CITY leaders have unveiled a multi-million-pound transportplan that includes road closures and other measures aimed at making Southampton morepedestrian-friendly.

A car park at Albion Way is due to be turned into a bushub and a tree-lined park - the first green space to be created in the Old Townfor almost 60 years.

Supporters of the £3.9m proposal say it will improve accessto the historic city walls as well as provide enhanced views of the Bargate.

East Park Terrace will be closed to all traffic exceptbuses, taxis and bicycles to make it safer for people walking between East Parkand Solent University. A similar scheme will be introduced at PortlandTerrace to cut bus journey time

The government-funded plans aim to create a"family-focused" city centre by reducing the impact of traffic inseveral parts of the main retail area.

Civic chiefs claim the far-reaching proposals willresult in a more vibrant and welcoming environment foreveryone living, working, and studying in the area.

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment andtransport, said the measures would improve accessibility.

He complained that Southampton had often been starved offunding, adding: "We are pleased the government has recognisedthe importance of helping to fund infrastructure changes that will make iteasier and safer to get to and around our city."

Cllr Keogh said similar changes elsewhere in the country hadmade city centres more connected, resulting in extra visitors and shoppersspending longer in stores.

"We want to follow suit, so here inSouthampton our plans will upgrade our public spaces and make them safer,while better showcasing our incredible heritage."he proposed new park willboast tree-lined lawns and gardens with an art-scape motif based on imagesdiscovered on ancient Southampton pottery.

Council bosses say the adjoining bus hub will makepassengers feel safer and more comfortable by offering new waiting facilitiesand better travel information,plus enhanced lighting and CCTV.

Subject to planning permission, construction workwill begin in the autumn.

The council is proposing to prioritise access to thefacility by making nearby Portland Place bus, cycle, and taxi-only fromSpa Road to the Shopmobility site.

This will reduce through traffic, creating abetter environment for walkers and cyclists. Improved crossings tothe Old Town and West Quay are also planned.

A council spokesperson said the authority's long-termvision was to create a "progressive and liveable" city centre inline with other places across the country.

"Additional green spaces and better travel options forall will build a sense of community amongst users, whether that’s familiesenjoying quality time outdoors or commuters finding cheaper ways to get towork."

Work has already started on a £5.5m scheme to create anew-look gateway to the city at Southampton Central railway station.

Improvements have already been carried out to other parts ofthe city centre, including the Charlotte Place roundabout and nearby GrosvenorSquare.

"New on-street electric vehicle charging points havebeen installed at Brunswick Place and Grosvenor Square, helping achieve ourcommitment to a zero-emission city," said the spokesperson.

"The next step will see significant improvements to theA3024 Northern Inner Ring Road junction with London Road. They will be followedby improvements to the junctions of Devonshire Road, Commercial Road, and WestPark Road."

Devonshire Road's junction with Cumberland Place will beclosed to vehicles, with traffic lights replaced by a "pocket park".

Other proposals include a new pedestrian crossing thatwill make life easier for people walking between the Polygon area and the citycentre.

Traffic signals at the civic centre junction - one ofthe busiest in the city - are due to be upgraded at a cost of £2m.

"This will improve general traffic flow and providepriority for buses and people cycling and walking through low-level signals,advanced stop lines and better detection," said the spokesperson.

"This will conclude the A3024 Northern Inner Ring Roadcorridor signal upgrades to make journeys more reliable and quicker andreducing congestion.

"East Park Terrace will be accessed by bus, taxi, andcyclists only to better connect the parks with Solent University by ensuringquicker journey times, more punctual and reliable bus journeys.

"Pavements will be widened, along with otherimprovements that aim to create a more pleasantand pedestrian-friendly environment.

"The scheme will create better connections to and fromthe city centre for people walking and cycling, offering students moresustainable means of travel."

The proposals, including those already beingimplemented, are set to cost almost £14m.

Prof James Knowles, vice-chancellor at SolentUniversity,  said: "We are particularly excited about the East ParkTerrace scheme.

"It will improve connectivity for our students,staff, and guests into the city centre via the parks, prioritising pedestrianand cycle-friendly environments along East Park Terrace.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the councilas they grow the travel network, improve services, and enhance the citycentre."

Stephen Manion, executive director of GO! Southampton, alsopraised the plans.

He said: "GO! Southampton are pleased to seeimprovements to the public transport in Southampton which makes the city centrea more pleasant and safer place to visit and use the wide range of shops, restaurants, and leisurefacilities."

Mr Manion said the new-look city centre would also providevisitors with a "much-improved view of the Bargate.

Source: Daily Echo