20 Year Vision for Fleet Town Centre – Council Needs Public Input

HART Council today announced a two day exhibition in December over its vision for Fleet town centre and called upon the townspeople of Fleet to help with their ideas on what should happen there over the next 20 years.

Hart says that across the country the future of traditional high streets is coming under threat as  the facilities they provide struggle to meet changes.

The Council statement says: “Empty shop and office space is a clear sign that all is not well.”

It adds that while the country’s present economic difficulties have made matters considerably worse there were earlier signs that the Internet, out of town shopping and easy access to nearby towns were already affecting the vitality of town centres such as Fleet.

“In short a new role for a town centre is required –one that fits more closely with the needs of users.”

Cllr Richard Appleton, who is spearheading the Council’s work in planning for the future, says: “Recent studies have shown that the most successful town centres are those where the public, private and voluntary sectors work in partnership to generate the confidence needed to attract investment.

“For this partnership it is vital that we have your views so that the 20 year Vision will be one which is owned and reflects the needs of the people and businesses in the town and that will promote Fleet as a place to shop and do business.”

To help promote public involvement Hart is now able to put forward some ideas for discussion. These are not meant to limit debate but are intended to show that Fleet has real opportunities to improve and become one of the successes of the next 20 years. Much depends on local support.

Exhibition

An exhibition will be held on Friday December 4 (2-7pm) and Saturday December 5 (10am-4pm) in an empty shop in Fleet High Street where people will be able to study the ideas in more detail and give their views. Details will be made available on the Council’s web site and through the local press to ensure the widest possible debate.

The aim is to use the views to shape the Vision’s first draft to be published for further comment in the Spring.

Says Hart Corporate Director Viv Evans: “This is a major opportunity for people to have their say and Hart District Council has joined with Hampshire County Council to ensure that the ideas being discussed are as comprehensive as possible.”