Our shared vision: Cheltenham High Street and The Promenade
Cheltenham BID, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council would like to hear your views on how we can revitalise Cheltenham’s High Street and Promenade during a six-week public engagement.
Ideas include co-ordination of street design, layout, paving, lighting, trees and planting as well as signage, seating and accessibility which could help improve the town’s appeal encouraging greater footfall and enhanced experience. Everything from shopfronts to highways maintenance, the materials used in public art, would form part of this.
Our vision is set out in our public engagement document which highlights how well-considered street design can transform a high street from a place people pass through into a place they choose to be in. Other ideas include opening-up spaces, using considered planting to soften hard edges and reducing street clutter so the environment becomes more welcoming and accessible.
What are we engaging on?
We want to hear your views on:
A) The idea of a single, unified vision for the high street and promenade.
B) The use of consistent design, materials and identity in future works.
C) User experience of the town as a continuous place.
Who are we engaging with?
Businesses, residents and visitors are now being invited to share their views and highlight what matters most to them when planning future improvements.
How can you get involved?
We are working with businesses in the BID area to arrange a business briefing event.
How long is public engagement running?
The public engagement programme runs for six weeks from Monday 8th June – Monday 20th July 2026.
What the public engagement is not about?
We know how important the high street and promenade are to Cheltenham. They are central to the future prosperity of the town centre. While the public engagement is designed to guide, shape and influence the future development of the High Street and Promenade, it is important to acknowledge that it does not replace the wider work needed to tackle complex social, economic or enforcement issues, but complements those efforts by creating a more welcoming and well-managed environment.
This public engagement is therefore NOT about:
- The redevelopment of Cavendish House.
- Clarence (Boots) Corner: There are no plans to pedestrianise Clarence Corner.
- Homelessness and rough sleeping.
- Royal Well.
- Car parking.
Montpellier
Montpellier is at the heart of what makes Cheltenham special. From its elegant Regency architecture, sweeping terraces and iconic features to the wide range of independent businesses, boutiques and café culture, Montpellier reflects the town’s origins as a fashionable spa destination. As part of the work underway to improve the High Street and Promenade, this will be extended to include Montpellier. We plan to adopt the findings from the High Street and Promenade to inform this next stage.
Economic climate
Current economic pressures mean public spending must be carefully prioritised with local authorities balancing rising service demands against constrained budgets. As a result, high street projects need to be focused on delivering maximum impact rather than relying on expensive or highly bespoke materials.
This does not limit ambition. Through thoughtful design, considered detailing and targeted interventions, it is possible to create attractive, durable and people-focused streets that support local businesses, improve accessibility and strengthen civic identity and pride. There is no additional funding available, funding would have to be sought.