A number of proposals to improve Arnold town centre have been put forward in a ‘town centre vision’ – and residents are being urged to share their views on the ideas put forward.
Gedling Borough Council launched the Ambition Arnold consultation earlier today (8) and shared the vision which they hope could transform the area and place them in a better position to attract investment to improve the town centre.
The council has been awarded £150,000 from the One Public Estate (OPE) programme to support the feasibility studies to see how the Arnold Town Centre could be improved. The money is being used alongside a further £200,000 from existing budgets and will pay for a business plan, surveys, and design works that will bring to life the vision.
Ambition Arnold aims to address key challenges and lay out the groundwork for securing external funding after two unsuccessful attempts to bid for Central Government Levelling Up funding for the area.
Gedling Borough Council is working with consultants Willmott Dixon who have worked on similar projects to create the vision that will focus on economic viability, deliverability, and future sustainability.
The new proposals targets issues such as creating attractions to draw people into the town, dilapidated buildings, voids, and public realm improvements and will plan for investment across all areas of the town centre.
The vision prioritises accessibility, inclusion, and community pride, aligning with the council’s vision for a vibrant town centre.
In line with the council’s commitment to Net Zero by 2030, the proposal also focuses on green spaces, cycling routes, public transport enhancements, and EV charging facilities.
Residents, businesses and local communities will now be encouraged to review the detailed vision, emphasising the critical role it plays in coordinated development and the positive impact the vision could have on Arnold’s future.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “We are taking a decisive step forward in our commitment to revitalising our town and realising our Ambition Arnold plans. By creating a vision, we are demonstrating a prudent and forward-thinking approach to town centre regeneration.
“This plan not only addresses our immediate challenges but also sets the stage for securing much-needed funding after our previous attempts were unsuccessful.
“It aligns with our commitment to be Net Zero by 2030, as it focuses on creating more green spaces, cycling routes, public transport, and EV charging facilities.
“We’ve invested in the town centre with the creation of the AMP, which is now filled with new businesses and has been an incredible success thanks to the hard work and dedication of this council to improve the borough.
“The consultation is now open and we want the local residents, businesses and communities to have their say on this plan and we are confident that this proposal will pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable future for Arnold.”
The consultation is now live and people can have their say by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/ambition-arnold and there will also be a chance for people to view the vision in person at pop up sessions being hosted at Arnold Library on Wednesday July 24 and 31st from 1pm – 6pm.
Residents who take part in the consultation will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £50. Full terms and conditions are on the website.
yes yes yes finally what our town needs and will become a juwel in the crown for the area it is our capital and our london and needs all the money the council can afford to keep the shops and tourists happy that come to our town this is an amazing day for our town and a happy day
More money for Arnold. What about all our other towns and villages – are there visions for them? Don’t hold your breath. All the other places will just be left to rot while the money pit that is Arnold sucks up all the funds available – and what ever gets better? It’s still a haven for drugs, knife crime and ASB. You can’t fix that place so why not try and focus on somewhere else.
Hurrah for Arnold
Gedling is bigger than just Arnold you know! There high streets and villages crying out for investment but they just pump more and more money into the same area. I mean how many times can one place be redeveloped?
Arnold got the Amp, which is housing new businesses, meanwhile a number of shops on the high road are empty. It defies logic. The market, which had been revamped, was moved to make way for the Amp. It seems like money is being spent for the sake of it instead of investing on existing buildings.