Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 18 April 2021

RESIDENTS and business owners in Hinckley are being invited to fill out a short survey about the town centre, which will give the Council an idea on what local people want to see what the money from the High Street Heritage Action Zone fund should go towards.

£1.85 million in funding from the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project will go towards helping revive Hinckley’s high street, as well as historic buildings, and more.

The survey is the first step in the Heritage Action project, a four-year scheme which is being backed by Historic England, who have funded 50 per cent of the project.

Further funding has come from private and public sources, as well as the Borough Council who have approximately chipped in £360,000 themselves.

The High Street Heritage Action Zone is a heritage-led regeneration programme that has been designed to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets and the communities who use them.

The ‘zone’ that is mentioned in the project names is an area located within a conservation area in Hinckley town centre.

In their plans, they have made it known that improvements will be made to historic jitties, yards, and the Castle Street and Church Walk car parks.

Owners and occupants of historic buildings in the ‘retail core’ of the town centre will be able to apply for generous grants that will see repair works and reinstate traditional features, with a primary focus on shop fronts.

The Borough Council’s planners will determine and consider if the town’s vacant shops and spaces would be able to be re-developed and improved.

There are further plans in place to host a range of events and activities, in a bid to see people engage with the town’s heritage and culture.

Council’s Deputy Leader comments

Cllr. David Bill, Deputy Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to see work start on a project that can only benefit the town, its residents and visitors.

“Every town centre across the country has suffered during the pandemic but this project will enable us to help regenerate our town centre and surrounding areas.

“I hope local residents take this opportunity to get involved in helping to shape the future of our historic town.”

Have your say

If you want to voice your opinions on what you think the money from the million project should be spent on to revamp the town centre, there are only eight days to do so.

The survey will publicly close next Monday (26 April). It can be completed online, by clicking here, or alternatively, paper forms can be requested by calling the HSHAZ Project Officer on 01455 238141.