Getting rid of cars could help make Kingsmead Square a new dining quarter. That’s according to a Bath business leader who has welcomed news that this popular hub of independent shops and eateries could become pedestrian-friendly.
Bath and North Somerset Council has announced that it intends to continue working on proposals to restrict car movements through Kingsmead Square to help the area meet its potential as a thriving pedestrian-friendly destination for the city.
The announcement comes after B&NES carried out a consultation which highlighted a desire from local businesses to improve the café culture and the potential for change with the layout. There was also a high level of support from the public for making Kingsmead Square pedestrian-friendly.
Lindsay Holdoway, Managing Director of HPH Commercial Property, which has its head office in Kingsmead Square, said, “I am delighted to hear that B&NES has taken the decision to continue working on this project which could see Kingsmead Square become car free, something which has been in discussion for many years.
“We have long been involved in the idea of creating an alfresco style environment in Kingsmead Square similar to that enjoyed in European cities. In 2018 we co-funded an independent transport assessment which further highlighted the opportunities for improving the square if vehicle access was removed.
“We believe there is a huge amount of potential in Kingsmead Square for creating a new dining quarter for Bath city centre, building on the vibrancy that already exists amongst the many successful and thriving business in the area. We very much look forward to working with B&NES and other local businesses on the plans and finer details of the project.”
B&NES has said it will hold further consultation on design details later in the year.
More information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/major-projects/public-realm-and-movement/kingsmead-square.
