Cotswold Chatterblog

A major project aimed at transforming Cirencester during the 21st Century has reached an important stage with the publication by Cotswold District Council of a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the town centre.

The draft SPD, which embraces many aspects of the Vision for Cirencester, focuses on traffic and environment issues and will be fundamental in helping to shape the longer-term future of the town centre. Its proposals include:

• A review of parking, to provide more spaces in fewer car parks, with the redevelopment of some existing parking for other uses;
• Prioritising pedestrians over traffic in the main shopping streets;
• Transferring unnecessary through traffic onto the ring road;
• Improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and to public transport, including better links within and to the town centre;
• Improvements to road safety and the possible transfer of buses from the Market Place to improved facilities at South Way/The Forum
• Improving the appearance of the public realm, particularly Market Place, Cricklade Street, Black Jack Street and Dyer Street; and
• Rationalisation and improvement of signage, street furniture and paving.

Forward Planning Manager Chris Vickery said: “Cirencester is a great town, but it’s easy to become complacent when you are surrounded by attractive buildings and a retail sector that is performing well.

“It is important to have proposals in place that will help take the town forward and address issues of concern, such as traffic management and parking, while enhancing the town’s competitive edge and maintaining its unique attractions.”

“The SPD will be an important tool in helping to deliver physical improvements. However, it must be appreciated that some of its proposals are long-term and dependent on other works being completed first, while others will be dependent on securing external funding.”

The Cirencester Town Centre SPD will be available on 22nd February for public comment until 4th April.

Details of how and when you can comment, along with copies of the documents, can viewed at Cotswold District Council and Cirencester Town Council offices, County libraries in Cotswold District, or by visiting the Council’s website at www.cotswold.gov.uk

Source: Cotswold District Council

Related articles:
Vision for Cirencester gets the green light

Tags: cirencester | places

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