Hereford’s It’s Our City campaigners have thrown down the gauntlet to Herefordshire Council over the multi-million development planned for the Edgar Street area.
Plans were approved last year for retail, leisure and housing on the present cattle market site despite an 11,000-signature petition against it.
Delays now seem inevitable since the announcement that Hereford Futures Ltd will be replacing Edgar Street Grid Ltd and given more of a city-wide brief.
It’s Our City campaign chairman and central ward councillor Mark Hubbard said: “From the beginning we said that regeneration should be city-wide.
“Has our advice been taken? Do we trust an organisation which has simply changed its name?
He added: “So far, £15million has been spent and there isn’t a lot to show for it.
“Now we challenge them to take all of our advice. That would include shelving the development of a retail quarter, with its link road, and concentrating on the city centre.
“Hereford can best tackle its problems by solving access issues and not by building a second city centre.”
Council leader Roger Phillips told a full council meeting on Friday: “People say they want new and better paid jobs, new enterprise, affordable homes and vibrant new communities, better transport links and improved higher education facilities.
“Hereford Futures will be responsible for ensuring that all this is delivered.”
Chief executive will be Jonathan Bretherton, previously chief executive of ESG Herefordshire Ltd, and chairman is Ted Willmont, who chaired ESG.
New board members will be announced shortly.
Jonathan Bretherton said: “We want to enhance the identity and marketability of Hereford and fulfil its potential as an exciting destination for tourists, shoppers, businesses and inward investment.”
The 15-year plan for Edgar Street grid involves shopping, leisure and housing.
