There will be six weeks of disruption in Lancaster city centre to buses, taxis and parking, as heritage improvement works get underway.
Highway and public realm improvements are due to start today (Monday January 23) as part of the Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone project.
Largely focussing on the footpath in front of 44-48 North Road and the northern side of Damside Street, the works will include:
• Widening of the footpath between numberss 2 and 8 Damside Street to make the space feel safer and more comfortable for pedestrians and help slow down passing vehicles
• Resurfaced footpaths using natural stone materials to make the space more attractive and fitting to the area’s heritage
• Improved junction crossing to Dye House Lane, including introduction of tactile paving and the use of natural stone materials, to make the crossing feel safer and more attractive
• Inclusion of new slot drains on the footpaths to assist with surface water drainage
• New cast iron bollards featuring custom artwork to protect the buildings and highlight some of the area’s important heritage
• Upgraded tactile paving to the zebra crossing (both sides of the crossing) to meet current legislation
• Carriageway resurfacing and re-lining as necessary
The works are being undertaken as part of the Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone which is investing in buildings, spaces and people to improve the historic Mill Race area of Lancaster.
They’re funded by Historic England and Lancaster City Council and should be complemented by some grant-assisted building improvements which will be delivered over the coming months.
Councillor Gina Dowding, cabinet member with responsibility for planning and place making, said: “The Damside Street properties date from the early 19C and it is hoped that these works will make the street feel safer and more attractive for pedestrians and improve the setting of these buildings.
“The works will unfortunately cause some disruption to the area but the improvements to the streetscape, while relatively small in scale, should be long-lasting. The potential for further discrete streetworks in this area is also still being explored.”
For the anticipated six-week duration of the works there will be no access for buses and taxis between the A6 Rosemary Lane and the Damside Street junction with North Road. Diversions for these vehicles will be in place via Lower Church Street and upper North Road.
All on-street parking bays along this route shall be suspended for this duration with alternative off-street car parking available at St Nic’s Arcade and Wood Street pay and display car parks.
Blue Badge holders can use all spaces in any city council car park for free and for an unrestricted time period. Blue Badge bays are also available at any time on Church Street, within the pedestrian zone.
Cyclists and pedestrians should follow any diversionary signs placed on site for the full duration of the works.
More information about the Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/heritageactionzone
Lancaster youth charity launches 10 Challenges campaign
£30k campaign launched for new Lancaster community farm
Carnforth chiropodist honours her late husband with clinic fundraiser
Lancaster City Council agrees 2.99 per cent rise in Council tax share
Lancashire Police’s share of Council tax to rise by 5.4 per cent
Guys Thatched Hamlet closes suddenly after 46 years
Teenager spared jail for causing death of newborn child in Morecambe
Morecambe Town Council agrees budget and 2.46 per cent rise in Council tax share
Builders of new Lancaster housing development offer £2k cash pot to community groups
Lancaster centre welcomes mayor for opening of new community kitchen
Lancaster shop to close as high street gaming chain faces administration
Jim Bentley returns for second spell as Morecambe FC manager
Ashvir Singh Johal’s reign as Morecambe manager comes to an end
Lancaster writer's ghost story of Morecambe to be voiced by acting legend on Radio 4
Change of name announced for popular Morecambe bar
Opening announced for new Morecambe bistro inside former post office
Health watchdog report shows improvements to services at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
LISTEN: How Leo's Gym is making a difference in memory of young Morecambe boxer
LISTEN: Lancaster set to celebrate Chinese New Year
Lancaster’s Vue Cinema under new ownership
