Introduction
Welcome to the first in a series of blogs about the Harworth and Bircotes Masterplan. I hope these will help to explain some of the visions and ideas we have for the Town Centre and provide a few more details about Masterplan itself.
First up, the Harworth and Bircotes Town Centre Masterplan provides a vision and investment framework for the future of the area. It also sets the scene for the development of key sites that are included in the Council’s Local Plan.
Funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and a result of partnership working between Harworth and Bircotes Town Council and Bassetlaw District Council, the Masterplan is at an early stage of development. What you are beginning to see are the initial concepts, and the views of residents are an important part of the development of any further ideas.
Over the last three months I have made several trips to Harworth and Bircotes and have spent some time getting to know the Town Centre and surroundings, which is experiencing high levels of growth.
There are several high-quality shops and cafes along Scrooby Road and the new Market Square has provided a new attraction and a new confident image for the local area. The presence of the natural world is an important characteristic that presents an opportunity for a healthy and green future. There are local wildlife sites close to the Town Centre and great connections to the countryside that can be improved.
Thinking about these assets has helped to develop the five key concepts that the current consultation is talking about. Each concept is intended to be a framework for thinking that will involve a series of projects to deliver the vision. It is important that we hear the views of as many people as possible to make sure that the ideas are a good fit with the area, identify further opportunities to make the Town Centre a great place to live, and ensure it has an attractive offer for visitors who use the shops, services, and leisure facilities.
In the coming weeks this blog will describe further some of the detail behind the thinking and some of the ideas that people are sharing with us through the current consultation. We are keen to hear your ideas, and hope that you will work with us to plan for the Future of Harworth and Bircotes.
Early Twentieth Century buildings – Scrooby Road
About Timothy Crawshaw
Timothy David Crawshaw MA MRTPI FRSA is an International Planning and Development Consultant in the areas of urban design, planning, green infrastructure, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.
With experience in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, alongside an expanding UK practice, he has a specific interest in the role of the nature based approaches to addressing the climate emergency, alongside improving health and wellbeing outcomes and tackling inequality.
Timothy is an experienced lecturer, trainer and facilitator with a passion for community development, and he continues to champion the role of planning as a key part of the solution to the challenges of our times. Timothy is currently the Chair of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership and is the Vice President of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Last Updated on Monday, October 17, 2022