Town Centre

In the 1980s an experimental closure of High Street showed how it transformed the street scene. The Neighbourhood Plan defines a number of projects for improving the experience of people in the town centre. In particular, it promotes the concept of pedestrian priority by:

1) closing High Street to traffic during the day, so it functions as a pedestrian plaza. This would be similar to the scheme already implemented successfully in Henley Street;

2) reducing the amount of parking space in Bridge street, widening the pavements, and improving facilities for buses and taxis.

High Street

NDP Bridge Street
Visualisation of top of Bridge Street

NDP Bridge Street
Wider pavements in Bridge Street

Recent discussions led by the Town Council, the Stratford Society and other representatives of organisations in the town have led to a proposal submitted in June for Government funding. The High Street would become an 'informal street' with wider pavements and a narrow carriageway. Bridge Street would have a wide central reservation for pedestrian seating, with kiosks and trees, in a 'Las Ramblas' arrangement.


High Street

Statement

The Stratford Society supports the concept of redesigning Bridge Street and partial closure of High Street, along the lines of the scheme proposed in the Neighbourhood Development Plan. We believe that the Town Centre will benefit from providing more space for pedestrians, with business opportunities for a more relaxed street culture with outdoor bars, cafes and events. The ability to walk along the High Street section of the town's Historic Spine during the day, without concern for traffic, will enable visitors better to appreciate the architectural qualities of the buildings. The width of Bridge Street makes it ideally suited for a central zone with space for pedestrians. The Society welcomes the bid for funding that has been submitted to Government and looks forward to public consultation on the scheme.