Details revealed of bid to boost 'tired' town centre

RESIDENTS URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON SWADLINCOTE MASTERPLAN

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

MORE than 50 homes, a hotel or bowling alley, cafes and a play area could be built in a South Derbyshire town centre to help reverse years of decline.

The district council has launched a public consultation on the Swadlincote town centre masterplan, which will run until Saturday, November 8.

The current concept pitched by consultants BDP and AspinallVerdi would see the current 1970s council headquarters off Civic Way and Green Bank Leisure Centre demolished.

In their place would be a threestorey array of 34 houses and apartments off West Street on the current swimming pool and climbing centre site, and a three-storey series of 24 further houses and apartments off Civic Way on the current leisure centre and sports hall.

Meanwhile, two plans for the council HQ site have been pitched, with one forming a leisure complex including a bowling alley, and a second alternative plan pitching an 80-room hotel.