Ambitious masterplan unveiled to breathe new life back into Bideford

An ambitious masterplan has been unveiled to revive the fortunes of Bideford, boost the economy, promote jobs and attract more visitors to the town.

Bideford Regeneration Board has launched its vision for the town as part of its five year Bideford Regeneration Strategy which aims to improve housing, employment, business opportunities, bring neglected areas back to life and promote the arts.

The board unveiled its plans at a launch event yesterday (Thursday, March 26) alongside its partners Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, Bideford Bridge Trust, The Burton at Bideford and TTVS.

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The blueprint of the vision is based on ‘the five pillars’ driving Bideford’s regeneration and contains an ambitious list of projects the board feels will breathe new life into the town.

These include a watersports centre, transforming the Pannier Market complex, a ‘Creatives Quarter’, bringing vacant buildings back into use and looking at improving road crossings un the town.

The board has issued an appeal for people to get involved to help make the vision a reality.

Above: Bideford’s waterfront should be the ‘jewel in its crown’ and forms a major part of the new masterplan. Credit: TDC

The masterplan lists the first ‘pillar’ as Bideford Quay and an ambition to return it to becoming ‘the true jewel in the town’s crown’.

This includes creating a thriving evening economy with the quay as a focal point for food and drink, protect future uses for the port, give better access to the water for leisure purposes and strengthen the link between ‘east and west of the water’.

Specific projects the plan is looking at include creating a public walkway and ‘flexible food and drink offer on Bideford Quay’ as well as establishing a ‘landmark watersports centre’.

Existing projects will be part of the quay push, such as the current ‘public realm’ Sea Change art project to create wayfinders and signage as well as a ‘gateway installation’.

It is thought the new Brunswick Wharf development will help connect the two sides of the river too and the plan wants to look at crossing points and how pedestrians fare either side of the Long Bridge.

The Pannier Market is the second pillar, with the aim of developing the ‘market complex’ and establish a clear purpose for it to encourage more community use.

Above: Among the ‘pillars’ in the plan is Bideford Pannier Market, with hopes to return it to a busy thriving space. Credit: TDC

Projects to support this would be developing the market complex as a ‘bustling events space’ and some pedestrianisation for Market Place.

‘Pillar three’ focuses on ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ and boosting skills and businesses in the town centre as well as attracting more people.

Projects to help this include developing the former library building as a fitness centre and co-working space – which now has planning permission – as well as bringing more empty buildings back into use.

In addition it wants to see a ‘high profile skills centre in the heart of the town’ and is exploring the idea of making Bridgeland Street a one-way street.

The next pillar is all about creativity and community, with hopes of establishing a ‘Creatives and Community Quarter’ surrounding the Burton at Bideford, including The Pill and Rope Walk.

Projects to assist this could include an expansion of the Burton, the new Barrel House Project currently underway to transform a former Cooper Street night club into a multi-purpose performance venue featuring a theatre, cinema and bar.

Above: The plan looks at all aspects of Bideford life from housing, employment and business opportunities to health, the arts and the evening economy. Credit: TDC

The fifth and final pillar looks at housing, skills provision and health and wellbeing for all. Projects include a ‘multi-agency health and wellbeing hub’, a space for young people and improving housing options for people living in the town centre.

Speaking after the launch of the masterplan Clare Coghill, chair of Bideford Regeneration Board, said they were delighted so many people had attended the event at the Royal Hotel.

She added: “This launch event is all about spreading the word and starting to get more people to get involved in delivery of these ambitious plans. 

“We know that there are loads of people out there with skills to offer and we want to make sure they know how they can get involved.

“This is an exciting time for the town. The regional development of clean energy and maritime-related industries along with agritech opportunities provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bideford.

“From the recent refurbishment of the stunning fountain through to a public art programme led by young people and exciting artists, the works moving forward at Brunswick Wharf through to exciting new retail and hospitality openings there really is a lot to celebrate and get excited about.

“We want that community spirit to be reinvigorated and for the town to find its confidence. Working together we have a lot to celebrate.”

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In the coming weeks the North Devon Gazette hopes to drill down into the different aspects of the masterplan and what they could mean for Bideford.

In the meantime, you can read the full masterplan HERE and if you would like to get involved CLICK HERE to complete an online form to register an interest with the Bideford Regeneration Board.