#AmazingAccrington welcomes Sir John Timpson to advise on thinking big

The Amazing Accrington board, a cross section of business leaders from private and public sectors, has announced its official request to Hyndburn Borough Council for £150k to conduct professional, far reaching studies into making the centre of Accrington the next UK success story. 

Sir John Timpson CBE is the chairman and owner of Timpson, a UK shoe repair chain with over 2000 shops. He regularly visits his branches including Accrington, and is recognized as an expert on high streets.

#AmazingAccrington were delighted to welcome him for a tour of Accrington and a multi party meeting, to discuss the Art of the Possible – am initiative generating far reaching plans for the future of Accrington’s town centre.

The tour included the Victorian Market Hall, the Arcade, Warner Street, the Timpsons outlet in the Arndale and a trip on a new Amazing Accrington Pilkington Buses double decker bus to the Globe Centre for the meeting.

The meeting discussed issues such as transport, parking, housing, empty shops, the future requirements of the high street and what this might look like in 20 years time. 

Sir John Timpson said, “I’ve had a very enjoyable morning. There are lots of positives in Accrington – you have a lot of the right ingredients for success. If you make a bid happen for expert help, with an inspirational leader anything is possible. Some large parts of the town centre need to disappear, though!”

Murray Dawson, Chair of the Board, said “We’re delighted Sir John was able to spare the time to give us his expert feedback from his High Street Fund work in support of our initiative, and appreciate his positive comments about Accrington. We will press on with our request for funds, and look forward to great things happening in #AmazingAccrington.”