Introduction

Derby City Council recognises the need to strengthen the vitality of Derby’s district centres to ensure that they remain competitive and continue to attract retailers and shoppers to local facilities.

This is highlighted in the Alvaston area, where the district centre has remained untouched for many years, resulting in a decline in its physical appearance. Alvaston District Centre needs major refurbishment to improve its vitality and appearance and to maintain its competitiveness in the local area.

An analysis and appraisal of the centre has been completed and recommendations were made for:
· Improving the vitality of the local shopping area
· improving accessibility for pedestrians
· improving accessibility for cyclists
· improving accessibility for bus users
· improving the safety and, security of shoppers, traders and residents.

Following extensive consultation, plans have been drawn up that tackled the main issues identified by traders and shoppers, including:
· Fear of crime
· parking problems
· the overall appearance of the Centre
· access to and from the Centre.

The proposals for the centre fall into two categories:
Transport and accessibility improvements
Urban design improvements

Scheme Delivery

The improvements will be delivered in phases, to:
· maintain access to shops and businesses
· minimise disruption to shoppers and those travelling through the Centre
· retain some parking whilst works are taking place.

Times that work can be done on the A5111 – London Road, running through the Centre - will be restricted during the day and will stop over the Christmas period.

Phase One

Phase Two

Phase Three

Cost

Until detailed designs are completed, it’s difficult to accurately cost this work. It’s anticipated that the scheme will cost in the region of £4 million and should be completed by April 2011.

Funding

The project will be predominately funded from Derby City Council’s Local Transport Plan, Additional funding streams are being investigated, including the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Derby City Council’s Public Realm Strategy and Sustrans.

Contacts

Councillor Lucy Care
Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation
lucy.care@derby.gov.uk

Matthew Deakin
Senior Technician – Local Accessibility
matthew.deakin@derby.gov.uk 01332 716064