That’s the prediction of the trailblazing organisation Midsteeple Quarter who are spearheading work to “reclaim the High Street” by bringing a significant part of it into community ownership.
Midsteeple Quarter has already bought five prominent buildings in the area from where its name is taken and is working to bring them back into use – creating new business opportunities and homes.
The past 12 months has seen one of them – 111 High Street – brought back into use, with its first tenants attracting wide interest as they opened in time for Christmas.
And the next year will include the start of the first phase of significant multi-million pound redevelopment work in the area.
Midsteeple Quarter executive director Scott Mackay said: “I am pleased to say that we are at an advanced stage in the process which should allow contractors to begin full phase one works on-site in the early part of 2022.
“Over the course of this year, the detailed site assessment and archeological work needed to pave the way for this has taken place.
“With that complete, we can now move towards full construction work and take another significant step in our plan to create a fairer, stronger, more sustainable and successful High Street. It’s an exciting time.”
Planning permission for Phase One – which will concentrate on the site of 135-139 High Street, formerly known as the Baker’s Oven – was granted in 2020.
It will see the building transformed and extended, creating enterprise space at ground level and part of the first floor as well as seven flats on its upper floors.
The creative enterprise area will include space for pop-up projects, one-off events, long-term units for hire, a retail unit and co-working space. The homes – which will be owned by Midsteeple Quarter Community Benefit Society – will be available to rent at an affordable-to-mid-market rate.
