Pavements to be widened

Southampton City Council and Balfour Beatty Living Places have started work on transport and greening improvements for Bedford Place and Carlton Place in the city. The works began on 9th January and should be completed by 14th April.

On Carlton Place there will be defined areas for hospitality providers to offer outdoor tables and seating, enhanced with an open, piazza-style area in the centre of the junction of Carlton Place and Lower Bannister Street.

Bedford Place will have a widened, curved pavement area at the junction with Carlton Place. This will become an accessible public area, with the addition of trellis structures for climbing plants, and seating. The temporary hospitality area on Bedford Place, outside Beards and Boards, will be replaced with a permanent buildout, and designated areas for loading and parking for people with disabilities will be provided. Areas of the carriageway along Bedford Place will be narrowed to slow vehicles and improve safety along the road.

Caroline French, MD of W. J. French & Son, in Bedford Place, said: “The curved buildout onto Bedford Place will hopefully make a big difference in reducing the speed of cars and increase safety for pedestrians. This, and the improvements to Carlton Place pedestrianised area, will make it a destination for people to enjoy the unique independent shops, bars and restaurants located here.”