Statement about Cheltenham town centre

Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to raising the standard of the quality of the town centre and has consistently lobbied Gloucestershire County Council to support this. Cheltenham has a vibrant centre and through the work we have been undertaking in line with our Vacant Units Action Plan, Cheltenham remains a town that investors want to be part of. Key parts of the town centre, including the High Street, the Strand, Cambray and the Promenade are designated highways and as such fall under the responsibility and decision making of the county council. 

Cllr Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for waste, recycling and public realm said:  “We recognise the many functions that areas such as the Promenade need to play in our town, and have been lobbying Gloucestershire County Council to ensure that the multi-functional use is maintained so that markets, events and wider activities can continue. We do accept that to do this, there are challenges and conflicts but it is important that we maintain and where possible, raise the bar in respect of quality. Public realm interventions, such as the quality of paving, can support local economic growth by attracting new businesses and visitors to an area. Cheltenham is proud of its brand as The Festival Town and the value of our retail and hospitality sectors which are the backbone of the town centre economy.

‘’After lobbying the county council, CBC was invited to a meeting on 4 March alongside Cheltenham BID and the Cheltenham Civic Society. At this meeting a plan of works was unveiled. Having not seen this plan previously, we offered high level reflections on the detail. It was a shame the Civic Society did not attend the meeting to voice their concerns and take part in this discussion. Gloucestershire County Council are not required to consult with us, the BID or the Civic Society – but we welcome the engagement so we could push for improvements and raise any concerns, especially as we try to work more collaboratively between councils.”