Member Article

Bid for funding to improve key Stratford streets submitted

A bid for major funding to redevelop key streets in Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic town centre to create a more contemporary feel in which a better balance is achieved between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles has been submitted to central government.

Initial plans to alter Bridge Street and High Street to make them more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists, while reducing vehicle traffic, were drawn up by placemaking consultants PJA after being instructed by Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Warwickshire County Council in association with the Stratford Town Centre Strategic Partnership (TCSP).

Now, a bid for up to £18 million to pay for the works – which includes money set aside for contingencies – has been submitted to the government as part of its Levelling Up Fund.

Although the bid has been submitted, the plans are not set in stone. For the purpose of the funding bid the scheme proposals have been based around the ideas developed for the Stratford-upon-Avon Neighbourhood Plan.

These include narrowing the carriageway on the two streets and reallocating this space to pedestrians and landscaping to create a more sensitive setting for the historic town centre.

The Neighbourhood Plan proposal also included closing High Street to through traffic between 11am and 4pm as well as the introduction of a 20mph speed limit both of which also form part of the proposals in the funding bid.

The concept developed for the funding bid also includes the addition of a central walkway along the centre of Bridge Street where two-way traffic is maintained at all times.

Sarah Summers, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Clerk and a member of the TCSP, said: “We are very pleased that the bid for Levelling Up Funding has been submitted.

“I want to reiterate that although a bid has now been sent, the public will have the opportunity to influence the plans. We will be initiating a conversation with the public in the near future to generate feedback on the proposals and we will respond to this engagement as part of the design process.

“This is an important first step into improving Stratford-upon-Avon town centre for residents, visitors and business owners.”

Cllr Wallace Redford, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning said: “This funding bid provides an exciting opportunity to transform the historic heart of Stratford-upon-Avon and deliver a hugely improved experience and vibrancy within the town for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“The proposals would reduce the current dominance of motor vehicles and give greater priority and space to pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active travel and improving air quality. It would also enhance the town’s character and ambiance.

“There is further work to do to refine the scheme proposals and I look forward to continuing to work on the project with our partners and to working with those who use and rely on the town centre so that we can deliver a high-quality scheme which meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors, and befits the town’s global status.”

It is expected that an announcement on the outcome of the bid will be made by the government in the autumn.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .