Engagement Report

Following the analysis of all the questionnaires, comments, and workshops, we have shared the outcomes of our Engagement Report, completed by our engagement specialists Newman Francis. 

A summary of key views include:

• Concerns about ASB, crime, drugs / alcohol, mental health and gambling.
• Concerns about street cleaning and waste management.
• Lack of safety, public space, green space, and facilities for children and young people.
• Too much car parking; support for reducing and finding better use for public space.
• Support for improving parking management and reducing air pollution – more opportunities for short stay / customer parking.
• Businesses felt that any loss in parking would negatively impact the local economy.
• Desire for more places to spend time and socialise in the day and evening.
• Support for improving the public realm, the expansion of Holcombe Market, making the area greener.
• Support for improved active travel infrastructure.

Through the Bruce Grove Voices Workshops we were able to have more in depth discussions with community members.

Some clear patterns emerged and across the workshops there was support for:

• The pedestrianisation of Stoneleigh Road and/or a multi-use shared surface approach.
• The introduction of a cycleway along Stoneleigh Road and better cycle infrastructure overall, making the area more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Improved soft landscaping, planting, greenery and bio-diversity.
• Improved lighting along Stoneleigh Road, Brook Street and specifically the East-West alley connections for safety.
• Support for employment, training and volunteering opportunities.
• Affordable opportunities for local people to develop entrepreneurial ideas such as business incubation.
• The idea of Bruce Grove as a “destination” with a vibrant night-time economy, including a food market.
• The expansion of Holcombe Market with the creation of a new family friendly ‘town square’ focused around the market/car park sites.
• Support for improving the area to the rear of Holcombe Market due to poor waste management and issues with vehicle congestion.
• Support for the car park sites to be re-assigned to create a range of community benefits.
• Support for the introduction of a parking management scheme to allow more short-stay visitor parking and to prevent long-stay commuter parking.
• Dedicated loading and unloading areas to avoid vehicles moving through the area – businesses to then use trolleys to take stock to the rear of shops and businesses.
• Cleaner streets with better waste management.
• Affordable spaces for the community to get together and socialise, including safe seating areas, performance, exhibition space and exercise spaces.
• Safe spaces for children to play, as well as safe spaces for young people to get together.
• Local street art with support for introducing dedicated spaces where people could carry out graffiti art.
• Better signage and wayfinding.
• Public toilets and water fountains.
• Ensuring that robust plans would be put in place to make sure that public realm improvements were properly maintained and looked after.

To read the full report, download the PDF document or click on the 'eye' icon to view.