FIFTEEN transformational projects which should shape Hereford’s future as a high-skilled, fairer, greener city have taken a major step forward, the group behind the plans has said.
Full business cases have been submitted to the government for the #StrongerHereford group's plans to give Hereford a revamp worth more than £22.4 million.
The Government has already said Hereford is one of the Town's Fund successful applicants, but wanted more detailed plans before handing over the cash.
They include a new, more social, more active vision for the riverside, and across town, plans for a sporting hub with a new cycle track to go alongside the skatepark, which itself will receive funding to bring its facilities in line with the best parks in the UK.
RELATED NEWS:
- Rooftop garden idea for iconic Hereford building a step closer
- How £22 million Government funding will be spent in Hereford
- First glimpse of new-look Maylords and library, Hereford
Education hubs will help local people develop skills for fast-growing industries like game design and engineering, and investment in cultural venues will drive tourism and provide communities with more flexible, inclusive, inspirational spaces.
Once the business cases are approved by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, hoped to be by early Autumn, the full programme can proceed.
Castle Green Pavilion's revamp is also going to be made possible with the government funding
Among the projects set to transform life in the city is a scheme to increase activity and watersports in and around the river.
Public pontoons and other equipment will allow greater access to the river for watersports and events, while pop-up power points and an extended riverside cycle network will improve the infrastructure around one of the city’s greatest natural assets.
In a separate scheme, another riverside attraction will be redeveloped by the community group Friends of Castle Green. The historic pavilion will be given a sensitive redesign to allow it to become an accessible local hub.
As well as providing a modern headquarters for the Canoe Club, the new-look pavilion will provide social spaces for the public, and the facilities required for more large-scale community events on the historic Castle Green.
OTHER NEWS:
- Herefordshire town supports families whose homes were destroyed by fire
- Hereford Medical Group brings back face masks during 'further wave of Covid'
- Hereford is one of the worst places for fatbergs with hundreds of sewers blocked
Chair of #StrongerHereford and Hereford College of Arts Principal Abigail Appleton said: “Hereford’s Town Investment Plan is distinctive for the range and ambition of our projects, many of which have been developed by small organisations.
“The submission of all 15 full business cases bang on time is testament to the determination fuelling this collaboration of community groups, volunteers from all walks of life, charity, business, city and county council, to transform Hereford.
“This is an important milestone in our journey together and on behalf of the #StrongerHereford Board I’d like to say thank you to everyone supporting these projects to get this far.”
Artwork on the Station Approach student accomodation is part of the plan. Picture: Oliver Cameron-Swan
Herefordshire Council previously signed off on up to £8 million to redevelop the current library building into a truly contemporary museum and art gallery, along with a roof garden that will provide biodiversity and panoramic views across the city’s cultural quarter.
Another project developed through #StrongerHereford, the new ultra-energy efficient redesign is projected to attract £2.5 million to the local economy each year, and become a world-class cultural venue capable of hosting internationally-renowned art shows, and historic treasures like the Herefordshire Hoard.
OTHER NEWS:
- Bid to turn Herefordshire town's hotel into flats
- Experts think they know how to make this dangerous Herefordshire junction safer
- Herefordshire MP urges town to rally round fire victims
As part of plans, the library will be relocated and reimagined in a new home at Maylord Orchard as a welcoming, vibrant, modern library that will bring new life and new people to the shopping centre.
This will be supported by an additional capital grant of £500,000, also signed off this week by the council’s cabinet, and will go ahead along with the other projects, subject to central government approval.
There will be more information and images available on specific projects over the next few months, as individual organisations continue to refine and develop their plans.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel