The project is due to finish by March
A £700,000 refurbishment of a popular shopping street in Hessle is to get underway in October. East Riding Council is due to begin a scheme to replace the existing paving with new stonework on the busy shopping area in Prestongate, Hessle.
The improvement work is due to begin on Monday, October 6 and is scheduled to finish by March. However, the scheme will be paused during December to support the festive trading period.
The project has been funded by the Hull and East Yorkshire Devolution deal and will involve replacing the current patchwork of block paving, flagstones and concrete surfacing with new, stone paving. New street furniture and planters will also be installed.
The council say the new surface is designed to enhance the visual appeal of the street, support the area’s cafe culture and shopping environment, and be functional for shoppers, businesses and their delivery lorries. Consultations were carried out with the traders, shoppers and Hessle Town Council to shape the project.
Earlier this year, Liberal Democrat Cllr Simon Pickering, who represents the Hessle ward on East Riding Council urged residents to have their say on the plans to improve the area’s pavement that he described as looking “messy and uncared for.” He added: “I am pleased that East Riding of Yorkshire Council is investing in Hessle, but it’s also important that residents have their say in the consultation process.”
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With the work set to begin in the coming days, Cllr Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “There have been long-standing concerns about the street’s appearance and safety, following years of patching in the paving left by repairs and work by utility companies, but our aim is to transform this area for the better. Our engineers have worked closely with town councillors, residents and shop owners to develop a design for Prestongate that reflects the needs of the community and enhances the look of the street.
“The response to the consultations we carried out was overwhelmingly positive. We have also worked closely with the contractor to phase the works in a way that minimises disruption to shoppers and businesses and maintains access for all.”
Pedestrians will have access to all shops throughout the work, although there will be some limits to vehicle access due to the nature of the construction. Some work will be carried out outside of business hours. The work will be carried out on behalf of the council by contractor PBS Construction (North East) Ltd.
East Riding Council has also now launched a separate public consultation regarding plans to improve Hessle Square. The engagement process will run until Friday, October 17 and can be completed online or through paper surveys available at Hessle Town Council offices, in South Lane.
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