The works to Broad Street began on 11 July and have progressed as planned.  The contractors have installed safety barriers and traffic continues to flow as normal. These changes are designed to provide additional parking through the introduction of diagonal ‘chevron’ parking and create a reduced width crossing area near St Johns Church.

Final Design Plans – It should be of no surprise that the project has been hit by rising costs and prices.  Following lengthy discussions with the contractors, a decision was made by the Project Board on the final design.

Due to well managed negotiations, increases have been minimised and the project will proceed in line with the original design.

Any increase in the costs of the project will be met by South Norfolk District Council (SNC) and Norfolk County Council (NCC).

The contribution from Harleston Town Council was agreed and capped at £30,000 and is designated for street furniture.

Street Furniture – There are to be options for new picnic tables, benches, planters and bins with a shortlist of design from: Traditional; Wooden; and Contemporary.  The Town Council are considering ways to involve the community in the choice of the new furniture.  This is an element where the Town Council have control.  We are looking to consult with local groups who are working with us under the ‘Team Harleston‘ banner, and local businesses registered on our ‘Shops Forum‘.  We will be engaging with people in town and seeking the views of our precept payers.  More details will follow when we have the shortlist and a programme for seeking views on the options.

Next Steps – On completion of the changes to Broad Street works will move to the Thoroughfare.  This will be delivered in various phases, so that the Thoroughfare will not be closed for the whole duration of the scheme.  The first phase will be the section of road between Magpie Court and Church Street.

Parking Provisions – We continue to request and await plans to clearly show the positions both before and after the changes and will publish when received.

Bus Routes – There will be changes to bus routes during the works to the Thoroughfare. The project team are in contact with the bus companies so that they can arrange alternative routes if necessary. We will publish details when advised.

Meeting Local Business Owners – We still await clarification of the dates for the project manager visits to local businesses to discuss individual requirements during the works.

Councillors – Norfolk County Councillor, Martin Wilby and South Norfolk District Councillor, Jeremy Savage, will be available at the next Town Council meeting to answer questions.  Martin will also be presenting and answering questions at the next Business Forum meeting on Wednesday 3 August.

Questions – All public correspondence should be addressed to: enquiries@harleston-tc.gov.uk.  We will answer those questions where we have the relevant information.  We have been advised to forward questions which we are unable to answer to the project team, who commit to a response within 10 days.

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Two Projects – One Town

 

It is very important to not confuse the Town Centre Project with the Neighbourhood Plan.  We are using colour branding to distinguish the two project and messages.  Environmental Green is for the Neighbourhood Plan and Purple for the Town Centre Project.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a planning policy document written by the community to guide future development in the area.  It will be put to referendum of the electorate on 22 September.  Should the community vote in favour of the plan, we would have greater control over developments in our parish and receive a greater share of the money from developers.

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