15 planned projects to improve High Wycombe that you need to know about

Having been asked to set out a range of prioritised projects to be funded from 15 per cent of community infrastructure levy funds - which is expected to raise between £600,000 and £1 million in the next three years – the High Wycombe Town Committee decided on a list of 15 projects.

The list will have to be approved by Wycombe District Council’s cabinet next year before any work begins.

Primary list of projects for implementation:

​1. New Cemetery

A study is currently taking place to locate a new cemetery at the Queensway site. A new cemetery is required by 2018/19 due to the area at the current cemetery for children's burial being close to capacity. 

Potential costs: TBC following council feasibility study. Could be part funded by CIL and High Wycombe Town Committee reserves.

Planned date for change: This could be implemented in the 2017/ 18 financial year.

2. New cafe and toilets on The Rye

Project would involve a redevelopment of the existing cafe at The Dyke, with toilets included. Parents of children who use the nearby playground have often complained about the lack of facilities.

Potential costs: TBC following council feasibility study. Other funding sources potentially include S106 Open Spaces funds.

Planned date for change: 2017/ 18

3. Pauls Row toilet improvements

These town centre toilets may soon be reopened. The council are hopeful the changes, including coin-operated paddle gates and minor decorations will be finished by the end of year. 

Potential costs: £15,000.

Planned date for change: Start of 2016.

4. Improvements to undercroft of the Guildhall

Paving underneath the Guildhall is in need of repair/ attention and improvements will coincide with repainting and lighting replacements.

Potential costs: Approximately £10,000.

Planned date for change: 2016/ 17.

5. Little Market House undercroft

Councillors say the current space is underutilised and has potential for infilling to create cafe space.

Potential costs: TBC following feasibility and design studies.

Planned date for change: 2016/ 17.

6. Shelley Road Recreation Ground community room.

A new small community room would be built at the existing changing rooms at the recreation ground. 

Potential costs: £170,000. Other potential funding sources will be bidding to the QEII playing fields funding for fit out costs.

Planned date for change: 2017/ 18.

7. Tree planting across the unparished area

WDC tree officers are liaising with councillors and landowners to identify suitable locations for additional tree planting.

Potential costs: £10,000 to £20,000 per annum.

Planned date for change: 2016/ 17.

8. Bollards outside fast food shop on Desborough Road

WDC say inconsiderate parking near this busy junction causes pedestrian safety issues and obstructs traffic, particularly buses, causing congestion.

Potential costs: £2,000.

Planned date for change: 2016/ 17.

9. Resurfacing and fencing improvements at Ash Hill School MUGA

The current multi-use games area at the school is not in use due to uneven and dangerous surfacing. The proposal is to fund the resurfacing and other necessary improvements to fencing and equipment.

Potential costs: £30,000.

Planned date for change: 2016/ 17.

10. High Wycombe historic town centre surfacing

The High Wycombe Town Committee say that in light of reduced maintenance spending available to Transport for Bucks, the fabric of the footways and carriageways in the historic core of the town centre has been patched in an ad hoc and unsightly way. A meeting has been held to discuss how future improvements can be made.

Potential costs: To be agreed if and when a partnership approach to TfB and Bucks County Council is agreed and a schedule of work is agreed.

Planned date for change: TBC.

Secondary list of projects for implementation:

11. Remaking the River - feasibility and design work

Previous studies have highlighted the potential to remake the river as a feature of High Wycombe town centre, and councillors are keen to see this looked at further. As part of the town masterplan, changes to road the network between Westbourne Street and Archway roundabout could see it implemented within the next five years, subject to technical work and funding becoming available.

Potential costs: £25,000.

Planned date for change: TBC.

12. Pedestrian safety measures on Hatters Lane

A feasibility study has been funded to assess whether a pedestrian crossing or other pedestrian safety measures could be installed adjacent to the new Tesco Express on Hatters Lane. However, after talks of a cost in excess of £100,000, councillors are considering the cheaper option of having the roundabout redesigned.

Potential costs: More than £100,000.

Planned date for change: TBC.

13. Pedestrian crossing on The Pastures

Concerns have been raised over the lack of a safe crossing in the area adjacent to the Disraeli School. The council are looking for a new feasibility study after they were told a controlled-crossing would potentially cost more than £200,000.

Potential costs: Councillors have been told work could cost more than £200,000.

Planned date for change: TBC.

14. Creating of Bassetsbury Historic Quarter

Suggestions have been put forward by a councillor and members of the public to create an historic trail through the Bassetsbury Manor area, including a craft and woodland skills centre.

Potential costs: TBC after further work on scope and costs required by scheme promoters.

Planned date for change: TBC.

15. Pasture Church community centre

Plans are to reconfigure the existing Pastures Church to a full-scale community building. The vast majority of the actual build costs are expected to be funded from a land sale and not CIL funds, explaining why the scheme is on the secondary list.

Potential costs: TBC.

Planned date for change: TBC.

What other changes would you like to see added to the list? Email andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk to have your say.