The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Multi-storey car park proposal for St Andrews
Views sought on parking solution along with pedestrianisation of Market Street
Plans to pedestrianise part of a main St Andrews thoroughfare have resurfaced, along with a study into siting a new multi-storey car park in the town centre.
People are being urged to have their say on proposals to restrict vehicles on Market Street and it has emerged a feasibility study has already been carried out on plans for the car park at Petheram Bridge.
The project to replace the two surface car parks on the north-west edge of the town with a multi-storey alternative has been resurrected after it was shelved more than a decade ago.
However, residents and businesses are now being asked for their opinions on the issues surrounding the town centre amid a growing clamour for the two schemes to be revisited.
The car park would cost around £9.5 million at today’s prices.
Residents and businesses have been asked to air their views on suggestions one of a town centre’s main streets could soon be pedestrianised.
The possibility of restricting vehicles along Market Street in St Andrews from Bell Street to the fountain area was the subject of a public exhibition around a decade ago.
However, that plan was shelved after strong opposition from traders and councillors.
Now, calls to revisit the issue are said to be growing in the town, prompting a renewed campaign urging members of the public to have their say.
The Courier has also learned locals are being asked for input on the possibility of a multi-storey car park at Petheram Bridge – an idea first mooted in 2007.
The cost would likely be around £9.5 million, but some may consider that money well spent, given the parking situation in the town.
Councillor Brian Thomson believes the time is now right to look once again at both projects.
He said: “An awful lot of local people have told me that they’d like to see Market Street pedestrianised.
“However, that’s purely anecdotal and I know there will be people who would be against it, particularly some of the local businesses.
“My personal view is that the town centre should be more pedestrianfriendly.
“The obvious area to pedestrianise would be Market Street, from the Church Street/Greyfriars Garden junction to the fountain area.”
Mr Thomson noted that the loss of car parking spaces as a result could prove contentious.
He added: “I’d stress that this is not a firm proposal at this stage.
“I’m just responding to views that have already been expressed to me and I’m keen to find out what wider views are before asking Fife Council if it’s something that could be examined in greater detail.”
Mr Thomson has appealed to individuals and businesses to get in touch with him via email on cllr.brian. thomson@fife.gov.uk to have their say.
I’m just responding to views that have already been expressed to me and I’m keen to find out what wider views are.
COUNCILLOR BRIAN THOMSON