PLANS to invested £1.2m into permanently pedestrianising a Southampton street have today been revealed.

Southampton City Council has proposed investing £1.2million into Carlton Place to upgrade the temporary closure.

It was first closed to traffic in August 21, 2020.

The new cash will also include making neighbouring Bedford Place - which was also closed to traffic during the pandemic, but reopened on July 20 this year - safer for pedestrians.

What are the plans for Carlton Place and Bedford Place?

The plans state that Carlton Place will be enhanced with a square at the junction with Upper and Lower Bannister Street to provide a space that is suitable for use as an event space, or for weekend markets, and will provide an outdoor dining area that is more accessible.

The temporary barriers currently in use on Carlton Place will also be replaced with high quality permanent alternatives.

On Bedford Place, it is proposed measures to reduce traffic speed include positioning of wider pedestrian areas at specific points along the street, with enhanced lighting, greenery and seating.

The council will reinforce a wider 20mph speed limit planned for the Polygon area. Structures will be placed at the top and bottom of Bedford Place and the entrance to Carlton Place to clearly define the area’s arrival points.

Were locals consulted on the scheme?

The plans were made with the help of the Bedford Place Co-Design Working Group. This included both residents and local businesses as well as other key stakeholder groups who put forward their ideas for the future of the area.

Groups have met monthly since October 2021 and have made recommendations on a preferred scheme for Bedford Place, Carlton Place and Winchester Street.

What's been said?

Caroline French is the managing director of W.J. French & Son, which has been in Bedford Place since 1890 and has seen five generations of her family live there.

She said: "The proposal is an exciting opportunity to invest in Bedford Place and Carlton Place which will attract new footfall to the area and encourage people to stay longer. "The scheme will improve our environment both aesthetically with lighting, improved layout and street furniture and will help create a safer area with some traffic calming measures and pavement improvements.”

Lesley Gilder, local resident, said: “I am delighted with the plans to enhance the ambience of Bedford Place. The area has a unique significance for the city providing high quality shops, cafes and restaurants in an architecturally protected area within walking distance of the centre. The plan to promote the area visually, manage traffic and plant trees, will enhance the atmosphere, attract attention and activity - bring it back to life.”

Councillor Jeremy Moulton added: “Southampton is renowned as a thriving hub for businesses in general, and Bedford Place, in particular, is very popular with independents and entrepreneurs.

"We recognise the benefits that this scheme has for residents, hospitality businesses and shops. This is a balanced approach and will support our pledge to get Southampton moving while ensuring that visitors investing in our economy can move around safely and easily.

"I want to thank all the businesses that took part in the working group and I look forward to their feedback on these exciting plans. Seeing local businesses thrive is something we will always support.”