An outline plan from ESCC has been put forward that you now have a final chance to comment on.
We have, however, suggested what we believe is a viable alternative with less impact on transport and more tangible benefits - see details below.
A brief summary of the current ESCC proposal is:
- Introduction of more greenery in the form of trees and low-maintenance planting, particularly in Harold Place…which would be closed to all traffic, except a north/south two-way cycle lane to encourage cycling from the seafront to the station
- Changes to bus routes so that Havelock Road becomes one-way only (to allow for the cycle lane) with buses going up to the station via the lower end of Queens Road (past the old town hall) and swinging right through the current pedestrian area in front of Cafe Nero. Buses leaving the station would need to go up Devonshire Road and South Terrace before turning left back onto Queens Road
- Movement of the Harold Place bus stop on the west of the road to somewhere up Havelock Road
- Removal of the bus stops from outside Wetherspoons and outside Rye Bakery (formerly Jempsons), with these possibly relocated into South Terrace. There would also be no way for buses to get to the three stops outside WH Smiths, so these would become redundant
- Removal of the taxi rank from Havelock Road (no current clear suggestion of where it would relocate to)
- Removal of the disabled parking bays next to the former toilet block site
- Installation of a surface-level crossing over the top of the current underpass to the beach across the main road
- Creation of a children’s play area opposite Poundstretcher
- Introduction of new crossings outside The Carlisle pub to the cafe opposite and to the beach
The alternative suggestions we have put forward are:
narrow Queens Road and Wellington Place to a single vehicle width to slow traffic in unrestricted hours
ensure there is a clear and well-defined pedestrian route laid out around the corner at Sports Direct to the new crossing outside The Carlisle
retain the focus on green spaces and planting where this can be demonstrated it will be able to be maintained
reduce the size of the paved area opposite Poundstretcher and introduce more low-level planting to minimise the use of this area by loitering groups