The Pedestrian Heart project is now complete and has not only provided a fresh appearance, with open spaces for comfortable shopping and unique public art attractions; but has also created other benefits and opportunities for the town centre.
Markets
The general outdoor market, Farmers Market and Craft Market all now take place on West Row between the Covered Market building and the water cascade. This has added benefits for traders in Covered Market and has allowed the markets to be in the heart of the town centre.
Events & Street Entertainment
The town centre is now in a position to host a wide variety of street entertainment and larger events. The circular performance space ‘Joseph Pease Place’ in particular, is the ideal central venue for a programme of street theatre and entertainment. See Events.
Pavement Cafes
The open space created by the scheme has enabled more food and drink businesses to provide a pavement café facility. This adds to a more relaxed feel in the town centre and allows shoppers and visitors the chance to enjoy the better weather.
Opening up the Town Centre
By creating more pedestrian friendly streets and open spaces, the town centre is easier to get around and as a result is more opened up, making for better access to areas with quality independent businesses such as Grange Road, Skinnergate and Duke Street.
For more details, see: Background to the Pedestrian Heart Scheme | Features of the Scheme | FAQ about the Scheme | Shop Fronts Grants Scheme