Agenda item

A report updating the Executive Advisory Board on the next phase of the Guildford public realm improvement project prior to submission to the Executive for approval was introduced by the Lead Councillor for Infrastructure and Governance.  The Project Manager presented the report and an accompanying presentation.

The report addressed the second phase of the improvement project to: reconnect the High Street to the town centre’s cultural and heritage quarter, enhance the town centre’s character and improve visitors’ experience within a distinctive conservation area.

The first phase, delivered in 2018, was the Tunsgate pedestrianisation scheme.  This utilised high quality materials to: compliment the High Street’s granite setts and heritage, introduce vehicle restrictions and provide shared level carriageway and landscaping.

The second phase of the project would deliver, via consultation, the following:

1.           Chapel Street -  enhancement of the current surface to ensure it met appropriate disability accessibility standards for all whilst continuing to reflect the town centre’s conservation heritage.

2.           Swan Lane – upgrading of the pedestrianised carriageway with materials that preserve the town centre’s conservation heritage.

3.           Castle Street – introduction of better traffic controls, signage and physical interventions to address traffic management issues and provide an improved link to the castle grounds.

4.           Upgrade existing vehicle gates and CCTV – replacement of existing vehicle barriers and introduction of new vehicle restrictions where necessary and CCTV on Chapel street.

5.           Signage – extension of the wayfinding signage to enhance the connectivity across the historic centre and to promote retailers and the cultural offering near the town centre.

The creation of a more pedestrian-friendly environment and reduction of vehicular dominance would assist with creating a safer place for visitors and add to the character of the town.  These improvements would ensure that the visitors’ experience was positive and that Guildford’s town centre remained a popular destination through its attractive historic public realm.

To deliver phase 2, a transfer of the remaining £965,000 from the provisional budget to the approved budget and the £260,000 allocated for high street protection was required.

The presentation covered the purpose of the improvement project; the town quarters and character areas; connecting the heritage hub; Tunsgate; the approach, materials, challenges and opportunities associated with Chapel and Castle Streets; improving town centre vehicular gates and CCTV; programme of works; costs; and tasks and next steps.

The EAB was advised that the Council had been approached by retailers wishing to make financial contributions to the improvements works.  The original granite setts in Chapel Street would be reused.  There were 5 million visitors to the town each year and it was felt that the improvements would be a boost to the local economy and retail success and would improve accessibility and wayfinding.  Consultees would include residents, amenity groups, access groups, businesses and statutory consultees with whom initial concept designs would be shared.  The programme aimed for completion in November 2019 to avoid disruption to Christmas trade, however, if it was felt that this could not be achieved, the work would be postponed until the New Year.  Issues associated with parking and food delivery drivers / cyclists in the Chapel Street area had been raised by businesses and residents.

Honorary Alderman Mr Gordon Bridger attended the meeting and spoke in favour of the improvement project and requested that Holy Trinity Amenity Group and the Guildford Society be included in the related consultation exercise.

The following points arose from related questions and discussion:

·             The proposed public realm improvements were welcomed and should feature some continuity in materials.

·             Improvements to accessibility were also welcomed, particularly in Chapel Street which was not currently disability compliant owing to changes in levels which would be addressed by the scheme.

·             The public should be made aware of any related landscaping proposals from the outset.

·             Although contributions from traders were anticipated, some concerns regarding the cost of implementing and maintaining the project remained.

·             Surrey County Council would contribute to the scheme by providing advice and technical support.

·             Every effort should be made to minimise disruption to local traders during the works although increased trade was likely to result following completion.

·             Highway measures to reduce the negative impact of parking and food deliveries were sought.

·             Associated consultation should be widespread and include the public, visitors and relevant local amenity groups and societies.  Consultation material should be shared with councillors to widen the audience.

·             The possibility of developing a shopping/retail/tourism trail/wayfinding app should be considered.

The report sought the EAB’s views on whether the current wider approach to include Swan Lane and improve the High Street vehicular gates within the scope of the project would ensure better accessibility and safeguard the town centre heritage and security.  The Chairman confirmed the EAB’s support for the improvement project including Swan Lane and High Street vehicular gates improvement.