Welcome
Latest newseletter - Issue 11 - 18 December 2009
Welcome to the final edition for 2009. We'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all the organisations and individuals who have helped to support and progress the World Class Stratford (WCS) projects over the course of the year. On behalf of the World Class Stratford team, we wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and we look forward to bringing you up to date again in 2010 on World Class Stratford's work. For more information about these news items and the project in general, please visit www.worldclassstratford.net or speak to the World Class Stratford team by calling 01789 260645
The theatre works continue apace and improvements to Waterside & Southern Lane have been planned to complement what is happening elsewhere and strengthen what Stratford has to offer to residents, visitors and businesses alike. The programme for completing these works has been challenging, particularly with the financial constraints facing the principal funding body, Advantage West Midlands. However, the County Council has now asked contractors for prices to carry out these works, expected to start early next year. County and District Councillor Chris Saint, County portfolio holder for Leisure, Culture explained: “Extensive consultation has taken place on the proposals for Waterside & Southern Lane and we have listened to what people have said. Considerable re-design has taken place to deal with many of the comments made”.
Work is currently being planned to improve the access to the pedestrian ‘chain ferry’ which crosses the River Avon between the Theatre Gardens and the Recreation Ground. The ferry is undergoing a ‘heritage reconstruction’ during the winter but access to it from both sides of the river is difficult due to a number of steps. World Class Stratford is working with the RSC to develop plans to improve the footpath routes through the Theatre Gardens which will introduce ramps to the ferry and a viewing platform over the River Avon.
A planning application has been submitted for the scheme which, subject to planning consent is scheduled to start early in 2010 and be completed by the summer. The scheme is being funded by Advantage West Midlands.
A Historic Spine Action Group has now been formed to take forward the concept of a route, lined with the best of Stratford's historic buildings, linking William Shakespeare's Birthplace with the Holy Trinity Church where he is buried. Chaired by Dr Kevin Bond of The Stratford Society and involving a broad range of local representation, the group is focusing initially on proposals contained in a booklet produced by the Stratford Society which proposes upgrading of selected buildings and shop-fronts. In support of the initiative, the District Council have recently adopted a shop-fronts policy document which will help to control and encourage alterations to the town's High Street shop frontages that are sympathetic to the street's historic architecture. The Stratford Society's leaflet also states that, if carried out at the same time as proposals contained in World Class Stratford's 'Walkable Core' study conducted by ARUP, the result would be a "holistic transformation of the Historic Spine and the town itself." More information can be found via this link to Stratford Society's Home page (and scrolling down).
They comprise:
The £250,000 scheme is being arranged as part of the World Class Stratford programme of projects funded by Advantage West Midlands and will improve the area between the Boat Club and the Bowls Club: a popular area for visitors and residents and hosting events such as the Food and Drink Festival and the River Regatta. 
|
.jpg)
Historic Spine Action Group - 
