Top councillors at Warwick District Council have backed designs for the major transformation of Leamington Spa's town centre.

WDC's cabinet last night (February 5) endorsed the Parade Masterplan which will help govern the future of the town.

The masterplan - which was backed by the Leamington Transformation Board last month - comes after a major public consultation.

Over 3,100 responses were received with 76 per cent of people either agreeing or strongly agreeing with the masterplan.

Speaking at last night's meeting, Cllr Chris King said: "It is really exciting. It is steadily taking shape in a way that is even more exciting than people realise.

"These are significant changes which are going to make a big difference to this town for many many years."

Cllr Andrew Day added: "Having a project ready means the focus can be on how we fund this. 

"I am sure there will be some creative options cabinet can consider in the future."

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He continued: "It is great news for Leamington."

Cabinet endorsed ten recommendations relating to the masterplan, including noting the possibility of two bus interchanges in the town - one in the north and one in the south.

Members also backed plans to have twice yearly reports on the scheme, with the next scheduled for October.

The next phase will see more design work carried out and said there needs to be a balance between "ambition and pragmatism" while refining ideas "through evidence, collaboration, and detailed technical work".

The importance of community involvement was echoed by Cllr Alan Boad.

He said: "It is exciting for Leamington, it is time it got upgraded a bit. 

"But we do need to take into account all our residents, particularly those with mobility issues. 

"There is an issue around buses - which I am sure can be resolved - that needs to be sorted to get people into town who don't want to use the car, want to save their carbon, but be able to get into town without walking a million miles to do their shopping."

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