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
Morecambe-based reality show starring Tyson Fury up for National Television Award
Man and dog flee scene after attack on chihuahua in Lancaster
Mayor of Lancaster saddles up for charity race night
LISTEN: Personal trainers set for gruelling 100-mile three peaks charity challenge
Mum takes on a million steps to help school and toy appeal in memory of caring daughter
Student apartments plan revealed for derelict former Lancaster pub
Crunch meeting called to vote on future of Morecambe sports and social club
PHOTOS: New images reveal plan for major renovations at Morecambe's iconic Midland Hotel
Stunning new drone images show 100 'Eric Morecambes' on beach to celebrate centenary
Rescue team's warning after motorist cut off by rising tide
Trapped person freed from vehicle after crash in Heysham
Firefighters tackle house fire in Lancaster
Firefighters called to wildfire in Lancaster
UPDATED: Police put 48 hour dispersal order in place after report of stabbing and arrests in Lancaster
Eden Project Morecambe Hub set to open as start of work on site draws closer
Morecambe BID gets overwhelming backing to continue for another five years
Forces veteran launches campaign to stop demolition of former Morecambe bus shelter
LISTEN: "A thriving Winter Gardens benefits Morecambe"
New mural unveiled to brighten up crime hot-spot in Lancaster city centre
