London,
04
March
2012
|
23:00
Europe/London

Broadway Market improvement scheme underway

Major works to regenerate Broadway Market, one of Hackney’s key economic and social centres, are now underway.

Broadway Market attracts a large number of visitors from both in and out of the borough to its shops and restaurants, and its regular Saturday market which is also widely used by the local community.

Last month, as part of the Council’s plans to regenerate the area for residents and businesses, the Streetscene department began significant improvement works along Broadway Market. This followed a public consultation in December 2011 with residents and businesses, when proposals to improve the amenity and services and promote a safer environment received a favourable response.

All the responses were considered and taken on board, where possible, as part of the Council’s vision for a safer, cleaner de-cluttered street. This includes a new level surface for all users to help reduce the dominance of motor vehicles and improve movement for pedestrians and cyclists.

The improvement scheme, which began on 6 February, consists of new, high quality footway paving along Broadway Market; new carriageway raising it to the same level as the footway; reduction of street clutter such as of signs and bollards; and rearrangement of the layout of parking bays.

The work will also include planting of new trees; increasing the number of cycle parking stands on side roads; and a new junction layout at Broadway Market and Westgate Street.

These significant improvements will inevitably result in some temporary disruption. The work will be completed in sections to minimise the overall impact and to allow the market to continue to operate. The Council’s Market Team will also be working with the market operators to relocate stalls, and pedestrian access to shops will be maintained throughout the works.

Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We have worked closely with residents and businesses in and around Broadway Market, ensuring they have been kept informed and involved from the start of this project. We are committed to completing the works as soon as possible and to the highest possible standard. The improvement scheme will create a safer, more pleasant and coordinated environment that is sure to benefit all those who live, work or visit in the area.”

Commenting on the scheme, Oliver Walker, local resident and chairman of Broadway Area Residents & Tenants Association, said: “Overall, there has been a good process. The improvements are positive for the area and have pretty much taken on board our views to create a safer, cleaner, nicer looking market with manageable disruptions so far, which is what we wanted.”

Andrew Veitch, executive member of Broadway Market Traders and Residents Association, said: "We are looking forward to the transformation of our street and the new amenities. Our job is to ensure that the spirit of Broadway Market is alive and kicking when the bulldozers have gone."

The first section of work will close Broadway Market between Ada Street and Benjamin Close until the end of April 2012. The remainder of the works, from Benjamin close to Lansdowne Drive, is scheduled to be completed between April and the end of June 2012. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

For more information about the improvement scheme please call Hackney Service Centre on 020 8356 2897 or email: info@hackney.gov.uk

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