Traders welcome plan to retain traffic restrictions
The vehicle restrictions in two key areas in the centre of Bath will be extended next month to help businesses there recover and thrive following the lockdown.
Kingsmead Square and York Street, which were both subject to initial pedestrianisation measures during the Covid-19 shutdown, will both see vehicles restricted from passing through them between 10am and 10pm every day from Monday October 5.
The move is also intended to help reinforce and protect social distancing measures, which was the reasoning behind the introduction of early pedestrianisation measures in the city.
Bath and North East Somerset Council will also be helping improve the public areas in both areas with ‘parklets’ to be built in Kingsmead Square incorporating extra seating and visual improvements in old car parking spaces, along with new bike stands.
Improvements in York Street will tie into the ongoing Archway Centre project.
Lindsay Holdoway, of property company HPH who own and manage the South Terrace, said the measures would have a positive impact on hospitality businesses on the sites.
She said: “We have worked with the council for many years to help improve the environment in the Square and promote its use for a more cafe culture style, in the way that similar space is used in many European cities.
“The council have brought forward a very practical and exciting design. We are looking forward to seeing its successful delivery which will greatly benefit hospitality businesses, residents and people visiting the city centre area which is even more relevant with the current Covid-19 restrictions.”
Emma Savage, owner of Grace & Ted and member of Kingsmead Square Trader Association, praised the move from the council and said it would help make the space “welcoming and vibrant”.
She said:
“The businesses in Kingsmead Square have been bustling since reopening after lockdown and the access restriction has really helped with spacing tables and making the area feel safer and more pleasant to sit.
“We’re really excited about the next phase of public realm improvements; the proposals we’ve seen look fantastic and will only make Kingsmead Square more welcoming and vibrant!”
Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said the move had been taken to help businesses get back on their feet and that the changes would be considered for more permanent implementation if they prove successful. However, she also called on people to bear government advice in mind when taking advantage of the increased opportunities offered by the change.
She said: “The introduction of temporary access restrictions at
Kingsmead Square, imposed as a result of Covid-19, has given us the opportunity to support businesses to gain pavement licences for tables and chairs outside, while still maintaining clear pedestrian routes, facilitating social distancing.
“We will be consulting on a permanent vehicle access restriction for Kingsmead Square in the coming months, reflecting our commitment to creating a cleaner, greener public square, rebalanced in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.
“However, while enjoying cafe culture, I must emphasise that people must still heed government restrictions and at the moment that means not socialising in groups larger than six.”
“We’re really excited about the next phase of public realm improvements; the proposals we’ve seen look fantastic and will only make Kingsmead Square more welcoming and vibrant!” Emma Savage