Next stage begins in Romsey Future masterplan project
Businesses and organisations from across Romsey took part in the next stage of the Romsey Future partnership’s plans to develop a masterplan that will help shape the area south of the town centre.
Romsey Future stakeholders, councillors and officers from Test Valley Borough Council attended an event at Abbotswood Community Centre to explore the next steps regarding the land around Crosfield Hall and the bus station.
Nexus Planning, who are the consultants helping lead the town project, discussed what was achieved during the consultation stage that came to a close in October.
Over the course of the consultation around 1,500 people gave their ideas on what facilities they would like to see developed in the area.
Those who attended the event on Saturday began visualising and experimenting with some of the suggestions made by residents during the two-month consultation period.
As part of the exercise, topics such as parking and making the most of the River Test were discussed, as well as how they could be incorporated into the forming of any masterplan.
Chair of Romsey Future, councillor Nick Adams-King said: “What was most pleasing to see over the weekend was just how many people expressed an interest and came down to offer their input. There was a real energy in the room and agreement that the process offered a once in a generation opportunity for Romsey.”
“We continue to stress that at the moment nothing is set at all. We are evaluating all the ideas and wanted people to begin to try to visualise where some of the suggestions could go and how we could make the most of the area, so that we can talk to the public again early in 2019. We will at that point explain which ideas might work, and which we think will not, and why.”