Vision of the town's future (From Free Press Series)

Vision of the town's future

AMBITIOUS plans unveiled by Monmouthshire county council to breathe life into Abergavenny town centre have been greeted with cautious optimism.

The plans for the cattle market site include a 25,000 square-foot food store, a new library, 31 flats and 262 parking spaces for residents and shoppers.

There is also a pedestrian link planned between the cattle market site and Bailey Park. The council also wants to refurbish the Brewery Yard so that it becomes an important open space in the town.

Planning permission is being sought for the scheme, but in the meantime, outline plans went on display in the One Stop Shop in Abergavenny this week.

David Haswell, chairman of the Abergavenny Development Forum, said: "This is potentially a good scheme in terms of layout and content, clear evidence that Monmouthshire County Council has finally listened to local groups and traders.

"We are delighted to see that the council has taken up the forum's proposals for a food-only store in a mixed use development, a route to Bailey Park, and retention in part of the abattoir buildings.

"We understand the council is also developing proposals to upgrade the Market Hall, hopefully to include a mezzanine level.

"Whereas this proposal is a promising start, a fundamental question remains: will the local authority have the wisdom to select a quality food store provider that will act as a genuine partner in enhancing the town's growing reputation as a food destination?"

Chris Belcham from the Abergavenny Tourist Association said: "The council needs to pull its finger out quickly and implement the plans before out-of-town developments get approved and kill off the town. What quality food store would want to come into the town if an out-of-town Safeway is increased by 60 percent?"

Richard Gafney, owner of Vin Sullivan's fishmonger, said: "As a trader, it is not what we wanted. We wanted Brewery Yard developed, but something had to happen.

"The cattle market development is going to go ahead and we believe it will complement the town. What is crucial to developing the town in the right direction is the type of supermarket that will go there."