your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
David Clues from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea vi
Who said Aber is the town for the un-ambitious? Wynford Vaughn Thomas maybe.He was dead right so why don't all those developers sod off and leave my home town as I want it when I return for my retirement in the very near future. I do not want plastic to replace that which I grew up with. Planners, councillors, decision makers, go somewhere else to make your 30 pices of silver. Do not sell out the soul of Aberystwyth can you not see through your narrow eyes it is what makes live.
Fri Jan 8 10:18:10 2010
Claire, London
I'm on a placement year at the moment, but quite literally jumped for joy in the office having just read that there's been a set-back for the master plan.Why do they need to build a new department store? As far as I'm aware several sites are currently empty. Places like the old post sorting office and Woolworths could easily be adapted for new shops to be put in place, without ruining the look of the town. A department store would change the dynamic of the town for the worse. I love the quaintness of the town, and the local shops (though they are unfortunately beginning to disappear). I l! ove the way the town and the seaside merge well. Many chain stores don't gel with older arcitecture in town centres... but mainly because they don't want to. They want to be "hip" and "modern" which is - to my mind - ugly and horrible.I have nothing against re-using what structure is already there, but I am against building anything in the town centre itself.A new departmental store would be the beginning of the end to what I love about Aber.
Wed Oct 14 13:15:36 2009
Simon James, Aberystwyth Uni Alumni
Looks disgusting. Cant believe they would sacrifice local shops so they can put a Debenhams or another chain-based business in there. It would ruin Aberystwyth for me. The council should spend money on the refurbishment of the old buildings which have character rather than building horrible modern designs that no one would want. I've just come back from visiting Aber over the bank holiday weekend and was surprised to find many shops had closed down. What shocked me the most was the amount of people queuing in Poundland (I live in the Midlands and it reminded me of Dudley high-street). It's this type of shop that would see the end of many local or privately run businesses. Many of the buildings on the seafront are a disgrace. I can't believe nothing has been done over the years to preserve such iconic buidlings…perhaps this is where the money should go. Ask yourself this, do you visit or live in Aber for it's authenticity as a traditional Victorian costal town, or because it of its endless chain-based businesses. Sarah Bowen, I think you would be better suited to living in Weston Super Mare than Aberystwyth.
Tue Sep 1 13:10:33 2009
David Brown, Aberystwyth
I went to see the Masterplan Exibition in the morlan centre in queens road aberystwyth and the ideas mentioned were going to be seen to in 20 years time and myself living in aberystwyth for 52 years I think it should be seen to now and not 20 years time and all the ideas mentioned in the Exibition should be seen to especially the multi stori car park and the shopping centre and all the items mentioned and if not I will send a letter to some of the Welsh Assembly and find what support they can do for the Masterplan Purpose to get started on in the aberystwyth area for! the general Public.the multi stori car Park needs to done now because the Parking space is not very good at all in the town and two many one way streets is causing the trouble I will get a Petition if I get some replys from the Welsh Assembly i will get a table in North Parade and ask the General Public to sign the Petition for the Masterplan to get on with it now and not in 20 years time.
Sun Jun 7 23:11:19 2009
Rob Garwood - Falmouth
Whats wrong with you people?Why is it good to welcome a larger store, killing off local businesses which won't be able to stay in the area, hence driving away their customers as well?The only people who will care about the chain stores will be a handful of tourists, teenagers who don't know any better, and idiots who think its irrelevant that someone in africa or india is being paid less than they earn in an hour so that they can wear a hideous £3 top.How about real clothes, made by people who care, out of materials that will last and look beautiful for more than 3 months?Or is that just too much for you people?If you'd rather drift along, living a life perpetuated by fast food and crappy clothes, then go ahead and support the masterplan.By the way, I'm not closed minded, I'd just rather the council spent some money developing the facilities they already have, rather than some quick fix which might not even pay off in the long term.
Sun Jun 7 21:13:53 2009
Sarah Bowen, Aberystwyth
You may be right about the fact that the anti masterplan group on facebook having more members, but then the majority of people in Aberystwyth are scared of change that's why it's never happened before. A few years go there were plans to bring an M&S here but no it didn't happen- again because people are scared of change. What is so wrong in bringing a bit more chocie to the area? Not everyone wants to (or can afford tO) dress in overpriced individual clothes which is why having a few more high street stores would be great. A great deal of locals shop away at the moment because of the lack of choice, if there was more choice they would stay and would mix buying from local shops and high street shops.
Tue Apr 14 09:53:58 2009
Saskia Viljoen from Aberystwyth
Fritha you are so right. Some people seem so obbsessed with a certain type of shop (like you say generic high street shops and 'uniform' fashion styles) that they are prepared to destroy a still interesting community to get it! There are so many alternative options but the masterplan is sooo unimaginative and depressing! I'm so frightened, as a local resident, that they will get their way and after the mess of the local council offices and all the other grotesque developments that have built up over the last few years, finally put the last nail in the coffin for Aberystwyth! By the way the anti- masterplan site has many, many more members than the pro-site. The people of Aberystwyth just don't want it!
Thu Apr 9 22:04:51 2009
Fritha Strickland - Bristol
As an ex resident of Aberystwyth I was disgusted to hear of plans to buy out shops on Chalybeate and Great Darkgate Streets to make way for a big chain store such as Debenhams (and completely unnecessary cinema). Growing up in Aber I have fond memories of shopping in local small shops and boutiques; and as an adult and previous employee of such shops I can say with certainty that they are one of main reasons people travel to, and shop in Aberystywth. If Aber was to lose any more of its small businesses it will lose its individuality and become a town like any other, with generic high street stores that will attract no-one to visit or stay here. You only have to go to Bangor (another small sea-side University town that does have modern shopping malls and big new department stores, and which has none of the appeal of Aberystwyth) to see how dreary that could be. Why not use the space left by Woolworth and the Sorting Office to create something that would enhance the town and encourage more trade for local businesses - like a Cardiff-style glass-roofed winding arcade with space for more small shops and pavement cafes for instance - instead of destroying what is special about Aberystwyth, as well as the livelihoods of many of its people.
Thu Apr 9 13:55:02 2009
Sarah Bowen.
I run a pro-masterplan facebook group and we have over 250 members, the popularity is growing daily. We all agree that the Masterplan is exactly what Aber needs. More shops, more entertainment, more businesses, better job opportunities and a greater richer culture and economy. Say yes to change for the better, don't be scared of it.
Mon Apr 6 11:40:02 2009
Russ,Liverpool.
I think it is a terrible idea,Aber in its current form is the reason tourists come back time and time again,they then bring their children and grandchildren.This Masterplan will be the death of the town.I and my family have been visitors many times a year,for many,many years.Why not visit the "Kings Hall Memories"pages before making a final decision that cannot be reversed!
Sun Mar 8 17:25:15 2009
Council Taxpayer, Aberystwyth
At a huge and unasked for cost the council finally produces the 'masterplan'.The old Post Office site, according to the 'masterplan', is 0.17 hectares (18,300 sq feet).Now there is a new plan (super masterplan) for the old Post Office site, this one is 0.84 hectares (90,000 sq feet)just under 5 times as big.So why spend all that money on the 'masterplan' when the council takes no notice of it ?Have they not spent enough of my council tax on the new council offices ?I don't know why I bother as this council are not willing ! to listen to their electorate.
Tue Mar 3 15:44:12 2009
Wilfrid Hartnagel, Llanidloes and Paraguay
A missed opportunity to enhance and preserve the character and charme of Aber.My daughter Sharon was born in Aber in '91 and we love the beaches, little shops, the castle... why should we want to go back - to spoil our memories?
Tue Mar 3 09:50:45 2009
Richard Smith, Arundel
How can barely elected local councillors turn the cultural capital of west wales into a desert like Slough. Keep the ecletic mix, (Andy's records, Morgans Cafe etc) not the bland vapid mega chains. Once lost the Victorian splendour is hard to recapture. Ask Liverpool or Birmingham!
Tue Mar 3 09:43:40 2009
Silwni from Aber
I think the new plans are awful. I love the little shops as you can buy special and unique things there. I shun large department stores like Matalan as they are boring and unpleasant to be in. If these lovely full-of-character shops go, Aberystwth will cease to be an attraction and some of its heart will be lost
Sun Mar 1 20:02:37 2009
John Pierson from Aberystwyth
Great idea, the local economy needs a boost, the extra shops are in desperate need of to bring more diversity of shopping to the area. I've lived here for 6 years and i do have to go the Chester to get certain things that Aber can't provide.
Mon Feb 9 16:31:53 2009
Eric Heyes Aberystwyth
Harbour Quarters The land thats to be built is now full of boats. Where are they going? The previous WDA plan had a pub. When is it opening? Who is using the accomodation? How much new parking will be made availble for the present residents and visitors in the new plan?
Mon Jan 5 17:40:12 2009
Deborah Procter
People stroll along the harbour to watch the boats. There will not be any boats if the day to day working of the harbour is disrupted by a foot bridge. And who wants to eat on a site next to the sewage works? And where will the boats that need dry storage go? I and many others love seeing the boats dotted around both sides of the river in the harbour. Don't break up a classic view! I'm all for a fish restaurant down at the harbour but as for the trees shown in the plans! The planners obviously haven't visited on a high tide and windy night.
Sun Dec 14 13:55:29 2008
Janet Barker from aberystwyth
I totally agree with Paul Croft. This plan has not taken into account the genuine needs or concerns of the local inhabitants. However, we seem to be powerless to stop it. In the last few years Aberystwyth has acquired Iceland, Bwise, Argos, morrisons plus a terrible Ystwyth retail centre with a monstrous pets store and an ugly, dysfunctional roundabout. The powers that be seem determined to wreck whatever character and quality Aberystwyth has left. Recently the transition town venture has been seeking to improve matters by considering real green and people friendly alternatives to an unsustainable oil economy.I'm afraid I'm pessimistic. Although we claim to live in a democracy there seems little evidence of it!
Thu Dec 11 10:25:56 2008
Paul Croft, Trefechan, Aberystwyth
It is notable that the Aberystwyth Master Plan has involved representatives from: Ceredigion County Council, Welsh Assembly Government Department for the Economy and Transport, The NHS Trust, Aberystwyth University, Dfyed Powys Police, Coleg Ceredigion and the National Library of WalesThere are however notable exceptions to this list including representatives from the resident communities of Trefechan and fishermen who use the harbour – all of whom will be deeply affected by these proposals. So one has to wonder what sort of consultation process this is.As for the more specific plans for the quaintly coined term The Harbour Quarter - This plan in its current form appears to take little account of Marina and Harbour users. It’s a tidying up gentrification - pack them in - scheme based upon floor acreage alone – dreamt up by developers who have apparently little local knowledge of how this part of Aberystwyth works. Far from encouraging growth and development – these proposals will ruin the authentic feel of the harbour – restrict natural development of fishing and marine activities and are unlikely to make the place feel any more attractive to visiting tourists.
Tue Dec 9 10:29:24 2008
Rhys Williams from Clarach
May I suggest that the aberystwyth masterplan is deeply flawed and will only result in the desecration and destruction of everything that is individual and special about the town of Aberystwyth. Our town will become nothing more than a clone of every other bland and characterless, overdeveloped, urbanised area with a corresponding increase in the sort of problems that are endemic in these areas: violence, drugs, community breakdown etc.We must ensure that our community retains the sorts of qualities that make it such a special space in which to live.
Fri Dec 5 15:08:04 2008
Barry Morgan from Aberystwyth
Having been born and grown up here I love Aberystwyth but over the last ten years or so I've really noticed a difference. First of all we had the new out of town supermarkets and then the new estates. Bit by bit the place is becoming a run-down nowhere town. The masterplan is another attempt by planners to make some money at the expense of the character of a local community. I'm thinking about leaving.
Wed Dec 3 09:30:33 2008
Rebecca Woodford-Smith
Aberystwyth is a small community, it has a number of local shops, it is quite a safe place to live and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Over the last few years this has really begun to change. The new developments are changing all this and the masterplan will only make this worse. Aber is starting to look and feel like a nowhere town, the same shops, architecture and attitudes. The smaller shops are closing and its becoming a less safe and friendly community. It seems that many people only seem to care about having 'good' shops and cheap thrills. This is really tragic.
Mon Nov 24 09:33:37 2008
Claire
It will not happen. Aberystwyth will always be stuck in the past, and the peopleare so scruffy,it is depressing, glad I moved away.
Thu Nov 20 17:35:03 2008
Sarah Bowen, Aberystwyth.
I think it's a great idea and long over due!! We need some good shops and some more exciting things for people to do. At the moment people go out drinking to excess because there's nothing else to do. And if these plans involve jazzing the place up then hurry up please!! Especially if that means some decent shops.
Thu Nov 20 15:31:02 2008
Paul Webster
Who are these planners? What motivates them? What planet do they come from? What do people mean by progress? Aberystwyth is dying, it's been destroyed by greed, misguided ideas and ignorance. No one seems capable of listening or thinking. Perhaps its time to move out.
Sun Nov 16 20:11:33 2008
Steve Huxley, Chester
I was a student in Aber a few years back and still visit regularly, attracted by the unique charm that drew me there to study in the first place. I understand the need for economic development and realise that Aber can't be held back as a quaint little seaside town just for me to enjoy a couple of weekends each year. However, Aber has a strong identity and character and I hope the development doesn't create a bland and soulless town that has unfortunately become all to common in the UK today.
Wed Jul 23 09:46:04 2008
H.Kelly. (university student)
The whole idea that progress is good is entirely true; but people dont move to aber because they have to, and they dont all hope that one day it will all be developed to look like every other town in wales... the move to aber because they like its ruggedness, its authentic wobbly buildings with heaps more character than a stereotypical modern house. So develop aber, go ahead, but do it in a way that extends the emotion of the town, instead of quenching it.
Thu Apr 24 12:10:54 2008
Richard Hodges, Wiltshire
I have family in Aber and visit regularly. I have seen it change from a quiet town into a typical uncontrolled mess of a pseudo newtown. has anyone told the Health Authority about all the new residents the masterplan will bring so they can shut Bronglais hospital quicker and start building a dual carriageway to carmarthan, or will they now keep it open?
Tue Feb 19 16:49:38 2008
Kevin Harding
I am all for progress and it is about time that we saw some significant development taking place in the mid Wales economy. But, the one fact that concerns me, and I am sure there are others who will be thinking the same, is that the development is right next to a river that has a history of bursting its banks. Granted not within the last few years, but the potential for another West Country flood disaster is there. I wonder which floor the Environmental Agency will occupy in the new Government buiding?
Wed Feb 6 14:20:04 2008
Andy Jones, Aberystwyth
Living right opposite this, on the south side of the river, we'd be looking out on great blocks of brick and windows ... looking right in on us. Keith from Liverpool hits the nail on the head: this is an ugly, soulless commercial development which only fits in with all the other cheap and nasty buildings we've had of late. No-one asked us what we wanted until this huge, intrusive scheme was fully fledged. The "Masterplan" is well named: it's dominating and imposed on us and it blocks out the other, more creative ideas for Aberyswyth. Give us some alternatives, not just this 20th century clone.
Sat Jan 26 17:03:05 2008
Mark Davies, Borth
I welcome the development, insofar as it involves the word "plan" in the same sentence as the word "Aberystwyth", which I think is the first time this has occurred since the promenade was built.
Tue Jan 22 11:10:42 2008
Mel Clapham, Aber/Bont
I just want to say it will no doubt be another complete waste of time and money. The local council can't even build a mini roundabout without causing major problems. The problems with Aberystwyth are largely geographical as it is a coastal town so devlopment can only go one way. The insane road system needs to be urgently addressed. The economy will not suddenly boom when a retail park is built, I think the opposite will happen, the area desperately needs some social and night-time activities and public transport needs to be drastically improved. there needs to be development at a steady rate. You can't just build a park and expect things to improve.
Wed Jan 16 09:20:06 2008
Keith, Liverpool
I work in planning and I would like to say brilliant just what Aberystwyth needs, cheap rate badly designed housing though it will be in keeping with the hideous and quite frankly embarrassing retail park. At least the taxi drivers will be doing excellent trade when the station moves. Well done!
Mon Jan 14 14:30:21 2008
Angus Eickhoff (from Welshpool)
The proposal to close the railway station and move it 500 metres up the line towards Machynlleth is abhorrent. The proposal is to insert a multi storey car park where the station platform is currently situated. The plans for the revised facility show a much reduced layout, with just a single line of railway which would not be able to cater for special trains, which is the case at present. Moreover, rail passengers are unlikely to be pleased at the prospect of having to walk an extra 500 metres when it is chucking it down with rain. More needs to be done to preserve railway land for future use by rail and prevent encroachment upon it by property development and other schemes.
Mon Jan 14 08:43:21 2008
Ric Lloyd, Aberstwyth
Moving the station as has proposed in this Masterplan will have a devastating effect on the character of the town. The main reason this has been suggested is to encourage further commercial development and in particular that of the station buildings. Aber will become like the many other characterless town shopping centres across the UK.
Mon Jan 14 08:42:23 2008
Adam Crowther, Aber Student
About time Aber got a revamp. It's a rapidly growing town with nowhere to expand... this proves otherwise. Hope it all goes ahead sooner rather than later. Especially with the local transport links to Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
Mon Jan 14 08:41:06 2008
Denis Bates from Aberystwyth
I object to the proposal to move the railway station further out of town. It is ideally situated, and is close to the bus terminals and taxi rank. With planned increase in service, a second platform should be brought into use.
Mon Jan 14 08:33:46 2008
Nia Gore, Aberstwyth
I think the masterplan sounds Great! Get on with it and liven Aberystwyth up, it's shops and things to do are boring, if people would stop objecting and let these things go ahead Aberystwyth would be a better town, and the locals wouldn't need to leave the town. Bring it on I say!!!
Fri Jan 11 14:37:11 2008
If you are from Aber or know the town well tell us what you think of the proposals or about the Masterplan in general.
