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The transformation of Abbey Street will create a brand new heart for Nuneaton town centre.

There’s only one important thing missing – a name! And that’s where you come in…

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and their strategic development partner Queensberry,  have joined forces with Nuneaton Memories, to involve local people in naming the new development.

They want as many ideas as possible to help give the exciting new attraction the right feel and help draw in more people.

Nuneaton Memories Facebook group has a truly worldwide reach to Nuneatonians all over the globe, and will feature the appeal for help.

All ideas are welcome that might capture the spirit of the former Abbey Street shopping area, as well as reflecting the central role the area will play in the town’s future. After an initial appeal for suggestions, Queensberry will draw up a shortlist so members of the Facebook group can help identify the right way forward.

The development includes the site of the former Co-op department store, as well as the site of nearby shops in the existing New Century Way and the current Abbey Street car park.

Included in the new development will be a public square for outdoor events, a hotel, cinema, food and drink outlets as well as a multi storey car park.

Nearby shops and buildings will be updated, and North Warwickshire and South Leicester College will also open a new Digital Innovation Centre as part of the development.

The multi-million pound development is funded with assistance from the government’s Town’s Fund and Future High Streets Fund, as well as the borough council’s capital spending.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council leader Cllr Kristofer Wilson said: “We know this development is going to be a big hit helping to draw visitors to the town in new ways. We would love to receive as many helpful suggestions as possible at this stage, and what better way to make sure we reach as many people as we can than by featuring our appeal in Nuneaton Memories’ Facebook group.

“All suggestions will be considered, a shortlist drawn up, and people will be able to let us know which they think is the best one. Hopefully this will be a fun and productive way to generate ideas and involve Nuneaton and Bedworth people wherever they may be in the world.

“The final name chosen will be an important part of the public face of Nuneaton town centre for many years to come. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved. Who knows – it might be your idea that helps give Nuneaton town centre a brand new look and feel!”

Alex Hyams, Senior Leasing Manager, Queensberry said:

“We are already in detailed discussion with a number of occupiers that will contribute to delivering a dynamic and exciting new destination for Nuneaton. The scheme will rejuvenate this part of Abbey Street and the surrounds with a cutting edge mix of uses being brought together to create a place which will be used by all sections of the local community, from breakfast through to the evening. Clearly the name must resonate locally but it is also vital that the identity is attractive to businesses and individuals who don’t know Nuneaton yet. We’re looking forward to seeing all the ideas which come forward.”

Mark Palmer of Nuneaton Memories said: “Nuneaton Memories is all about helping people share their feelings and memories about our town and our borough. We know there are big plans for Nuneaton town centre, and we are looking forward to being part of this important job of finding a good name for the new heart of the town.”

The winner will be invited to take part in an official naming ceremony event during next year.

Anyone can submit a suggested name for the development to towncentre@btinternet.com, but you can follow further information about, and discussion of, the competition by joining Nuneaton Memories Facebook group online.