for the Local Plan Review introduced the report and outlined the impact of changes in demand on the town centre and other town centres around the country. The development of the Town Centre Strategy was an opportunity to address these pressures and challenges and also to make the town centre more environmentally attractive while ensuring the town centre space was used effectively.

The Committee provided feedback on the strategy and emphasised the importance of community events including local markets, concerts and increasing the capacity of the theatre. The river could play a larger role in the identity of the town centre, and community engagement was vital.

RESOLVED: That the feedback be used to inform a further report to the Policy and Resources Committee with a more specific proposal on the scope and timing of the Town Centre Strategy.