FINAL plans have been revealed to transform transport areas within Southampton city centre as part of a £18.5m project.

Parts of the city are set to become bus and taxi-only areas with one junction being closed completely to create a new park. 

The £18.5m project is funded from a £57m pot from the government as part of its Transforming Cities Fund.

As part of the scheme, Devonshire Road would be completely closed off at its junction with Cumberland Place, creating a pedestrianised area with a new pocket park. 

East Park Terrace would also become a bus and taxi-only area between Charlotte Place Roundabout and the New Road/Palmerston Road junction.

This is to make the area more "enjoyable for those who are walking and cycling as well as create better connectivity between the university, the parks and the city centre".

The Northern Ring Road will also see an increase in walking and cycling between the Cultural Quarter, High Street and city centre with upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes across its junctions.

Smart technology will be fitted at all junctions to improve traffic flow on the ring road whilst giving buses priority.

Meanwhile, similar improvements will be made at the Civic Centre junction to improve safety and accessibility whilst improving traffic.

The junction was originally the subject of plans for pedestrianisation which would have seen a roundabout put in and the pavement extended to create a largely traffic-free zone.

This scheme was however thrown out due to inflation.

Changes will also be made at the southern side of Central Station to provide better onward travel options, including a new interchange with a bus waiting area, e-scooter hire, improved taxi operations and cycle parking.

Other upgrades include a bus interchange at Albion Place, a live, work new city centre park at Castle Way and a bus gate on Portland Terrace.

Leader of the council, Cllr Satvir Kaur said the authority wants to "remain ambitious creating a place where people want to live, work, study, and visit".

"It's great that we have been able to secure this Transforming Cities Fund from the Department for Transport to deliver plans that make the city centre safer, better connected, celebrates our heritage rather than hides it away and more green spaces including pocket parks.

"So, whether you're a family on a day out, visitor or commuter, Southampton grows as a destination place to be proud of."

Work on the schemes is set to take place as soon as autumn this year with all projects due to be completed by spring 2024.

Transport boss, Cllr Eamonn Keogh, said the plans will transform the way in which people can move to and around the city".

He said: "We are committed to supporting housing growth as well, and this naturally means ensuring there are adequate, sustainable transport opportunities that ensure people will enjoy visiting again and again which will in turn help boost businesses and the local economy."

The council has adapted the original plans following feedback from a consultation in January 2021.

Source: Daily Echo