£5m plans unveiled to 'breathe life' into Aylesbury

Buckinghamshire Council proposed plans to create the new ‘Pavilion Quarter’ in central Aylesbury in May, laying out the framework for an area built around new businesses and entertainment complexes to boost footfall in the town centre.

The council confirmed this week that it is “progressing” the initiative and shared details about the new attractions the quarter – named after the old Pavilion cinema that formerly stood at the site – will house.

These include an outdoor area with space for live music and local events, an opened-up link between the Exchange and the High Street to improve flow between the two areas and newly installed lighting and plants.

The scheme, which has not yet set a date for the beginning of development or opening, is part of the Regenerating Bucks strategy adopted by the council last year.

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Rachael Matthews, deputy cabinet member for town centre regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be able to share early impressions of our vision for the new ‘Pavilion Quarter’ for Aylesbury.

“This is about breathing new life into this part of the town centre. This is not a final scheme, but outlines the kind of use, look and feel that we want for the new quarter – a space for everyone to enjoy that enhances and adds to the overall town centre experience.

“This is about bringing a redundant space back into use which opens up our town centre and provides new opportunities for businesses. To ensure the town continues to grow, we must adapt to post-COVID high streets that are more agile and attract people into a lively town centre experience with a variety of offerings.”

Ms Matthews also said the council has a planned programme of community engagement to accompany development and an aim to turn Aylesbury into “a vibrant and bustling” place that people “feel proud to call their hometown”.