This website contains information on the activities and projects of Howdenshire Forward between 2005 and March 2010. However, Howdenshire Forward remains an active partnership and for more up to date information please contact Hugh Roberts, Chair - Howdesnhire Forward, on email hughroberts@fsmail.net

Howdenshire Forward Action Groups

The Action Groups are where our projects will be developed and delivered on the ground. Action Groups will be set up as required to take specific projects or areas of work forward, and will stop meeting after their work is completed.

Howden Culture Resources Development Study

This study explored Howden's active cultural offer, and potential coherent approaches to sustainable development of its key features, Minster, Ashes Playing Field and Shire Hall. It includes an exploration of potential developments for the Minster, a feasibility study of the Shire Hall and an appraisal of alternative governance of these landmark features and organisations.  Key issues include access to cultural and community opportunity, building visitor numbers, and potential for a Community Development Trust.  The study looks at future governance for the voluntary sector and concludes  that, in the first instance, the Shire Hall should proceed with its development plan as an independent organisation, and the potential of a Community Development Trust should be explored as an appropriate structure for supporting and developing other community and cultural initiatives in Howden, both existing and new. 

Public Spaces Action Group

This group was established to consider public spaces in the town, based on a full programme of activities for a facilitated public spaces programme including both the green open space in the Ashes Playing Fields and the built open space in and around Marketplace in the town centre.  Work has eventually led to a ten year town centre design plan focusing on six key areas for enhancement, and includes issues such as the consistency in design of street furniture, attractive and pedestrian friendly public spaces, traffic management in the town centre, and other issues relating to how the main public spaces meet the needs of the people who use them.  The six sites are:

1 Hailgate / Highbridge Junction and pocket park

2 Shire Hall environs

3 Bridgegate

4 Corn Market Hill

5 War Memorial site

6 Town centre gateways

Over 500 responses were received during initial consultation, and these were analysed to draw out issues.  You can download the full consultation feedback report from the column on the right.  Through a series of open design workshops the group explored the consultation findings and physically reviewed the streets to identify key issues to address in the town centre design plan.   A great deal of work has taken place to consolidate a draft design plan for phase one of the first of six sites requiring enhancement. 

Several consultation meetings have taken place to give representatives of  local community organisations and residents an opportunity to view and comment on the plans and street furniture.  The plans were approved by representatives of local community groups at three progression meetings and also by residents attending Howden Town Council Annual General meeting.  The plan is linked to Howdenshire Forward's Action Plan priorities and Renaissance Vision to create a stronger sense of place.  Final design plans for the Highbridge Junction and Pocket Park area will be submitted to Howdenshire Forward Board and Howden Town Council for approval pending funding.