Improvement works will enhance Lancaster’s historic Sun Square

Monday, 18 March 2024 10:27

Improvements are being made to a historic square in Lancaster city centre.

After successfully obtaining grant funding via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Lancaster City Council in conjunction with Lancaster Civic Vision and in partnership with Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), are looking to deliver improvement works to increase accessibility and inclusivity for all users, whilst also increasing the aesthetic beauty of a historical square within the city’s Conservation area.

Work is due to take 2-3 weeks to complete.

Part of the main conditions of the funding that Lancaster City Council have obtained, requires work to be undertaken to assist in creating the improvements to the main flagged areas, allowing all users the ability to access the square safely whether able-bodied, experiencing mobility issues, or are using prams or push chairs.

Levelling work will be carried out, including the repair or removal of any damaged or broken flags, re-purposing heritage assets, and flags will be re-pointed with the appropriate mortar which is not only in keeping with the York stone, but also compliant with any conditions as set by Lancaster City Council’s Conservation team, due to the Conservation Area status.

The BID are working alongside colleagues in Lancashire County Council – Highway’s Department to implement two dropped kerb areas on the adopted highway to allow increased access to Sun Square itself, and the works are currently planned to be undertaken in April due to scheduled work commitments.

Work has already been carried out to improve the appearance of the lime tree situated within the square, while an electrical supply will also be installed into the square, allowing for additional access via a lockable socket, to be used for events.

Considerations are being made in terms of what can be done to improve the aesthetics of the square, which includes items such as seating, litter / recycling provision, bin stores and lighting.

A number of factors that need to be well-thought-out relates to the ability of members of the public to transfer from items such as wheelchairs on to seating, but also providing seating which will discourage any potential anti-social behaviours and rough sleeping. The project team are keen to ensure that the square is deemed to be safe by all users, and this includes aspects such as improved lighting and street furniture.

As part of the UKSPF requirements, Lancaster BID will be required to evidence the impact that the improvement works has had, via surveys with users and pedestrians utilising and accessing the square in the months following completion of the project.

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