Work on the transformation of George Street, Corby, will start on the July 19 and will provide improved pedestrian access between the shopping area and the civic and leisure area of the town.
Northamptonshire County Council and Corby Borough Council, through North Northants Development Company (NNDC), secured the £3.33 million of funding to carry out the work.
The improvements will complement the Willow Place shopping centre, new Corby East Midlands International Pool and Corby Cube Civic Hub development, carrying the theme of revitalisation throughout the length of George Street.
Cllr Heather Smith, county council cabinet member for transport and highways said: “We have recently seen Corby transformed with the creation of fantastic new buildings, greatly rejuvenating the town centre. These new proposals will contribute enormously in giving Corby the town centre it deserves. Corby has shown that it really is on the up, going from strength to strength, and I’m sure that it will continue to attract investment, triggering significant economic growth.”
The principal aim of the scheme is to undertake improvements between Westcott Way roundabout and Alexandra Road roundabout. The changes will provide a pedestrian-friendly environment to make walking along George Street more attractive.
Corby Borough Council's Lead Member for Regeneration, Cllr Jimmy Noble, said: “The improvements to George Street are part of an overall masterplan and key regeneration project for Corby that links up and complements the brand new Corby Cube, Corby East Midlands International Pool, Willow Place and rail station. We are very excited to see this project begin which will provide a more attractive and accessible public area for the people of the Borough.”
Simon Evans, Chief Executive of NNDC, said: “These improvements will bring the different parts of the town centre together, help to stimulate further investment and give local people even more reason to be proud of the positive changes taking place in Corby. They will make it much easier and safer to walk around the town, encouraging more people to spend more time in Corby, which can only be good news for local businesses.”
The proposed works in George Street will include:
• Landscaping, lighting, seating and paving
• New bus shelters with real time bus information
• Improved pedestrian movement with the restriction of private vehicles
during the day
• Shared space at George Street / Corporation Street
• Centralised and improved bus stops
• Relocated taxi ranks
A consultation exercise was conducted in December and construction work, due to start on July 19, will take about six to nine months to complete. MGWSP, the highways service provider for the county, will carry out the works in phases along George Street.
Access to properties and shops will be maintained and the partners will seek to work closely with individual properties that are affected by the works. It will be business as usual, whilst this exciting work takes place.
This is a significant construction project and all residents and traders will be kept informed about the progress of the project and the partners will seek to minimise any inconvenience or disruption.
While work is taking place George Street will be open only to buses, taxis and emergency vehicles and bus stops will be relocated to parking bays in Elizabeth Street between Stuart Road and Alexandra Road.
Traffic that normally uses George Street as a through route will be diverted via the new roundabout at the junction of Westcott Way and Cottingham Road.