Making connections - implementing the Morecambe Area Action Plan
Work on improving the area around Victoria Street in Morecambe is set to get underway next week.
Connecting Victoria Street is a £600,000 project in the heart of the town centre linking the main streets to the promenade.
The aim is to better connect the town centre and seafront, increase footfall and benefit business and trading as part of implementation of the Morecambe Area Action Plan. ‘Connecting Victoria Street’ benefits from funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the second Morecambe Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI): ‘A View for Eric’.
The works will:
• Transform the streetscape between Barclays and the Post Office as a public place of real quality with a shared surface treatment to make it much more pedestrian friendly and a fitting focus for the entrance to the Arndale. This new area will be called ‘Royalty Place’.
• Improve the existing but dated pedestrianised stretch of Euston Road with new surfacing, lighting, seating and signs.
• Revise traffic arrangements at the junction of Market Street with Victoria Street and Euston Road. These are to include some changes to turning and parking arrangements including for taxis.
• Improve Victoria Street to the junction with Union Street via a reconfigured carriageway with courtesy crossings and improved pavements.
• Replace the existing column street lighting with new LED wall mounted street lights. This will be achieved by working with Lancashire County Council and property owners.
The investment from the THI will support the use of traditional, natural paving materials which will help to improve the setting of some of Morecambe’s Victorian and Art Deco buildings. The name ‘Royalty Place’ is a nod to the theatre that once overlooked this space.
Coun Janice Hanson, cabinet member with responsibility for planning and regeneration, said: “It is an exciting time for Morecambe town centre.
“We’ve already seen the start of work on the ambitious project by Galloways on the former Visitor offices and New River Retail now have planning permission to improve the Arndale Centre.
“These works will improve the streetscape and make it a much better place for people to visit and spend time. In turn we hope that businesses will improve their own facilities with the outcome being an improved shopping experience that tempts more people to visit the town centre.
The works will start in on February 15 and are due for completion in the summer. The work schedule has been planned in a phased zone approach to minimise disruption.
Last updated: 25 February 2016