IPRESS INFORMATION
Issued by Chelgate, June 28, 2011
On behalf of Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estate

WENTWORTH STREET CAR PARK PROPOSALS LACK DETAIL

The people of Malton will have an opportunity to compare the two supermarket developments currently proposed for Malton when the developers of the Wentworth Street car park project, GMI Holbeck Land, run a consultation on its plans starting next week.

The Fitzwilliam Estate has run two consultations for its plans for the competing retail site at the Livestock Market over the last two months, with 80 per cent in favour of its proposals. Over a quarter voiced concern over the development of Wentworth Street car park.
GMI Holbeck Land distributed a leaflet in Malton last week giving very broad ideas of what it has in mind, inviting people to come and look at the plans at the consultation.

“The leaflet lacked any detail,” said Roddy Bushell of the Fitzwilliam Estate. “Let’s hope there is some more at the consultation otherwise residents are going to find it very difficult to compare and come to a view.

“Questions such as how big is the supermarket going to be? Which supermarket are they hoping to attract and what range of goods will it be selling? What is the layout of the site? Where is the access going to be? How much additional traffic will the supermarket generate? What better links does its site have with the town centre over those of the Livestock Market?  What are the community benefits of their development? On what basis do they believe a large supermarket will not affect local shop trade? What incentive will there be for visitors to the supermarket to walk into the town centre? How much of the proceeds and profit from the development of the site will go back into the town of Malton? And, where will the people who use Wentworth Street car park to park all day while they are at work go?

The Fitzwilliam Estate submitted its planning application for the redevelopment of the Livestock Market in May, and is half way through the 13 week period during which time Rydale District Council is supposed to determine the application. If it does not, the application can be taken to appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, taking the decision out of the hands of the council.

Rydale DC also has to take into consideration the Neighbourhood Plan currently being developed and consulted by Malton and Norton councils. When the Localism Bill is passed later this year, Rydale council will be forced to embrace the concept of community planning, and adopt the Malton and Norton Neighbourhood Plan, taking way much of the decision-making process and lodging it firmly in the local community.

Ends

Press inquiries:
James Darley or Michael Hardware at Chelgate, 1 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LE. www.chelgate.com. Tel: 020 7939 7939, 07775 925 274 or meh@chelgate.com.

Issued by Chelgate, March 23, 2011
On behalf of Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estate

ESTATE TO DISPLAY LIVESTOCK MARKET SCHEME AT PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Public asked to back redevelopment as “the catalyst to reviving the town centre”

Plans for the revitalisation of Malton town centre through the redevelopment of its under-used livestock market are to be revealed at a one-day public consultation.  Feedback will influence an imminent planning application to be made to Ryedale district council.

The event will be held by the Fitzwilliam Estate at 2 Market Place on Saturday, April 2, between 10 and 3. 

In a leaflet being distributed to every home and business in Malton, the estate invites the public to have their say in “a vital decision for the future of our town”.  On that decision, it says, “rests the prosperity of the town centre – whether the shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and all the other traders will stay in business and thrive, and whether you will want to continue using them. 

“What it comes down to for everyone is whether the experience of going into Malton is a pleasure, or a pain.  We say it can be improved; it has to be improved.”

The estate, which owns much of the town centre, adds: “We share with you a real interest in seeing the right balance between preserving Malton’s unique and timeless character, and fitting the town for today – and tomorrow.”

Citing its 300-year commitment to Malton, the estate proposes to sensitively redevelop the livestock market buildings with the market operators already looking to build a new future elsewhere before 2013.  Its plan at the site, described as of historic importance to the town’s commerce, very well linked to the centre and within easy walking distance, is for a modest-sized high quality food store, with additional smaller retail units ideally suited to attract modern high street retailers to Malton, and a generous provision of parking.  This concept, it believes, will not draw custom away from existing retailers, but actually “encourage more people to visit the town centre and to make the most of their trip by calling at other shops too”. 

The Estate believes the whole experience of shopping in Malton can be made more attractive, and that this in turn could bring in visitors from well beyond the town.

The leaflet invites the public to send a clear message to decision-makers, suggesting that councillors up for election in May should be asked where they stand.  People unable to attend the display on April 2 are directed to a website, www.PlanningConsultation.com, where the same information will be available and responses can be made online.

Ends

Press inquiries:

James Darley at Chelgate, 1 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LE.  www.chelgate.com.
Tel. 020 7939 7939, 07941 967620, jd@chelgate.com.