New public square for Rugby town centre could move a step closer

Rugby Borough Council's Cabinet is set to consider recommending funding to take the project to its final design stage, a key milestone before any future construction work can be considered.

The proposals focus on improving the route between the Clock Tower in the heart of the town centre, and Old Market Place, which is earmarked to become the centrepiece of Rugby's proposed Cultural Quarter.

The project would create a new public space at Old Market Place, providing a new area to stage events and community activities, while also making it easier and safer for people to move through the town centre.

Planned improvements include better pedestrian walkways and crossings, measures to slow vehicle speeds and changes designed to encourage walking, cycling and longer visits to the town centre.

Cabinet is being asked to recommend that Full Council approves the allocation of £314,000 from the Town Centre Budget to progress the project to the final design stage, known as RIBA Stage 4. 

This would enable detailed technical design work, costings and tender preparation to be completed before any future decision on construction.

The proposed funding package includes £214,000 for specialist design work and £100,000 for Warwickshire County Council highways and technical approval requirements, including road safety audits, lighting reviews and design sign-off.

Completing the final design stage would also mean the project is fully developed and costed, which could help Rugby Borough Council pursue external funding opportunities for the project.

Cllr Louise Robinson, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: "This project would be a great start to the host of improvements we are planning in Rugby town centre.

"We want to create attractive spaces where people can spend time, attend events, support local businesses and enjoy everything the Rugby town centre has to offer.

"If approved, this next stage would put us in a stronger position to move towards construction and bring our plans to life.”

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Deputy Leader of Rugby Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Growth and Investment, said: "The route between the Clock Tower and Old Market Place is a really important area in Rugby town centre and improving it has long been identified as a priority.

"The proposed new public square and wider public realm improvements would help increase footfall and investment.

"Moving the project to final design stage would bring us much closer to having a deliverable scheme that can attract future funding and deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors."

If approved by Cabinet and subsequently by Full Council, detailed design work would begin later this year, with further decisions required before any construction work could proceed.