New £5m project could 'breathe life' into town

It was hoped the plans would "repurpose and revitalise" the town centre

A new £5m regeneration project could breathe "new life" into a town, a council said.

Buckinghamshire Council said it was moving forward with building a new Pavilion Quarter for Aylesbury that could create a "vibrant" area for businesses and visitors.

It would see the former Gala Bingo Hall, on the High Street, demolished to make a link to the Exchange development, which is behind the building.

It could also include an outdoor space for music performances and other events.

"Regenerating this dormant site will open up new routes in the town centre and create opportunities for new jobs and a dedicated space for small businesses and start-ups", the council said.

The former Gala Bingo hall will be knocked down

The new Pavilion Quarter will be named after the old cinema that previously stood on the site.

It could include space for "independent businesses and start-ups to open and flourish", an outdoor area for events and a link between the Exchange and the High Street "improving flow between the two areas", the council said.

The former bingo hall, which has stood empty for some time, is in "poor structural condition", it added.

Architects said the regenerated area could look like Blue House Yard in Haringey, London

Rachael Matthews, Buckinghamshire Council’s Conservative deputy cabinet member for town centre regeneration, said: "This is about breathing new life into this part of the town centre.

"This is about bringing a redundant space back into use which opens up our town centre and provides new opportunities for businesses.

"We want Aylesbury town centre to be a vibrant and bustling location, where people want to live, work and socialise as well as feeling proud to call Aylesbury their home town."

She said the authority was working on finalising the plans and was planning a "programme of engagement".