Historic street set for revamp

Work is to begin this week to give one of Shrewsbury's most historic streets a facelift.

Two "parklets" with public seating and planters are to be installed in an unused taxi rank on Abbey Foregate, near the 11th Century church.

The speed limit along the street, along with Horsefair, Railway Lane, Railway Terrace and Portobello, is also being lowered to 20 mph, while more parking spaces will be created.

The work is part of a wider scheme, known as Shrewsbury Moves, to improve key gateways into the town centre.

Shropshire Council said the plans followed a consultation last year in which 400 residents and business owners shared their experience of the area.

It found more than two thirds of respondents wanted more seating, and 62% wanted more greenery.

The authority said the parklets, which are semi-permanent public spaces for people to rest and relax, will have fencing on the carriageway side and be painted to reflect the local character of the Abbey area.

Further seating is planned for the street outside The Crown pub, with installation expected next spring.

"Abbey Foregate is one of the most historically significant streets in Shrewsbury, and it deserves better than to be a place people just pass through," said Emma Molyneux, who is leading the project at Shrewsbury BID.

"Nearly 400 people took the time to tell us what they wanted to see in the area, and it was clear from the start that seating and greenery were the priorities - so it's great that these are arriving first."

The improvements are being funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is money given to councils by the government to spend on projects that boost community pride and support neighbourhood infrastructure.

It is being managed by Shrewsbury Big Town Plan, which is a partnership between the Shrewsbury BID, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council.

Work is already under way turning a disused piece of land by the railway bridge at the top of Abbey Foregate into a new "pocket park".

The land is owned by local businessman Martin Monahan, who is giving use of the land free of charge.

"The aim of all of this is simple: to make this wonderful historic part of Shrewsbury a greener, more attractive and welcoming place where people actually want to stop, sit, meet and spend time," he said.

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