Work is to set to start on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment for High Street and St Mary Street.
On Monday, February 1st the first phase of the project will begin from the top of High Street down to Church Street.
The work, which is being carried out by Birse Civils Limited, will involve the complete repaving and hard landscaping of High Street creating an outstanding improvement to the streetscape.
The existing surface will be ripped up, with new drainage put in before the new paving and surfaces are laid. The final surface will be of the highest quality materials chosen by Cardiff Council.
This first phase comprising the whole of High Street is due for completion this summer.
St Mary Street and High Street is one of the most high profile areas of the city and Cardiff Council is committed to transforming its environment by lifting the area making it pedestrian-friendly – creating a better place to live, work, shop and to visit in the city centre and at the same time reducing traffic, air pollution and noise levels.
Councillor Delme Bowen, Executive member for Traffic and Transportation, said: “I am delighted that work is beginning on this scheme which will transform High Street . The improvements will provide an original and exciting contrast to the other changes taking place in the rest of the city centre.
“High Street’s unique mix of independent shops, banks, restaurants and professional services is an important part of its appeal, and the scheme will strengthen connections between the arcades and Cardiff Castle, creating a safe, attractive, distinctive and high quality environment for pedestrians.”
He added: “Cardiff Council intends to continue to work closely with local businesses to create a retail area and environment that will further drive Cardiff’s success as one of the United Kingdom’s top retail destinations.”
Nick Griffith of Curzon Real Estate Partners Limited, who own three of the city’s Victorian Arcades – Wyndam, High Street and Duke Street – is confident the new scheme will help maximise the potential of the arcades in High Street and St Mary Street, which are home to some of the most distinct and interesting shops and restaurants in the city.
He said: “Having seen the plans and illustrations of what is proposed, I am extremely impressed by the design and quality of materials being used to implement this important pedestrianisation and regeneration project.
“We think the improved public realm will substantially enhance the streetscape to enable enjoyment of the High Street/Duke Street and Castle Arcades. We are confident the measures will lead to higher footfall for our tenants, as shoppers and tourists explore this part of town.
“We believe this pedestrianisation scheme will act as a catalyst for a re-invigorated ‘Castle Quarter’, which continues to offer a wider shopping and cultural experience to people living and visiting Cardiff.”
Disability groups have also given their backing to the scheme.
Charles Willie, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale Coalition of Disabled People and chairman of the Cardiff Access Focus Group, said: “Discussions with the Access Focus Group have helped the Council develop a solution to manage access to High Street which will potentially meet the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles, and create a unique, accessible environment which disabled people will be able to enjoy on equal terms with non-disabled people.
“The Council is carrying out a full equality impact assessment to make sure that all sections of the community are fairly and properly considered. While there are still a few important details to agree – such as surface colours, kerbing and tactile paving – it is pleasing that the Access Focus Group has been involved from the outset. It shows that involvement works – and is a lesson for future schemes of this kind.”
In preparation for the work to begin a permanent Traffic Regulation Order will be in place from this Sunday (January 31st) granting access to service vehicles to High Street and St Mary Street between midnight and 11am. Delivery vehicles will be required to travel one way in a southerly direction from Duke Street to Wood Street/Lower St Mary Street.
Staff will be available on the street over the coming weeks to consult with delivery drivers regarding the new arrangements. Council officers will also be visiting businesses throughout the period of works. Rising bollards will be in place at both ends of the street with a speed limit of 5mph enforced in High Street and 20 mph in St Mary Street. Working areas will be fenced off to make them safe. Signs will be displayed showing that businesses are still open as usual.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum by carrying out some of the works during off peak periods such as evenings and early mornings.
Bus services that travel in a northbound direction will be re-routed from St Mary Street/High Street to Westgate Street.
There will be a new bus stop on the northbound carriageway on Westgate Street with a new bus shelter, outside the new WRU shop. The existing stops on Kingsway & in Greyfriars Rd (depending on the bus route) will still be in operation, both locations have shelters.
People accessing Central Market are encouraged to use the new Freeb bus service, which is free to all users, and will be the only service connecting the market to Cardiff Central Bus Station as well as other locations around the city.
