What does the future hold for Welshpool?

An ambitious Strategic Plan is about to be implemented that will see a refurbished Town Hall lead a town centre revival for a Welshpool that will have better park and play areas, more events and facilities as well as a more transparent Town Council.

That’s the outcome from a lengthy public consultation this summer that drew more than 1,000 responses, with the results set to be debated at a full Welshpool Town Council meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday).

The Draft Strategic Plan 2025-2028 has been published on the authority’s web site, with the town council’s sub committees already feeding back into the process this month. But it will be voted on tomorrow at full council ready for it to be immediately implemented.

While the document comes as a breath of fresh air for the town, it will come at great expense with the Town Hall project alone expected to cost in excess of £4million.

Officers are already in the process of trying to secure major funding for the transformation, and large parts of the plan will depend on funding being secured.

So, what does the Strategic Plan say?

The Town Council said that the feedback was wide-ranging, but some clear themes emerged:

• Town Centre & Regeneration – strong support for redeveloping the Town Hall, revitalising the indoor and outdoor markets, and improving the look and feel of the town centre.
• Open Spaces – calls to maintain and invest in parks and play areas, enhance the Motte & Bailey site, protect the environment, and provide better facilities such as dog bins.
• Community Services – recognition of the importance of public toilets, the Ann Holloway Day Centre, Meals on Wheels, and a desire to better promote allotments.
• Events & Tourism – enthusiasm for a stronger events programme, keeping events free wherever possible, and making Welshpool a more attractive destination for visitors.
• Improving the Council – requests for greater transparency and communication, more community engagement, and a strong focus on financial sustainability.

You can read the full Engagement Report and Draft Plan here: