The Story So Far...
Queen Street/Bear Street
The regeneration of this site is of major importance to the long-term future of Barnstaple and North Devon. It is one of a number of exciting regeneration projects that will see dramatic change and significant investment in the area.
In April 2007 the Executive of the Council will be asked to adopt a revised development brief for the site. This will include:
- New retail opportunities, including a new department store
- Preservation and enhancement of the listed frontages to Boutport and Bear Street
- ‘Public art’ to create a sense of place for both residents and visitors
- Increased pedestrian access and links to the town centre
- Improved accessibility and use of the current Bear Street shopping area
- New public toilets, leisure, community and residential units (including 25% affordable units)
- Sufficient car parking, including the possibility of rebuilding the multi-storey car park
- Innovative and sustainable design
The Council will also require that the development is sympathetic to the aims and aspirations of an emerging Cultural area, which centres on the Queen’s Theatre.
This is a really exciting project for Barnstaple. These plans will enhance the vitality and viability of the town by introducing new shops, housing and parking. It will really open up the town centre and create a more accessible, usable and attractive public space.
The project forms part of the North Devon Local Plan, a document which sets out where development projects can take place in the area. The Local Plan considers the social, economic and environmental impact of possible developments and has been the subject of wide public consultation to ensure that it is right for North Devon.
Following the recent selection of a contractor for the redevelopment of Queen Street and Bear Street, North Devon District Council has just sealed a two-year agreement with Wilson Bowden Development to plan the regeneration of the area.
The chosen developers submitted a portfolio of their ideas for Queen Street/Bear Street, based on a detailed development brief that was agreed by the Executive earlier this year. The national company was selected from over 100 expressions of interest.
As developers for the site they will be responsible for the design, construction and project management of this exciting regeneration scheme.
Wilson Bowden will be working closely with Councillors and Officers and consulting with the public to build up a detailed plan for the site.
Over the coming two years Wilson Bowden will finalise their designs for the area, including gaining planning consents, and work closely with the Council to agree the terms of purchasing the land and signing a development agreement.
Page updated March 2007
