PEOPLE who are concerned about the future of Gillingham town centre can have their say during a public consultation.

A month-long programme of public consultation on the shape of the town’s future, is about to be launched.

It will give people living in the area a chance to influence major decisions on the regeneration of the town centre.

Residents and traders will be asked for their views on a framework for the town’s future, which is being developed by planning consultants Barton Willmore .

The framework has been commissioned by Medway Council in a bid to make the High Street and surrounding area a vibrant and viable place.

It will do this by building on its strengths and addressing its weaknesses.

The framework plans are currently in draft form, which means its contents are still options.

The public consultation will start next Monday and will have a major influence on what happens in the future.

The final blueprint for investment will be carried out during the next 10 years.

KEY PROPOSALS

* A continuing central role for the High Street market

* 150 extra parking spaces, possibly more

* Creating a new town square 'heart’ within a retail area at the junction of High Street and Green Street

* Transforming the area around the railway station into a gateway, giving an improved welcome and better links to the town centre

* A leisure/cultural venue towards the western end of the town centre that could act as an anchor for an 'expanded and civilised evening economy’

* Improved use of – and connections to – open space at the Black Lion Sports Centre and the Great Lines.

* More flexible use of land at the western end of the High Street

An exhibition on the draft framework is being held at the following places:

* Monday, July 10, to Thursday, July 13, Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road. Staff will be available from 11am-2pm daily and 7pm-9pm on Wednesday, July 12.

* Friday, July 14, to Monday, July 17, The Black Lion Leisure Centre, Mill Road. Staff available 11am-2pm, on Friday, July 14.

* Tuesday, July 18, to Thursday, July 20, The Salvation Army, Green Street. Staff available 11am-2pm daily and 7pm-9pm on Wednesday, July 19.

* Friday, July 21, Gillingham Railway Station, 7am-9am, and Gillingham Library, High Street, from 11am-2pm, and Saturday, July 22, 9am-5pm.

Feedback forms can be posted to FREEPOST Medway Renaissance or on-line at www.medway.gov.uk/index/business/medwayrenaissance/47127.htm

Comments should be returned by Friday, August 11.