Huntingdon Phase 2

Following the successful completion of phase 1 which enhanced the Market Square, the second phase was concentrated in the High Street area and this work was completed towards the end of 2005.

The existing drainage, road surfacing, footpaths and street furniture were replaced with high quality materials.

The scheme has improved Huntingdon High Street by replacing the old slabs and tarmac with a new smooth but textured block paved roadway and new paving slabs, among other enhancements included new street lighting along the High Street located adjacent to the facade of the buildings resulting in a clearer walk passage giving the sense of a more spacious roadway.

Feature lighting has been installed to uplight the facade of the Commemoration Hall.

Huntingdon St Benedict's Court

Work commenced after Easter 2006 on the area between High Street and Prince's Street.

The first item of work was to remove the existing gazebo which will be recycled for other projects planned by local societies.

The centrepiece of the works is the creation a large seating area flanked by a water feature and soft landscaping.

The existing paving was replaced with the same buff coloured paving slabs already laid in High Street. New drainage was laid to replace the existing inadequate system.

Work progressed on schedule and was completed at the end of July 2006.

The scheme was entered in the British Council of Shopping Centre awards and was shortlisted.

Ramsey

A local advisory group was set-up consisting of representatives of the Town Council and other interested bodies to look at improving the service road at the Gt Whyte which has seen several accidents due to difficulties with access. Several meetings took place that helped to shape the scheme.

The works will involve the reconstruction of the pavement to match the existing highway improvements carried out in the 1990's between Lt Whyte and New Road. New seats, soft landscaping and a public art feature will be installed following local consultation.The works have been extended to include new lighting in Lt Whyte. The traffic flow will be made one-way to simplify traffic movements which will improve safety.

A couple of public exhibitions have been carried on when officers where on hand to explain the principles of the scheme and to answer any questions.

The scheme has now commenced and is progressing well with an anticipated completion of early July 2007.

In addition a scheme to improve the gateway entrance to the west of the town at High Lode has been approved with funding being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund and East of England Development Agency. This work will include improvements to the surfacing, lighting and moorings. The centrepiece of the scheme will be a bronze sculpture which is being made by a renowned artist who has been liaising with local people, including school children, to incorporate ideas into the sculpture.

Huntingdon Bus/Rail Interchange

Design is well underway to provide an improved bus passenger drop-off facility at the railway station in Huntingdon. A turning circle will be created with space for 3 buses to park. A bus shelter will be installed with improved lighting. The area outside the railway station entrance will be improved with defined footpaths and parking which will include dedicated spaces for the disabled.

The works are scheduled to commence early in 2007 and will take approximately 2 months to complete.

Minor Environmental Works

The Council has a yearly budget to carry out small scale environmental improvement schemes which are carried out in conjunction with the local Parish and Town Councils.

This year we will be working in Ramsey, Holme, Catworth and Warboys.

St Neots Skate Park

The Council are project managing, providing land and grant funding a scheme to completely renew St Neots Skate Park. This will provide skateboarders and BMX users with a nationally recognised facility.

Heart of Oxmoor Projects

The District Council is working in partnership to create a new heart for Oxmoor to improve the quality of life for those who live there. The Council are project managing a multi-million pounds regeneration programme, which includes replacing the old dilapidated shops at Sapley Square with a new shopping area and community facilities. Other elements of the programme includes a new state-of-the-art health centre and a new community park.

Heart of Oxmoor

Environment and Safety Improvements

 

Work started on Monday 2 October to create a better access to the new Coneygear Park at the  Oxmoor Estate in Huntingdon.

Over the next few months measures are being put in place at Coneygear Road and Buttsgrove Way to improve the quality of lighting, reduce the speed of traffic, and introduce a new cycleway.

Road closures are scheduled for January while speed bumps and new ‘give way’ areas are built to reduce the speed of traffic. These improvements will provide defined crossing points in Coneygear Road and Buttsgrove Way providing easier access to the new park. Work is scheduled to finish in the first week of December.

The cycle way will be mainly off road and will link to the paths in American Lane, and at Thames Lane, along Conygear Road. The existing footpaths will also be improved.

Councillor Mike Simpson, deputy leader of the council, whose executive councillor role includes responsibility for the ‘Heart of Oxmoor’  regeneration programme said: “The improvements to the roads will enhance the quality of life of those who live there and residents will have a greater sense of safety when in the area whether using a car, on a cycle or foot.”

Leisure Centre Improvements

The District Council's Leisure Centres are constantly being improved. In 2005 works were undertaken to double the size of the Fitness Studio as well as other works at Ramsey, much appreciated by the Leisure Centre customers. At the St Ivo Leisure Centre the Council will improve the Poolside Male Changing Rooms this year, following on from the refurbishment of the Female Changing rooms.