Town Centre works move on ‘a pace’

Letchworth Garden City's £8m Street Scene Improvement works are progressing so well, it is hoped that the scheme will be finished early, in April rather than May 2010.

Following discussions with retailers and the Town Centre Partnership the ‘break’ for the Christmas trading period has been shortened by about two weeks. Works will stop around 16 November and re-start 4 January 2010. During the shutdown both Eastcheap and Leys Avenue will be open to traffic.

The Garden City’s Christmas lights switch on will take place in Leys Square on 20 November. Works to Eastcheap are all but complete, with just the finishing touches still on-going. The road is open to traffic and boasts new high quality paving, convenient ‘nose-in’ parking and ‘designer’ lighting and street furniture.

Public and shopkeepers have hailed the works as being excellent – “light”, “bright,” ”lots more space”, “elegant” just some of the words used to describe the improvements.

Skanska – the scheme’s contractors – have been working speedily and efficiently and are now well into the Leys Avenue programme of works.

In giving his assessment of works to date, Stuart Kenny, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation’s Director General, said: “I am pleased that Skanska are making such good progress with the Street Scene works and I congratulate all their team on what they have achieved so far.”

“Thanks, also to the retailers who have borne the inevitable disruption with a positive spirit. I know that they, like me, are looking forward to the completion of this excellent scheme in April next year.”

The Foundation is also moving forward with all necessary preparations for the major redevelopment of The Wynd where there are plans for 26 new retail premises including a 27,000 sq ft food store, plus a childrens’ playbarn, café restaurant, and 113 flats.

Work has started on attracting target retailers to Letchworth GC, ensuring the offer meets the needs of local shoppers. It is envisaged that works will be on site in early 2011, with a completion expected two years later.