Minster event set to launch new programme

Published on 1st November 2007 in News

A public event to launch a programme that aims to create a design plan for the built public spaces in Howden is set to take place in the town next week.

The public spaces programme is being developed through Howdenshire Forward as a major joint project involving organisations such as Howden Town Council, the Ashes Playing Field Trust, Howden Minster, Howden Civic Society, Howden Town Forum, East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) and others.

It aims to create a design plan for the built public spaces in Howden town centre and support the Ashes Playing Field Trust in producing a long-term business plan for development of the Ashes Fields site.

The public spaces programme for Howden will be carried out over the next six to nine months and will involve wide community consultation, use of nationally-recognised tools for reviewing public spaces, community working groups to develop the plans and professional input from ERYC and other agencies.

"By developing strong design plans for the future we can ensure that any money already going into public spaces in Howden is targeted at the highest priorities," said Hugh Roberts, chair of Howdenshire Forward and Howden Town Mayor.

"We will also be in a great position to put in strong one-off bids to other funding bodies for specific projects that can improve the quality of public spaces in the town centre."

Those attending a public evening event on Thursday, November 8 at Howden Minster, from 6pm to 9pm, will enjoy a programme launch at 6pm, including an overview of the programme to come, followed at 6.30pm by a workshop, led by an urban design expert from Leeds Metropolitan University, who will give a talk and facilitate discussion around good design and what makes a 'good place'.

The event is open to everybody and all those attending will be warmly welcomed. People who would like to attend the workshop from 6.30pm to 9pm are asked to confirm their interest by contacting Stuart Younger on 01482 391689, or e-mail stuart.younger@ eastriding.gov.uk. A free buffet and drinks will also be provided.