Urban Renewal Workshop: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in Axminster
Workshop focuses on key themes of traffic, transport, accessibility, employment, and economy in Axminster. It highlights challenges such as traffic congestion and limited job opportunities, while proposing responses like promoting active travel, creating flexible workspaces, and revitalizing the town center.
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Presentation Transcript
HJA logo new 2015 RGB.jpg Urban Renewal in Axminster Workshop 2: Themes and Project Ideas 27 July 2022
Context Context Growing, but older, population Falling number of jobs in Axminster Axe Valley LUF2 bid being submitted- includes proposals for development of Cloakham Lawns Work undertaken on Neighbourhood Plan: in draft Natural England phosphate issue constraining new development
Themes Themes Traffic, transport, and accessibility Employment and economy Opportunities for young people Town centre environment and vitality Housing affordability
Traffic, transport, and accessibility Traffic, transport, and accessibility Challenges and opportunities Potential responses Significant traffic congestion Bus stops in centre of town cause blockage Relief road unlikely to be delivered Rail access is good Rail station is a strategic asset for Exeter and tourism etc, although is not adjacent to town centre Good bus service to Seaton and Lyme Regis Move bus stops and town centre memorial to improve traffic flow Introduce a one-way system in the town centre Pedestrianisation of some parts of the town centre Develop a transport interchange at the rail station (better marketing and increase knowledge of this) Encourage and enable active travel i.e. walking and cycling within Axminster and to other places Link to Seaton: Stop Line Way Eco-transport solutions: e-bikes, scooters Axminster as service centre for Seaton and Lyme Regis (Axe Valley) Long-term: delivery of relief road
Employment and economy Employment and economy Challenges and opportunities Potential responses Strong industrial and manufacturing history Strong demand for industrial units Few high-skilled jobs available Lack of workers to fill entry level jobs Decline in retail employment Opportunities for much greater online activity by local businesses Restructuring the retail environment following the closure of Trinity House Store. Mixed-use development at Webster s Garage site Flexible workspace at Cloakham (LUF Bid) Grants to encourage new retailers to set up in town centre Grants to support new businesses in the town Support and encourage people to train Flexible workspaces/premises workshops and offices Business support services, including support for greater online activity
Opportunities for young people Opportunities for young people Challenges and opportunities Potential responses Need to travel elsewhere for FE and HE Need more employment opportunities for young people Encourage employers to deliver apprenticeships Delivery of remote training in Axminster
Town centre environment and vitality Town centre environment and vitality Challenges and opportunities Potential responses Significant traffic and congestion affecting quality of town centre environment Retail offer declining Vacant units getting shabby, making town less attractive Town centre footfall inconsistent throughout the week, with low levels at the weekend Historic and complex ownerships and rights of the market area. Potential for a new library Potential for mixed-use development at Webster s Garage site Grants to encourage new retailers to set up in town centre Grants for shop-front improvements Support for outside shelters for hospitality businesses Events and markets to draw visitors into the town
Housing affordability Housing affordability Challenges and opportunities Potential responses Housing unaffordable, particularly for young people Lack of working-age people Investigate potential for affordable housing for local residents
