Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 6

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

BRIDGE STREET, LONDON STREET AND WINCHESTER STREET, ANDOVER - ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2008

COMPLETION DATE:

MAY 2008

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2007/08

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2007

(at 2007

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

470

470

Fees

45

45

515

515

Less developers/

115

115

other contributions

400

400

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Capital Programme

(a) Integrated Transport programme

150

(b) Maintenance programme

115

(c)

265

2.

From other resources

(a) External funding

115

(b) Test Valley Borough Council

135

(c)

TOTAL

515

Value of land for this project in the Council's ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

3

0.003

Capital charges

55

0.042

TOTAL net expenditure

58

0.045

2.

SUMMARY

2.1

This scheme will improve accessibility in the southern area of Andover town centre by providing a package of measures including improved crossing points and new, enhanced carriageway and footway surfaces.

3.

3.1

Recommendation

That the project appraisal for the construction of accessibility improvements in Bridge Street, London Street and Winchester Street, Andover, at an estimated cost of £515,000 including £115,000 external funding, be approved.

4.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Following two community street audits, conducted jointly by Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough in 2005, a Town Centre Access Strategy was developed. It was agreed to target the development to the south of the town centre as the first phase of a series of improvement schemes. This project will also fit in with the aspirations of the document `Andover Vision 2006-2026'.

London Street became severed as the result of the construction of the town's inner ring road in the 1960s. The section of London Street identified for enhancement has consequently become a dead end with on-street parking on either side of the road. This, coupled with narrow footways, makes it unattractive for pedestrians, cyclists and the mobility impaired.

London Street has also seen the recent development of cafés, pubs and clubs providing leisure activities. This decision will provide a safer and more secure environment for all, and contribute to improved local economic prosperity of local shops, markets and businesses and an enhanced sense of place.

Bridge Street/London Street/Winchester Street has been identified as an important retail area. It is split east to west by the River Anton. It provides a bus route, accommodates taxis, disabled parking and attracts a significant number of pedestrian movements. Traffic flows are relatively low due to the town's inner ring road and Bridge Street is an important gateway to the High Street, which is mostly pedestrianised, in the centre of the town.

Bridge Street has been identified as being in need of major maintenance and, following consultation, this scheme is being jointly promoted with the Hampshire Highways Unit to coordinate the maintenance programme with the planned accessibility improvements. This has obvious cost-saving benefits and will minimise disruption in the area.

Targets and Outcomes

The principal objectives of this scheme are to improve accessibility for all by introducing additional crossing opportunities and improved footways to meet the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, so that growth in these modes of travel are increased. By increasing accessibility, it will reduce severance within the eastern settlement areas of the town and provide safer routes from the George Yard car park into the shopping, business and leisure areas.

The scheme provides significant benefits for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users and seeks to improve the quality of place. Attitudinal qualitative surveys will take place to assess the views of users to record whether the improvements have had a positive measurable impact. This process will involve further community street audits similar to those conducted during the course of the consultation process.

5.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

5.1

5.2

The proposed improvements in Bridge Street, London Street and Winchester Street supports the County Council's road safety and casualty reduction policies and improves pedestrian facilities and access.

The scheme contributes to the following objectives of the Local Transport Plan:

(i) increase accessibility;

(ii) promote safety;

(iii) widen travel choice; and

(iv) support wider quality of life objectives.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

The scheme consists of the complete resurfacing of the carriageways and paved footways on either side of Bridge Street and London Street, and the provision of new crossing opportunities in Bridge Street, London Street and Winchester Street (subject to agreements with business premises having private frontages).

At the junction with London Street and Winchester Street provision for an additional taxi waiting area will be provided which will operate between the hours of 8 pm and 6 am subject to the necessary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). Any new, revised or revoked TROs will be the responsibility of Test Valley Borough Council.

At the corner of Mill Stream, at its junction with Bridge Street, a new landscaped focal feature will be introduced overlooking the River Anton and Town Mills with curved seating to tie in with new circular paving which will introduce an attractive feature to this area of the town. This aspect of the scheme is funded by Test Valley Borough Council.

A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

5.7

5.8

The effects of these works and the use of environmentally-sensitive materials will greatly improve the general environment and street scene in this part of Andover. All construction materials will be selected for their quality and life expectancy, providing better value for long term maintenance costs. Recycled materials will be used where possible.

The local community are particularly supportive of the proposals for this area of the town as there is concern regarding uneven and narrow footways and the lack of safe crossing opportunities.

Land Requirements

5.9

No land acquisition required. Agreements with adjacent landowners will be sought to carry out the new surface finishes from the kerb line to the building line across any private forecourts and frontages. The boundary of the highway and private forecourts will be delineated with appropriate materials. Failure of any landowner to give permission for improvement work to be carried out on their land would not be considered prejudicial to the overall success of the scheme, with all the main elements still able to be delivered.

Statutory Procedures

5.10

Planning permission is not required for elements of the work on private forecourts and frontages.

Public Consultation

5.11

5.12

5.13

Key local stakeholders for the scheme are:

- local Borough and County Councillors

- all ground floor and first floor businesses on Bridge Street/ London Street/Winchester Street

- Chamber of Commerce

- local schools

- local bus operators

- emergency services

- Hampshire Association for the Blind

- local and national cycle groups

- Andover Shop Mobility

- mother and toddler groups.

A public exhibition held in Andover Guildhall in May 2007 attracted 110 visitors between 12 noon and 8 pm. A press release appeared in the Andover Advertiser on Wednesday, 16 May 2007. To date, 20 comment sheets have been returned the majority of which were favourable and suggestions made have been taken into account when finalising the design.

This scheme has the support of Test Valley Borough Council as it is being jointly promoted by the County Council and the Borough Council.

Local Members' View

5.14

The local Members, Councillors Hughes, Kirk and Mrs West, support these improvements.

Impact Assessments

5.15

This scheme is intended to improve access for pedestrians and other vulnerable users and complement local retailers and businesses in the vicinity. An assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race and gender, but to improve accessibility for all.

Maintenance Implications

5.16

The scheme will have minimal effect on maintenance given that it is constructed on areas of existing carriageway and footway which have been taken into account when setting the annual budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

5.17

The provision of the Act has no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

5.18

The scheme seeks to further improve the environment, street scene and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users.

6.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

6.1

Alternative designs have been considered. To do nothing or tarmac these areas would be unacceptable and detract from the objective of providing a more accessible, attractive and safer environment.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

_

Maximising well-being

_

Enhancing our quality of place

_

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Bridge Street, London Street and Winchester Street, Andover - Accessibility Improvements

Project File

Environment Department

Room 433