By james art At a time of change in the way cities are used, including changes in shopping habits, leisure activities and transport; the council wants everyone who lives, works or studies in or visits Durham City to share their thoughts on its strengths, opportunities, challenges, areas for improvement and their hopes for its future.
The authority wants to play its part in ensuring that the city will be in the best position to respond to these changes. By creating a shared vision that everyone can rally behind, the idea is that Durham can look to the future as a thriving city that people want to live in, visit and enjoy; and a place where business can thrive.
Consultation
Once the consultation is complete, the council will use the results to develop the vision which will then guide the creation of spatial, economic and action plans tailored to the needs of Durham City.
This approach follows the authority’s new Strategic Place Plan (SPP) model, a new way of ensuring the success of towns and communities across the county.
The SPPs are being delivered by the council as part of its inclusive economic strategy and involve working with communities to develop their own visions, reflecting local priorities such as those that will be identified in the new vision for Durham.
The town is the second SPP to come out after the one for Spennymoor and will eventually have a plan for every town in the county.
Vision
The SPP for Durham will – like the vision – be subject to consultation, again with a view to considering responses and possible changes before adoption.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Partnerships, said: “The nature of cities and what people want from them has changed. We need to look at a modern 21st century proposition for Durham and we need the public’s help in creating this new vision for the city.
“We want to create a modern offer that draws people into the city, while preserving Durham’s unique charm and important heritage. But that plan must be shaped by the priorities of businesses and Durham residents and Durham visitors. We are keen to have feedback from people so we can positively shape the future of the city.”
General plans
Spennymoor was prioritized for the SPP after receiving £20m from the Government’s £1.1bn Towns Long Term Plan Fund in October last year.
The council has now established a Spennymoor Town Council and is consulting the public to find out more about their views on the town and decide on areas for improvement.
The SPPs succeed the authority’s master plans introduced in 2009 to guide funding and investment.
Over the past five years, the council’s town masterplans have helped it secure £108m of national funding for the county and attract millions more in private sector investment and shaped the delivery of the authority’s £25m Towns and Villages programme.
As part of the consultation on the vision, the council published a map showing the boundary of Durham city center and “some of the areas associated with the city center which will have an impact on the vision”.
These eight “places of influence” are:
- Ackley Heads
- DLI Museum, Aykley Heads
- The Story of Mount Oswald
- Howlands Park and Ride
- Sniperley Park and Ride
- Belmont Park and Ride
- Hauhol
- University Hospital of North Durham
The consultation on the vision for Durham continues until 5pm on Monday 25 November. To learn more and have your say, visit: Help shape the future of Durham City – Durham County Council