Shrewsbury Northern Gateway enhancement consultation launches

Artists impressions and detailed plans of the proposals will be on show and can be discussed with Shropshire Council staff at a public exhibition today between 10am - 6pm and tomorrow 10am to 9.30pm.

Shropshire Council is proposing a number of changes to the area around Shrewsbury Station and the Chester Street gyratory.

The council is hoping the proposals will create a more welcoming environment as people arrive at Shrewsbury’s ‘Northern Gateway’ along with making it safer for people to cross the road to the town centre, Shrewsbury Mail Centre and to the Gateway Centre.

More space will also be provided for pedestrians and cyclists to encourage more people to walk and cycle into the town centre.

The council also say the plans will help reduce delays to local and long distance bus services and cut traffic congestion particularly on Coton Hill by managing traffic flows.

On a typical weekday, over 2,000 journeys are made by foot and bicycle along Castle Foregate, 11,000 motor vehicles enter the town along this road and over 2,000 passengers use Shrewsbury Railway Station.

Following the consultation final plans will be drawn up with construction starting in January 2013.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for transport, said:

“These proposals aim to greatly improve this area of Shrewsbury and make it quicker, easier and safer to travel in and out of the town centre, whether you are walking, cycling, driving or catching the bus. Please take a look at the proposals and tell us what you think.”

Andrew Bannerman, Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said:

“This has been one of the most difficult entrances to the town centre and the council’s officers and advisers have worked hard to produce these proposals. This is a chance
to take a look at them and give your opinion.

“More and more people are now accessing the town centre by cycle or on foot, and this is reflected in the proposals. At the same time, drivers and buses should find the proposed new layout helpful, and The Gateway should also benefit. So, I hope this will get public approval, but all comments will be carefully considered.”

The scheme is set to cost £900,000 with grant funding towards the project coming from Growth Point funding, Local Sustainable Transport Fund funding and Connect2 funding.

Consultation plans will also be available to view until 23 April at:
- Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND
- Shrewsbury Library, Castle Gates, SY1 2AS
- The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury SY3 8HQ
- Cycle Shrewsbury website