SEVERAL sites in Swadlincote town centre have been earmarked as areas for potential development after being considered ‘detrimental’ to the town.
The plans have been revealed as part of the town’s ‘conservation area character statement’ compiled by South Derbyshire District Council, analysing which parts of the town are worthy of protection and areas which could be set aside for future developments.
The sites include The Co-op and Post Office, in West Street, the Poundstretcher and Somerfield stores in High Street, and the Derbyshire County Council library off Civic Way.
The shopping parade on West Street has been described as ‘alien in character’ and the disused market hall ‘a large bulky building’.
All have been regarded as ‘detrimental to the historic or architectural character’ of the town, and offer the prospect of ‘high-quality redevelopment’.
Swadlincote is set to undergo major development in the next decade, with council chiefs currently drawing up a ‘town vision’ to shape its future.
The document stated: “One of Swadlincote’s distinctive characteristics is the variety of bold individual buildings. Most of the development that occurred in the second half of the 20th century fails to reflect this quality leaving a legacy of featureless structures that diminish the town’s character.
“Swadlincote would benefit from re-development and is a town where well-designed individual buildings of high quality contemporary design and materials could sit comfortably alongside the terracotta and brick buildings.”
The document also proposes to make improvements to buildings of historical significance in the town which have become worn over time including buildings such as the former Stanhope Arms, and one of the oldest buildings in the town centre, in High Street, currently occupied by the British Heart Foundation.
