Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

There are plans to create a new public space in Accrington either outside the market hall, or the town hall or in the space currently occupied by the bus station.

There is an international competition to find the designs to alter one of those spaces. This project is managed by Elevate East Lancashire - see the attached flyers.

There was an initial consultation exercise at Accrington Town Hall today to start to talk to local people about what is actually wanted in those spaces. There was a piece in the Acc Observer about it last week but it was quite small so I can imagine you may have over looked it. All the purpose of today's consultation was, was to start the debate so there were 10 questions being asked.

I asked those organising it if I could post the questions on here on their behalf to get some additional views.

Here are the questions

1. There is always the good, bad and the ugly but what do you love about Accrington and what are the great things that make it unique?

2. When visiting the town centre, where do you go; is market a place you visit, do you stop, people watch, meet friends, have a coffee or just pass by? What currently happens in the spaces around the town hall and market place?

3. What is the Pennine Landscape?

4. Are there any people and/or events in Accrington’s history which might be reflected in the designs?

5. What is the best time of year to be in Accrington town centre?

6. If Accrington town centre was a meal, what would it be and what would it taste of?

7. What is the essential character and quality of Accrington and its people that distinguishes Accrington from its neighbouring Pennine towns?

8. What aspects or preconceptions of the town, its character, culture or community would you like the scheme either to reinforce or dispel?

9. New public spaces will be created in front of the town hall, market place and in the space currently occupied by the bus station in Peel Street. What do you, the residents of Accrington, want to see in these spaces?

10. What would make Accrington a better place?


Please put your answers in this thread. This is a genuine attempt to support a consultation and hopefully get some debate going, I will report any posts that wander. Thanks for your help.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

i will ask a question gayle, before digesting yer A-La-Carte meal:D, is there a definate yet as to where the bus station will be re-sited?

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Is it not going next to the railway station?

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Not from what I've heard. The current site has been put forward as one of the proposed sites for the new public space but that will obviously be dependent on the re-siting of the bus station. If the re-siting doesn't go ahead then clearly they'll have to focus on one of the other spaces as the new space. I think that's why these questions are quite vague in that respect.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Please don't get distracted by the bus station issue when responding to the questions.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

i think what makes it unique fer me is free parking, a founder member of the football league, n ex Lancs n England opener n manager, the front man in Yes, plus many many more, fer a small town its got more than its share of famous people WHO remember their roots. have travelled n lived in quite a few places n Never come across people as sound. whilst everyone may not agree, i think more focus should be put on what sons/daughters accy has produced.:)

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Agree with Cashy that it's the folk who make Accy. They're warm and friendly, yet at the same time, they possess a certain steely resolve. It's that resolve which has enabled Accrington to consistently punch above its weight. It's really too small to have a football league club...but it did have one and now it has one again. It's really too small to support a Pals Batallion...but it did do with great distinction. As Cashy says, it has more than it's fair share of famous people in many different fields.

I also think that the central area in question makes Accy unique, too. When I was queueing up to go into the Food Fair in the town hall a few months ago, there were two women obviously from another town stood in front of me chatting. They looked up at the town hall and the market hall in admiration, as one said to the other, "don't they look great? We don't have that in our town anymore, because they knocked it all down to build concrete blocks." There's so much potential going to waste in that area at the moment. I'd like to see it developed with gardens, maybe some sort of band/concert stand, with perhaps murals reflecting the town's claims to fame and its distinguished sons and daughters. Just an initial thought, really...

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

[quote=Gayle;654690]There are plans to create a new public space in Accrington either outside the market hall, or the town hall or in the space currently occupied by the bus station.

There is an international competition to find the designs to alter one of those spaces. This project is managed by Elevate East Lancashire - see the attached flyers.

What I would like to know is.
Who's paying for all this?.
Who finances this Elevate?.
Who's paying theses design teams?.
How much has it cost so far?.

No matter what excuse for their existence, or where the finances are supposed to come from, it still boils down to one thing, the money comes from the working mans pay packet, whether directly or indirectly, and he'd rather keep it, than it be wasted on some arty farty project that serves no useful purpose.

Retlaw.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

[quote=Gayle;654690]There is an international competition to find the designs to alter one of those spaces. This project is managed by Elevate East Lancashire - see the attached flyers.

No problem in finding the designs, Gayle - but is the money in place to develop the space once there is a winning design? I suspect not, and this is the usual old Accy story of coming up with grand plans which come to nowt (Unfortunately).

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

[QUOTE=Tealeaf;654719] thats the million dollar question, remember the "Zeri" complex up huncoat! our centre is pretty unique these days i reckon, not that many towns of our size still retain such great buildings. the trick is to retain, develop n attract, new business.in this climate not easy, but a move in the right direction would go some way to doing it.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I would like to focus on the questions asked above please.

I have been asked where the money is coming from and please remember it's not my project I'm only trying to get more responses to the questions to help the process.

But I've done a bit of searching on the Elevate website and it does say that the funding is place from NWDA. It looks like this really might happen chaps.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

[quote=Gayle;654690]
I asked those organising it if I could post the questions on here on their behalf to get some additional views.

Here are the questions

And here are my answers (concentating on the town centre).

1. There is always the good, bad and the ugly but what do you love about Accrington and what are the great things that make it unique?

Magnificent Victoran Architecture highlights a well laid out town centre

2. When visiting the town centre, where do you go; is market a place you visit, do you stop, people watch, meet friends, have a coffee or just pass by? What currently happens in the spaces around the town hall and market place?

Shop, certainly not drink.

3. What is the Pennine Landscape?

A Marketing gimmick

4. Are there any people and/or events in Accrington’s history which might be reflected in the designs?

I notice that the Elevate site refers to Peel Square. Where did this name come from? I know of Peel Steet and the bus station, but no square. I suspect this is another marketing gimmick, although somewhat premptive.

Without being accused of overkill in relation to the Pals (excuse the dreadful pun), why not give the intended square a reminder, in the form of the name of the village that was their intended objective that fateful day, i.e Serre Square or Place? That would also serve to enhance Accy's Euro credentials.

5. What is the best time of year to be in Accrington town centre?

Christmas

6. If Accrington town centre was a meal, what would it be and what would it taste of?

Hotpot

7. What is the essential character and quality of Accrington and its people that distinguishes Accrington from its neighbouring Pennine towns?

Gradual development rater than wholescale rebuild

8. What aspects or preconceptions of the town, its character, culture or community would you like the scheme either to reinforce or dispel?

Use local stone and Accy Brick within the design; plant some Oak trees.

9. New public spaces will be created in front of the town hall, market place and in the space currently occupied by the bus station in Peel Street. What do you, the residents of Accrington, want to see in these spaces?

As above, with stone paths and lawn areas.

10. What would make Accrington a better place?

Stop the Tesco development. Do something about the back of the townhall overlooking Boadway. Expand the pedestrian only area.




Happy Now, Gayle?

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Very happy, thank you Tealeaf :D

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

1. There is always the good, bad and the ugly but what do you love about Accrington and what are the great things that make it unique?

The Victorian buildings, and the people.

2. When visiting the town centre, where do you go; is market a place you visit, do you stop, people watch, meet friends, have a coffee or just pass by? What currently happens in the spaces around the town hall and market place?

Yes, we shop in the Market Hall, after having had lunch at the Church St. chippy.
What happens in the space around the Town Hall/ Market Hall is we walk across it as quickly as possible because the wind whips across it, and even on summer days it's usually in shadow, and therefore cold.

3. What is the Pennine Landscape?
Hilly.

4. Are there any people and/or events in Accrington’s history which might be reflected in the designs?

Accy Pals, plus all the textile and associated engineering firms that brought people to the area to work/live.

5. What is the best time of year to be in Accrington town centre?

When it's sunny, so if you're lucky you might be able to find a seat to sit on...and it'll be hopefully dry, if it hasn't rained in the previous 3 days.


6. If Accrington town centre was a meal, what would it be and what would it taste of?

Steak pudding, chips, mushy peas, and gravy.



7. What is the essential character and quality of Accrington and its people that distinguishes Accrington from its neighbouring Pennine towns?

Friendliness.

8. What aspects or preconceptions of the town, its character, culture or community would you like the scheme either to reinforce or dispel?

Friends who've visited expected the place to be ugly and new, and were presently suprised at the attractiveness of the buildings, especially the Town and Market Halls, Church and Warner Streets.

9. New public spaces will be created in front of the town hall, market place and in the space currently occupied by the bus station in Peel Street. What do you, the residents of Accrington, want to see in these spaces?

Something that provides shelter from the wind, and which is covered, because it does actually rain here, unlike the Med.

10. What would make Accrington a better place?

A better outdoor market, which we used to have, and less discount shops.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Thanks Garinda, anyone else?

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

1. There is always the good, bad and the ugly but what do you love about Accrington and what are the great things that make it unique?

The community and again architecture.

2. When visiting the town centre, where do you go; is market a place you visit, do you stop, people watch, meet friends, have a coffee or just pass by? What currently happens in the spaces around the town hall and market place?

I visit the market, and people watch while eating a sandwich on Broadway (if there's seating room).

3. What is the Pennine Landscape?

It's not squared. :D

4. Are there any people and/or events in Accrington’s history which might be reflected in the designs?

For me there needs to be some reference to the milk advert. Wherever I go, when I say I'm from Accrington, those same 7 words are repeated every time. It always makes me smile. :)

5. What is the best time of year to be in Accrington town centre?

Summer, mainly because I like summer. :D

6. If Accrington town centre was a meal, what would it be and what would it taste of?

Marmite.

7. What is the essential character and quality of Accrington and its people that distinguishes Accrington from its neighbouring Pennine towns?

Friendliness and helpfulness

8. What aspects or preconceptions of the town, its character, culture or community would you like the scheme either to reinforce or dispel?

Reinforce the community feel, and steer away from our town centre being identical to neighbouring ones.


9. New public spaces will be created in front of the town hall, market place and in the space currently occupied by the bus station in Peel Street. What do you, the residents of Accrington, want to see in these spaces?

I'd like to see lots of seating, and perhaps a nice, calm, water feature, just so those with a busy life can have a sit down for 5 minutes and enjoy the surroundings.

10. What would make Accrington a better place?

The market should be the centrepiece of our town, and we need a more diverse set of shops, so we don't end up a corporate ghost town.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Thanks Andrew - any more for any more?

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

[QUOTE=Gayle;654690]..............


Here are the questions

1. There is always the good, bad and the ugly but what do you love about Accrington and what are the great things that make it unique?
the buildings and people.
2. When visiting the town centre, where do you go; is market a place you visit, do you stop, people watch, meet friends, have a coffee or just pass by? What currently happens in the spaces around the town hall and market place?i use the market every week,always had a coffee until the smoking ban, now rarely.:(

3. What is the Pennine Landscape?2 Fancy Words.:D

4. Are there any people and/or events in Accrington’s history which might be reflected in the designs?loads of famous/notable people,plus the Pals,

5. What is the best time of year to be in Accrington town centre?Summer cos i can stay fer a coffee and sit outside.

6. If Accrington town centre was a meal, what would it be and what would it taste of? just think thats a daft question n not worth answering.:rolleyes:

7. What is the essential character and quality of Accrington and its people that distinguishes Accrington from its neighbouring Pennine towns?
friendly and helpful people,
8. What aspects or preconceptions of the town, its character, culture or community would you like the scheme either to reinforce or dispel? have family who moved away oer 40 years ago, when visiting 2 yrs ago remarked how things had changed for the worse, were delighted much of the old architecture still remained, this should be highlighted i feel.

9. New public spaces will be created in front of the town hall, market place and in the space currently occupied by the bus station in Peel Street. What do you, the residents of Accrington, want to see in these spaces?
a sheltered garden with adequate seating.
10. What would make Accrington a better place?

more shops which are NOT £1, and less charity shops.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

sorry dont know what happened to the red replies?:confused:

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

1. There is always the good, bad and the ugly but what do you love about Accrington and what are the great things that make it unique?

I love the fact that you're never too far from the countryside wherever you are in town. Almost everywhere you go the surrounding scenery makes itself known.

2. When visiting the town centre, where do you go; is market a place you visit, do you stop, people watch, meet friends, have a coffee or just pass by? What currently happens in the spaces around the town hall and market place?

I almost always visit the market but going into the town centre is usually a shopping (or librarying) experience.

3. What is the Pennine Landscape?

Hills.

4. Are there any people and/or events in Accrington’s history which might be reflected in the designs?

Nothing comes to mind.

5. What is the best time of year to be in Accrington town centre?

Autumn, when the conkers are falling from the trees outside the Market Hall.

6. If Accrington town centre was a meal, what would it be and what would it taste of?

Steak Pudding, Chips and Gravy.

7. What is the essential character and quality of Accrington and its people that distinguishes Accrington from its neighbouring Pennine towns?

I don't consider that there remains much of an Accrington character any more. For every down-to-earth, friendly and helpful family (like my neighbours) there's an introverted, closeted family (like my other neighbours) and/or a bunch of insensitive, self centred ruffians (like my former neighbours).

8. What aspects or preconceptions of the town, its character, culture or community would you like the scheme either to reinforce or dispel?

We don't all have flat caps and whippets. (Or Burberry caps and Staffordshire terriers)

9. New public spaces will be created in front of the town hall, market place and in the space currently occupied by the bus station in Peel Street. What do you, the residents of Accrington, want to see in these spaces?

I want to see a space with both open space and seating. Somewhere that special events can have a focus but not containing the kind of pretentious tosh that tends to get vandalised on a Saturday night.

10. What would make Accrington a better place?

Regaining some of its lost community spirit.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I'm just dragging this thread back up again because the ideas have now been put forward by the five design agencies.

They're currently on show in the indoor market - somewhere near the sweet stall I believe.

I've been roped in to standing on the stall tomorrow to talk to people about the designs and get some reactions. As it will be the first time I've really seen them too it will be quite interesting for me as well.

I'll be there from 10am to 1pm, please come and talk to me.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Well, I stood there today and had quite a lot of interesting conversations with people.

If you don't get chance to go down and see the designs you could download them from the HBC website
Pennine Lancashire Squared International Design Competition - New Square for Accrington - Have Your Say!

Only thing I would say is that on design one - it shows the horrid blue and white council building being knocked down - that part of the design was not in the brief and so don't be misled by it.

If you don't want to complete the questionnaire please feel free to just select a prefered option. If you need to ask any questions about any of the proposals please do.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I liked that one I think. I find them all hard to visualise. By taking that building down the centre would look better. What would they do with the yellow one opposite to make it look better? We would loose a few shops but that is not really a problem any more.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Which yellow one opposite, Arndale House?

I consider that a thing of great aesthetic beauty compared to the hated blue and white Town Hall extention/shops facade.

Hopefully I'll be having a good look at the proposals tomorrow.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I better go and have a look at these plans as it may affect my retail empire :D

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Com-pen-sa-tion maybe setting in dave:D

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I had a look at the designs, they do look promising. Particularly like the demolishing of the blue/white council building and fountain type things outside the Market Hall. :)

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Saw these plans in the library on thursday. Only thing it didn't outline there was the where the bus station is moving to. I presume it's going to be on the car park behind Union Street??

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Please don't be misled by the design showing the blue and white building being knocked down - this will NOT happen. Certainly not in this phase. The designers have taken the brief too far.

The bus station is shown clearly as moving from its existing place on Peel St to the space behind where the old Kwik Save was. The bus station is a bit of a red herring in this because whichever design is chosen the bus station is moving to the same place. There will still be bus stops close to the market entrance so it will not affect anything apart from where the bus drivers park their bus to have a break!

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Interesting, and some good ideas.

Though of course there are some daft ones too, which is perfectly ok at this stage.

Thought the design that showed all the benches and trees disappearing from infront of the Market Hall, to be replaced by fountains that shoot up your jacksie, should perhaps remain on paper.:D

Over all very impressive.

It did say that hopefuly the winning designs will be completed within seven years, is that for sure, is funding for the project secured?

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

More public seating pleeeease:worthy:

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

seven years? odds are i'll have popped me clogs by then.:D

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

At least they won't get wet, if they go for the sea of fountains idea.

Anyway only the good die young.

You'll be in Spain in seven years...never letting the bar stewards grind you down.

:D

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I don't think it will take seven years but remember they've got to move the bus station first which could take some time.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

gotta say IMHO whatever happens, has got to be a positive, cos owt must improve what accys become.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I hope they allow a bit of extra time to move Rossendale Transports buses with the bus station. Three of them have had to be towed back to depot in the past week and half :D

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I'm at the library in Accrington this morning and would love to talk to people - so if you still haven't expressed an opinion please come down and have your say.

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Please talk quietly, or you might find you are ejected.:D

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

I've always thought of libraries as knowledge stores and places for intellectual contemplation, not somewhere you go for a chat. Make sure you don't talk too loudly, Gayle, otherwise the librarian might chuck you out.

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You two are more alike than you might think :rolleyes::D

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Except I'm quicker off the mark.;)

Re: Pennine Lancashire Squared
 

Alas, I don't have the time to fool around on here all the time. I have to many interruptions to afford a lightening fast reaction.

However, I will say this about Garinda. When it comes to googling further info, he really is the best....he's like a well-trained house ferret....show him the prey, and he's away into the great hole of cyberspace, not content to return until he can deliver his catch. Lovely stuff.