NEARLY 2,000 people have so far had their say on plans to pedestrianize Parade in Leamington.
Warwickshire County Council posted on social media that it had received a “wide range of passionate views on the vision” to transform the pivotal town centre street.
The Parade Masterplan looks at the future of Leamington’s shopping, car parking, public transport and public spaces and would see the Parade turned into a traffic-free area from the junction with Clarendon Avenue at the northern end of Parade down to the junction with Hamilton Terrace.
Buses that currently stop at the top of Parade would be re-routed to convenient alternative stops nearby, while delivery vehicles would be permitted limited access during times of lower footfall. Emergency vehicles would still be able to access the road.
A new town square next to the Town Hall would be created, providing an inviting new space for community events, markets, and performances.
Parade would be enhanced by the addition of new trees, planting, seating and cycle infrastructure, with accessibility at the forefront of its design.
The proposal has been drawn up by the Leamington Transformation Board, made up of representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and Leamington Town Council.
Mark Lee, independent chair of the Leamington Transformation Board, previously said: “We believe that there is huge potential to transform Parade into an incredible space for Leamington’s residents, visitors, and businesses, helping the town’s historic high street to be better than ever before.
“We envisage a whole area coming to life with hospitality venues spilling into the newly created space and families able to enjoy the vibrancy of the town, knowing their children can play safely nearby.
“Many independent studies have shown that giving priority to pedestrians in key areas of town and city centres improves economic and health outcomes – but we know that it needs to be done in the right way with the views of all affected considered.”
Views can still be given online until July 28.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ask to complete the survey.
