Marlborough residents call for town centre improvements

The Town Centre Vision and Development Plan, which is being put together by Marlborough Town Council’s town centre working party, hopes to identify the challenges facing the area and the opportunities that could be taken.

A “long-term vision” will then be produced to maintain and improve the vitality of the town centre in collaboration with local stakeholders, alongside a list of actions needed to make this vision a reality.

As part of the council's bid to gather feedback residents were asked to pinpoint areas on a map that they think need improvement. 

The most common complaints shared by residents on Placecheck Online were a lack of parking options, traffic in the town centre, and the need for more street and picnic benches.

Other areas of concern raised include pollution, HGV access, signage, a lack of affordable supermarkets, and empty shop fronts.

The streets Marlborough residents had the most to say about (Image: Placecheck Online) On June 17, one resident pinned Angel Yard and stated: “Angel Yard is a much-used cut-through for residents and spoiled under the bridge by all the smokers.

“Rarely swept by the council which is a pity as many residents have made it very pretty.

“However, the buildings that were given planning permission for mental health rehab units are truly awful and very badly maintained.

“I believe they are also associated with antisocial behaviour and criminal activity. I no longer walk home on darker evenings that way as feel unsafe.”

Another resident, pinpointing George Lane on June 23, said: “The George Lane car park should be partially redeveloped with a low-rise two to three storey car park to increase parking capacity to the south of the toilet block.

“The police building should be removed to make way for the new structure.

“This would facilitate residents' parking in other parts of the centre area and allow improved space/congestion in the High St.”

Councillors want to work with residents to improve the town centre (Image: Tom Ellis) On June 19, one resident commented: “A road that goes around the town centre would be great, to avoid all the HGVs and through traffic blocking up the town centre and damaging the roads.”

This comment was pinned to George Lane in Marlborough, although the commenter did not specify where this alternative road should go.

“The Town Centre Study is in the first phase, which means proactive engagement with residents to seek their views and ideas," said town clerk Richard Spencer Williams.

“These will then be processed by PJA, our consultant services, who will cross reference the comments received with a town and highway planning perspective to make recommendations of what hopefully will be a number of deliverables that will enhance the already vibrant Marlborough High Street experience."

Consultations will continue until late summer 2025, and a full list of consultation events can be found on the town council’s website as well as the interactive Placecheck map.

Councillor Jane Davies added: “This is a project I am really proud to have been working with Marlborough Town Council on for a few years now.

“A big piece of work is happening this summer to produce some design ideas and we need your help.”

New town signs were installed as a result of the last consultation (Image: Marlborough Town Council) The last time Marlborough Town Council asked residents for their thoughts on Marlborough town centre in autumn 2022, the consultation resulted in street furniture, signposting and a new town guide for visitors.

A draft version of the new town centre masterplan will be made available for inspection and feedback in “late summer” 2025.

A final version of the plan is then expected in early autumn.