A revised masterplan for the Canal Corridor North site has recently been issued by Centros (click on the link below to view). This indicates a more sensitive scheme which appears to address the concerns of English Heritage, notably the retention of more of the heritage buildings on the site. This is welcome, as are the public spaces, the canal-side park and the inclusion of a foodstore as well as a department store. We are concerned however that the proposed new shopping area would be separated from the existing central shoppoing area by the southbound leg of the A6, with only limited provision for easy pedestrian movement between the two. Establishing good linkages will be essential for the success of both areas, the existing city centre shops and those on the new development.
This is the first draft of the masterplan and we look forward to seeing further details. We understand that there will be public consultations during 2012 before a planning application is submitted. We look forward to participating in this exercise and learning more detail of the proposal. We also intend to hold a meeting to discuss the proposals with our members once more details are available.
Centros revised masterplan for CCN site March 2012
The City Council’s statement and the Assessment of Heritage Values and Significance of the site, compiled by The Conservation Studios, can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
www.lancaster.gov.uk/ccnreport
For the Society’s statement on the site, issued January 2011, click on the link below.
