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| Design for a new look Market Square |
Work has begun on Lancaster City Council’s initiative to revitalise some of Lancaster city centre’s public streets and spaces, with work commencing in Market Square.
As we previously reported, the aim of the Lancaster Square Routes project is to rejuvenate the important historic city centre of Lancaster, strengthening its position as a quality destination both for visitors and residents of the district.
The vision includes detailed designs for Market Square, Sun Square and Horseshoe Corner, amongst others, and repair works to the Old Town Hall (now the City Museum) have already started ahead of a new lighting scheme to illuminate the building at night.
The main first phase of works in the square is due to start on 23rd October and will see Market Square taking a step towards being transformed into a quality public space at the heart of the city that is a place where people can gather, trade and celebrate.
This will include the removal of the fountain and resurfacing works and improvements to lighting both around and in the square.
The long term vision for the square is to make it more attractive, give more space for the Charter Market, encourage outdoor café seating as well as both planned and impromptu performances, in order to make it the civic heart of the city.
To minimise disruption for shoppers and surrounding businesses, signage will be in place advising of the alternative routes available in this area. The first phase work will break before the Christmas trading period, completing early in the new year.
“Many spaces in the city centre have become tired and uninviting and are not contributing as they should to a vibrant centre for the heritage city,” feels Coun Janice Hanson, Cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and planning.
“By improving the appearance of places and how they are used, the initiative will encourage more activity in the city centre during the day and through into the evening and become a place where visitors and residents want to be.”
Upgrades to Ffrances Passage, including resurfacing and lighting improvements, part funded by the owners of St. Nicholas Arcades to compensate for the lack of through access to Great John Street, will be undertaken in January 2012 with the aim of encouraging pedestrian movement between Dalton Square and the city centre.
• For more information, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/squareroutes or email squareroutes@lancaster.gov.uk.