Media 2012 Press Releases

Future proofing Banbury town - 28/5/2012

WYG has been appointed by two councils to prepare a masterplan which will help future proof Banbury town for the next 20 years.

Working on behalf of Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council, the global multi-disciplinary consultant will develop a framework to ensure the town’s future role is clearly defined and has the full range of facilities, and a vibrant town centre to fulfil its ambitions and deliver further economic development.

Workshops with local Banbury businesses and residents will be held to identify the key issues for the future growth of the town before agreeing a concept masterplan, which will then be developed into a detailed masterplan for the key development sites.  A public consultation will be held in the autumn before the final masterplan is completed and adopted as a supplementary planning document (SPD) by Cherwell District Council.

Gordon Lewis, Director, WYG said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this important commission.  Our work will establish a framework to guide the development of the town and to address the issues raised through stakeholder consultation.  Each town is different and the masterplanners must address the concerns of local businesses and residents before agreeing a vision to revitalise the town, and a masterplan that sets a framework for further economic development.

“Banbury has some very special places and a rich history, which will need to be assessed as part of the masterplanning process.  We look forward to working with local businesses and interest groups to review and agree a blueprint to enhance Banbury and provide further jobs and economic activity.”

Adrian Colwell, Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy, Cherwell District Council said: “Cherwell District Council is looking forward to working with WYG to ensure that the various developments being considered in Banbury help deliver a successful future of the town.

“We know Banbury has real potential and WYG’s track record has shown both Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council that they are the right consultancy to identify the right steps to unlock this success.”

The appointment follows the company’s successful work on preparing the Bicester masterplan, which is due to be published at the end of May before public consultation later in the year.

It is anticipated the Banbury masterplan will be completed early next year.

Image caption: A city plan example