Councillor Isabelle McKenzie, Portfolio Holder for Growth & Investment at Rugby Borough Council, presented the details of the plans at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum, hosted at Brownsover Hall.
The forum meets once a quarter to discuss the latest developments in the area and also the key issues that are holding back business growth.
Cllr McKenzie told businesses that the Economic Strategy adopted in 2025 was the first in 17 years for the borough and set out a framework until 2035.
She said it would deliver sustainable, inclusive growth; put places, people and businesses at the heart of growth; and create a prosperous, resilient and greener local economy.
Cllr McKenzie revealed that the council had received £10m in Planning Obligations from the Frasers Group to establish a new skills hub in Rugby town centre to support Rugby residents in upskilling for the jobs of the future
She also updated on the wider town centre regeneration plans including the Public Realm Masterplan to improve the look and feel of the town centre and to create improved pedestrian areas as well as areas that can be used for community events designed to increase visitors and support retailers.
Elsewhere, the new M6 gateway development in the Local Plan has been submitted for examination and, once approved, will provide opportunities for smaller units for local businesses, while Warwickshire County Council is also bringing forward incubator units at Somers Road.
Cllr McKenzie said: “Rugby has enormous potential, but for too long we have lacked a clear economic vision for how we unlock it.
“Our economic strategy is about turning that ambition into action – supporting local businesses, creating space for start-ups and growing firms, helping residents gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future, and making sure major investment delivers real benefits for our town.
“We are determined to make Rugby town centre a place people choose to visit, shop, work and spend time in. From bringing empty units back into use and improving shopfronts, to developing plans for a cultural quarter, better public spaces and more accessible health and community services, this is about creating a thriving, greener, fairer and healthier Rugby for the long term.”
The recently reopened Brownsover Hall was the ideal backdrop for a presentation on investment and regeneration.
Owners, The Distinct Group, have invested around £7 million to dramatically overhaul the venue which now features 48 bedrooms thanks to further development of its on-site stable block.
Every bedroom and public area has been overhauled and the new-look hotel is proving to be a hit with customers, with plans for further investment on the cards.
Sarah Kent, sales and events manager, said: “The aim is to bring Brownsover Hall back into the heart of Rugby. The owners have invested heavily in the building, the grounds and the guest experience, and everything has been designed with real care – from the interiors and bedrooms to the restaurant, marquee and outdoor spaces.
“We want people to see Brownsover Hall not just as a hotel, but as somewhere to come for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, weddings, events, meetings or simply to enjoy the grounds.
“There is so much history here, and the vision is to celebrate that heritage while creating something fresh, welcoming and exciting for the local community.”
Dan Mann, the chair of the Rugby Local Business Forum, said: “It is fantastic to see and hear of so many positive things happening in Rugby and many elements of the economic strategy have been key asks of the Chamber over the years – from town centre redevelopment through to smaller industrial units for local businesses to grow into.
“There are exciting times ahead for the borough and for our hosts, Brownsover Hall, which shows what can be achieved with vision and investment.”
