Improvements to Witham and Halstead town centres including modernised street furniture, cycle parking and improved signage have taken a step forward.
At a meeting of its Cabinet yesterday (Monday, 14 March), councillors agreed to carry out a tender exercise to move forward with appointing contractors to offer final designs and deliver the improvements to both Halstead and Witham town centres, as well as appointing highway engineers to deliver a feasibility study to provide opportunities for a new highway layout.
In 2020, we announced an investment of over £745,000 on improvements to the town centres, after it was approved by councillors at a meeting of Full Council on Monday 22nd February 2020.
The project will deliver a series of public realm town centre improvements, following a number of consultation events and engagement with partners and stakeholders, including the town councils. These include refurbishment of street furniture and street lighting, new cycle parking, road signage, lighting, as well as replacement or maintenance of litter bins, benches and bollards - all to create a more attractive and functional environment, and improving the pedestrian journey in both town centres.
Witham and Halstead town centres will benefit from new cycle parking at key entrance points to the main High Street facilities, supporting our aims to improve cycling facilities across the district as part of our cycling strategy.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re looking forward to start progressing with these improvements, working with the town councils and engaging with potential contractors that can start designing and planning from spring or summer of this year. Both town centres have significant appeal in terms of their historic environment, an array of independent and chain businesses and service providers, but would also benefit from these type of improvements to increase their attractiveness and accessibility, helping our town centres bounce back stronger.”
Cllr Michael Lager from Witham Town Council, said: "Witham is keen to see investment throughout the town to improve amenities, cut town centre congestion and make it easier to get around. The prospect of added scope for cycling as a complement to bus and car is to be welcomed, provided routes are safe for young and old, relevant and properly connected up. The Town Council is a willing partner to help in getting the details right and thereby to enhance the social and commercial attractions of our historic centre and business areas."
Cllr Mick Radley, Mayor of Halstead Town Council, said: “Halstead Town Council welcomes this significant step forward in delivering long awaited improvements to our town centre. Along with other local stakeholders the council is eager to engage and work with Braintree District Council on the detailed implementation.”
We will work with Essex County Council, as the highway authority and the owners of the land, during the process.