The Dozen

So, what should be the priorities for yesterday’s mention of the Masterplan? Here’s the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog priority list, being a dozen projects that would assist the town, in descending order (and compare with a list we published in November 2006):

1. St Peter’s Square. As the focus of the town, it needs to have a greater sense of place. The balance between official/unofficial car parking, the townscape and pedestrians needs addressing.
2. Traffic in town. Especially, again, at and across the Square. It’s too much of a through route. The roundabout and adjacent areas take up a huge footprint that gives no pedestrian priority whatsoever. Need to reduce the amount of tarmac at the top and even pedestrianise it and beyond. By making it more attractive, would help counter the claim that since Tesco, there are fewer people around. One way may be a solution but it may also speed traffic up.
3. On street parking. Any way of improving this without making it too intrusive?
4. A brand for the town. To integrate the various facets of Ruthun including the Gaol, Nantclwyd, the town trail, the townscape, independent shops and craft centre.
5. Former Slater’s site. A key location that is now blighting lower Well Street. Needs demolition. Could provide modern, larger shop units with accommodation above.
6. Castle Hotel. A key building with a frontage deteriorating badly in need of an uplift.
7. Tourist information. Possible use for an unoccupied building. What about Nantclwyd y Dre (thereby extending its opening hours) or the Gaol? Or the former Star Inn, empty for over two years, with its interesting and unusually frontage including steps? A museum’s also been mooted at the Star and the two would seem to be compatible.
8. Unoccupied premises. Need to find new uses. Easier said than done, though.
9. Brownfield land such as behind the town hall and the Halifax. Needs clearing ad even building upon. The suggested offices behind the town hall are unlike, though.
10. Nantclwyd y Dre. Open it more often.
11. Market Street. How can it be more attractive to people who wish to walk from either Tesco or the Craft Centre, into town? At the moment, it gives the impression that there’s nothing in Rhuthun. Perhaps some clear pedestrian signage might help.
12. Help for small traders. The very fabric of Rhuthun. But what?