Hereford city centre refurbishment continues

Drawings illustrating the next stage of Hereford city centre’s refurbishment scheme will go on display at a public exhibition.

Initial designs for the city centre improvement works will go on display in The Old House, in High Town, and in a mobile exhibition unit outside on Saturday October 22 and from Tuesday October 25 to Saturday October 29 from 10am – 5pm (4pm on Saturdays).

The public and retailers are invited to see the designs and provide comments, which will be taken into account in finalising the details of the design.
 
Staff from Herefordshire Council will be on hand to answer questions and provide more information about design options.

The High Street improvements to be carried out in January and February next year will complement the works to refurbish Eign Gate which are nearing completion.

The design options on display will show possible enhancements to High Town, Commercial Street, St Peter’s Street, Bewell Street and Widemarsh Street.

The designs have taken into account the City of Living Crafts report of 2003, which consulted widely with the public and businesses, to establish what was wanted in the city centre.

Key feedback from that consultation exercise were: to reduce clutter in High Town; make more use of the space for other activities; develop the special characteristics of the city centre; and strengthen links between different areas.

Once the work in High Street is completed, work on the next stage of the city centre enhancement should start in spring next year and will be arranged to minimise impact on the major events already scheduled for 2006, such as the May Fair and the Three Choirs Festival.

Retailers directly affected by the work will be consulted on implementation issues.

Cllr Brian Wilcox, Cabinet Member (Highways and Transportation), said: “Herefordshire Council is committed to improving and enhancing our beautiful city centre for the benefit of everyone.

“As part of that process we want to consult widely with everyone interested in Hereford so that they can have their say in helping shape the city for the future.

“We fully understand that while these works are being carried out there will be some inconvenience and disruption, which is why we will make careful arrangements regarding the May Fair and Three Choirs Festival.

“In the longer term, Hereford stands to benefit greatly from the improved quality of the city centre environment.”