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Rushden's future vision is revealed
Turning Rushden's former flagship department store into a hotel is one of the proposals put forward for the future of the town.
More than 100 people went to Alfred Street School to listen to the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment's vision for the town, which included converting the former Peter Crisp department store into a hotel and building a bandstand by St Mary's church.
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Changes to the High Street would include removing kerbs to level out the streets and changing shop front signs.
Other suggestions include creating a memorial garden in the section of Alfred Street School which was bombed during the Second World War and using the rest of the building for a family quarter with a coffee shop and exhibition space.
The school's parking and the Newton Road recycling depot would be converted into town houses to generate more funding for development and the Splash pool site would become a town park with a building for civic facilities.
A new town square would be developed by the Wesleyan Church and a retail based site with pedestrian links to the High Street would be created near Wilkinsons, depending on discussions with the owner.
Proposals also include a two-way system to be introduced in Rectory Road and Duck Street. The vision would take from three to 10 years to be carried out and received mixed views.
Sandra Harper said: "What is wrong with people that they can't be positive? Look at the High Street. No-one is going to want to invest in it. At least if we take some of these suggestions people will want to invest."
The PFBE has been carrying out an in-depth look at the options for the regeneration of the town centre, using its Enquiry By Design public consultation process. From Wednesday to Friday, they consulted with residents and businesses with an interest in Rushden to work on a vision for the town centre. This was revealed to residents at the final presentation on Friday. A draft report on proposals will be drawn up this month.
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Weather for Kettering
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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