Burton upon Trent: Public Engagement

Ian Burgess

08/11/24

~3 Mins

Franklin Ellis Architects has recently taken part in a successful public engagement event in Burton upon Trent showcasing proposals for the new High Street Project. In conjunction with East Staffordshire Borough Council, Directors Matthew Branton and Ian Burgess presented the exciting proposals for the masterplan to the east of Burton town centre.

The public consultation was a resounding success, engaging the community in shaping the town’s future development. Spanning seven hour-long sessions over two weeks, residents, business owners, and other stakeholders had the opportunity to review detailed visuals and plans, view presentations, and provide valuable feedback on the proposed scheme. This consultation marks an important milestone in creating a rejuvenated Burton town centre that aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations.

Tours took place within the Grade II listed Bass House and covered proposals for Bass House itself as well as the historic Town House, Carling House and the iconic Water Tower. Updates were also given on the ongoing Washlands Project, refurbishment of Burton Library and the proposed Washlands Visitors Centre. Sarner International also presented outline proposals for the brewing heritage experience proposed for Bass House.

Details of the proposals can be found here:

Burton High Street Project

Positive Public Reception

Feedback from the consultation events has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed their excitement about the plans to rejuvenate Burton, emphasising the importance of a thriving, attractive town centre. The masterplan’s focus on regenerating a key site as well as repairing the relationship between the Town Centre and Washlands was extremely well received. The proposed plaza in place of the ageing Trent House will form an important focal point for the town and allow Burton to host a year-round calendar of exciting outdoor events and break down the pre-existing physical barriers between Burton town centre and the Washlands.

The importance of celebrating Burton’s history as the birthplace of brewing is also a unique opportunity that the town is keen to embrace. The proposal for a hotel on site as a complementary piece to the masterplan was also well received, as was the inclusion of the Grade II listed Water Tower and historic Town House as part of the wider project.

While focussing on the presentation of the masterplan, attendees were also encouraged to ask questions, allowing participants to voice their opinions and concerns to presenters and council members directly. This open dialogue fostered trust and transparency, ensuring that the public felt both heard and valued throughout the consultation process. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to share their views, and the team will take these views on board as the project is progressed.

Informed Feedback and Valuable Insights

A central goal of the consultation was to gather meaningful feedback to refine the masterplan. The insights gained have already informed adjustments to the proposal, particularly around the design of pedestrian areas and accessibility features. This collaborative approach ensures that the final masterplan will truly reflect the desires and needs of Burton’s diverse community. By engaging residents in this process, the council has shown its commitment to a people-centred approach to urban development.

Looking Ahead

With the public consultation now complete, the High Street Project is in an excellent position to move forward with a masterplan that reflects a balanced, community-driven vision. The feedback gathered during the two-week consultation has provided valuable insights that will shape Burton’s future, ensuring that the town centre remains a lively, sustainable, and welcoming space for years to come, attracting visitors both local and international.

The successful consultation demonstrates the power of community involvement in urban planning. As the project advances, the council will continue to prioritise open dialogue with the public, fostering a sense of ownership and shared commitment to the future of Burton town centre. Further consultations are planned as the project progresses towards a full planning application early in the new year.

Ian Burgess