The council is not committing to a bid at this stage, but is using the programme’s focus on pride, culture and place to start with a conversation with the local community around what makes Warwick such a special place.
As a unique town rich in history, independent businesses, creative activity and strong community life, Warwick Town Council is keen to listen to the people who know it best in order to celebrate what makes it stand out from the thousands of towns across the country.
To do that, local people are being invited to share their views in several simple, informal ways.
Feedback can be given online via a short anonymous form https://forms.gle/zf2GXzBLXNEbkNoC9 or in person using comment cards available from the Visitor Information Centre.
The exercise, which will run until February 6, is not a consultation or a vote but is being used as an opportunity to celebrate Warwick and gather insight that will help the Town Council decide whether the opportunity is something worth exploring further.
Cllr Dave Skinner, Leader of Warwick Town Council, said: “Warwick is full of brilliant people, ideas and activity, and this competition offers a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on all of that. What’s particularly exciting is the chance to bring people together - residents, businesses and community groups - to help shape the conversation and celebrate what makes Warwick such a special place.”
The opportunity comes as work is already underway on a range of projects drawn up as part of the Warwick Town Centre Vision launched last year.
The Vision was the result of a series of consultations by the Town Council with stakeholders including local businesses, residents and community groups, and set out an action plan for 2024-2030 to ensure Warwick remains a viable and sustainable town centre.
Based on four key themes of: A Historic and Cultured Town; A Connected and Happy Town; A Communal and Youthful Town; A Vibrant and Safe Town, the Vision has already seen the delivery of various projects including events, improved wayfinding, cultural activities and initiatives to benefit businesses.
Projects to build on Warwick’s reputation as a historic and cultured town also include the development of art and culture initiatives and programmes, as well as effort to better link Warwick Castle to the town centre, and improvements to the public realm.
Kelly Scott, Town Centre Manager, said: “We’ve seen first-hand how much passion there is for Warwick through the work we’ve done with local businesses and residents on the town centre vision. This opportunity taps into that energy, giving people a chance to celebrate the town centre, voice their civic pride in their town, get involved and help shape what comes next in a way that feels positive and engaging.
“All feedback will be anonymous and will be used to identify common themes and what matters most to the local community, as ultimately they are the key to telling our story and what is so special about Warwick.”
*Photo credits: Warwick Visitor Centre
