Draft Town Centre Strategy for Musselburgh

Closed 31 Jul 2013

Opened 6 Jun 2013

Contact

Policy & Projects

01620 827264

policy&projects@eastlothian.gov.uk

Feedback updated 17 Dec 2013

We asked

For feedback on the draft Musselburgh Town Centre Strategy.

You said

Over 89% of respondents agreed with the Strategy's suggested actions. Respondents' three highest ranked priorities were that (1) the Tolbooth / Town Hall area of the High Street be improved to create a pedestrian area and parking; (2) environmental improvements be made to the Bridge Street war memorial area to include better access to the riverside and (3) heritage information available to visitors be improved and new town trails developed.

We did

Consultation responses were considered and a number of small amendments were made to the Strategy to reflect feedback received. Given that responses were generally very positive and supportive, very few changes were needed.

Results updated 17 Dec 2013

A total of 244 questionnaires were returned and a further 600 individual comments were also submitted. Over 89% of respondents agreed with the Strategy's suggested actions.

A report outlining the consultation findings and the Council's response was submitted to East Lothian Council Cabinet in December 2013.

The implementation of the Musselburgh Town Centre Strategy will be co-ordinated by East Lothian Council with the active participation and support of the local community and business organisations. Progress will also be overseen by the Musselburgh Wards Area Partnership.

Files:

Links:

Overview

musselburgh high street

East Lothian Council is consulting on the draft Town Centre Strategy for Musselburgh. The strategy has been prepared following extensive deliberation at the Musselburgh Town Centre Task Group, a sub-group of the Musselburgh Local Area Forum.  The group has representation from Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council; Windsor Park Tenants and Residents Association; Musselburgh Conservation Society; Inveresk Village Society; Queen Margaret University; Musselburgh Business Association; local ward members of East Lothian Council among others. 

The strategy has been informed by a town centre engagement exercise undertaken in 2011 which, using a Planning for Real© methodology complemented by a survey, involved around 1,200 local people making comments on how they use the town centre and identifying what they think the issues are with the present town centre and their aspirations for the future of the area.

The strategy suggests ways in which all those who have an interest in Musselburgh town centre can undertake economic and physical improvement to it.

The draft strategy contains four broad aims:

  • To keep Musselburgh town centre busy and vibrant whilst taking actions that promote additional business in Musselburgh town centre.
  • To encourage improvements to support existing businesses and town centre users and encourage investment into the town centre.
  • To enhance the setting of the local town centre, which is the unique selling point of the town.
  • To build on the unique identity of Musselburgh by explaining more of its history and heritage.

 

Why your views matter

“It is important that the Council hears the views of local people on this draft strategy as the responses will help the Council prioritise its investment in Musselburgh.  In addition to the consultation documents there will also be exhibitions at Musselburgh Library and the Brunton Hall and separate consultation events for the business community and for young people.

Musselburgh is the largest town in East Lothian and the Council recognises that investment is required to achieve positive changes and economic benefit for both local residents and businesses. The responses collected from this consultation will inform us of the favoured priorities for Musselburgh and the Council can then plan appropriate support.” (Willie Innes, Council Leader)

Areas

  • Musselburgh East and Carberry
  • Musselburgh West

Audiences

  • Community Councils
  • East Lothian Council Tenants
  • Local Residents

Interests

  • Budgets and spending
  • Residents' views and priorities
  • Community Development
  • Community Planning
  • Community Safety
  • Antisocial Behaviour
  • Licensing
  • Arts & culture
  • Environment & sustainability
  • Planning & development
  • Traffic & transport
  • Parking
  • Tourism
  • Business