Capital looks to ‘re-model the public space’ in effort to ease
CITY centre streets in Cardiff are set to be made safer for shoppers, making it easier to socially distance.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be given more space as main streets could be completely remodelled.
Restaurants could also be given extra space outside on the pavement for their customers to sit, as tables inside will likely have to be further apart.
As the lockdown restrictions are lifted, Cardiff council is looking at how to make people in the city centre safer from the coronavirus. The council is working with business group For Cardiff and civil engineers Arup.
Council leader Huw Thomas said: “We are all living in extraordinary times and as the council continues to respond to the current issues during this pandemic, we also have to plan on how we are going to recover from this crisis once the lockdown has been lifted.
“We now have to look at how we can re-model the public space in the city centre and ensure social distancing measures can be maintained for everyone’s safety. Not only that – we have to find ways of making the city a great place to visit again, despite any restrictions which may have to be imposed.”
Queen Street, St Mary Street, The Hayes and Churchill Way were mentioned as streets which could be remodelled.
Other options include marshals welcoming people into the city, with information on one-way systems and free hand gel for people to wash their hands; and a narrow loop of park around the city, similar to the High Line in New York.
Caro Wild, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: “There is no doubt this will be a significant challenge, but we are
keen to ensure that plans are in place to reopen the city centre when it is safe to do so.
“We will work with local councillors to ensure the views of local residents are heard throughout the process.”
Sophie Camburn, director of integrated city planning for Arup, said: “Our team has brought together a range of expertise to create a strategy that will help the council respond to challenges and opportunities, as they prepare to begin the gradual process of reopening the city centre.”
More details about the plans should surface in the next few weeks, as an initial report will be presented to the council’s cabinet.
A temporary bike path has already been put in place on Castle Street, with a lane of the usually busy road given over to cyclists. On Wellfield Road, pavements are being widened and car parking removed, to give more space to pedestrians.
A question mark remains, however, over how the rest of the big changes will be paid for.
Cllr Thomas said: “All of this will cost money which is why we will begin discussions with Welsh Government on how it can be funded.
“Our plans will need to be fully backed if we are to get the city up and running again, for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here and in the city region.”