Council seeking residents’ views on future of Central 6 plans

The phrase Central 6 will evoke unpleasant memories for many of the highly controversial low-traffic neighbourhoods scheme, which saw roads closed off to vehicles using planters.

Such was its unpopularity, Warrington Borough Council bowed to public pressure following protests and scrapped its Central 6 Streets Plan.

Now, the council is seeking views on buildings and spaces for Central 6 wards, with an initial focus on Fairfield, Howley, Latchford East and Latchford West

It says it is currently developing a design code, helping to ‘shape places and guide the development of new homes and better public spaces, all while enhancing local character’.

In order to develop a plan that meets the residents’ needs, the council says it is ‘crucial that residents are central to the plans’.

As a result, University of Sheffield students studying for their master’s degrees in architecture will be delivering a range of drop-in community engagement events and workshops.

The first is this Wednesday, October 23, from 2pm to 3.30pm at Westy Community Centre, with another the following day, Thursday, October 24, from 6pm to 7.30pm at St James’ Church on Wilderspool Causeway.

Supported by council planning officers, the events will give residents the opportunity to share what different places mean to them, what is important and what could be improved.

Under the themes of sense of place, use of space, natural space and safety, people will be asked to map out their area and contribute their thoughts about a range of issues.

These include what buildings and spaces they identify with, where they most visit and why, how well local space is used, their favourite green spaces how safe they feel in the area.

The workshops will help the council understand how people currently perceive the area, which in turn will help shape the design code for the area.

The Central 6 Streets Plan was hugely unpopular

As part of community engagement work, students are also setting up community ‘pop-up shops’, with a range of materials available for people to interact with, including posters, discussion boards, maps and post-it note exercises.

The pop-up shops will be running all day at Pavilion Tea Rooms in St Elphin’s Park and Community Shop Bewsey from Wednesday, October 23, to Wednesday, October 30.

Students will also be engaging with schools and faith groups, with all the views and feedback collated to feed into the final design code for the area.

In addition, they are running a photography showcase, where people can send in photos of what is important to them in the wards of Fairfield, Howley and East and West Latchford.

If you would like to take part, you can submit images via direct message on Instagram @warringtondesigncode and on Facebook, or with #warringtondesigncode

As well as the community engagement events, a survey has been set up at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3I0hQX3UfHKdYWC83jywy5KpatUBYGe75PIFaDWua3uaGBw/viewform?pli=1

This gives people the opportunity to share their views on the places, spaces and character of the Central 6 area and what is important to them. It is open until Friday, November 1.

Cllr John Kerr-Brown, the council’s cabinet member for planning policy and development, said: “We are developing a design code for Central 6, and we want to hear from you.

“Join us at one of our community workshops, visit a pop-up shop or take part in our survey to share your vision for the future of the area.

“Your input will help us create a design code that reflects the unique character and needs of our community.

“Whether you are passionate about preserving historic buildings, enhancing green spaces and facilities, or improving safety, your voice matters.

“Let's work together to build a better future for everyone.”