A masterplan that will underpin the transformation of Middleton town centre has been officially adopted - but it could still see some big changes.The ambitious strategy which aims to make it a ‘beautiful and exciting place’ was voted through at a sometimes fiery township meeting at the Arena.
Key proposals include the creation of a public square with cafe seating, improved walking and cycling links and the regeneration of brownfield sites such as historic Warwick Mill. Town hall bosses said a public consultation produced a largely favourable response - with respondents particularly enthusiastic about pedestrianising parts of Market Place and showcasing the town’s heritage.
But residents raised serious concerns over proposals to change the road layout - including pedestrianising Market Place and diverting traffic along Old Hall Street - fearing it could lead to ‘gridlock’, worsen parking problems and hit existing businesses. There were also worries it could create ‘two town centres’ - with the area around Market Place and the arena competing with Middleton Gardens.
READ MORE: Councillors battle it out to become Labour MP candidate for key 'red wall' constituency
However - despite sometimes heated exchanges - the principle of a masterplan to drive the town forward was unanimously agreed by Labour and Middleton Independents Party (MIP) councillors.
Council leader Neil Emmott said the blueprint was not ‘set in stone’ and the views expressed on the evening should form part of the consultation. The West Middleton councillor noted that concerns over proposals to reroute traffic from Market Place along Old Hall Street had been raised a number of times.
