Public engagement: High Street and Promenade
In total 945 people responded to a survey exploring how we can revitalise Cheltenham's High Street and Promenade.
The public engagement, run by Cheltenham BID, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council, sought the views of business owners, residents and visitors on aspects affecting the High Street and Promenade including the street design, layout, paving, lighting, trees and planting as well as signage, seating and accessibility.
Everything from shopfronts to highways maintenance and the materials used in public art, formed part of the public engagement. Combined these areas form what is known as the public realm.
Business briefing
A healthy number of businesses, ranging from family-run independents to high street chains, attended the business briefing at the MX in August 2026 as part of the wider engagement programme.
Whilst there was broad recognition of the importance of the key themes identified in the public survey, business leaders highlighted a need to look beyond individual physical improvements and consider the overall experience, connectivity, identity and usability of the town centre.
There was also strong support for recognising that Cheltenham town centre is made up of different areas with their own identities, rather than treating the whole centre as one homogeneous space.
Next steps
The findings from the business briefing combined with the conclusions from the public survey, will be used to:
- Develop the vision for the High Street and Promenade
- Support funding applications
- Help develop the town and make it even more attractive to visitors, residents, commercial businesses and other organisations.