A masterplan for Usk, which will focus on future improvement projects and opportunities for the town, has been approved by Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet following a meeting on Wednesday January 19 2022.

From improving the town’s shopping experience to enhancing public spaces, the masterplan aims to introduce improvements to the public spaces and increase opportunities for the community whilst also responding to climate change and modern economic challenges such as the move from high street shopping to online.

The Plan was commissioned jointly by Llanbadoc Community Council, Usk Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council.

The Usk (and Woodside) Improvement, Masterplan prepared by consultants Arup, looks at being the driver for guiding future regeneration activity in the town in a coherent and consistent manner rather than on a piecemeal basis.

The key areas of change identified in the report are; improvements to highways and public open spaces, shopping experience and challenges taking into account the impact of online shopping on high streets.It will also consider the local environment in Usk, positive benefits to the town by increasing the number of events held throughout the year, improved communication links e.g. active travel, improved recreational offer, co-working space and affordable housing.

The plan has already been adopted by Usk Town Council and Llanbadoc Community Council.

Although delayed by the pandemic Monmouthshire County Council is now formally adopting the plan.

Monmouthshire County Council and Usk Town Council, joined by others through the process, will now embark on the next phase which will involve setting up a Steering Group to oversee implementation.

Their first task will be to update the action plan and identify those projects that can be achieved in a relatively short time frame and projects that require funding from Welsh Government.

Following the decision by Cabinet, Councillor Sara Jones, Cabinet Member for Economy said: “I’m delighted we have agreed to adopt the Usk Masterplan which gives clear direction and ambitions for the town.

‘’Usk is a wonderful place to live and work, and there is a strong sense of community. This new plan builds on what already exists while ensuring we are constantly moving and adapting with the times to support communities across Monmouthshire.”