Your Centre - Your View

Thriving District and Local Centres

Strategy“ and Action Plan for South East Community Assembly

DRAFT November 2010 “

Your Centre - Your View CONTENTS

THIS DOCUMENT Welcome and Foreword 3 This is a draft version of the Thriving District and Local Centres Local Area Strategy for the South East Community Assembly. It contains descriptions and action plans for the ten centres within this area. There are six similar documents which cover the other 1.0 Introduction 3 Community Assembly areas. 2.0 The Vision 5 CITYWIDE FRAMEWORK There is also a wider framework document that covers all the District and Local Centres 3.0 Your District Centres across Sheffi eld. This puts forward a vision for the whole city and reconciles priorities 3.1 7 across the city. The draft document is in a similar format to this one and invites your comments. 3.2 Woodhouse 9

YOUR CENTRE – YOUR VIEW 4.0 Your Local Centres The descriptions and actions plans for the District and Local Centres in this document 4.1 Base Green 10 “are based on the views of local people gathered during extensive consultation over the 4.2 Beighton 11 summer of 2010. Throughout the document there are opportunities for you to comment 4.3 Moor Road 12 on the text - to tell us if we have got the descriptions and priorities right and to help us develop a strategy that genuinely refl ects local views. 4.4 Birley Spa 13 4.5 Gleadless Townend/Charnock 14 YOUR CENTRE – YOUR PLEDGE 4.6 Handsworth 15 The Thriving District and Local Centres Strategy is about the Council working with local 4.7 Mosborough High Street 16 people to deliver changes which are appropriate to the variety of centres across the city. 4.8 Westfi eld 17 These include how to organise current activity more effectively, making the most of and marketing what is already there as well as longer term physical change. In the action plan section we are asking you what you can do to help your centre – Your Pledge. 5.0 Action Plan 5.1 Focal Points for the Community 19 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 5.2 Improving Quality of Life – Economic Aspects 20 We are going to consult widely on these draft documents over December and January 5.3 Improving Quality of Life – Community Aspects 22 2011. The fi nal version of the strategy will then be considered by the Council’s Cabinet 5.4 Improving Quality of Place 24 in March.

CONTACT DETAILS To see and comment on electronic versions of these strategies please go to: www.sheffi eld.gov.uk/thrivingcentres

If you have any questions please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: e: tdlc@sheffi eld.gov.uk t: 0114 203 9568 a: TDLC, Shipton Street, Sheffi eld, S6 3FJ

2 WELCOME AND FOREWORD 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Council’s corporate plan, A City of Opportunity, identifi es Thriving District and District and local centres provide a common feature in communities of very different Local Centres as a new priority for the Council and a key initiative in creating character and form. They act as hubs for their neighbourhoods, connected to the city sustainable communities across the city. Over recent years we have seen signifi cant centre and main employment areas by public transport and offering facilities and investment and improvement in the city centre as part of our plans to boost the services to meet everyday needs. They are vital to the attractiveness and success of economy of the city: it has been transformed into a thriving metropolitan hub with a housing areas, are a key component in why people choose to live or work in an area lively mix of shopping and workspace, new city centre living, high quality public spaces, and an important feature of their everyday life. good access to public services and cultural facilities all set within an award-winning public realm. The success of the city centre is directly linked to the success of the city Many of our centres still retain the variety of small independent shops that they had a as a place where people choose to live, work and invest. century ago. Interestingly, despite the pressure of larger supermarkets and the decline of traditional counter service, feedback suggests that people want independent shops in We now wish to take that approach out across Sheffi eld to develop and support a city- their centres. Personal service and the real knowledge of stock that independent shop- wide network of vibrant district and local centres that will improve local people’s quality keepers offer, is still valued. of life, allow them to maximise their potential as individuals, support local enterprise and help attract new residents and investment to the city. Although some excellent work District and local centres support a range of businesses across the city including shops, has been done in relation to some centres in the city to understand how they work and places to eat and drink, offi ces and workshops. Strengthening centres will bring what needs to happen to make them into successful places, this is the fi rst time that the learning, work and enterprise opportunities closer to where people live. But centres are Council has taken a comprehensive look at centres across the whole city. We see the not just about shops – they are critical as places where people can access public centres as a network, improving quality of life not only for the communities they directly services and facilities such as libraries, schools, community buildings and health serve, but also collectively for the city as a whole. centres and where people can come together to meet, socialise and worship. They have a ‘sense of place’ and act as focal points for communities. This is an ambitious piece of work, not least because there are so many centres to consider and because even the best centres can always be better. This strategy This strategy sets out a vision for the district and local centres in your Community cannot hope to solve all the many and complex issues facing our centres, but it can Assembly Area It proposes which centres are priorities for further work and investment start to provide a framework for action and investment. and what actions the Council and its partners need to take to realise the potential of all our centres. We want to identify where need is greatest but also where we can have We want local people and businesses to be at the heart of developing this strategy and most impact and can lever in most investment from the public and private sector. to work with us to realise the potential of our centres. We are therefore delighted by the support people have shown so far during our consultation. We hope you will give us The strategy will form part of a whole city framework for future action and investment your feedback on the ideas in this document and continue to work with us through over a number of years – it does not as yet have any dedicated resources attached to Community Assemblies to deliver the changes you have suggested. its delivery. It is anticipated that the Council and its partners will use the strategy to identify how the city’s network of centres can improve the quality of life for people living The strategy draws together the ideas from many individuals and groups across the and working in the city and to make best use of our combined resources. city. We are grateful for these contributions, which have enriched our thinking, and we look forward to working with you over the coming years to achieve our shared vision for district and local centres.

Cllr David Baker Deputy Leader

November 2010

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Your Centre - Your View VISION and KEY OBJECTIVES

Please tell us what you think there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder Please comment on the Vision and Key Objectives ...... Do you agree with the Quality of Life and Quality of Place criteria? ...... Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address immediate issues but also provide a vision for what the centres will be like in the future ......

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4 1.1 YOUR CENTRE – YOUR STRATEGY 2.1 KEY OBJECTIVES

We wanted local people and businesses to be at the heart of the strategy, to tell us During the summer of 2010 we undertook a city wide exercise to engage with the which centres matter, what’s special about them and what changes would make the people of Sheffi eld, seeking their views and opinions on those centres that people biggest difference. By talking to local people we aim to develop a strategy that will want to see included within the strategy as well as a list of smaller centres – parades of make a real difference and optimise the use of resources over the next few years. shops rather than local centres

We have taken the information from the consultation to create a list of the centres and One of the questions we asked people in our consultation was “What do you think is the together with a placecheck assessment have captured the results in a narrative or “pen best centre in the city and why?” We have taken the main themes from the answers picture” for each of the District and Local Centres within the South East Community people gave us to develop our vision in more detail, and help focus on the following key Assembly Area. objectives.

Each narrative includes a description of the economic, social and environmental District and local centres act as focal points for their community elements of the centre and identifi es strengths or weaknesses. It also lists the changes Local people, community groups and businesses will be part of creating the character that people have told us would make the biggest difference to each centre. of their centre and can be centrally involved in the decisions taken on centres in their local area Beside the narratives are collages which includes direct quotes and photos from the Quality of Life Quality of Place extensive consultation we did during the summer of 2010 and it is these that really cap- ture the spirit or identity of each centre. Good variety, range and Places for people to meet Distinctive and with well quality of shops including and come together in a designed buildings and food shops, post offi ce, neighbourhood including public spaces that act as a pharmacy and bank/non- cafes, restaurants, clubs focal point or meeting place charging cash machine so and public places, and help people feel safe that people can shop especially libraries and locally for the majority of parks their everyday needs Distinctive range of shops Good access to high quality Well connected in terms of 2.0 THE VISION including specialist and public services in their local public transport independent shops area A City of Opportunity sets out the overall vision for district and local centres:

Our district centres are thriving and attractive places in which to live, work, shop and relax – focal points where businesses and public services serve Other commercial uses Events and activities Accessible to all and with the needs of the surrounding communities effectively. District centres have including housing and including markets easy car parking good public transport and accessibility for all members of the community leisure that help centres feel busy and safe

At the neighbourhood level there are viable local centres where people can Good places to do High quality, locally-man- Well maintained and well access basic facilities such as local shops, medical centres, libraries, post business and provide aged community facilities managed offi ces and community centres within a reasonable distance of home advice and support for people wanting to start or grow a business

Schools to be at the heart Features that promote Centres that feel green and of centres along with people’s health and support low carbon Our vision is that every community will have a centre that acts as a focal point, where access to lifelong learning, independence lifestyles people can come together. Centres will be a source of pride for local people and training and employment contribute to their sense of belonging to an area. opportunities

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Your Centre - Your View CRYSTAL PEAKS

Please tell us what you think there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder

If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone ...... in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 ...... We have developed this description and picture of Crystal Peaks from the views of local people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010...... Do you feel it represents Crystal Peaks? Do you feel the priorities are right? ......

Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address ...... immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Crystal Peaks will be like in the “future ......

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...... Clean, bright, warm, and under cover ...... Crystal Peaks has a good range of shops and services and makes a great day out.

6 DISTRICT 3.1 CRYSTAL PEAKS CENTRE “clean, tidy, light & airy”

“bright, warm and This is a modern purpose-built district centre with three malls based around a central under cover” atrium. There is a large Sainsbury’s, a post offi ce, bank and pharmacy; and a range of other smaller shops as well as high street fashion and other shops such as estate ”it’s a good day out and agents. There are also a number of restaurants and a pub. Some people feel there are a nice ride on the tram” too many of the same type of shops and others fi nd it too big for every day use. Lifelong learning is delivered in the Library.

The centre also has toilets, a library and fi rst point for Council services, but no health facilities or community space. Several people bemoan the loss of the cinema. “it’s local and has al- Pedestrian footfall is high and so it feels busy and safe. Environmental quality is good most everything I need with bright and colourful interiors to the malls and outdoor spaces are well-maintained, under one roof” though some people fi nd it bland, lacking in character and a bit impersonal. The cen- tre has its own bus station and tram station, both of which are well-used. Businesses “offers more than recognise the benefi t of its location and access. There is ample free car parking though Meadowhall - not just this is under pressure at busy times: “you have to go early to get a space”. Cycle shops” access is poor and pedestrian connections to the bus/tram stops could be strengthened. “it’s child friendly” What changes would make the biggest difference? • Greater variety of shops and make use of empty shop units • More parking at busy times • More character, more of a community feel, less sterile

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Your Centre - Your View WOODHOUSE

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If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone ...... in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 ...... We have developed this description and picture of Woodhouse from the views of local people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010...... Do you feel it represents Woodhouse? Do you feel the priorities are right? ......

Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address ...... immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Woodhouse will be like in the future “ ......

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...... Away from a main road Woodhouse ...... has a tranquil, villagey, feel with fi ne old stone buildings, a stone cross and stocks.

8 DISTRICT “small local 3.2 WOODHOUSE CENTRE businesses”

This is a compact centre with most shops fronting onto Chapel Street and Cross Street “lots of variety” and Market Square, with a small shopping precinct being located at one end. There is a Co-op and medium sized Costcutter as well as a range of shops serving everyday “trees & greenery” needs – a post offi ce, pharmacy and a pub. People comment on the choice of independent shops alongside the supermarket and pub. There is a Jobcentre Plus “village feel – located here and lifelong learning is provided at the library and through the Woodhouse friendly” & District Community Forum.

The centre includes a community centre, a church and a housing offi ce, a “good health centre” and library.

The centre has some attractive buildings, although the pedestrian precinct at Market Square looks dated. People like the character of the old buildings, the village feel and the stone cross and stocks and traders feel that the village centre could benefi t from promotion, signage and events to attract more people in. It is one of the few district centres in the city located away from a main road so is relatively free of traffi c and noise. The centre is on a bus route and car parking is good, though some traders feel public transport connections need to be better.

Woodhouse is generally clean and has a pedestrian friendly environment. People like the convenience of the centre and that it is close to home and easy to walk to. However a lot of people express concern about young people hanging around the centre, street drinkers and anti-social behaviour.

What changes would make the biggest difference? • Manage anti-social behaviour and provide positive activities for young people • Improve the character of the public realm at Market Square and create an outdoor meeting space • Increase the range of community/social facilities

“quaint buildings - the old stone cross and the stocks”

“old buildings, churches, green areas, pubs, library & health centre”

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LOCAL Your Centre - Your View 4.1 BASE GREEN CENTRE The centre has a good range of everyday shops including a Co-op, although it has no Please tell us what you think specialist shops that might attract people from outside the neighbourhood. People feel there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder that the centre could do with more shops, including a fruit shop, as several have closed down. There is limited access to services and facilities that businesses need and no If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone provision of advice for businesses or for people looking for employment. The TARA in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 provides access to lifelong learning and training opportunities.

We have developed this description and picture of Base Green from the views of local The centre includes the busy offi ces of the local TARA and the Jaunty Springs health people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. centre which is well-used and is close to a school. It tends to be a gathering point for Do you feel it represents Base Green? groups of young people, especially in the evening and at night. Do you feel the priorities are right? The centre is generally clean; it is well served by public transport and is not dominated Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address by traffi c. However the streetscene lacks any distinctive character and the shops are in immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Base Green will be like in the future need of investment/maintenance. “ What changes would make the biggest difference? • Work with young people to reduce anti-social behaviour and make the area feel ...... safer • Ensure signposting (by for example the TARA, health centre and school) to other ...... public services at nearby centres including for business and employment/training

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LOCAL 4.2 BEIGHTON CENTRE Your Centre - Your View The centre has some shops including a post offi ce and several hairdressers and nail salons but limited offer for fresh food (bakers/butchers and greengrocer) and no Please tell us what you think specialist shops that might attract people from outside the neighbourhood. It also has there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder places to eat and drink with the Beighton Welfare Recreation Ground and housing nearby. It lacks fi nancial services and workspace, which may be a problem to many If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone people given its relative isolation. in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568

There is little or no access to public services in the centre. However the Welfare We have developed this description and picture of Beighton from the views of local Recreation Ground and other facilities do provide places to meet and opportunities for people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. local events. Do you feel it represents Beighton? Do you feel the priorities are right? The centre feels safe, has a good community feel and is well maintained. It is well-con- nected by public transport and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and cars as well as Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address being close to green space and countryside. immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Beighton will be like in the future ...... What changes would make the biggest difference? “ Work with the Beighton Village Development Trust to: ...... • Help local people access learning/training and employment opportunities at nearby centres ...... • Signpost people to public services at nearby centres • Consider some public realm improvements in particular facilities for children and ...... young people, more litter bins and better parking • Encourage shops that provide fresh food ......

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“village feel and ...... community spirit” ...... “Beighton community orchard and Apple Day” ......

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LOCAL Your Centre - Your View 4.3 BIRLEY MOOR RD CENTRE The centre has a good range of everyday shops including a Spar and a Co-op, as well Please tell us what you think as a post offi ce, a pharmacy and a non-charging cash machine. It also has places there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder selling food and drink. The centre includes housing. It lacks workspace and access to learning and training opportunities, although there is provision at Birley Community If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone College. in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 The centre includes a library and access to some public services and health facilities. We have developed this description and picture of Birley Moor Road from the views of However there is no community building. local people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. Do you feel it represents Birley Moor Road? The centre is busy during the day and feels safe but less so at night. Although the Do you feel the priorities are right? centre is well served by public transport, it also has high levels of traffi c and car parking and pedestrian movement could be improved, especially around the library. Parking is Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address considered a real issue as much of the limited space is l taken up by employees work- immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Birley Moor Road will be like in the ing in the shops thus discouraging opportunities for passing trade future “ What changes would make the biggest difference? • Build on and improve the existing service provision as opportunities arise ...... including signposting to services in nearby centres • Explore the potential for small-scale streetscene improvements to improve car ...... parking and pedestrian movement • Enforce the two hour traffi c restrictions ......

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LOCAL 4.4 BIRLEY SPA CENTRE Your Centre - Your View The centre has a good range of everyday shops including a Spar and a non-charging cash machine. It also has places to eat and drink and includes housing. It lacks access Please tell us what you think to learning and training as well as workspace. there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder

There is a community building, Hackenthorpe Community Centre, and a chiropractor but If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone there are no other public services available within the centre. in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568

It is well served by public transport and traffi c volumes and speeds are low. However We have developed this description and picture of Birley Spa from the views of local the centre does not eel safe at night and suffers from anti-social behaviour. Although people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. the streetscene is generally clean and well-maintained improvements are needed to car Do you feel it represents Birley Spa? parking and verges and to enable easier pedestrian movement. Do you feel the priorities are right?

What changes would make the biggest difference? Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address • Explore the potential for streetscene improvements including re-siting the cycle immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Birley Spa will be like in the future stands to where people can see and use them and more litter bins ...... • Stop cars parking on the grass verges and footpaths “ • As opportunities arise consider how to strengthen access to public services in the ...... centre, initially through signposting from the Community Centre ......

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LOCAL Your Centre - Your View 4.5 GLEADLESS CENTRE

Please tell us what you think TOWNEND/CHARNOCK there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder This is seen as a good location for business being both on the outer ring road, with opportunities for passing trade, as well as serving the local community. The centre If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone boasts over forty shops which are mainly sole traders or independents. There is a in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 very good range of everyday and specialist shops and services including a Sainsbury’s Local and a Spar, a post offi ce, bank, non-charging cash machine and pharmacy. We have developed this description and picture of Gleadless Townend/Charnock from However there are proposals to close the Halifax Bank, which serves people from as the views of local far afi eld as Woodseats, Norton, Norton Lees, Gleadless, Herdings, Base Green, and people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. Charnock. It is felt that the viability of many of the shops depends on footfall from the Do you feel it represents Gleadless Townend/Charnock? local bank & post offi ce and that the closure will present a very real threat to the future Do you feel the priorities are right? of the centre

Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address The centre includes a snooker club, places to eat and drink and plenty of housing. immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Gleadless Townend/Charnock will There is workspace nearby but no access to learning and training opportunities. “be like in the future The centre includes a new library, places of worship, two health centres and two dentists and is close to a school...... The centre generally feels safe, clean and well-maintained although it would benefi t ...... from a more attractive public realm and improved lighting. There is some antisocial be- haviour - generally in the evenings from groups of youths hanging around. The centre ...... is dominated by the ring road and suffers from high traffi c volumes, noise and fumes with congestion at key junctions. It is well connected in terms of public transport includ- ...... ing the tram and pedestrian routes but it lacks parking, particularly disabled parking, and also provision for cyclists...... What changes would make the biggest difference? ...... • Review traffi c issues and associated noise and pollution • Explore small-scale public realm improvements to increase accessibility and cycle stands ...... • More policing to deal with antisocial behaviour issues • A general clean up and litter campaign ...... • Consider how to build on existing service delivery and to signpost/provide access to a greater range of public services ...... “fantastic friendly ...... post offi ce and great St Luke’s Charity ...... Shop” ......

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LOCAL 4.6 HANDSWORTH CENTRE Your Centre - Your View

The centre itself lacks a range of everyday shops, but there is a nearby Asda which pro- Please tell us what you think vides food shopping and a non-charging cash machine. There is good range of other there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder shops and services in the general area including a post offi ce and pharmacy. There are also some specialist shops, places to eat and drink and a range of housing. Lifelong If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone learning and training is delivered from Handsworth Forum. in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568

Although not directly in the centre nearby on Handsworth Road there are churches, We have developed this description and picture of Handsworth from the views of local including the base for Handsworth Forum, a GP’s practice and dentist as well as people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. primary schools. There is also a base for fi ve citywide mobile libraries. Do you feel it represents Handsworth? Do you feel the priorities are right? Handsworth Recreation Ground is nearby. The centre served by a high frequency bus route but its busy main road location creates problems with traffi c volumes and speeds. Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address Parking is also an issue, and traders complain of losing out on opportunities to attract immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Handsworth will be like in the future passing trade. The centre feels a bit run-down, although busy and safe. “...... What changes would make the biggest difference? ...... • Connect the centre to the wider area through public realm links and improvements to give it a stronger presence and identity ...... • Improve environment generally with fl oral displays and greenery • Better parking management ......

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“people are friendly and ...... tend to know each other – shop-keepers have developed individual relationships with their customers”

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LOCAL Your Centre - Your View 4.7 MOSBOROUGH CENTRE

Please tell us what you think HIGH STREET there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder There are everyday shops serving the local area including a post offi ce but there is no foodstore, fi nancial services (including access to cash machine) or pharmacy. There If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone are some places to eat and drink and some housing within the centre but no access to in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 training/learning. We have developed this description and picture of Mosborough High Street from the views of local Access to community facilities and health/public services is limited to a dental surgery people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. and physiotherapist. Do you feel it represents Mosborough High Street? Do you feel the priorities are right? Although the centre feels busy and safe during the day, it is much quieter and feels less safe at night. The centre does not provide adequate car parking and traders feel that Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address they miss opportunities to capture passing trade .Pedestrian movement needs to be immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Mosborough High Street will be like improved. Although it is clean and well-maintained the centre lacks a focal point. in the future “ What changes would make the biggest difference? ...... • Aim to locate services in the centre as opportunities arise; in the meantime sign post people from existing facilities to services at nearby centres ...... • Review the potential to increase car parking to support shops in the centre • Explore small-scale improvements to create a better focal point in the public ...... realm

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LOCAL 4.8 WESTFIELD CENTRE Your Centre - Your View

There is a reasonable range of everyday shops including a Co-op, a pharmacy and a Please tell us what you think non-charging cash machine. There is also housing nearby and better footpaths to the there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder centre have improved the links. The centre lacks workspace and leisure facilities and access to learning/training, though there are plans for a Westfi eld Sports and Enterprise If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone Centre nearby. There is no post offi ce. in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568

There is a community building but the provision of public services has been extremely We have developed this description and picture of Westfi eld from the views of local limited. However a newly refurbished space in the primary school will accommodate a people gathered during consultation carried out over the summer of 2010. health centre, Council staff responsible for children and young people, community space Do you feel it represents Westfi eld? and a drop-in centre for the police. A youth centre is also planned in the former Golden Do you feel the priorities are right? Keys pub. The centre has a very poor image and is drab in appearance. Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address The centre is well served by public transport and is close to green space. Movement immediate issues but also provide a vision for what Westfi eld will be like in the future within the centre is relatively easy. However the centre does not provide a real focal ...... point for the neighbourhood, does not feel safe and is not generally well-maintained with “ people commenting on graffi ti and litter. Some of the buildings are derelict and it suffers ...... from anti-social behaviour. The canopy has recently been removed from the shops and new security features installed which have had a positive impact on community safety......

What changes would make the biggest difference? ...... • Work to improve the level of public services and the quality of the public realm has been in progress ...... for some time and needs to continue • Positive activities for young people and ...... management of anti-social behaviour

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Your Centre - Your View ......

Please tell us what you think ...... there are more blank sheets at the back of the folder ...... If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 ......

Please comment on the Action Plan ......

What do you think about an I LOVE MY CENTRE day on On Saturday 12th February 2011 (nearest weekend to Valentine’s Day!) to focus attention on District and Local Centres across Sheffi eld and to start to make a difference to your centre?

Remember that this strategy is a ten year plan - priorities and actions should address “immediate issues but also provide a vision for what the centres will be like in the future ......

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18 5.0 ACTION PLAN These narratives have been used to inform and develop an Action Plan - tailored specifi cally to the needs of your Community Assembly area. The action plans list a number of priorities and the spe- cifi c actions that will help towards achieving them – against these actions we have listed the centres where they are most appropriate.

It is very important that local people are involved in continuing to set the priorities and helping to deliver the action plan. In the following pages you are asked to help us to develop the action plan by telling us:

What’s already happening? Please tell what projects are already planned or happening in your centre.

Who are the partners? Please tell us who is and/or who should be involved in delivering the actions

Your Centre - Your Pledge What can you do that will make a difference to your centre and what can the Council do to help you? Whilst we are looking for long term actions we also want to start to make an immediate difference to Your Centre. On Saturday 12th February 2011 (nearest weekend to Valentine’s Day!) we are suggesting having an I LOVE MY CENTRE day to focus attention on District and Local Centres across Sheffi eld. We are asking local people for Pledges - things that can make a difference in a day – in order to get a wider public involved and start to make a difference to your centre. 5.1 Action Plan FOCAL POINTS FOR THE COMMUNITY From the consultation over the summer of 2010 it was clear that local people see centres as Focal Points for the Community.

In recognition of this we have identifi ed two principles that govern the action plans:

Engagement of local people and businesses is key to driving improvements in centres.

The need to build on the consultation to create ongoing opportunities for involvement

In order to achieve these principles we will help to:

• Bring together people who have volunteered to be centre champions in a citywide forum

• Develop a Responsible Traders group for the City

• Encourage traders groups to form in each District Centres

• Enable Community Assemblies to drive and champion the proposals for centres in their areas

• Continue to communicate with groups and individuals who have ideas to share

19 5.2 Action Plan IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE - ECONOMIC ASPECTS

The economic health of our centres is the underpinning factor in their long-term success.

TDLC Strategy Priority Specifi c Actions Which Centres?

Reduce the number of vacant shops Explore potential for new and temporary uses in vacant shops (including for Council campaigns, Crystal Peaks new entrepreneurs, artists or community groups, access to fresh fruit and vegetables etc) for district centres with highest vacancy rates

Ensure centres have an appropriate basic Work with the private sector to secure a small foodstore in local centres which do not have one Mosborough High Street range of shops and services

Explore barriers to investment for banks/non-charging cash machines and work with the private Beighton, Gleadless, Mosborough High St sector to provide as appropriate

Explore barriers to investment for pharmacies and work with the private sector to provide as Mosborough High Street appropriate

Support specialist and independent shops Identify conditions for specialist and independent businesses and develop ways to support them Crystal Peaks and businesses initially in district centres - for example: fair access to credit, differential rental levels, planning powers, distribution networks, business advice, shop local campaign, traders’ forums Develop a marketing website that celebrates what we have in centres and highlights their special Crystal Peaks, Woodhouse features

Increase the range of other commercial/ Review the balance of uses in centres and help to reduce the impact of problematic drinking All centres economic uses in the centres Increase broadband and ensure free WiFi in all district centres including access to Digital Crystal Peaks, Woodhouse Region Ltd Signpost local businesses, through First Point for Business, to conference/offi ce/meeting facilities Centres with existing facilities in centres and consider roll out of First Point for Business to district centres as part of Customer First Focus opportunities for Learning, Skills and Employment in centres including activity delivered Beighton (Entry level learning provision in local by our partners (Job Centre plus, community organisations, Flexible New Deal) Plan to develop centres) organisational capacity in the voluntary/community sector alongside physical infrastructure Increase the number of people living in and Investigate potential for Living Over the Shops (LOTS) schemes to develop/bring into use upper All centres around the centres fl oors above shops Develop a policy for housing within centres All centres

Schools as community hubs with strong Work with schools to make the most of opportunities that arise from the capital programme of All schools that have expressed an interest links to the centres school improvements to link facilities to centres Work with schools to encourage access to school facilities near centres as part of the extended All centres schools initiative

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Please comment on the Improving Quality of Life - Economic Aspects action plan for your Community Assembly Area. Please help us to develop the action plan by telling us what is already happening in you centre, who you think should be involved Your Centre - Your Pledge and what you can do to make a difference to your centre.

If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 Comments What’s already happening? Who are the partners? Your Centre - Your Pledge Please tell what projects are already hap- Please tell us who is and/or who should be What can you do that will make a difference pening in your area to improve the economic involved in delivering the actions to your centre and what can the Council do health of your centre. “ to help you?

21 5.3 Action Plan IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE - COMMUNITY ASPECTS

A mix of community facilities and public services are essential for sustainable communities and, where these are located in centres they can help support the economic viability of those centres. However we are not suggesting that a “core offer” of these services has to be provided in all centres and where centres are already thriving we are not seeking to relocate services, unless opportunities present themselves in the future. Instead we support an approach that seeks to tailor service provision to the need, demand and preference of customers. In many centres, in particular the local ones, this will be about signposting people to provision in nearby centres.

TDLC Strategy Priority Specifi c Actions Which Centres?

Provide a high quality library service Provide a high quality library service at district centres and explore the potential for locating other Woodhouse public services in libraries

Improve access to and facilities in the parks Carry out green space improvements in local centres Beighton – other centres subject to local need and consultation with the local community Provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and activities eg gardening, food growing, walking, Beighton cycling Locate Council Services in centres where Develop location of front line services as part of Customer First Programme in District Centres Locate as opportunity arises in Woodhouse appropriate Develop/signpost location of front line services as part of Customer First Programme in local Provide in some cases but mainly signpost from centres Base Green, Beighton, Birley Spa, Gleadless Townend/Charnock, Mosborough High Street, Westfi eld Establish offi ce bases for Council Staff in centres where appropriate District Centres where appropriate

Develop a strategy for Council premises in centres that helps with the delivery of sevices All centres (aiming for fewer better buildings that maximise opportunities for co-location of services) Infl uence other public/community services Prioritise improvements to community buildings within centres, where appropriate, to make sure TBC to locate in centres where appropriate high quality multi-functional spaces are available to a range of services and groups/age groups including information, advice and guidance, affordable cafes, lunch clubs Support the voluntary/community sector as a deliverer of services in centres and coordinators of TBC volunteer opportunities; aim to locate anchor organisations within centres where possible Work with GP consortia to review service provision in centres Woodhouse, Mosborough High Street

Aim to develop provision of/access to a better mix of community facilities and public services in Westfi eld local centres with very little current provision Extend the number of places with access to public toilets and Changing Places Woodhouse

Promote cultural activities and local events Identify space (indoors and outdoors) for cultural activities and events in centres; promote citywide Centres with suitable spaces (indoor and outdoor) in centres festivals such as Off the Shelf, Galvanise and Children’s Festival in centres; and encourage our culture partners to deliver outreach activity in centres Deliver positive activities for young people Work with Sheffi eld Futures and Voluntary Community and Faith sectors to deliver a programme of To be identifi ed through Community Assemblies positive activities for young people on centres working with Children and Young People’s Service Provide feedback to schools were issues of anti-social behaviour by students are a problem in Priorities to be identifi ed through Community centres – promote better links between local business communities and schools Assemblies Prioritise detached youth work in centres experiencing antisocial behaviour To be identifi ed through Community Assemblies

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Please comment on the Improving Quality of Life - Community Aspects action plan for your Community Assembly Area. Please help us to develop the action plan by telling us what is already happening in you centre, who you think should be involved Your Centre - Your Pledge and what you can do to make a difference to your centre. If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568

Comments What’s already happening? Who are the partners? Your Centre - Your Pledge Please tell what projects are already happen- Please tell us who is and/or who should be What can you do that will make a difference ing in your area to improve the community involved in delivering the actions to your centre and what can the Council do aspects at your centre. “ to help you?

23 5.4 Action Plan IMPROVING QUALITY OF PLACE

Almost all of the centres in the strategy could benefi t from environmental improvements, whether this is to improve pedestrian safety, reduce traffi c congestion, create a better or more distinctive focal point, improve the quality of buildings, encourage low carbon lifestyles, manage anti-social behaviour or improve on standards of cleanliness.

TDLC Strategy Priority Specifi c Actions Which Centres?

Improve public transport connections Work with Passenger Transport Executive to improve public transport links to and All centres between centres Ensure public/community transport links can get vulnerable people to the centres where they need Centres where identifi ed to access services; provide facilities such as shelters and seats at bus stops and toilets at transport hubs Improve the quality and distinctiveness of Create a better focus or public space for the centre Woodhouse, Mosborough High Street the public realm Improve the quality and character of the public realm Crystal Peaks Woodhouse

Undertake small scale improvements to the public realm in local centres for example: Christmas Gleadless Townend/Charnock, Handsworth, trees, seating, cycle stands, verge treatments, painting of key features Westfi eld, Support ‘In Bloom’ groups with local residents and businesses All Centres

Identify centres of poor air quality and target them for action Where identifi ed

Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and Improve pedestrian safety Birley Moor Road, Birley Spa, Bradway, Gleadless accessibility Townend/Charnock Improve cyclist safety and provide cycle stands Birley Spa, Gleadless Townend

Better management of traffi c and parking Reduce traffi c congestion Birley Moor Road, Birley Spa, Gleadless Townend/ Charnock, Improve car parking and parking management Crystal Peaks Birley Moor Road, Birley Spa, Crosspool, Handsworth, Mosborough High Street Prioritise street cleaning and management Introduce place management (based on city centre model) for District Centres to keep up the Crystal Peaks, Woodhouse maintenance and quality of the public realm Prioritise maintenance standards in centres for litter, graffi ti, repair of damage, planting areas, Gleadless more/larger bins and gritting Work to reduce drink-related anti social behaviour around clubs, pubs and night time uses and Woodhouse promote sensible drinking choices Improve Community Safety Woodhouse

Encourage low carbon lifestyles Work with Community Assembly to prioritise provision of recycling facilities in centres Centres to be identifi ed

Consider pilot initiatives such as ‘no plastic bags’, encouraging access for pedestrians and cyclists Centres to be identifi ed and later opening hours Undertake a risk assessment to establish how centres can respond to climate change All centres Identify and explore opportunities for local energy generation All District Centres

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Please comment on the Improving Quality of Place action plan for your Community Assembly Area. Please help us to develop the action plan by telling us what is already happening in you centre, who you think should be involved and what you can Your Centre - Your Pledge do to make a difference to your centre. If you would like this document in a different format or if you would like to comment by speaking to someone in person please contact Fiona Champion or Elaine Feeney: 0114 203 9568 Comments What’s already happening? Who are the partners? Your Centre - Your Pledge Please tell what projects are already hap- Please tell us who is and/or who should be What can you do that will make a difference pening in your area to improve the quality of involved in delivering the actions to your centre and what can the Council do palce at your centre. “ to help you?

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