It has been announced today (Monday, November 11) that a new study of Newbury and its needs would be undertaken to build on the work done in the Newbury 2025 vision.

Nick Carter, chief executive of West Berkshire Council, announced the news at the New in Newbury Conference.

The study, which will be known as the Newbury 2036 Vision, will identify key projects and improvements that might be made in response to changes in industry makeup as well as demographic shift in the town.

It will be undertaken by specialists in town centre regeneration in conjunction with the Council and its partners.

Nick Carter said: “A new masterplan for Newbury is timely as many of the projects in the original Newbury 2025 Vision have now been delivered. We know the very positive impact that developments such as Parkway have had on the town so are in a position to ask: what’s next?

“Newbury is an attractive market town full of thriving independent business and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. We want to think about how we sustain this in the face of the challenges of years to come, such as decline in the retail sector.

“It’s clear that all of the speakers at the New in Newbury conference shared a love of the town and were very invested in helping it to succeed; and it is this that will drive the Newbury 2036 Vision forward to do just this.

“More information about our plans will be announced in due course and we look forward to working with partners to shape a new vision for Newbury.”