REDEVELOPING TOWN CENTRES

1.

This is the town centre of Newark. The market place is the focus of roads leading into Newark.

2.

In the town centre of Newark, some roads have been pedestrianised, and cycle racks provided. This encourages local people to travel to the shops on foot or by bike. The town centre becomes cleaner and safer for shoppers because there is no traffic.

3.

Around Newark town centre were numerous small yards. In the 18th and 19th century these were the site of inns which were used by travellers, and stables to keep fresh horses for the stage coaches. Many of these buildings were derelict in the 1970s, and they have been rebuilt and converted into small arcades of shops. 'Heritage' street lamps and cobbles give an old world feel to the street. These are also safe, pleasant places to shop, and help to attract visitors to Newark.

For more information about Urban Redevelopment in Newark
click here.

4.

This is the centre of Kirkby in Ashfield. The shopping area is centred around a crossroads. In 1999 an 'arm' of the crossroads was blocked off to through traffic and pedestrianised. Inprovements included new paving and 'street furniture' like bollards, lamp standards and bins

5.

The new open areas in Kirkby town centre (where the road used to be) have been used to create seating areas, and some market stalls have been erected. Some trees and flower beds have been installed. The only traffic in this area is for deliveries.

6.

In Sutton in Ashfield, a large part of the town centre has been pedestrianised. There is a nice mixture of old and new building around the Market Place.Trees, flower beds and seating improve the environment. The ancient market place has been developed along side.

7.

One of the shopping streets in Sutton had been rebuilt in the 1960s as a open air precinct. In the 1990s this was again redeveloped as the 'Idlewells centre'. The street was roofed over and screens built at the ends of the street- to create a covered shopping mall. This brings the advantages of indoor shopping to the town centre. At one end of the centre is access to the bus station and the library. Buses were rerouted around the town centre into the new bus station.

8.

Inside the Idlewells centre is a pleasant shopping environment. There is heating and air conditioning under a glass roof. Screens have been erected along the shop fronts, and new display areas created. Plants have been included. There is also a central area with a place for performances like street theatre or musicians. It is difficult to imagine that 10 years ago this was an outdoor arcade with concrete canopies.

9.

Portland Square in Sutton was a road junction in the centre of the town. It has been pedestrianised, the area was paved and this sundial erected as a centrepiece. It has become a meeting place with seating around. Notice the blend of old and new building.

10.

In Nottingham, along Long Row, the street has been cobbled, and 'heritage' litter bins and seats erected.

11.

Around the old market square in Nottingham, bollards and cycle racks have been installed. There are parking restrictions and one-way streets to regulate the traffic. The pavements have been widened to allow more access for pedestrians, even where the roads are not pedestrianised.

For more information about Urban Redevelopment in Nottingham
click here.