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Rugby’s residents will be able to have their say on the future of a key shopping centre in the town after councillors voted to move the plans forward

Rugby Borough Council is set to open a consultation into the future of Rugby Central – formerly known as Clock Towers Shopping Centre – which will ask the public to share their views on a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that will guide the site’s redevelopment in relation to design and placemaking.
06 February 2026
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The draft SPD sets out expectations for the future design of Rugby Central and provides clarity on what is desirable.

This includes guidelines around the mix of units within Rugby Central, the height of any redevelopment, improving access to the site, connectivity to other parts of the town, and further public realm improvements associated with Rugby Central.

Once the public has their say, if the SPD is adopted, it will have a strong influence on whether planning permission for certain elements of Rugby Central will be approved.

Rugby Borough Council’s Cabinet voted to put the draft SPD out to public consultation at a meeting in January, and is encouraging local residents, business and stakeholders to share their thoughts.

The consultation comes as the Council decides whether to purchase Rugby Central outright, enter into a joint venture with the current owner, or use compulsory purchase powers to take ownership of the site and have greater control over its future.

Leader of Rugby Borough Council, Cllr Michael Moran, said: “The SPD for Rugby Central will ensure only high-quality redevelopment will take place at what is one of the most important sites in the whole of the town centre.

“Once expectations for Rugby Central’s future design are established, it will be difficult for planning applications that go against those designs to be given permission. 

“The redevelopment Rugby Central will play a major part in our wider ambition to improve the town centre for the benefit of existing residents and businesses.

“All businesses who currently occupy Rugby Central will be key stakeholders throughout this process, and we will be keeping them updated from start to finish.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in Rugby Central’s future to look at the SPD and share their views with us.”

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Chair of the Town Centre Working Group at Rugby Borough Council, added: “The future of Rugby Central is a crucial part of the Council’s ambitions to improve the town centre, so adopting a robust SPD is very important.

“Ensuring the public have their say will enable us include their views and experiences in the final version of the SPD and make it as good as it can be.

“Whatever the council decides on how best to acquire Rugby Central, the design of it has to be right if it is going to improve Rugby for both residents and businesses.”

The consultation opens on Friday 6 February and ends at 5pm on Friday 6 March.

Anyone wishing to view more information on the draft Rugby Central SPD and take part in the consultation should visit www.rugby.gov.uk/RugbyCentralSPD