Exciting plans aimed at making the most of Peel’s Market Square are currently on public display at the Commissioners offices.
Members of the public are invited to view the initial regeneration proposals and provide their feedback. In addition, officers will be available between 12 noon and 7pm on Thursday 26 June to discuss the scheme.
The plans have been overseen by the Peel Regeneration Committee, which is keen to strike a balance between making the area more pedestrian orientated whilst also providing car parking, which is recognised as an important issue for Peel.
Currently, the Square is used predominantly as a car park with very narrow pavements and limited space for pedestrians. It is proposed to rearrange the space in order to reorganise parking and allow for events.
Tim Crookall MHK, Chairman of the Peel Regeneration Committee commented:
‘Market Square offers an exciting opportunity to create a civic space that the people of Peel can be proud of. The area is surrounded by attractive buildings including the dramatic St Peter’s Church and its grounds, but currently does little to welcome people or provide areas for them to stop and enjoy the setting. By rationalising parking and reorganising the space we can improve pedestrian linkages and provide areas for smaller events to take place.’
He added:
‘I would encourage people to come and see the initial plans and give their views, which will be considered by the Committee before moving forward to the next stage of submitting a planning application.’
It is hoped that this scheme will follow on from the first regeneration project for Peel, which focuses on Derby Road.
The Derby Road Gateway project has recently received planning permission and will see improvements to the area between the Town Hall and Cathedral to enhance the arrival point for visitors to Peel.
It is anticipated that the works can be undertaken in conjunction with a scheme by the Cathedral to create a striking Lychgate entrance into its grounds, whilst also serving as a shelter for those waiting for a bus.
