Work beginning this month will transform the heart of Wokingham market town into a continental-style space of café tables, market stalls, attractive trees and stylish paving designed for all.
The £3.8million joint borough and town council Market Place project will replace the poor quality, root damaged paving, cluttered street scene and inconvenient bus lane; with a smart, new natural look that is pedestrian-friendly, fully inclusive which is perfect to support a flourishing market, successful shops and bustling outdoor living.
Work on this refurbishment will begin week commencing 31 July, and will be completed late Spring 2018. Initially Denmark Street will be closed from 31 July through to late September.
Phased work
The work is being phased to keep any disruption to a minimum, with the contractor Balfour Beatty committed to working with businesses and neighbours to maintain access at all times.
Wokingham Borough Council executive member for highways and transport Cllr Chris Bowring said:
“The whole town including Market Place is open for business and will remain so during these works. There will be some short-term disruption but we would urge all residents to continue to support the town’s great shops, cafés, pubs, restaurant and other businesses.”
Traffic will continue to be able to move through the town though there will be the need to close the roads around the Market Place as the phasing of the project demands. Early notification will be given as traffic enters the town and updates will be available on both councils’ websites and social media platforms.
Market open for business at temporary home
The market will be also be open for business throughout the construction and will be just a step away in its new temporary home at The Plaza area outside Argos and Brown Bag.
All regular traders have new pitches and will be pleased to welcome both regular and new customers. Both council’s urge local people to continue to support traders in the next few months. By summer 2018 the new Market Place will be a fantastic space for both businesses and residents; a place where people feel welcomed, can relax and where community events and entertainment can be enjoyed.
Cllr Peter Lucey, Mayor Wokingham Town Council, said: “I have been a Wokingham Town Councillor for many years, and this project, a long-term ambition of the town council, is also dear to me personally. I am really pleased to finally see the project agreed, signed off - and starting! We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council to deliver a beautiful and renewed market place, to benefit our whole community, at the heart of our town.”
