Shotton residents invited to shape future town centre improvements

Flintshire County Council has launched a public consultation, inviting Shotton residents to provide feedback on a draft ‘Place Making’ Plan for the town.

The digital survey gives locals the opportunity to weigh in on key priorities and proposed actions aimed at improving Shotton’s town centre.

Initial public engagement began in 2023 as part of a broader 18-month programme to develop Place Making Plans for seven town centres in Flintshire.

The council’s Regeneration team led early consultations to gather insights from residents on their perceptions of Shotton.

Following over 1,100 responses across online and in-person formats, a draft plan has been developed based on both research and public opinion.

Now, the draft Place Making Plan has reached its final stage, with Flintshire County Council encouraging residents to review and comment on the document before it is considered for adoption.

The online survey, running from 28th October to 15th November 2024, allows local people to see the draft priorities identified for the town, along with proposed steps for implementation.

The Place Making Plan initiative is part of a larger Welsh Government strategy, which has asked all councils in Wales to develop such plans to qualify for future government funding aimed at supporting town centre regeneration.

Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy, spoke about the importance of the plan for Shotton and other local towns.

“As with a lot of towns across the country, Flintshire’s high streets have changed considerably over recent years due to changes in shopping habits and the Covid-19 pandemic,” he explained. “It is important that we continue with the development of Place Making Plans for towns across Flintshire as they are key to attracting future investment projects which will bring positive impacts to local people and our local economy.”

These Place Making Plans aim to shape a clear vision for each town, pinpointing priorities to enhance vibrancy and appeal while addressing the needs of residents, workers, and visitors.

According to the council, these collaborative efforts create new opportunities for stakeholders to jointly deliver meaningful changes across the county’s town centres.

The survey’s findings will help Flintshire Council determine public support for the plan’s priorities and approach, ultimately guiding the final version of the Place Making Plan.

Residents and those who work in or near Shotton are encouraged to participate in the online consultation, helping to ensure that the plan reflects the community’s aspirations for the town’s future.

Sur ey can be found here: https://www.givemyview.com/placemakinginflintshire/surveys/66f50cfc3cb41fc2776c7123