01
Aren’t the council already doing this?
This Campaign isn't about rejecting the Council's vision - it's about building on it, and pushing it further.
Basingstoke and Deane Council has published several plans in recent years — including Horizon 2050, the Local Plan, and the Top of Town Masterplan dating back to 2014 — which all contain some strong ideas.
However, when it comes to the town centre, delivery is falling short.
The most recent Town Centre Masterplan acknowledges that Basingstoke needs to reduce its over-reliance on retail and explore new uses for central spaces. Meanwhile, we face a significant oversupply of retail space across two underperforming shopping centres.
Rather than trying to breathe new life into all of them separately, as the Masterplan proposes, this Campaign calls for a more radical, joined up approach: relocate existing businesses from The Malls into the vacant units of Festival Place and Top of Town, and use the cleared space to create something bold and future-focused.
The Council's goals to "improve permeability" and "enhance public realm" are valid - but without tackling the underlying problem of too much retail space and fragmented regeneration, we risk spreading footfall too thinly and diluting the potential for real transformation.
Recent updates to the Local Plan highlight the need for a Spatial Strategy, a Thriving Local Economy, and Enhancing the Natural Environment. The demolition of The Malls - and consolidation of Basingstoke's retail offering - can unlock a number of these pillars.
02
"This is a stupid idea"
It might be. But if you care about Basingstoke like I do, you’ll know that the current approach to regenerating our town clearly isn’t working. Empty units, tired infrastructure and slow delivery have become the norm. It’s easy to criticise — but the real question is: what can we do to help change that? This isn’t a finished plan — it’s a conversation starter. A big idea. And frankly, we need more of those.
03
Do we need more green space?
Absolutely. Urban green space is proven to boost mental wellbeing, physical health, and even local economies. It encourages footfall, provides space for events and families, and makes towns more liveable and resilient. According to the RHS, National Trust and many others, access to nature in urban areas is no longer a ‘nice to have’ — it’s essential.
04
Who will pay for this?
Great question. This will be explored further through a proposed Basingstoke Transformation Network, bringing together business, government, and community voices.
Locally and nationally, we’ve seen examples of grant schemes and council funds supporting similar efforts. In the short term, we would expect support to be made available to help businesses relocate, mirroring what’s been done elsewhere.
Long-term funding could involve a mix of council investment, central government support, and private equity — including developers or funds with an interest in mixed-use regeneration, green infrastructure, and town centre innovation.
The key is to support stakeholders in recognising that Plan A - the status quo - is no longer working. Our Campaign is Plan B; big ideas to unlock Basingstoke's true potential.
05
What about rents?
Rents and re-location costs are one of the biggest challenges in any town centre regeneration. This needs vision, partnership and negotiation — especially if we want to protect small businesses. No one should be out of pocket as a result of this idea. The approach must be fair, phased, and realistic — and will require buy-in from landlords, councils, and traders alike. A detailed plan would be developed through consultation, not imposed.
06
"What qualifies you to do this?"
First and foremost, I’m a proud Basingstoke resident who cares deeply about this community. But professionally, I’ve spent my career in policy, politics and public affairs — including time as a Civil Servant and government adviser. I now work daily with local and national government, navigating complex legislation and regulatory systems. I understand how to bring people together with a shared vision, where bureaucracy gets in the way and how to overcome it, and how to build momentum for real change. More importantly, I care — and I would like to work with the community to do something about it.
07
Who have you spoken to?
Since launching the campaign, I’ve sent over 100 letters to local businesses, councillors, and community leaders — with many positive responses and meetings already in the diary. The goal is to convene a Basingstoke Transformation Network in the coming months — a collective of people who care about Basingstoke and want to shape its future together.
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