Newton Abbot & District Community Strategic Plan -a few words from the Community Planning Co-ordinator – Jane

The plan is a document that sets out the Community’s needs, hopes and aspirations for the future plus an action plan to make them a reality. A summary version of this plan is available from Newton Abbot Town Council. The plan was developed by a number of volunteers, local residents and representatives of organisations after 4 years of consultation.

The Plan sets out 6 objectives that members of the community have said would contribute towards making Newton Abbot a better place to live and work in. These objectives focus on the Town Centre, young people, developing business and job opportunities, taking care of our community and environment and promoting and enjoying all that Newton abbot has to offer.

A copy of the full Plan can be downloaded here.

Vibrant parks, better markets, a revitalised Town Quay, a new civic centre, more festivals and events and young person’s activities are among the many projects that are beginning to be developed and take shape.

Newton Abbot Community Interest Company was launched in December 2008. This company has been established with the sole aim of turning the community plan into action. Being a formal organisation enables us to apply and manage grant funds and assets. Membership of the company includes Town, County and District councillors, police, housing, farmer’s business people and residents. All these individuals and organisations take an active and in some cases lead role with all the projects.

Some of our projects for 2009
• Support Transition Town Newton Abbot.
• Encourage more community use of our parks and open spaces.
• Newton Abbot Festival 2009.
• Increase activities for young people by using the many facilities available in Newton Abbot
• Continue to support and lobby for the development of a bus terminus
• Improving and increasing the vibrancy of the Town during the day and at night

In addition to the above we have designated 2 of our projects as a priority. These are:
 
• The development of a Civic Centre – the Hub Bub project
• The continuous improvement of Newton Abbot Markets – the Market Mania project

The Hub Bub project proposes that Newton Abbot should have a civic centre/place that is the Hub of the Town, an administrative centre for the Town Council, a place to meet for the community and businesses, performance and exhibition space, conference facilities. Ideally this would be centrally located and provide facilities during the day and evening. A place that symbolises Newton Abbot’s future.

The Market Mania project proposes that we use the extensive refurbishment of the indoor market to promote and improve the various markets and do justice to the town’s historic market town status.  This project has a particularly focus on the provision of local food and produce.

Many of the projects are directly linked to the Town Centre Development we will of course be working very closely with Sally Henley, Town Centre Development Manager.

If you have any views or ideas about these projects and/or if you would like to be involved in the project groups please contact us.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.newtonabbotmcti.co.uk

Write:
Newton Abbot and District Community Plan
C/o Newton Abbot Town Council
Great Western House,
9 Devon Square,
Newton Abbot,
TQ12 2HN