Pedestrianisation proposed for Leamington Spa’s Parade, as views are sought through public survey

Leamington Spa residents and businesses are being asked for opinions following recent discussions to transform the Parade into a traffic-free space.  

The Leamington Transformation Board, consisting of representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and Royal Leamington Spa Council, launched an eight-week consultation exercise on Monday 2 June to garner opinions on this concept. The survey, accessible to the public through the Transforming Leamington website, will run until Monday 28 July.  

The new vision for Leamington Spa’s Parade initially originated in 2024, chiefly aiming to restore the Parade as one of the town’s most appealing locations.  

The Parade, running half a mile through the town centre, is renowned for its history and architectural appeal. Primarily marked as the centre of economic activity, the Parade is home to a vibrant array of local businesses, shops and restaurants, including regular markets.

Plans centre around the pedestrianisation of the area, with buses and local transport being rerouted, with the hope of boosting the economic and cultural appeal of the area 

Titled the Parade Masterplan, the vision is built upon a proposed three pillar system, supporting the ambitions of ‘Healthy People, a Healthy Place, and a Healthy Planet’. Plans centre around the pedestrianisation of the area, with buses and local transport being rerouted, with the hope of boosting the economic and cultural appeal of the area. 

Following this change, the Masterplan intends to create a central town square next to the Town Hall, offering a multitude of community-based events, such as markets and performances. 

The Parade Masterplan further aims to enhance the greenery of the area, thanks to the addition of new trees, planting, seating and cycle infrastructure, with accessibility being marked as a primary aim of the plan.  

Mark Lee, the Independent Chair of the Leamington Transformation Board, stated in comment to Warwickshire County Council: “We believe that there is huge potential to transform the Parade into an incredible space for Leamington’s residents, visitors and businesses.” 

Lee continued: “We want to ensure Parade becomes the centre of a vibrant and economically successful town, in an age when high streets are going through fundamental change and, in many cases, decline.” 

The Masterplan further includes various challenges in the area that will not be addressed in the proposal. Warwickshire County Council states that the plan will not tackle the re-using of empty property, bringing back more shops, reducing litter, or preventing homelessness.  

Regardless of these issues, the plan hopes to be a long-term endeavour and overall improve the attractiveness and success of the town centre through various phases and steps.