Community feedback shapes next steps for Feilding Town Centre Refresh

Community engagement held between 15 July and 14 August attracted 766 submissions. Feedback on the proposed cover over the Brick Quadrant was clear, with 77.3% of the 753 submitters who answered the question opposed to the proposal.

Key concerns included retaining the openness of Manchester Square, how the proposed design would fit within the town centre, and cost and competing priorities. Those in support pointed to the benefits of weather protection and opportunities for increased activity in the town centre.

Mayor Michael Ford said the feedback had sent Council a clear message.

“The community has taken the time to engage with us and tell us what they think, and we have listened,” Mayor Ford said.

“There is still value in looking at how we make better use of our public spaces and create opportunities for activity throughout the year, but the feedback tells us this particular proposal isn’t right at this time.”

Elected Members acknowledged the strength of the response during Council’s discussion and thanked those who took part.

Cr Bridget Bell and Cr Shelley Dew-Hopkins both recognised the young people who participated, many of whom supported the idea of a covered space and the opportunities it could provide for the future use of the town centre. Cr Bell also encouraged Council to continue looking beyond those already in the room and consider whose voices may be missing from future conversations.

Council agreed not to proceed with the proposed cover at this time. It has left open the option of revisiting weather protection in the future, potentially through a wider concept design process, or deciding not to pursue weather protection in Manchester Square at all.

The views expressed by younger participants, alongside support from others for the objectives of weather protection and greater use of the Square, helped inform Council’s decision to test the idea on a temporary basis.

Council will undertake a temporary placemaking trial in June and July 2027, with a temporary marquee installed on the Brick Quadrant. It will be used for two significant events, four Farmers Market events and made available for casual community use.

The trial will give Council an opportunity to see how weather protection influences the way the space is used and whether it encourages greater activity in Manchester Square before considering what, if anything, should happen longer term.

Traffic and parking trial to proceed

There was greater support for the proposed Fergusson and Goodbehere Street changes, with 61.5% of the 710 submitters who answered the question in support.

Council agreed to proceed with a 12-month traffic improvement trial, which will consider speed, safety, parking dimensions, reversing visibility and servicing requirements for businesses.

The associated streetscape and placemaking improvements will also proceed.

The trial will allow Council to see how the changes work in practice before deciding on any longer-term traffic arrangements.

The proposals form part of the wider Feilding Town Centre Refresh programme, funded through Council’s 2024–34 Long-term Plan.