Council's Vision For Town Centre
Plans to make Bexleyheath more attractive to all ages in the evening are receiving
positive feedback, Councillors heard at Bexley's Public Cabinet meeting on
17 June.
The Council first agreed to develop a Bexleyheath 'NightVison' Strategy last
September after it became clear that the town centre was not reaching a wide
enough cross section of the public. Although the town centre's wealth of bars
and clubs caters well for the 18-30 age group, Bexleyheath does not offer enough
family friendly places or attractions for older residents during the late afternoon
and evening.
The aims of NightVision include:
- A better range of shops and more late night openings
- An improved public transport hub on the Broadway
- A more diverse range of bars, clubs and restaurants, especially those
that appeal to older people and families
- Later opening cafes and pavement cafes
Progress to date has seen the Civic Trust work with the Council in developing
the strategy and action plan. The Civic Trust hopes to use the work in Bexleyheath
to develop national good practice examples.
Despite strong and successful partnership work between the Council and Bexley
police to crack down on the irresponsible sale of alcohol and the problems
it causes, a TalkBack survey for residents has shown that many of those taking
part still worry about crime and disorder in the area. However, the reality
on the ground is now much improved compared to around five years ago.
The residents' survey also revealed that 70 per cent supported plans for more
family friendly venues in the town centre.
A leisure/business research report from CGA Strategy Ltd shows that the local
licensed trade is keen to help develop social life which is welcoming to all
ages. Improvements have already been reported since the opening of the Ivory
Lounge (formerly Rat & Parrot) last December, which has brought older local
residents back to the area. Other establishments have also reported an increase
in 25-45 year old professionals returning to the area in recent months.
Cllr John Waters, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, is firmly behind
plans to see the town centre grow as a magnet for all ages. He said: "Bexleyheath
town centre is at the heart of the borough and therefore the ideal location
to act as the centre of social life.
"We have many young people who enjoy Bexleyheath in the evenings, but
there is not much to attract families and older people. There is a need to
continue to attract people of all ages to the town centre after most of the
shops have closed and into the early evening, when at the moment it is too
quiet.
"We want to lay a foundation which will encourage everyone to come and
enjoy everything that the town centre has to offer, and most importantly, for
them to know that it is safe to do so."
The review and consultation stages will be completed over the next few months,
with the strategy and action plan scheduled for consideration by the Council's
Cabinet later this year.
