The challenge
To make the traditional Forest of Dean town of Coleford more attractive to shoppers by concentrating on improvements to the town centre and reinforcing its historical and heritage links.
Developing the idea
In 1998 Coleford won the BT Better Towns competition which gave a welcome £50,000 boost to the town’s regeneration plans. Local sponsors contributed a further £17,000-plus and the remainder of the funding was made available through the RDA programme.
A derelict walkway between the town centre and the supermarket and car parks has been transformed, thanks to the hard work of the volunteers and local businesses involved.
The history of the town is also being brought to life through this project which compliments the local authority led regeneration initiatives.
During Phase 2 of the redevelopment, Coleford Town Council worked closely with the Forest of Dean District Council to consider a regeneration scheme designed by the county council's highways department.
However, the town council and Coleford Chamber of Trade felt the county scheme did not meet the requirements of local people, so they re-designed it - taking into account local needs and expectations.
 |
| Coleford's refurbished town centre creates open space for public events |
Two public exhibitions of the plans were then held, and the district council's conservation officer had to field some tough questions.
A major aim of the refurbishment was to create space in the town centre for public events and to encourage community involvement.
The new-look town centre, which now hosts a regular market, is working well and has helped to establish a Carnival of Transport and a music festival as regular annual events.
Keeping it going
The project has served as a catalyst for the formation of a local partnership, which is now addressing other issues in the town.
 |
| Coleford's new-look town centre now hosts a variety of community events |
Key tips
