Residents are being asked to share their ideas including what they like and dislike about Llanidloes in a bid to help find ways to revitalise the town.
A draft plan has been published by Powys County Council which aims to help identify gaps and actions that are needed in the immediate future to support the economic recovery and sustainability of Llanidloes, which could mean that the town will be able to access funding opportunities.
People are urged to share the most important issues and opportunities for improving investment and the vitality of Llanidloes and the surrounding area online at powystowninvestmentplans.info by Friday, March 31.
A drop-in session to speak to consultants Owen Davies Consulting and Chilmark Consulting about the plan has been arranged to take place at Llanidloes Library, Great Oak Street from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday, March 29.
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Llanidloes, along Newtown, Welshpool, Machynlleth and Llandrindod Wells, is in the top tier of Powys’ retail hierarchy, defined as an ‘area retail centre’ according to the Powys Local Development Plan.
The draft plan has listed four priorities that will guide the Town Investment Plan: visitor economy; town centre resilience, vitality and attractiveness; employment and enterprise; and partnership and capacity building.
Addressing town centre issues, the draft plan says: “Llanidloes town centre is performing relatively well and is characterised by the dominance of the independent offer, especially convenience and specialist retailers, which represent key attractors alongside a growing reputation as a food and lifestyle destination,” the draft reports says.
“Local stakeholders consider the town serves a rural hinterland of circa 10 miles with evidence of expenditure patterns indicating the performance and diversity of the centre is supported by a general level of prosperity in the hinterland when compared to many other areas in Powys, which is further complemented by expenditure associated with the visitor economy.
"The unique and distinctive heritage environment further add to the appeal of the town centre with the Old Market Hall reported as the 'jewel in the crown'.
“There are however a number of issues the town centre must address. The town centre (with the exception of Saturdays) is reported by stakeholders to be quiet especially during late afternoons and the winter months with early closing by some businesses.
"Changing trends post pandemic are reported to have reduced footfall with the need to encourage more local residents to use the town centre and its facilities whilst the recent closure of a number of established independent businesses confirm the challenges facing town centre occupiers.
Encouraging people to stay longer in the centre and attracting more visitors from the A470 are considered further key issues.”
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