Issue - meetings

Updates were delivered by the Stevenage Regeneration Team regarding the improvements of underpasses across the town, making them brighter, safer, and more welcoming. The improvements included community art projects and school competitions and had been well received by the public.

In addition, a new sculpture had been installed outside the bus interchange.  The sculpture incorporated stories and mementos shared by residents about their experiences of Stevenage.

The Arts and Heritage Trail was highlighted to the Board as another key initiative.  The Trail would provide designated walking and cycling routes that showcased public art and local heritage sites.  Installation of wayfinding and signage was due to begin shortly. A website is being developed to navigate users around the routes while sharing information about the town’s history, artworks, and artists.

The creation of the Arts and Heritage Trail  was seen as an opportunity to showcase Stevenage’s heritage, with emphasis on ensuring that historic importance of sites, including Six Hills, was recognised and celebrated.

Alongside this, work was underway with Hertfordshire County Council to improve signage across the wider cycle network. The consultation process was set to gather public feedback on how people navigated the network and how improvements could encourage greater use.

It was agreed that the cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Stevenage was widely recognised as a community asset and point of pride, both locally and more widely across Hertfordshire.

The Board Members also discussed the opportunities that the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation might bring in terms of more joined-up planning and stronger connections with neighbouring towns.

It was RESOLVED that the updates be noted.