Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends

Warwick District now has a Bicycle Mayor! Simon Storey, founder of the ‘The Bicycle Bus’ and Cycle Infinity CIC, has joined a global network of volunteer changemakers in 137 regions/cities in over 30 countries to champion cycling in our area for the next two years. Councillors from all political parties have collectively endorsed Simon’s new independent role and are looking forward to working with him on a range of initiatives to improve cycle safety and accessibility across the district. Increasing cases of measles with a cluster of cases amongst unvaccinated children in the West Midlands are worrying. Measles is highly infectious and can spread rapidly among communities such as schools and can lead to serious illness and complications. It is never too late to catch up. The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, whatever your age. If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.

In other news:

•It’s been great to see the completion of the ‘The Fold’. The former Grade II listed United Reformed Church is the first of a number of neglected buildings in Leamington’s Old Town to be brought back life by the Council in partnership with regeneration specialist Complex Development Projects (CDP) creating exciting new spaces for gaming and digital businesses as well as inspiring venues for arts, cultural and community events.

•The Council’s wholly owned housing company Milverton Homes has this week taken ownership of the first three of 62 homes at Stoneleigh View, Crewe Lane, Kenilworth. The semi-detached three-bedroom properties will now be marketed as rentals. This is a significant milestone for Milverton Homes and their ambition to give local people the opportunity to rent a high-quality, energy efficient home, with a trusted landlord in an area where housing prices are well above the national average and rental properties, particularly family homes are in short supply.

•Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson and freestyle footballer and Guinness World Record holder Jamie Knight will be the star guests as we partner with Everyone Active to host a free open day to celebrate the official opening of Castle Farm Leisure Centre in Kenilworth. The event from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 24 February will be a chance to take a
look around
the wonderful new facilities, try out the latest equipment and enjoy a range of taster activities. The event will also see the official opening of the adjacent Kenilworth Scout and Guide Centre with the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and members of the local Scout and Guide community.

•The Friends of Christchurch Gardens (aka Beauchamp Square or Top Park) are inviting local residents to have their say on the future plans and landscaping of this popular shared green space at two public events, ahead of the development of a masterplan for the Gardens. These will be held on Saturday 3 February from 11am to 2pm in Christchurch Gardens (or the foyer of Holy Trinity Church, in the case of bad weather) and Saturday 10 February, 11am to 3.30pm in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre.

•A reminder that Homes England are undertaking public engagement on future plans for Riverside House and a new Elizabeth Park until 9 February. You can share your feedback about the scheme at https://riversidehouse.squarespace.com/. Homes England are also holding in person events tomorrow (Saturday 27 January) from 10am to 3pm at the Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club and Royal Pump Rooms (conservatory).

And finally……a number of you will have received the first edition of ‘Business Matters’ from our Economic Development and Regeneration team in your inbox. The new bi-monthly update will include stories and upcoming events and opportunities which are relevant to our many and varied business community partners and stakeholders. Do encourage your colleagues and contacts to subscribe to receive their regular copy and other WDC external newsletters using the subscription link on the WDC website.

Have a great weekend.
Chris Elliott, Chief Executive