PLANS to revitalise Flint are moving forward after a ‘watershed’ development meeting.
Councillors discussed ongoing and future schemes at the special meeting as efforts to bring the town’s colourful history to life begin to breathe new life into it.
Work is under way on shop fronts to give them a uniformed historical look, while a marina and heritage centre could also emerge along with current housing developments which councillors say will instil confidence into a new community.
“The meeting was a significant watershed for the town of Flint,” said Cllr Alex Aldridge.
“There will be a huge positive impact for people and it heralds the beginning of a journey to see us shape the town in a way different to ever before.”
A significant number of shop frontages are being renovated to what Cllr Aldridge described as a very high standard, while a heritage trail is also to be introduced consisting of a series of copper and steel plaques as well as heritage boards.
The shop fronts will also seek to represent Flint’s colourful history which includes the Roman occupation and its castle built during the reign of King Edward I, in 1284.
The value of Flint’s heritage initiative totals £1.6million thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery, CADW and Flint and Flintshire Councils.
Cllr Aldridge has also proposed the town applies for a slice of the £90m being made available by the Welsh Government over the next three years for ‘shovel
start ready’ schemes.
He hopes the money can be used to regenerate the town's docks and added: “We will change the landscape of Flint and give confidence to the town centre.
“People will have a greater sense of wellbeing and the key to everything is the creation of a new community.”
Another Flint councillor, David Cox, said: “I hope there will be a long-term plan for a marina as well as a heritage centre to express Flint’s culture.”
He also revealed the ongoing regeneration of the town’s maisonettes, currently being demolished, will lead to the creation of modern and environmentally aware housing and lauded the tourism potential of Flint’s coastal path.