Aylesbury's exciting new development, The Exchange, opens to the public

I am Free sculpture with Cllr Sue Renshell, AVDC

Aylesbury town centre’s latest development, The Exchange opened to the public on Friday 8 March.

This stunning new public space features unique and inspiring contemporary artwork for both residents and visitors to enjoy,  providing a beautiful outdoor setting for Aylesbury town centre’s first purpose-built mixed restaurant, commercial and residential development.

The Exchange reflects how modern town centres are changing to meet an increased demand for more leisure, dining and town centre homes, and it will shortly offer four new restaurants and 47 one and two-bedroom apartments – built by AVDC’s development partner Durkan.

The public square was conceived by landscape architecture firm Bradley Murphy Design (BMD). The space is designed to be fully accessible; featuring gentle slopes for people using pushchairs, wheelchairs or other mobility aids and offers a mix of formal and informal seating areas, some of which incorporate mobile device charging points.  Three new thought-provoking sculptures by artist Colin Spofforth inject character and colour into the design and are complemented with a series of inspiring quotes, sourced from the local community, that are woven into the street furniture, tree grilles and paving designed by artist Chris Brammall. 

The launch event for The Exchange featured street entertainment and  performances from local dance school, Aylesbury Performing Arts Centre, and singer, Holly Jones. 

Angela Macpherson, Leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council said:  “I’m thrilled to have been at the launch of The Exchange and to witness the opening of the much-anticipated public space. I’m also looking forward to visiting the fantastic new restaurants when they open their doors in the very near future. Aylesbury town centre is rapidly transforming into a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, workers and visitors alike, and The Exchange development has been central to our plans for this ongoing regeneration.”

Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP’s Chief Executive, said: “SEMLEP is pleased to provide £3.3m of Local Growth Fund investment for this town centre development which will change the way in which people visit and enjoy Aylesbury town. Formally opened with the unveiling of the public art, we hope that The Exchange will become the public square where many people come to sit, relax and enjoy.”

For more information on The Exchange, take a look at  https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/exchange