Busy Southampton street to reopen to traffic
Bedford Place has been pedestrian-only since last August
A busy Southampton road temporarily closed to traffic is to reopen next month.
City leaders have confirmed that Bedford Place will reopen on July 19th when Covid restrictions are expected to be eased.
A total of £150,000 could be invested on traffic calming measures in the area following consultation with residents and businesses.
Carlton Place and Lower Banister Street will continue to remain closed to traffic with a final decision on the scheme expected later this year.
It comes as Southampton City Council said 57% of the local businesses that responded to a recent survey said to be in favour of the reopening of Bedford Place.
But Cllr Sarah Bogle – shadow cabinet for transport – described the consultation as a “fig leaf”.
Opposition leaders said residents’ views should have been considered.
It comes as the road closure – first introduced in August last year – proved controversial with some businesses calling on the council to reopen the road and others asking for Bedford Place to remain a pedestrian area.
Martin Chant, co-manager at Cloud Wine, said:
"When the closure happened it dramatically affected businesses. We are glad to see it reopen.”
Meanwhile, Caroline French, managing director of W J French & Son, said she feels the scheme has not reached its full potential.
“Going forward I would urge the council to look to into evening, weekend or temporary closures”, she added.
Cllr Satvir Kaur, leader of the opposition, said:
“The best way we grow our economy is by making our city and places like Bedford Place a destination, giving people opportunities to stay, sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. It’s a shame the Tories are determined to get Southampton moving backwards rather than forwards. They had clearly made up their minds on Bedford Place beforehand, choosing to ignore the views of local communities and users, who tell us they want the scheme to stay in full.”
But Cllr Jeremy Moulton, deputy council leader and cabinet member for growth, said “it was not a done deal”.
He stressed the road closure was a temporary measure to support the hospitality sector throughout the pandemic by allowing outdoor seating.
Cllr Moulton added:
“We had a strong indication because for the last few months we have been lobbied by businesses saying this was adversely affecting their businesses. We recognise the benefits that this scheme has had for hospitality businesses in Carlton Place and Lower Banister Street and will be keeping this section pedestrianised before making a final decision.
"This is a balanced approach which, alongside other safety measures planned for the area, will support our pledge to get Southampton moving while ensuring that visitors investing in our economy can move around safely and easily.”
The council said work to reopen the road will start in mid-July and planters will be moved to allow on street parking which would include free parking for ten minutes.
Megan Streb from Sustrans said:
“We hope that the council continues to monitor the roads and their impact on both businesses and people moving through the area over the next few months.”