Gedling Borough Council is talking with the East Midlands mayoral authority and the Government to help it realise “impressive” plans to revitalise Arnold town centre.
The masterplan, called ‘Ambition Arnold’, outlines the potential for a new public square with better bus stops, green space and seating, an improved Arnold Leisure Centre, expanded Bonington Theatre, and more town centre homes.
Under the plan this area would become Arnold’s ‘cultural heart’, while Front Street could be transformed with more greenery, lighting, art, improved shop fronts, and children’s play features, to give it a better sense of identity.
Further afield the masterplan outlines ideas to improve pedestrian and cycle connections between Eagle Square and Arnot Hill Park.
A consultation, held in the summer this year, received responses from more than 650 residents and stakeholders.
It found 92 per cent of respondents felt the town was “tired” and in need of investment.
The masterplan was approved by the Labour-led council’s cabinet members on Thursday (December 12).
During the meeting Cllr David Ellis (Lab), who represents the Ernehale ward, said: “One of the things that is worth stressing, because we get criticism about spending money in Arnold, is how important Arnold is as a town centre for the borough as a whole. It is not a borough in two halves, it is a borough that works together.
“On the consultation it is pleasing the general response is the direction of travel is the right [thing], and the way we are looking to go is echoed by the residents.
“It is important is doesn’t just sit on the shelf now. The easy question is; what next?”
The council’s assistant director for housing, growth and regeneration, Tanya Najuk, said the authority had already acquired property in the town as part of the regeneration plans.
These properties include the vacant Arnold Working Men’s Club and shops at 135 to 141 Front Street.
The authority is also talking with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), led by Labour mayor Claire Ward, and the Labour Government, to secure funding to realise the masterplan.
Ms Najuk said: “The council has made the bold decision to acquire property as part of the land assembly strategy to look at how we can improve Arnold town centre to the north, where the feedback has highlighted particular issues in terms of that area suffering from neglect.
“We are busy working on those plans, talking to the mayoral authority in terms of what our ambitions are, talking to the Government to identify funds, but also through other funding mechanisms through the council as well.
“It is very much a living document that gives us the basis to make the argument that we’ve got a case, it is proven, it has support, therefore we have got a strong case to make for funding.”
The council has already invested £200,000 from its budget, on top of an additional £150,000 in ‘One Public Estate Programme funding, to support the Ambition Arnold project.
Consultants Willmott Dixon has been working with the council on drawing up the masterplan.
Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth (Lab), the deputy leader and portfolio holder for sustainable growth and economy, added: “David is absolutely right about the importance of Arnold town centre. It is our only town centre in the borough, but clearly shopping trends have changed, so we need to be looking at how we accommodate that.
“The public engagement has been really encouraging. The responses have been by and large very positive.”
Yeah well do it without stealing Carlton’s money.Played a scam by naming it Greater Carlton so as you can steal it. Arnold Arnold Arnold, like a busted record. Arnold got heaps of Christmas lights everywhere…Carlton Sq? Token jesture with a poorly shaped tree and 2, yes you read it right 2 lampost lights and they left one of them not working. GBC you make me sick with your bias, prejudice and favouritism towards Arnold. The stench of it permeates everywhere.