Have Your Say On The Future of Winckley Square

Theindependent body formed to help kick-start the revival of Winckley Square has begun a consultationprocess giving stakeholders of the historic Square a chance to have their say on its future.
TheWinckley Square Community Interest Company’s (WSCIC) ‘Have Your Say’consultation process will run for the remainder of 2011. It will centre around a series of focus groups, interviews and an online survey run through its new website www.winckleysquarecic.org.uk.

DavidGill, chairman of WSCIC, said: “The founding members wanted to create aninclusive culture that allows all stakeholders to have an input into the futureof the Square. We are asking all groups to take part: residents, religiousgroups, businesses, retailers, council members, visitors, students and many more.

“It is important to realise that we are a community interest group therefore werepresent the interests of the whole community.

“Since we announced the formation of the WSCIC, we have been inundated with good wishes and offers of support so it’s apparent that the people of Preston feel passionately about helping shape the future of Winckley Square and surrounding conservation area.”

Mick Goode, architect and director of WSCIC has worked on numerous public consultation projects. He added: “During the first part of 2012, we will be working on our Green Paper which will set out a framework and recommendationsfor the future of Winckley Squarein the short, medium and long term. The results of the consultation process will feed directly into this.

“We are going to using elements of the globally acclaimed Planning for Real framework, a unique community planning model that has helped thousands of people across the world shape the neighbourhoods and communities. It is soimportant that we consult and engage with the people of Preston.”

WSCICwas established in July. Its founding members and elected directors include:David Gill, consultant, Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants; Simon Turner, managing director, Freshfield; MickGoode, director, Croft Goode Architects; John Chesworth, managing partner, Harrison Drury; Richard McDowell, partner, Napthens; and Mark Clarkson,partner, Eckersley.

The Business Improvement District (BID) has pledged an initial £30,000 in 2011 and a further £150,000 over five years should it secure a second five-year term in December 2011.

Clickon http://www.winckleysquarecic.org/have-your-say/ to have your say.