With the reopening of non-essential shops in Stockport town centre following the national lockdown, residents will be able to see first-hand the progress that has been made on improving the Underbanks.
During the winter lockdown, works have carried on improve the public realm, including the road and footpaths, in the Underbanks.
Phase two of the scheme has now been completed in the Lower Hillgate/Little Underbank area, with new street furniture, new street lighting, new paving and a new road surface all in place.
There is some additional work to be completed between Royal Oak Yard and the roundabout at Great Underbank, with new street furniture and lighting to be installed.
The scheme is being delivered by the Town Centre Access Plan in support of the ‘Rediscovering the Underbanks’ project. The scheme has also received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Mark Glynn, Director of Place Management at Stockport Council, said: “We would like to thank businesses and residents for their continued patience, understanding and support while these works on the Underbanks have taken place.
“We appreciate it has been an incredibly difficult time for so many, and we are looking forward to welcoming businesses and visitors back to enjoy the benefits of the refurbished area.
“The Council is reviewing the longer-term vehicle access arrangements in the wider Markets and Underbanks area as we want to make sure it meets the needs of modern-day life and is a great place to live, work, play and connect.”
In March 2020, phase 1 of the works were completed between the automatic bollards and Royal Oak Yard. The road was resurfaced in coloured tarmac due to ongoing works to property nearby. Once those works have been completed, the coloured tarmac surface will be replaced with the same paving that has been installed at Little Underbank.
As was the case before the works began, vehicular access for residents, servicing and loading will be before 10.30am and/or after 4pm.
The Pedestrian Zone applies between 10.30am and 4pm, which means that no vehicles are allowed to use the area.