What the Masterplan says...
"Creating new public space, enhancing the retail environment through the renewal of retail floor space and bringing the market into the street scene, and promoting urban living above shops and on the existing market site."

The Masterplan strategy for this area
Two new blocks, one residential, on the current market site and the other replacement retail units with flats on upper floors, to replace Barclays Bank and the shops on the west side of the High Street from Market Road to Woolworths. A total of 68 residential units and a new public square.

"Enhanced pedestrian environment with wider pavements, street trees and dedicated on-street parking bays, defined by built outs in which trees are planted. Market Square: Creation of a new central location for the weekly market encompassing Times Square, High Street, the new public spaces around the Willowdale Centre and community facilities."

What is actually happening?

• No planning applications have yet been submitted for this area.

Current situation - number of residential units
In Masterplan	Proposals	Plans in	Approved	Built	Poss. Total
68	0	0	0	0	68

The Wickford Action Group view
This area will be expensive to develop, and it will be interesting to see if there are any proposals from developers.

One of the biggest problems will be traffic congestion, remember there are two schools and a sheltered housing complex nearby in Market Road/ Market Avenue, and the associated parking problems - where would the new flat owners park their 4x4s?