Stevenage town centre re-defines itself in multi-million regeneration scheme
New streets and a modern Town Square are at the centre of a £350 million regeneration scheme for Stevenage, which in the 1950s became the first new town (of a projected eight) created to re-house 'bombed-out' Londoners.
The market town's population went from 6,000 to 60,000, despite local objections, over the space of a decade and strong transport links meant new industries, like English Electric, set up factories so there was no shortage of jobs.
Now Stevenage Borough Council and Mace have announced the signing of a major new agreement to work in partnership on the long-term transformation of the town centre.
Known as SG1, the agreement builds on a vision for regeneration developed by the Council over several years and seeks to create a whole new quarter of five distinct character areas on the western side of the town centre.
With its multi-million pound budget, it is one of the largest and most ambitious town centre regeneration schemes in the region and is being thought of as a clear expression of confidence in the future of Stevenage and its town centre.
The designs will complement and enhance the unique architectural heritage of Stevenage, providing new residential, retail, restaurant and leisure uses for the residents of the town. The development will also create inviting new public spaces, alongside a public services hub that will bring together key council services in a single buildings. The hub will include a new library and health facilities, allowing residents easy access to high quality services at one location.
Residents and businesses will be invited to have their say through a comprehensive consultation exercise planned for this summer. Work is expected to take place over several phases with the first construction project commencing in 2020.
'We've seen a number of smaller projects already completed in our town centre as part of the regeneration programme, including Market Place, Vista Tower and more, but SG1 will be one of the critical elements in driving significant, positive changes to our Town Centre', stated Councillor Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council.