Queen Street/Bear Street
The regeneration of this site is of major importance to the long-term future of Barnstaple and North Devon.
Too many people take shopping trips to Exeter, Plymouth and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol taking much needed money out of the local economy to places outside of North Devon. Barnstaple needs to grow in order to compete with these larger shopping centres and stop the leakage of shoppers to other towns and cities.
The regeneration of this site is of major importance to the long-term future of Barnstaple and North Devon.
Too many people take shopping trips to Exeter, Plymouth and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol taking much needed money out of the local economy to places outside of North Devon. Barnstaple needs to grow in order to compete with these larger shopping centres and stop the leakage of shoppers to other towns and cities.
In February 2006 the Executive of the council agreed a shopping list of details that should be considered in the redevelopment of Queen Street and Bear Street. This includes:
- new retail opportunities, including a new department store
- preservation and enhancement of the listed frontages to Boutport and Bear Streets
- ‘public art’ to create a sense of place for both residents and visitors
- increased pedestrian access and links to the town centre
- improved accessibility and use of the current Bear Street shopping area
- new public toilets, leisure, community and residential units (including 25% affordable units)
- sufficient car parking, including the possibility of rebuilding the multi-storey car park
- innovative and sustainable design
A development brief (blueprint of plans for the area) was adopted for Queen Street/Bear Street in April 2007.
The council will also require that the development is sympathetic to the aims and aspirations of an emerging cultural area, which centres on the Queen’s theatre.
Public exhibition
The council has selected developers Wilson Bowden
to oversee the redevelopment of this key area. At the end of June, Wilson Bowden held a public exhibition in the Pannier Market to gain local people's views. The plans, 3D model, leaflets and survey forms are available in the Civic Centre reception until the end of July for anyone who couldn't make the Pannier Market event.Other useful information
The other projects
- Anchorwood Bank
- Cattle market
- Cultural cluster
- Forches regeneration project
- Rock Park
- Seven Brethren
- The Square/Strand
