Mersey Square Improvements

Scheme Description

The proposal being consulted is subject to approval, funding and further detailed design.

Any traffic regulation orders (double yellow lines etc.) are indicative and subject to further consultation and advertisement.

An overview of the plan is presented below.

(Full-Screen Link)

Mersey Square

This project proposes to take the opportunity of the closure of Mersey Square to all traffic to repurpose it to become a high quality square which provides a walking and wheeling space at the heart of the town centre, linking the Interchange to other high quality routes that are currently unconnected, including the Trans Pennine Trail, whilst also creating a place to socialise and relax.

The proposals include:

• Provision of 3m wide two-way segregated cycleway linking the Interchange, Port Street and the A6.
• Introduction of a contraflow cycle route along Prince’s Street (northeast bound direction) to connect to the Trans Pennine Trail.
• Connections for pedestrians between Merseyway Shopping Centre, the existing bus stop on the A6, Chestergate, Prince’s Street and the Interchange.
• Use of tactile paving to provide crossing points at key locations along the cycleway.
• Provision of trees, lawns, low level shrub planting across the square.
• Play features within the area known as the ‘Bear Pit’, plus additional play features in the heart of the square.
• Provision of intergrated play spaces, to encourge informal play and social interaction for children.
• Benches for people to sit, relax and socialise.
• Lighting provided in keeping with the location.
• Retention and refurbishment of the 1930’s balustrade and lanterns.
• Use of materials to complement with the Viaduct Park development.
• Space available to support public events.

(Full-Screen Link)

To support the proposals within the main Mersey Square, changes to the vehicular routes on Chestergate and Port Street are proposed.

Chestergate (to the rear of Merseyway serveway)

• Introduction of new Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to prevent vehicles parking on the access route for taxis serving the rank outside the Interchange.
• Additional signage to be provided to reinforce the vehicle access routes to Merseyway units serviced from Chestergate.

(Full-Screen Link)

Port Street (access from Great Egerton Street)

• Introduction of no waiting and no loading restrictions on Port Street between Great Egerton Street and Bridgefield Street.
• Provision of a loading area for pick up and drop off on Port Street between Great Egerton Street.
• Proposed Prohibition of Driving with the exception of pedestrians, cyclists and loading vehicles restrictions on Port Street at the junction with Bridgefield Street. This is to maintain access for vehicles loading to the rear of the Merseyway serveway.
• Vehicular access into Mersey Square from Port Street restricted by bollards. This area will only be accessible for permitted vehicles and emergency service vehicles.
• Removal of the traffic signals at the junction with Port Street, Prince’s Street and Walker Street and the introduction of a surface colour change to change the environment from vehicular to pedestrian and cycle friendly.
• Changes to vehicle priority movement through the junction to improve pedestrian and cycle movement between Mersey Square and Prince’s Street

(Full-Screen Link)