Market Square improvements set to continue

Earlier this year two large scale urban artworks were installed at Market Square as part of a programme of public realm improvements to the area.  These artworks introduced colour and vibrancy to the area, welcoming visitors and acting as a focal point for this area of the town.

The council is making changes to Market Square to make the space more attractive, safer for pedestrians who use this route, and offer greater visibility to the surrounding area.

The next stage of works are set to begin on Monday 9 September, and will take place in phases to minimise disruption.

• 9 September – 6 October. Works will be taking place on Market Square (southern side) and therefore this entrance to the Indoor Market will be closed. Visitors should use the northern entrances accessible from Park Place. The road will remain open and those using St George’s Way Car Park will be directed to alternative pedestrian access points. Signage will be in place.
• 7 – 27 October. The northern entrances to the Indoor Market will be closed whilst works take place, and the road will remain open. People visiting the Indoor Market will need to use the southern entrances off Market Place. Those using St George’s Way Car Park will be directed to alternative pedestrian access points. Signage will be in place.
• 28 October – 10 November. During this period of time the pedestrian footpath outside Mulberry House (Park Place) will remain open but will have a reduced width. However, the footpath and the road remain fully open.
• 11 – 24 November. There will be reduced pedestrian access to Market Square from Market Place. Entrances to the Indoor Market will remain unaffected.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Market Place sees a high level of footfall and is a key space to serve businesses within the town. Although changes have already started with the introduction of two fantastic pieces of artworks, there is more to do in terms of accessibility and providing a warm, welcoming feel to those visiting Stevenage.  The works beginning later this month will upgrade the space for pedestrians, introduce colour and greenery, and deliver improvements for those who are less mobile. We apologise for any disruption caused but when the works are finished, travelling through this area will be a safer, more pleasant experience”.

The council is installing a new and improved footpath with a raised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting and introducing greenery, which will improve and brighten the area, creating a safer and visually improved crossing, whilst still providing designated loading bays for businesses who require deliveries and collections. Pedestrian safety is a priority and these works will create easy pedestrian movement and aid those with mobility issues. Two loading bays will be relocated, and there will be no loss of blue badge parking.

The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “Market Place has always been a key area in the town in terms of its relevance to our community and the impact which it has on local business. For that reason it is vital that we make it both safer and also more attractive for pedestrians and when this work is completed after a carefully phased schedule, we will have an area which the whole town can truly be proud of and which will fit in with the vibrant approach we are seeing across the entire regeneration programme delivered by the Stevenage Development Board and Stevenage Borough Council, which is now gathering pace.”