After many months of surveys, design testing,
traffic modelling, and consultation activities, proposals to
enhance the northern end of the street are finally being
realised.
Princes Street is a very important shopping street
situated within the Yeovil town centre historical core and sits
within a conservation area. It is a key pedestrian gateway into the
town centre and is well used by college students & local
residents. The Yeovil District Hospital is also close by. The
first phase of the enhancement scheme was successfully completed in
2009. It has delivered a street that is clean, bright, and
de-cluttered helping improve pedestrian flows.
Phase two seeks to enhance the Northern End of
Princes Street towards the subway area including Park Road.
The improvements will include widening of pavements, introduction
of loading bays, repaving, designated pedestrian crossing points,
lighting improvements and general de-clutter of the street. In
addition, quality bespoke street furniture will be introduced along
Park Road and Princes Street in a style consistent with the
furniture installed in phase one.
The aspiration is to reconnect the subway end of
Princes Street with the southern end of the street, to create
attractive pedestrian access between the town centre, the college
and the hospital and to enhance the character of the street. It is
hoped that this will also enhance the profitability and appeal of
the businesses in the area.
Construction is anticipated to commence in January
and the aim is to complete the works by March 2012. Funding
has been secured from South Somerset District Council, Yeovil Town
Council, Somerset County Council and Yeovil Vision
Board.
Councillor Tony Fife, Chairman of SSDC Area South
Committee said, "I am delighted to see Princes Street get the
upgrading it deserves. Not only will it mean safer and welcoming
access for pedestrians to the town centre, but also better footfall
should mean increased trade for shops and services in this historic
part of the town centre."
Issued 15 December