First phase of improvement to city centre public spaces complete

The first of two phases of Bath & North East Somerset Council's work to improve streets and public spaces in Bath city centre is complete. In order to minimise impact on local businesses, residents, and Christmas shoppers, work will stop between November 16th 2012 and January 7th 2013.

Improving the look and feel of Northumberland Place and the High Street is part of the Council's public realm improvement plan. The Council believes that the project will create a friendlier environment for people on foot, improve access for public transport, and increase the number of people visiting shops as we invest in the quality of the city as a World Heritage site.

Works now completed include:

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• The resurfacing of Northumberland Place with natural Pennant stone paving;
• Expansion of the public space to the north of Bath Abbey using reclaimed historic pennant stone to match the existing paving;
• Improved access and new paving at the east end of Cheap Street where it meets the High Street;
• Removal of the traffic island at the south end of the High Street, in front of the Abbey;
• New, wider, pedestrian areas alongside the Guildhall and on the opposite side of the street at All Bar One using high quality sandstone paving.

Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: "Excellent progress is being made by Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve this part of Bath city centre. High quality materials are being used that are cost-effective in the long-term and also show how determined the Council is to maintain the appearance of a high quality physical environment befitting a World Heritage Site.

"Out of courtesy to shoppers and traders, we believe it is sensible to halt the works during the very busy Christmas shopping period for the benefit of shoppers and retailers. Improving the public realm is crucial to creating communities where people proud to live, ensuring that we make Bath city centre as attractive and economically successful as possible in an increasingly competitive climate."

Andrew Cooper, Bath BID Manager, said, "Investment in the Public Realm is vital in ensuring Bath continues to be an attractive destination to live, shop and visit.  The High Street and Northumberland Place improvements are of a very high quality and are welcomed by business.  Extending this to the core economic spine of our city is essential going forward as part of the public realm improvement programme."

The second phase of the work will begin in January 2013 and will include:

• The continuation of new sandstone paving along High Street's pedestrian areas to provide a high quality surface;
• An expansion of pedestrian areas and improved pedestrian crossings, including an extended crossing area between the Corridor and Guildhall;
• New street furniture, including new bus shelters, benches, way finding signage and cycle stands.

Full details of the changes and the Council's public realm improvement programme can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/publicrealm People can also contact Council Connect via councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 39 40 41.

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