Improvements are being made to a historic square in Lancaster city centre.
After successfully obtaining grant funding via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Lancaster City Council in conjunction with Lancaster Civic Vision and in partnership with Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), are looking to deliver improvement works to increase accessibility and inclusivity for all users, whilst also increasing the aesthetic beauty of a historical square within the city’s Conservation area.
Work is due to take 2-3 weeks to complete.
Part of the main conditions of the funding that Lancaster City Council have obtained, requires work to be undertaken to assist in creating the improvements to the main flagged areas, allowing all users the ability to access the square safely whether able-bodied, experiencing mobility issues, or are using prams or push chairs.
Levelling work will be carried out, including the repair or removal of any damaged or broken flags, re-purposing heritage assets, and flags will be re-pointed with the appropriate mortar which is not only in keeping with the York stone, but also compliant with any conditions as set by Lancaster City Council’s Conservation team, due to the Conservation Area status.
The BID are working alongside colleagues in Lancashire County Council – Highway’s Department to implement two dropped kerb areas on the adopted highway to allow increased access to Sun Square itself, and the works are currently planned to be undertaken in April due to scheduled work commitments.
Work has already been carried out to improve the appearance of the lime tree situated within the square, while an electrical supply will also be installed into the square, allowing for additional access via a lockable socket, to be used for events.
Considerations are being made in terms of what can be done to improve the aesthetics of the square, which includes items such as seating, litter / recycling provision, bin stores and lighting.
A number of factors that need to be well-thought-out relates to the ability of members of the public to transfer from items such as wheelchairs on to seating, but also providing seating which will discourage any potential anti-social behaviours and rough sleeping. The project team are keen to ensure that the square is deemed to be safe by all users, and this includes aspects such as improved lighting and street furniture.
As part of the UKSPF requirements, Lancaster BID will be required to evidence the impact that the improvement works has had, via surveys with users and pedestrians utilising and accessing the square in the months following completion of the project.
World record attempt and TV documentary among ideas for Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Views sought on proposed Lancaster day centre closure
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
