“Exciting” new plans to completely revamp High Wycombe’s town centre – and the wider Wycombe district – have taken a step forward after councillors praised the huge overhaul.

Last week, the Bucks Free Press revealed a vision for High Wycombe up until 2050 – which included a huge overhaul of the town centre including a new garden piazza in Frogmoor, extended pedestrianised areas, a low emissions zone and more 20mph speed limits.

The innovative plans were presented to councillors at a special Wycombe District Council cabinet meeting on Monday evening – and the plans were well-received.

Among the plans is an idea to relocate Wycombe Museum back into the town centre after it moved to Castle Hill House in Priory Avenue 57 years ago – but the museum told the Bucks Free Press it was unaware of these plans.

Coupled with a £500,000 investment into the town centre as part of the High Wycombe masterplan, the face of High Wycombe could be set to change forever.

Councillors overwhelmingly approved the plans at Monday night’s meeting – but because of the impending arrival of the unitary authority in April 2020, the district council will not be able to see the plan through.

Instead, it has been passed over to the new authority’s shadow executive to help shape future development in the town.

Cllr David Johncock said the project was “very positive”, adding: “It sets the bedrock for what we can do under the new council”.

Cllr Matt Knight was also happy with the plan, but said he hoped the plan would be followed up.

He said: “This is an ambitious and impressive strategy so I welcome it generally. How can we be sure that this is followed through? As someone who is passionate about the future of High Wycombe, I want to be sure this is followed through.”

Cllr Steve Broadbent, who spearheaded the regeneration strategy, said he did not want to see the plan “put on a dusty shelf”.

He said: “The Wycombe district economy is the biggest in Buckinghamshire and as the economy continues to evolve and we get fit for a modern era, its right for us to look at regeneration of the entire district to get us fit for that. By being broad-ranging and forward-thinking, we have the ability to deliver over time, in partnership with residents and businesses, a better economy. It is a well-considered piece.”

Key features of the plan:

  • Creating a garden piazza at Frogmoor
  • Relocate Wycombe Museum to the town centre
  • Make more of the town’s cultural heritage including the Guildhall, Little Market House and the Wheatsheaf pub
  • Specialist street markets
  • Regenerate Brunel engine shed
  • Bicycle rental scheme hub
  • Bus lanes between Handy Cross Hub and the High Wycombe railway station
  • New parks and community gardens in Desborough
  • Low emission zone and 20mph and pedestrianised streets
  • 'Futureproof’ Eden Shopping Centre
  • Integrate Bucks New University into the town more
  • Creative street furniture and more outdoor events
  • More street trees and plants
  • A masterplan for Cressex Business Park
  • Electric cycle hub
  • Better connectivity at Globe Business Park in Marlow
  • Railway upgrades in Marlow
  • Waterfront leisure opportunities on the river in Marlow
  • Town centre redevelopment for retail and leisure in Princes Risborough