The Vision Framework for Aylesbury represents the confident aims, ambitions and aspirations of both key stakeholders and the local community in creating a thriving and vibrant town centre by 2026.
The Vision is not a blueprint for development but rather a set of guiding principles for the creation of a progressive, cohesive heart to the town and has itself developed through a process of extensive consultation. The Vision breaks the projected town centre developments into six key inter-related components, blending functionality with high quality design while maintaining a local context.
The ‘Employment Campus’ will offer extensive new office space mixed with residential, retail and food outlets, all of which will combine to significantly create new job opportunities. Improved rail and transport services, including links to London & Milton Keynes will support Aylesbury’s growth as a dynamic commercial centre.
Great emphasis is being placed on improving and enhancing Aylesbury’s retail offer, to distinguish the town from local competition and attract investment. By 2008, over 300,000 ft2 of new retail space will be available, including a department store, major supermarket and a range of shop units.
In addition to new and refurbished retail areas, the distinctive Old Town will offer a unique shopping and leisure environment with specialist shops, galleries, cafes and bars.
Aylesbury already enjoys important and popular cultural and leisure assets including the museum, the Roald Dahl Festival and an Italian Market.
The Vision Framework proposes an active programme of cultural events, renewal of key outdoor spaces, traffic reduction, ‘public-art’ displays, tree planting and improved signage. These measures combined with the development of a revitalised evening economy centred on the Waterside area will help develop Aylesbury’s reputation as a cultural and leisure destination.
Major funding has already been secured for a range of public transport improvements that will provide improved transport integration, an upgraded bus station/transport ‘hub’, faster road & rail links to Milton Keynes and Oxford. In addition Aylesbury has been chosen as one of the UK’s cycling demonstration towns.
The Vision further proposes a regular fast train service to London, ’park & ride’ facilities and improved pedestrian and cycle connections into and around the town centre.
Aylesbury’s town centre residential population is being boosted through a series of integrated apartment developments. Future plans will include family housing and associated community services ensuring the development of mixed town centre balancing social and commercial activity and helping to ensure a vibrant and ‘living’ town centre throughout the day.
Aylesbury’s role as the County Town of Buckinghamshire is critical to its character, economy and sense of civic pride.
Both the County and District councils have extensive property holdings throughout the town and both organisations are actively reviewing their accommodation strategies creating opportunities to both consolidate their portfolios while helping the process of creating a new image for the town centre.
Aylesbury Town Centre - a confident vision