Buckinghamshire Council has taken further steps in the regeneration of Aylesbury, detailing progress in the development of two central sites aimed at enhancing the town’s public spaces and housing.

The council’s commitment of £5 million towards revitalising the town centre includes transforming the site of a former bingo hall, which has remained vacant for years. This particular development is set to enhance connectivity between the high street and the exchange, thereby boosting local economic activity.

Additionally, the redevelopment of the Old County Offices will introduce 46 new residential properties in the town’s core. Despite previous delays due to market conditions, this project is now poised to proceed with the aid of Brownfield Land Release Funding, repurposing a space that has been unused since the offices closed ten years ago.

These initiatives are part of the broader Aylesbury Regeneration Strategy, which aligns with the council’s ‘Regenerating Bucks’ strategy, aimed at creating vibrant town centres that cater to residents, businesses, and visitors.

Deputy Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration, Rachael Matthews, expressed enthusiasm about the projects: “The Gala Bingo site has been sitting empty for years and is in a key location at the heart of the town. It’s always been earmarked for regeneration so it’s great news that we’re in a position to move plans forward for the site. Likewise, it’s also now many years since the Old County Offices were vacated and I’m really pleased we’re now in a position to create attractive new homes in the town centre that will be developed in this heritage site.”

Matthews further highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts to enhance the town: “There is a great amount of activity in and around Aylesbury that we’re driving forward to unlock the potential of the town and make it an even better place to work, live and do business in. We’re bringing forward empty sites, improving connectivity, and delivering visible improvements while retaining and enhancing the heritage features of our attractive market town. These are exciting times, and we will keep business, residents and other stakeholders fully updated as these plans progress.”

Further improvements in Aylesbury include upgrades to lighting and power in the market square and permanent changes to some street arrangements implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.