Milestone reached in Aylesbury Town Centre regeneration scheme

Work has completed on phase one of the flagship Pavilion Quarter regeneration scheme in the heart of Aylesbury Town Centre, a key project being brought forward by Buckinghamshire Council. The works have involved the complete demolition of the derelict ‘Gala Bingo’ building with a new walkway and extended car park now in place and open.

It means this part of the town centre has been opened up with a new route established between the High Street and the thriving Exchange development. It is key project in a suite of other improvements to Aylesbury Town Centre as part of the council’s overall vision for the town, to attract new business and investment and create an attractive shopping and entertainment experience for residents and visitors alike.

Buckinghamshire Council is investing £5 million in Aylesbury Town Centre, as part of a wide-ranging regeneration strategy. Investing in the county’s town centres is also a key strand of the council’s recently launched Economic Growth Plan, which outlines the critical role our town centres play in securing economic growth across the whole county. Vibrant town centres, as well as serving our residents and visitors well, attract investment, create jobs, support businesses to succeed and drive growth. There is universal benefit in investing in the county’s town centres and helps to reverse more recent urban decline.

Other works and improvements in Aylesbury Town Centre include:

Market Square upgrades:

• Enhanced power supply to service more market stalls and support public events
• A new lighting scheme to highlight the square’s historic features including illuminating the Market Tower clock face
• Deep cleaning and repairs to statues and monuments

Cambridge Street:

• The introduction of a pedestrian zone with improved lighting and paving, designed to support outdoor seating and enhance the visitor experience

Kingsbury Square:

• Traffic restrictions have been made permanent to improve pedestrian access and enhance safety

Heritage buildings:

• The Old County Offices building is being sympathetically converted into attractive new housing, home to 46 brand new apartments at the heart of the town centre
• The council has turned the historic Judges Lodgings building into a new wedding venue called ‘The Private Lounge’ featuring antique décor and seating for up to 45 guests

Julie Ward, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Resources and Town Centre Regeneration, said:

"These are really exciting times for Aylesbury and the completion of the first phase of the Pavilion Quarter development allows us to reflect on all the progress being made. The demolition phase of this scheme finishing marks an important milestone and opens up new space in the town centre as we work towards phase two of the Pavilion Quarter project.

"Overall, this demonstrates how the council is driving forward its adopted regeneration strategy for Aylesbury and will boost business and attract new investment into the town, as well as breathe new life into space that was being underused or had lain empty for years."