Council launches public surveys to shape future town centre investment
Amber Valley Borough Council has launched a new project to support the revitalisation of its town centres and is inviting residents and businesses to have their say on the future of Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley.
The project includes a series of short surveys inviting residents, visitors and businesses to share their experiences of each town centre.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Town Centre Benchmarking project will capture how each town is performing today and identify opportunities to make them stronger, more vibrant places for people to live, work and visit.
Delivered by People & Places Insight, a consultancy with experience in more than 350 UK towns, the project will gather valuable data and feedback from local people and businesses on vacancy rates, footfall, visitor satisfaction, business confidence, car parking and town centre use.
The findings will provide a vital evidence base to guide regeneration plans, investment opportunities and funding bids. This data will build on the council’s understanding of each town’s unique character and highlight where improvements or investment could have the greatest impact.
Councillor Emma Monkman, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration & Estates, said: “Our town centres are at the heart of our communities, and we want to ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come. This project gives residents, businesses and visitors a real opportunity to shape the future direction of our high streets.
“By taking just a few minutes to share your views, you’ll be helping us build a stronger understanding of what works well and where improvements can make the biggest difference.
“The results will also help ensure decisions are shaped by those who know the towns best, the people who use them every day.”
As part of the study, People & Places Insight will visit businesses across the four towns to gather views on trading conditions, confidence levels and perceptions of the local environment.
All responses will contribute to a comprehensive Benchmarking Report for each town, to be published in 2026, which will help guide future regeneration priorities and investment across Amber Valley.
Residents, visitors and businesses can take part in the survey online at www.ambervalley.gov.uk/towncentrebenchmarking until the end of November.
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