Central Bedfordshire Press Release Dated 2nd October 2012.
Work to enhance the Hitchin Street shopping area in Biggleswade starts this week (1 October).
The cutting-edge improvements stretching from the junction with Market Square to Mill Lane are aimed at making the area more attractive and creating an open and inviting space that can be safely shared by pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.
It will use durable materials and instead of using traditional barriers such as kerbs, bollards and railings to divide up the highway, it will use clever design to help road users navigate through the space.
To open up the space, single level paving will be laid. Instead of kerbs the boundary of the carriageway will be marked with colour contrast paving that will also be tactile to help visually impaired pedestrians. To lessen visual clutter, street furniture will be kept to a minimum and will be removable if needed to allow future use by market traders.
Street lighting will be replaced to match existing the heritage style and colour used in Market Square and the High Street and the whole area is being landscaped.
The scheme is one of the key improvement projects outlined in the Biggleswade town centre strategy and masterplan.
Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Nigel Young said, "I'm very pleased to be making a start on one of the first projects to come from the town centre masterplan - which is all about improving Biggleswade's commercial vitality while retaining its historic core and distinct identity.
"This innovative approach to town centre design will create an inviting and safe space that people like being in and that benefits businesses on and around it. These improvements will help Hitchin Street to thrive and be more integrated into the town centre's retail core.
"Biggleswade is already a great place and these enhancements to the town centre environment will help attract more shoppers and visitors to boost the local economy."
Biggleswade Town Council and the Chamber of Trade have also played a key role in helping the Council to bring forward these improvements in supporting dialogue with local businesses, residents and others users of the street. Whilst the works will inevitably cause some disruption the Council and its highway contractors, Amey, will seek to keep this to a minimum. The improvements are expected to be complete by the end of November in time for the busy Christmas shopping period.
Regular updates on these improvements including diversions and schedule of works will be available on the council's website throughout the works.
Link to Central Bedfordshire's Biggleswade page.
Link to plan of works : PLAN
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