The people of Holyhead are being urged to play their part in the town centre\u2019s future when a major consultation resumes later this month (May).<\/p>\n
A project to create a long term Vision and Masterplan for the future of the town centre has been backed by a number of prominent figures, including businesspeople and local representatives.<\/p>\n
Former County Councillor and local businessman J V Owen is a keen advocate of the town centre getting involved in planning its future and he said: \u201cThe idea of a long term Vision and Masterplan is great. We have a lot going for us but we need to promote ourselves more.<\/p>\n
\u201cWork has now started to bring some of the fine old buildings in the town centre up to scratch and that\u2019s a good idea and it\u2019s the right way forward for the town \u2013 a lot of money has been spent but we need to get something back to make a future for Holyhead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am involved with the Townscape Heritage Initiative but even if I wasn\u2019t it\u2019s the right way forward for the town centre \u2013 a lot of money has been spent but we need to get something back to make a future for Holyhead.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need people to get involved in also thinking about the future direction for the town centre in setting a longer term vision and also considering projects that will assist in delivering the vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have cruise liners coming and the railway and ferries but people in the town centre need to rise to the challenge and come forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local regeneration organisation Mon Communities First has been active in Holyhead, particularly in helping fill empty shops where it\u2019s award-winning scheme is now being used as a blueprint in other areas.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s Prosperous Communities Co-ordinator, Alun Roberts, said: \u201cIn terms of the Masterplan it\u2019s vital that people have their say.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a pivotal time for the future of all town centres and it\u2019s important that we don\u2019t sit back and do nothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very supportive of the continued efforts to look to future projects because they\u2019re playing a part in the regeneration of the town centre but this is about more than just that \u2013 it\u2019s about helping people move onto the ladder.<\/p>\n
\u201cHolyhead has problems such as high unemployment and we need to address these and increasing community involvement is integral to coming up with new innovative ideas.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to have a regular forum where local people can get more involved in future in helping to steer regeneration proposals and seeing the outcomes from their involvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople like to see things happening. It gives them hope for the future and things are happening in Holyhead so it\u2019s about keeping the momentum going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local Chartered Building Surveyor Dewi Williams, of DEWIS, is involved in a number of existing projects in the town centre but he is keen to see Holyhead bounce back into the future as well: \u201cThere is now a real opportunity to influence the future regeneration projects\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the research needs to come into its own and that includes the consultations with the community and businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people take the opportunity to get involved there’s a better chance of a good outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n