Why we are regenerating
We are making Stevenage Even Better
The plans to regenerate Stevenage represent an ambitious programme worth £1bn, which includes major commercial and residential developments in partnership with Reef Group, Mace and The Guinness Partnership
We are transforming our existing town centre and the surrounding area, delivering new streets, facilities and more for our residents and visitors, both now and in the future. Town centres across the country are changing and there is a need to introduce a mix of uses to ensure our town remains a place where people want to spend time. Stevenage is no exception, and we are responding to these changes in a way which will future proof Stevenage and support residents and businesses.
The regeneration of Stevenage town centre will:
- Boost our local economy by increasing the number of people living and working in our town, and increasing our arts and culture scene
- Reignite our night-time economy with new leisure and commercial facilities, plus bars, restaurants and cafes
- Deliver health and public services right in the centre of town to meet local needs and attract visitors
- Maximise innovative business and educational facilities in town to generate further investment and help local people prosper
- Introduce new green space and nature within the town centre
- Enhance our transport network, with the new bus interchange and upgrading our existing 45km cycleway
Shopping
The regeneration of Stevenage will lead to improvements to existing retail units – as well as introducing a range of new facilities and brands – and public areas that will bring back a once vibrant shopping scene, adapting to the changes in today’s retail environment.
We want to give people somewhere to dine out, use leisure facilities, and socialise with friends and family – all as part of an enhanced shopping experience.
Business
Stevenage is already home to a well-established and unrivalled business support network.
We’ve made life even better for our business community with the addition of new and affordable flexible work space in the centre of town, giving start-ups the freedom to work remotely in central Stevenage, at a time that suits them.
Leisure
We’re creating new green spaces in which to unwind and socialise in and around the town, and centralising all our local public and community services.
Connectivity
Stevenage is perfectly placed for local, national and international travel. We’re improving transport links and access to the town centre for visitors and residents. Our new bus Interchange provides much needed updated facilities for bus users such as heated/covered waiting areas, accessible toilets and café, as well as improving travel links with the railway station and town centre.
Ample parking remains for those visiting the town, with a new 622 space multi-storey car park now open adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station.
Arts and culture
Our first original new town history will be celebrated in the New Town’s Heritage Centre with a modern cultural arts, heritage and education centre and adjacent flexible space for events, performances, education and leisure activities.
Residents will be able to enjoy regular arts cultural events, and performances and fun leisure activities in the town to strengthen our community and pride in the town.
Sustainability
Stevenage Borough Council has committed to battling climate change by setting a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. We’re working with partners to create a more sustainable town for the future by:-
- Reducing our environmental impact
- Cultivating sustainability
- Improving our energy efficiency
Green initiatives include:
- Recycling rainwater and using natural drainage
- Improving biodiversity with new green spaces, which includes new trees and shrubs at the Bus Interchange
- Provision of electric car charging points and secure storage for bicycles
- Encouraging more walking and cycling in town.
2040 Investment Prospectus
Stevenage is a place on the move. We are transforming the future of the UK’s first New Town, building on its strategic location at the heart of the Golden Triangle between London, Cambridge and Oxford. We have brought together a unique public-private partnership which is driving this change.
Stevenage’s town centre is undergoing a £1bn transformative investment programme. The town is home to world-leading industries across advanced manufacturing, defence, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Over the last decade, Stevenage has developed a particular specialism around Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), and now has the world’s third largest cluster of CGT businesses.
By 2040, there will be significant changes in the global economy with artificial intelligence, life sciences and biotech likely to be key drivers of growth. Stevenage is aiming to be at the heart of this.
Stevenage has the potential to deliver 15,000 new jobs by 2040. Our public-private sector partnership is already delivering real-world results – in terms of inward investment, educational performance, renewal of the town’s fabric, transport infrastructure and housing renewal. Every one pound of public sector investment will see a gain of £10 to the Stevenage economy.
The 2040 Investment Prospectus outlines a roadmap for the town’s next stage of development and sets out the areas where we need support from central Government, businesses and all our partners inside and outside the town.