I think it's good. And will be good for the town. I don't like the size of the place (3+ storeys), and I don't see the need to squeeze some housing into the mix, but I think the scale, or rather footprint, of the dimly-named "Middle street" and adjoining walkways is just about right.
Some people seem to be unhappy that it's not bigger (ie The Oracle, or Festival Place), but I think it's good that it's no bigger than it is. I have no concerns about the empty units either, looking at the Parkway map, it looks like they have tenants lined up for the majority of the units, so it'll only be a matter of time before more are filled.
One thing that I think is good is that, whatever your views on it are, it's hard to deny that it does make Northbrook street busier. People freely move between Parkway and Northbrook street, and that is something that is an issue with The Oracle and Festival Place.
I was in town on Saturday and, while I didn't go into any Parkway units, I did do some shopping on Northbrook street and made a point of asking shop assistants how Parkway had affected them. Everyone said that it had been much busier. Hopefully, that will last. One the whole, I think it's good for the town.
I like it and will like it even more once it fills up with shops. Certainly adds something to the town, let's not let negativity about certain issues bring it down. Most comments I have seen relate to the lack of units filled, but you just have to see the map of units to see many will be filled before too long. I think access from the public transport stops could be better and the whole area needs a good hose down to get rid of the dust and such like but apart from that, genuinely positive first impressions.
The one thing that Parkway need to address is the perception of the public: if it gets a reputation for not being very good, the whole thing will flop. I like the idea of this thread, let's hear the positives and suggested improvements and maybe someone at Parkway will take them on board.
Overall, great. Vast improvement on the wasteland that was there before and I agree it complements Northbrook Street rather than replaces it. Needs some shops for chaps, though.
Overall, great. Vast improvement on the wasteland that was there before and I agree it complements Northbrook Street rather than replaces it. Needs some shops for chaps, though.
You think this building improves the vista from the park?
You think this building improves the vista from the park?
Obviously, but there's no accounting for taste. Only thing that's certain is that it isn't going away. I just wish we could get rid of this blot on Newbury's landscape - visible from miles around and truly appalling http://goo.gl/BRm7P I guess it isn't going away either.
It's a load of new shops and that says it all really. Apart from the shops, there isn't anything which would make me go Wow. It's half finished and will probably improve for me when the contractors walk away. I'm not impressed with the exits onto the taxi and bus stops at the rear. If that's negative then I'm sorry.
Please give CONSTRUCTIVE feedback on your first impressions of the shopping experience at the new Parkway complex.
I think that it enlarges the shopping area in Newbury and probably enhances it. Its certainly better than the wasteland that was there before. Not being enclosed, it doesn't really feel like a shopping centre though and probably blends in too well with the Northbrook Street somewhat taking away its identity What would be better would be a focal point and some cover. At the moment, its just a set of building seperated by pedestrianised roads that don't really encourage browsing, especially in bad weather. Overall its an improvement and may get better as more shops open.
Obviously, but there's no accounting for taste. Only thing that's certain is that it isn't going away. I just wish we could get rid of this blot on Newbury's landscape - visible from miles around and truly appalling http://goo.gl/BRm7P I guess it isn't going away either.
I don't suppose it will (through you need to edit your post to remove the ' I' from the end of the url so everyone can see what we are talking about).
There have been plans to redevelop it as flats. Highrise Newbury is on its way.
Very much a matter of opinion. The way it looms over Victoria Park and the loss of the breadth of the original Park Way are the two things I like least (hate most) about Parkway - apart from some of my council tax being used to subsidise it for many years to come.
Constructive? In other words, you don't want any bad comments?
No, I think he just doesn't want the thread to turn into another moan-fest. Constructive feedback can certainly be negative.
One thing that I noticed (although I was in a rush so it's possible I am mistaken), was that the access to Park Way (Not Parkway) nearest John Lewis at Home seems to be steps only, with no ramp. If so, and assuming that there isn't going to be one when JL is finished, then that's pretty harsh on those who would need a ramp. It forces them to go all the way down to Debenhams to to get in/out.
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