A temporary scheme by Leicester City Council (LCC) to set up outdoor seating for businesses and more space for pedestrians around Leicester Market is to be made permanent.
Leicester City Council (LCC) intends to create traffic-free streets through the scheme.
The initiative was put in place in August 2020 to help businesses recover from the pandemic and support their ability to accommodate customers.
LCC reports that the changes have been popular with locals and tourists.
The council also plans to invest up to £1.3m on infrastructure upgrades, such as repaving the main carriageway, new street furniture, automatic bollards and decorative plants and art.
Adam Clarke, councillor and deputy city mayor, said: “St Martins and the nearby Lanes are home to a great many independent businesses including cafes, bars and restaurants.
“It is vital that we continue to support local businesses like these by investing in high quality, people-friendly streets and spaces.
“At the heart of the city’s historic Old Town, St Martins is also an important and popular destination for visitors to the city.
“By making these measures permanent and investing in a range of other improvements, we can help create a much safer and more attractive environment and encourage more people to walk or cycle in and around the city centre.
“It is important that we all do our bit to address the climate emergency and improve air quality in Leicester, as well as supporting our local businesses wherever possible.”
LCC has made a formal application to make the change permanent.
A short section of St Martins, between Loseby Lane and the King Richard III Visitor Centre, will be permanently closed to cars and other road vehicles.
The pedestrian zone will include Grey Friars, meaning access for loading will remain available between only 5am and 11am from Sunday to Friday and between 5am and 9am on Saturdays.
Cank Street and Hotel Street will be permanently added to the existing pedestrian zone, which currently allows access for daily deliveries from 5am to 10am and from 4pm to 6pm.
In response to commercial feedback, further loading bays were previously provided on Peacock Lane and Market Place South. These will be made permanent.
The current reversal of traffic flow in the area will also be made permanent.
Residents have until 12 August to respond to the proposal.
