Work on the town centre improvement scheme is to begin in Weston-super-Mare next month.
The scheme will provide more cycling routes into the town centre, make the bus network easier to navigate and enhance the pedestrian experience, all of which are aimed at increasing visitors and economic activity in the town.
The project will include:
- enhancing cycling and pedestrian links across the town centre
- adding additional green space in Alexandra Parade
- bringing scattered town centre bus stops into one location on Regent Street, making the use of public transport easier
- alterations to the road layout of Alexandra Parade and Walliscote Road to reduce the volume of traffic in the town centre
- simpler access for pedestrians
- increasing the trees in the town centre
- reducing the impact of lorries in the daytime, introducing loading access to a new pedestrian zone on Regent Street with loading times and dedicated loading bays on the outskirts of the pedestrian zone available at all times of the day
Due to new Government restrictions following the global pandemic, additional safety measures have been put in place to deliver the project safely, on time and on budget. This has resulted in changes to the original plans for Station Road. The scheme will now be between Walliscote Road junction and Graham Road, with the dual carriageway unchanged.
The project is being funded by a £6.8m grant from the Department for Transport, Local Growth Fund and Historic England for highways, public realm and transport improvements.
Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Business, Economy and Employment at North Somerset Council, said:
We ran an extensive consultation process in the run up to this project and changed our plans following feedback from the local community. Covid-19 has put additional financial pressure on the plans, and we’ve had to alter them accordingly.
Our aim to enhance the town centre, improve pedestrian and cycle facilities and bring together many of the town centre bus stops will still be achieved and I look forward to seeing the work begin.
Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth. By 2021 Government will have invested over £12bn through the Local Growth Fund.