Cheltenham Boots' corner plans for shared space divide traders
TRADERS are divided over plans to prevent cars from accessing Boots' corner.
Under proposals for the central Cheltenham site, a 1,000sqm shared space would be created for pedestrians and buses only.
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Artist's impression of the shared space vision
Motorists would be directed to different routes to avoid the area.
The Cheltenham Development Task Force is behind the scheme, which would also involve changing the one-way system.
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Officials hope it would help reduce pollution and the amount of traffic using the town centre by encouraging more people to walk, cycle or use public transport.
Jeremy Harridge owns jeweller's shop Hooper Bolton in The Promenade, just a few yards from Boots' corner.
He said: "It's a good idea. Promenade refers to a walk so this scheme harks back to how the area was originally conceived.
"Cheltenham is a very family-oriented town and it would be nice if it was a safer shopping environment for families."
The task force's vision also received the support of Mike Baxter, manager of the London Camera Exchange, which is close to Boots' corner.
He said: "It would help us no end. We've been here since 1970 when you could drive down the Prom. It was a major shopping area. Since then, part of it has been pedestrianised but our bit hasn't. We feel we get missed out a bit."
But Carron Mann, of Promenade Antiques, was against the scheme.
He said: "It's ludicrous. Buses and people don't go well together, do they? I can't see how it will increase trade for us. I think they should bring back the old bus station at Royal Well."
He said pedestrianising the area would be fine as long as buses were not there.
Currently motorists approaching the centre along the Promenade have to drive 1,999metres and pass through 13 sets of traffic lights in a loop around the town to get to the Regent Arcade car park.
However, under the new plans drivers will be able to turn right at the Promenade/Imperial Square junction to access the car park – a distance of just 173metres.
Traffic in and around Cheltenham is projected to increase by between 34 per cent and 55 per cent by 2035.
Comments
by joy1234chelt
Monday, September 24 2012, 7:11PM
“Oh I hope they just leave our ring-road alone and focus their attention on areas that actually need improving.”
by IsitJimKerr
Thursday, September 20 2012, 2:09PM
“Good luck, Cheltenham.
It's a cr@p idea.
I drove through a shared space outside Manchester a few months ago, and it was very frightening.
There are no road markings, either for the edge or for stopping.
Traffic comes at you from all directions, and pedestrians, well, they think they own the place............ermmmmmmmmmmmmmm, well, in law, I suspect they do.
Enjoy.......................................... (god, I hate that expression!)”
by shadow46
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 11:18PM
“Well as a walking disabled person that has now excluded me from the centre of Cheltenham. Parking outside Lakeland I am able to walk to Waterstones, Bella Italia etc. Parking in Pitville St. gives access to M&S, W H Smiths and Boots. Without those parking places it will at last be goodbye Cheltenham.”
by eyeopener
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 7:31PM
“One suspects that the buses will retain access to avoid Bus Companies suing for loss of revenue after the routes change.”
by Matt1006
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 7:15PM
“If general traffic can be permanently re-routed away from Boots Corner, why can't the buses as well, so that it can be truly pedestrianized?
In a shared space, nobody has priority - neither the pedestrians or the vehicles. So I assume the same will apply at Boots Corner - in which case how long will it take for a pedestrian to end up under a bus???
Not to mention the mess that will quickly be made of the "road" surface by the buses - just look at the mass of fluid spots on the paviours at the top end of the lower High Street. The vast majority must come from the buses - so why are they dropping so much oil / brake fluid / hydraulic fluid etc???”