Pavement improvement works near the Lancaster Grand theatre scheduled to start today (January 8) have been delayed.
Lancaster City Council said that due to circumstances beyond their control, the works would not now begin on Monday as previously anticipated and have been delayed.
A spokesperson said the council would provide a further update once they have a definitive start date, which should hopefully be soon.
The work to enhance pedestrian access for people visiting the theatre and using St Leonard’s Gate are part of the Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone project.
They include widening the pavement in front of the Grand by approximately one metre and the use of high quality natural stone materials.
In addition, a courtesy crossing with tactile flags will be installed to make it easier for people accessing the theatre from across the road.
A safety barrier that was damaged last year when a car drove into it (see below) will also be replaced by bollards customised with artwork inspired by the location’s heritage.
As a result of the pavement being widened the road will need to be narrowed and made one way for the section directly outside the theatre, with prioritisation added for vehicles travelling from Stonewell.
Councillor Nick Wilkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, skills and digital innovation, said: “Lancaster’s Grand Theatre is a huge success story and its popularity means that you can often have around 460 people arriving or departing at similar times.
“Anyone who has attended a show can testify how congested this can feel and the widened pavement will feel a lot more comfortable for both patrons and pedestrians on what is a busy section of footpath.
“As the car that crashed into the safety barrier last year demonstrated, this section of road can feel quite dangerous so the narrowing of the carriageway will also act as a traffic calming measure and make it much safer for those attending a show.”
Mark Hutton, chairman of the Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre charity, said: “These improvements make so much sense. Cars will still be able to pass the theatre in both directions, only in future it will be more slowly and on a priority basis.
‘’Creating a new pavement that is wide enough for people to queue, and for pedestrians to be able to pass each other safely, particularly those using prams and wheelchairs, is a very welcome and much needed improvement.”
The Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone is a four-year programme funded by Historic England and Lancaster City Council which focuses on investment into buildings, streets and helping people learn more about the Mill Race area’s heritage.
The Grand Theatre has already benefitted directly from significant grant support from the programme to undertake extensive repairs and improvements to the exterior of the building since summer 2020.
These include the removal of failing cement render to the side elevation, structural repairs to the rear, new acoustic stage and loading doors, structural and render repairs to the façade as well as new windows, signage, lighting and display cabinets.
Pippa Brown from Historic England said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing these improvements to the public space outside the Grand Theatre which will boost the overall impact of the works to restore the historic buildings within Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone.”
The street works are expected to last three to four weeks and signed vehicle diversions will be in place during this time. All performances at the Grand will be unaffected. The box office will remain open as usual Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm but from a temporary location on site. Access to Lower St Leonard’s Gate car park will be maintained.
Ryelands Community Connect initiative aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during community speed enforcement drive in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
Poetry in motion as live workshop comes to Morecambe rail journey
Lancaster pupils highlight school crossing patrol road safety campaign
UK wide lettings agency takes over Lancaster student housing firm
Morecambe live music bar gets change of name
