“ Both versions are hideous. Why are modern architects so obsessed with making every town look like every other town?
Yes, the centre needs larger units to draw in the bigger store names but the high street facade should reflect the Victorian neo-gothic architecture of the two spires, which should of course be retained.
How about being one of the first towns to lead the way in lowering the ground rent? So many town centres are 'dying on their feet' because of this rather than the design of the place. ”