Work to make Clock Tower traffic-free is nearing completion
NO MORE BUSES ON THREE ROADS FROM OCTOBER 11
THE area around Leicester’s historic Clock Tower will become traffic-free next month.
Belgrave Gate, Haymarket and Church Gate are to be closed to all vehicles from Sunday, October 11.
The three roads near the monument are currently heavily used by buses and cabs but the creation of alternative routes for them are now nearing completion and that will mean the area can be pedestrianised.
Businesses in the area are being contacted this week to tell them about the changes.
From Monday, October 12, deliveries to businesses in the area, as well as services such as waste collections, will need to take place between 5am and 11am from Sunday to Friday, and from 5am to 9am on Saturdays – in line with the rest of the city centre pedestrian zone.
Work is currently under way replacing cracked and dislodged paving near the Clock Tower as part of £8.5 million plans to transform the area, which includes the opening of a new link road, called Savoy Street, between Mansfield Street and Belgrave Gate.
Letters to businesses on Church Gate (between Haymarket and
PAVING THE WAY... Church Gate by the Clock Tower will soon be pedestrianised
Mansfield Street), Belgrave Gate (between Abbey Street and Haymarket) and on Haymarket are being delivered this week.
Any businesses with private offstreet parking within the extended pedestrian zone will be able to apply for a permit, giving them 24-hour access to the zone.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The new link road will improve bus journey times for passengers, while paving the way for the regeneration of the very heart of the city centre.
“This investment around the Clock Tower will be a boost for local businesses, and work to transform this popular meeting spot with high quality porphyry paving is already well under way, with work on the other streets in the area due to start in the new year.
“Once they’re part of the city centre’s pedestrian zone, businesses in the area will benefit from greater footfall and a much improved street environment. The pedestrianisation also means there are opportunities for food outlets on Belgrave Gate and Church Gate to apply for a street café licence – which could be a real boost for their business.”
The construction of Savoy Street and related improvements are supported by the Local Growth Fund.
■ £1.5m to spruce up city centre shopping streets – Page 18