WOLVERTON TOWN CENTRE
Future Wolverton Vision
Like many Town’s across the country, Wolverton has struggled over many years to retain its own independent shops in the face of stiff competition from Supermarkets and Internet shopping.
However, despite these difficulties, Wolverton has remained an important “District Centre” for neighbouring rural areas and the Milton Keynes estates nearby, and this important role continues to be enhanced by improvements to local infrastructure – such as the new Station, Health Centre and Swimming Pool - all of which are in construction.
Refreshing the Vision: The Town Centre
The refreshing the vision process in 2010 re-confirmed the view of the majority of residents – that the Agora shopping centre needed to go in order for Wolverton Town Centre to thrive. Many people expressed concern about the unattractive and scruffy nature of the Town Centre, and there was a desire to see Wolverton attract the “right type of shops”. This was coupled with a strong feeling that the Town should not become ‘twee’, continuing to support a diverse range of shops and services.
Based upon the evidence of both consultations, the Steering Group made the decision in 2010 to concentrate effort and resources on the future regeneration of the Town Centre.
The Steering Group took a pro-active role during 2010 when the owners of the Agora went into administration and the building was put up for sale. Working closely with Milton Keynes Council and a local development company, efforts were made to pull together a bid to buy the building, but the price being asked was too great, and it was eventually sold to Leyland Holding Company, who continue to operate it as a shopping centre.
Early in 2011, the Government announced that they were looking for a number of local communities to pilot the new “Neighbourhood Planning” process, which formed a central part of their Localism agenda.
The Steering Group, working with Milton Keynes Council, made a decision to submit an application, focussed on Wolverton Town Centre, and in May 2011 were heard that our application had been successful.
Like many Town’s across the country, Wolverton has struggled over many years to retain its own independent shops in the face of stiff competition from Supermarkets and Internet shopping.
However, despite these difficulties, Wolverton has remained an important “District Centre” for neighbouring rural areas and the Milton Keynes estates nearby, and this important role continues to be enhanced by improvements to local infrastructure – such as the new Station, Health Centre and Swimming Pool - all of which are in construction.
E-car
Local residents will have the chance to try out the cars at the Future Energy Show on Saturday 16th March between 10am to 3pm in The Square, Wolverton” – i.e. remove the comment about discounts available up to the 31st October.
