|
Hampshire County Council has given the go ahead for a £688,000 scheme to update and revitalise Totton's shopping area, fulfilling the commitment by the Council to deliver improvements in the town centre area. Residents and retailers alike are set to benefit from the planned improvements to the Salisbury Road and Water Lane triangle, which aim to cut the amount of motor traffic through the area. On-street parking will be reduced in the interest of safety and the road space will be re-allocated to provide a better pedestrian area: a measure geared to encouraging more people to shop locally and boost the local economy. The concept, has been developed from the 2003 Urban Design Framework study which looked at future change for Totton and Eling. The Water Lane Triangle element will give the area a ‘village green' atmosphere, with trees lining the street and grassy areas replacing the large triangular areas of tarmac that exist currently. Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment at Hampshire County Council said: "When the work is completed the shopping area of Totton should feel quite different to how it is now. The scheme will help build and strengthen both the local community and local economy by meeting the needs of all users. "We recognised that Water Lane triangle is an important retail area for Totton, attracting a high proportion of people into the town and we believe that more people will be drawn in once the scheme is completed. We want residents, visitors and those working in the town to enjoy being there. We also want people to feel relaxed and safe whether they are shopping and going about their day to day business or just passing through. "Such a major transformation cannot happen overnight, however and we ask people not only to understand that there will be a fair degree of disruption while the improvement works are being carried out but to consider also the benefits to be gained and look forward to being able to enjoy a more attractive and welcoming environment in which to live, work and shop. When the trees have been put in place and other planting has been carried out, we are confident people will agree that the street scene has been transformed." Work is expected to start in February and will include: • the reconstruction of pavements and roads with pavements being made wider and safer • the creation of delivery and disabled parking • improved facilities for cyclists • updating existing controlled crossing facilities • installing additional crossings points • improved lighting The scheme is jointly funded and promoted by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council. For more information visit Hampshire County Council |
