We are committed to showcasing our proposals for the regeneration of the town centre as part of a series of public exhibitions as well as detailed meetings with stakeholder groups.

Over 6,500 people visited the public exhibition in March 2007 and we received 865 completed questionnaires from local residents and businesses. An overwhelming majority of respondents, 88%, were in favour of the proposals that were exhibited. We also received a large amount of constructive feedback outlining how we could improve our scheme further still.

We spent the summer updating our proposals to take account of these comments and suggestions. As a result, our new plans include a number of significant improvements that have been driven by the feedback we received from members of the public. These include:

• A number of buildings, including the new council offices and 'Discovery Centre', have been moved to make it easier for pedestrians to navigate their way through the town centre. The new layout will make the area feel more spacious and inviting, even at peak times.
• Cycling facilities have been enhanced, with improved routes between the town centre and the Old Town. A surface level crossing has also been added to connect the town centre with the national cycle route along Lytton Way. More comprehensive and secure cycle storage facilities will also be provided.
• A new multi-screen cinema and a south facing restaurant terrace will provide residents and shoppers with a wider choice of leisure facilities and help ensure that the area stays vibrant later in the evening.
• The sports facilities will be kept in their existing location near to the bus and train stations - in our earlier plans, we proposed moving sports facilities to the swimming pool site near St George's Way.
• A new pedestrian route has been introduced to ensure that shoppers can easily get from the Town Square to the Westgate Centre.
• The Mecca bingo hall has been moved to the ground floor level to help improve access, and is proposed to be next to the bus station and new car parking.
• The bridge to the train station will be refurbished so that it offers better weather protection.
• A direct and convenient route has been provided from the railway station to the heart of the town centre.
• The 'Joyride' sculpture and view point will be retained in its existing position.

These latest plans form the basis of the planning application that we have recently submitted to Stevenage Borough Council.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION

TUESDAY 4 - SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER 2007

Our proposals will be on display at an exhibition in the 'Edward the Confessor' pub (next to the bus station in Stevenage's Town Square) from Tuesday 4 until Saturday 8 December. The exhibition will be open daily from 10.00am until 4.00pm, except on Thursday 6 December when we will remain open until 8.00pm.

The Council will consider all written comments made by members of the public when deciding whether to approve the planning application, so it's your chance to have your say. Written feedback about the scheme can be sent to the Council by writing to Head of Planning and Regeneration, Stevenage Borough Council, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 1HN. Or written comments can be made online at: publicaccess.stevenage.gov.uk by clicking on the planning page.