South Ribble Borough Council are working with Hemingway Design on an exciting new plan for Penwortham’s high streets – and they’re looking for the help of residents.

Wayne Hemingway MBE: “Our vision is of attractive and welcoming high streets with thriving independent businesses providing a vibrant mix of retail and leisure that’s perfect for the post-Covid world.

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Local residents and business owners will play a key role in the process – with a three-week public consultation set to begin with a special drop-in workshop event next Tuesday (10 August).

An online survey has also been launched, and all feedback will help the design team craft a bespoke plan for Penwortham’s high streets that will enable them to thrive in a post-pandemic world.

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Councillor Bill Evans, Cabinet member for Planning, Business Support and Regeneration at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We’re excited to be working with HemingwayDesign and GL Hearn on an innovative new vision for Penwortham which will make it an even better place to live and do business.

“So many of our local independent traders and suppliers have had an incredibly difficult 18 months, but the creation of this masterplan presents an opportunity to look forward and build a thriving local economy that brings benefits for the whole community.

“I would urge as many people as possible to share their views and help us set Penwortham up for a bright future.”

Wayne Hemingway MBE said: “The pandemic has led to significant changes in all aspects of our everyday lives. It’s broken old habits and created new ones – and while COVID won’t be here forever, the changes it has brought will be lasting.

“People are now spending much less time in the bigger town and city centres and turning instead to their local high street. For Penwortham and places like it, this is a real time of opportunity.

“The pandemic has also demonstrated how access to open spaces is vital to our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s important the places in which we all live adapt to meet these needs.

“Our aim is to develop a plan for Liverpool Road, Kingsfold and Middleforth that responds positively and takes advantage of these societal shifts, by building on Penwortham’s existing character and ensuring it evolves to deliver more of the experiences that people now want.

“Our vision is of attractive and welcoming high streets with thriving independent businesses providing a vibrant mix of retail and leisure that’s perfect for the post-Covid world.

“We’re inviting all members of the local community to have their say and help us create an exciting and sustainable future for Penwortham.”

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Residents and business owners alike are invited to share their views at Tuesday’s drop-in workshop, which will be held at Priory Lane Community Centre between 1pm-6pm. Members of the design team will be on hand to talk people through the early concepts for the area and take on board any comments.

Locals can also complete the online survey or pick up a feedback form from one of a range of local shops displaying a consultation poster in their window.

The development of the masterplan follows the completion in 2019 of a major new by-pass intended to reduce through traffic on Liverpool Road, boosting its appeal as a shopping and leisure destination.

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