Wednesday 03 July 2019
Valuable works to enhance Market Street are now complete.
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure approved works to enhance this vibrant area, improve pedestrian safety, provide a natural link through to the 'Old Quarter' and to increase the overall accessibility of the area. The previous asphalt road surface needed replacing and, therefore, it was the most suitable time to carry out improvements.
The new surface has been laid with granite and is all on one level, making it more suitable for all, including those with disabilities and push chairs. Businesses along Market Street are able to take advantage of the flat surface should they wish to have outdoor seating. Another new Al Fresco licence has been secured in the past few weeks.
In addition to this, a seating area is planned at the Mill Street end to draw people towards the Old Quarter. A quote from Victor Hugo celebrating Guernsey has also been incorporated into the design at this area to create a point of interest.
Overall, feedback has been positive, with Adrian Vidamour, a wheelchair user, saying "We are impressed with what we have seen nice slabs to wheel across no trouble at all."
Sonia Taylor, Director Bailiwick Estates Ltd, Managing Agents of the Market Buildings and Market Square, said:
"We are thrilled with the look of the new road surface. Often we would see visitors not proceed into Market Street as the asphalt surface and parked cars visible gave the impression of the end of the retail area of town. There has been a marked increase in footfall towards the old quarter and we really hope that with additional directional signage the area will see more people. The area looks so much more welcoming. We have a family street party planned, kindly sponsored by JT, for the 6th of July and hope that people will come along and see this great area of town. Whilst it may have been a little inconvenient for a short period of time, the contractors worked tirelessly in often difficult conditions and for long hours. We cannot thank them enough for what they have achieved."
Jack Gervaise-Brazier, Owner of The Golden Lion and The Juggling King Rum Company, said:
"On behalf of both businesses in the area, I am absolutely thrilled with the vision and commitment from the various service areas within the States that has allowed this project of the new road surfacing in Market Street and up to the bottom of Mill Street to happen. The impacts have visually and in terms of people and dynamics in the area been immediately felt. Tourists are now more attracted to the whole area, right past The Golden Lion and are actively going right up into Mill Street. The traffic dangers to children walking in the area have been reduced and it seems to have really lifted the atmosphere of the people using the area. We hear only good things from people who frequent the pub and walk as far as The Juggling King. The workmen gave their heart and soul in tough conditions and whilst the impact was felt by traders and we count ourselves in that number, the time it took against the background of the next multiple decades of enjoyment really is minimal to have created a unique area in our town.
"We are actively encouraging further ideas for the area and will support all traders and initiatives as we can, we are determined to make best use of the investment made by Guernsey for Guernsey."
Deputy Sarah Hansmann-Rouxel, Member of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and Disability Champion, said:
"The Committee is really pleased with the improvements in Market Street and would like to thank everyone, especially the neighbouring businesses, for their patience and understanding while the work was completed. We'd also like to thank the contractors for doing the work to such a high standard. The positive feedback on the finished result reflects that the area is now more attractive and, importantly, a more accessible area for all."
