Designer Wayne Hemingway is to headline a UK Prop Social webinar on the future of Newbury town centre.

UK Property Forums has teamed up with key stakeholders in a new study into the town, commissioned by West Berkshire Council, for the event on Thursday, January 28.

The study will be carried out by HemingwayDesign, New Masterplanning, GL Hearn and Urban Movement who will draw up a masterplan for the town.

More than 2,500 people have already replied to a survey on the Newbury masterplan website but now Mr Hemingway has agreed to talk to property professionals as part of the work.

Matthew Battle, managing director of UK Property Forums, said:  “The study is a really important piece of work in helping to define the future of Newbury town centre which has been commissioned by West Berkshire Council .

“I am really excited to be in discussion with Wayne on the webinar, as he brings so much experience and enthusiasm which Newbury will be able to feed off.”

The study will be developed over the next nine months and will outline how the town centre can evolve in the future. It will form a key part of the council’s response to the pandemic.

Mr Hemingway said: “There is a societal shift in terms of shopping, work patterns and what people want from their town centres and Newbury has all the ingredients to embrace this shift, move with the times and become an even more inspirational and welcoming place for residents, businesses and their employees and visitors to the town.

“We believe that positive change is necessary, desirable and within reach. The best way that any design team can start is by listening to the people who know best and that is the residents, businesses and their employees and the wider Newbury community.

“So we urge you all to complete the survey, which takes 10 minutes, and provide us your feedback. Please share the survey with your family, and everyone you know – spread the word far and wide. We look forward to hearing from you.”

The survey can be found at https://www.newburytowncentremasterplan.co.uk/

The January 28 event is at 8.30am. There are 150 places available. Book here.

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