Basingstoke council's plans to revitalise Top of Town

As previously reported, the council is planning to encourage a vibrant cafe culture with a focus on improving the public realm.

This is expected to allow more flexibility for outdoor seating, which local business owners believe will enhance the area's appeal.

Alongside this, the council is hoping to introduce year-round decorative lighting, drawing inspiration from the success of seasonal events like the Christmas lights and the 'Let’s Glow' event during February half-term.

READ MORE: Council reveals plans to transform Basingstoke's Top of Town

The inaugural meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's new environment and infrastructure committee (Image: Newsquest)

The town centre strategy was revealed as an update during the inaugural meeting of the council's new environment and infrastructure committee on Thursday, September 5.

The council's focus on the Top of Town is part of a broader commitment to invest in the town centre.

Although it owns only 14 units in the Top of Town, the council has identified it as a priority for regeneration, along with seven other key areas in the town centre.

Speaking at the meeting, cabinet member for major projects and regeneration, Cllr Onnalee Cubitt, called for a coordinated strategy that moves beyond past plans and glossy consultant reports.

“The main focus of work has been to stimulate improvements for the Top of the Town and support local businesses, however we need a coordinated strategy which needs to genuinely add up and not entail selling sites to the highest bidders," she said.

“Over many years there have been many strategies developed for the town centre and the Top of Town in particular. We have seen progress on Basing View, but there is a lot to do.

“We want an action-orientated approach to the town centre. No more glossy consultants’ reports, but a focus on what can be done to improve the Top of Town and create a sense of momentum. We can see new lets and business opening, and our high street compares favourably against other towns, but that is not enough for us – we welcome the investment, but we are ambitious and never complacent. However, we only own 14 units at the Top of the Town, realistically we can only help with the public realm at this stage.

“Our proposed focus moving forward is to implement the exciting masterplan ensuring that The Haymarket and The Anvil are anchors at the heart of major redevelopment.

“We have a clear vision; a can-do approach and we welcome investment.”

The council also plans to diversify the market offer with more local produce and will introduce a grants scheme at the end of September to stimulate further business investment.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy that includes both short-term deliverables and long-term planning.

SEE MORE: McDonald's withdraws application for 24/7 opening hours

The council is planning to encourage a vibrant cafe culture with a focus on improving the public realm

During the meeting, council officers provided updates on a range of ongoing and completed projects, including jet spraying, gum removal from pavements, planting in front of the railway station, and the painting of new murals.

Cllr Laura James, cabinet member for residents’ services and housing, also spoke at the meeting and updated the council's focus on improving the fabric of the town centre.

"We are focusing on reducing the liability of street furniture, creating a cafe culture, giving business grants, and introducing a colour palette throughout the town centre," she said.