Street closed to traffic as part of pedestrian-friendly plans
Part of a city centre street is to be closed to vehicles from Monday as part of plans to create a network of pedestrian-friendly routes.
Barriers will be in place in King Street, at its junctions with Marlborough Street and Wellington Street, from 10am, while work to install new automatic bollards gets under way.
Once installed, the new bollards will come down to allow loading and unloading between 5am and 9am on Saturdays and between 5am and 10am from Sunday to Friday.
Only businesses in the area with passes issued by the city council will have vehicle access at other times. The work aims to create a new pedestrian link between the city's historic New Walk and the Market Street shops and bars.
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City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "King Street is the link between Market Street – which was pedestrianised a number of years ago – and the traffic-free tranquility of New Walk.
"By closing this short stretch of road to traffic, we can connect two important pedestrian routes – and make it easier for people to enjoy all of our city and its heritage on foot.
"We will be looking at refurbishing the street as part of future development plans – and the demolition of New Walk Centre will give us a wonderful opportunity to improve the whole of the area."
The King Street closure is part of Sir Peter's Connecting Leicester project – a five-year programme that will link the city's historic buildings, transport hubs, shopping areas and leisure facilities with high- quality pedestrian routes.
Businesses in the area were consulted on the proposals in November.
7 Comments
by PLYMFOX01
Sunday, March 03 2013, 12:30PM
“Another stupid idea from people who dont have any idea about reality. Belvoir Street and Newarke Street will be completely closed next. While you are at it Mr Soulsby why not close Welford Road outside the New Walk Centre and maybe Oxford Street? (The latter to suit the council's paymasters DMU) No one goes to Leicester as it is so why not discourage a few more people from visiting.”
by democrat
Saturday, March 02 2013, 3:11PM
“'improves life for the unwealthy'
?
The poor can't eat blockpaving, statues or culture but given that many donlt come into the City and make the place untidy it's not really a problem.
A least the homeless will have more space to doss down in”
by Bob491
Saturday, March 02 2013, 1:40PM
“Quote "Our beautiful city is a disgrace: it's dirty and depressing."
So full marks to Sir Peter for doing something about it.
I am sure all will agree, except of course the tiny number of gutless right whingers who dislike anything that improves life for the unwealthy.”
by Shushhhh
Saturday, March 02 2013, 12:55PM
“Brilliant idea. Lets hope in continues onward to the Newarke Street lane closure. Car is not king.”
by IAmAwake
Saturday, March 02 2013, 12:22PM
“As for the demolition of the New Walk Centre, I wonder who's got that contract ... ?”
by IAmAwake
Saturday, March 02 2013, 12:21PM
“As for the demolition of the New Walk Centre - any guesses as to whom the contract has been awarded?”
by spalding1944
Saturday, March 02 2013, 12:13PM
“aristoc - Pete will not cone off the Belgrave flyover because it will show what a half baked idea it is to knock it down,but when it does come down ( because he has spoken ) it will be to late to change his mind”