Master Plan for Bletchley Park

2.27.56pm GMT Mon 8th Nov 2004

The regeneration of historic Bletchley Park is shaping up following the cabinet's decision to approve a new Master Plan.

The Liberal Democrat Council is determined to boost the regeneration of Bletchley through the redevelopment of part of the wartime codebreaking site while carefully preserving its unique history. There are two parts to the Master Plan which will guide the future development of the Park.

First, a Conservation Management Plan will set out the historic significance of each of the buildings and will look at the cost and value of different options for conservation or development. A large team of people - including conservation architects, interpretation and marketing experts, transport and movement advisors, and cost and value consultants - have been working closely with English Heritage to provide this vital information. This will allow the Council, English Heritage and future investors to make informed decisions about preserving particular buildings for future generations and converting others for new uses.

Second, the Supplementary Planning Guidance - which is now out to a six week public consultation - provides a wealth of detail about the site and, if adopted, will replace the existing Bletchley Park Area Development Framework.

"The Master Plan provides a way forward that will secure the long-term future of the Park and help it drive forward regeneration in Bletchley," said Council leader Isobel Wilson. "It is a fine balancing act between preserving and respecting the important history of the site and injecting sympathetic new development to ensure it continues to thrive."

The Master Plan introduces the possibility of new employment, through the conversion of some unused buildings, plus some new development and 'park living' with new residential communities to the north and south of the Park. There will be new community facilities for the new residents and business users in the area. A visitors' centre and the potential for a new hotel will strengthen the facilities for visitors and make the Park a more attractive venue for conferences.

Pedestrian and cycle links will be improved to connect Bletchley Park to West Bletchley, the station and the town centre and a new entrance to the site will be created off Sherwood Drive.

The adoption of the Plan does not commit the Council to any funding but provides a framework against which future planning applications will be judged. Any redevelopment of the Park will be led by the private sector, with £3 million funding coming from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Sustainable Communities Plan.