Former breakfast TV star asks people in Basingstoke to talk to him
Design guru Wayne Hemingway wants as many people as possible to help him shape the future of Basingstoke town centre
Last updated 18th Feb 2021
Former Big Breakfast TV personality turned urban designer Wayne Hemingway is calling on people who live, work or come from Basingstoke to get involved with a consultation about the future of the town centre.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has appointed a team of experts in looking at how places can be transformed, including Wayne's design company HemingwayDesign, to help develop an ambitious strategy for the town centre area.
High streets across the UK have experienced, and continue to experience, the effects of changes in shopping habits. Although Basingstoke town centre, including Festival Place and The Malls, has had success in attracting investment and new retailers in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that town centres across the country are facing significant challenges, such as a decline in footfall and shop closures.
The council wants residents, businesses, organisations and visitors to share their views of the town centre, their shopping habits and what they would like to see to improve the area in future years by taking part in an online survey at www.talkbasingstoketowncentre.co.uk
The study carried out by experts over the next six months will include comprehensive engagement with residents, businesses and other groups and a detailed analysis of the town’s requirements and aspirations to create a final vision and masterplan.
Wayne Hemingway MBE Co-founder of HemingwayDesign said:
“All of us know how town centres have been facing a multitude of challenges resulting from a change in our shopping habits and spending preferences. COVID-19 has accelerated this and progressive towns and cities are soul searching, and making plans and taking actions to ensure that they purposefully enter these changing times and positively embrace these societal shifts to become places that have something for all residents, businesses and visitors whether it be places to shop, socialise, enjoy leisure facilities, live and work.
“We urge all of you to have your say, after all it’s you who are driving these changes so tell us what you want from the future of your town centre, and what you want to do and see there. So hit this www.talkbasingstoketowncentre.co.uk please and empty your head - we promise we are listening!”
Wayne says it's "people power" that is influencing the changes we see in retail and work patterns currently, and he particularly wants younger people to take part as they'll be the people who will get the most out of the town centre in the decades to come.
Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Ken Rhatigan said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our lives and as we plan for the borough’s economic recovery, it is important that look at how we can ensure our town centre remains a top shopping and leisure destination that attracts people to the area.
“We have lots to be positive about and it will be important for us to build upon our key strengths, including heritage, our mix of retailers and strong arts and culture offer, while addressing issues such as connectivity, how we incorporate our town centre parks and sustainable travel.
“We cannot do this alone and I would encourage everyone to share their feedback as it will be important for us to understand how we can improve our offer to help shape our final strategy and ensure the town centre responds to changing customer expectations in the future.”
He adds: "Everybody can spend their money anywhere even sitting at their home on their computer. We need to give them a reason to give that comfortable way of shopping and interacting up and give them a reason to come into the town and make them feel like, 'yes' it's like a home from home."
The survey will be open until Friday 19 March at www.talkbasingstoketowncentre.co.uk