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Gloucestershire Business News

Boots Corner gets a new make-over

The controversial Boots Corner area of Cheltenham is being given a new look.

Passions have been running high over the trial traffic ban at the town centre spot with businesses warning of a detrimental effect on trade.

Now Cheltenham Borough Council is giving the space around Boots Corner fountain a make-over with work starting today.

The area will benefit from seating, attractive planters, cycle racks and a new town centre artificial 'lawn' feature as part of the first phase of the temporary uplift whilst the traffic trial continues.

This will provide twelve additional cycle parking spaces around Boots Corner, building on Cheltenham's town wide network of cycle parking.

The council says the improvements will help to make the space feel more attractive and inviting for people to enjoy. All equipment will be relocated elsewhere within the borough at the end of the trial.

During October local artists will be invited to add further enhancements with sculptures, artwork and decorated pigeons, salvaged from the previous wayfinding signage. Local residents and visitors will be able to see the space transforming over the coming months as a taster of how Boots Corner could look and feel if the traffic trial is successful.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: "Now the trial is underway the council has a unique opportunity to re-claim some of the highway to enhance the area and make it more appealing. We apologise for any initial disruption as the works begin towards the middle of September and we anticipate the work will be completed within a month.

"The next few months promise to be exciting when we can begin to see the High Street looking very different, and in the long term, offer a considerable boost to Cheltenham's economy."

Councillor Max Wilkinson, council walking and cycling champion, said: "This work will make the town centre much nicer for Cheltenham people and visitors too. The transport plan must be about that, as well as encouraging more people to start walking, cycling and using public transport to promote healthier lifestyles."

Kelly Ballard of Marketing Cheltenham, said: "The works happening throughout our high street will see it becoming a hub of activity. The council's vision is becoming a reality and we will see an attractive, inspiring and comfortable space being actively used in our community; a place where shopping is just one small part of a rich mix of activities including working, sharing, exchanging, playing and learning new skills."

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