AMBITIOUS plans announced for the future of Flint will transform the town and build on its rich medieval heritage, it has been claimed.
Outdated housing, a lack of health facilities, empty shops and the town’s poor image are concerns previously highlighted by residents.
But Flintshire Council and consultants DTZ are developing a masterplan to breathe new life into the town.
Plans include building hundreds of new homes, revitalising the town centre and establishing Flint’s historic castle as a major tourist attraction.
Flintshire’s head of regeneration Dave Heggarty said the proposals were “very ambitious”.
“We are preparing what we think is a very exciting future for the town. We will be building on Flint's past as a medieval town.
“We are looking at a blue print for the next 15 years.”
DTZ director Caroline Baker said consultation was ongoing with residents, community leaders and business owners.
She said: “We are focusing on local people, improving the public image of the area and promoting the positive things about Flint.
“This will be a framework for the future that will support the transformation of Flint.”
Mr Heggarty said the council was confident it would be able to secure sufficient finance for the scheme.
He said: “Funding is very difficult at the moment but we have already managed to identify some.
“The council has been running this programme for nearly four years and we can use our money to lever in other partners.”
Work will begin shortly on the first phase of the regeneration, which will see the town’s maisonettes demolished and replaced with new housing.
Cllr Helen Brown, executive member for housing, said: “This is a very exciting time for Flint.”