A BIG thank you is being offered to long-suffering traders, retailers and residents as the first phase of Market Place prepares to open later this week.
Wokingham’s Town and Borough Councils have issued a statement offering their gratitude as final preparations are being made to unveil the new york stone-paved road that will connect Peach Street with Broad Street.
They admit that the Market Improvement Project – part of an ambitious regeneration of the town centre – has not all been plain sailing. This has been due to the complications discovered underground, with pipes and fittings that the preliminary surveys and trial holes didn’t pick up.
This caused a delay to the reopening of Broad Street.
However, the utilities and sub-surface work is coming to a close, and the finishing touches are starting to be installed, bringing the new Market Place to life.
Broad Street is due to reopen on Friday, March 23 – Denmark Street will be closed at the same time.
As a result, the councils said that they wanted to thank all those who have been affected by, working with or otherwise helping with the projects.
Cllr Peter Lucey, town mayor and chairman of the Market Working Party, said: “The Councils both recognise that it has been difficult for the many town centre businesses, retailers and traders, and for residents traversing and shopping during the improvement works.
“We’d like to say a huge thank-you to everyone for their patience, and for their feedback, which we use wherever possible to improve the experience around the site and in communication.”
He added that one of the proposals behind the new Market Place was to ensure that there would be accessible street furniture, suitably situated disabled parking bays and user friendly pedestrian crossing points – both controlled and courtesy as part of the new continental style Market Place that will surround all of the town centre.
And Cllr Lucey’s views were echoed by Cllr Philip Mirfin, deputy executive member for business and economic development.
He said: “The most important thank you goes to the town’s retailers, traders and residents who are being patient while this improvement takes place.
“We are also grateful to the many organisations who have worked with us and supported us with this programme to date.”
There was also appreciation for Wokingham Fire station, who stepped into the breach by offering up the old fire station premises as headquarters for builders Balfour Beatty.
And market traders and The Gig House have also been thanks for their patience and reduced footfall with the works.
Cllr Mirfin said: “It has been tough for the Traders due to reduced footfall and your continued support is vital in the coming months.
“They are looking forward to moving back up to the new market area which will have a new centralised layout, built in utilities and dedicated entertainment area.”
Cllrs Lucey and Mirfin added that they were pleased with the team from Balfour Beatty who have been praised by residents.
Cllr Mirfin said: “We have received regular feedback to say how polite and friendly the whole team is and that they are always willing to explain what is going on.
“They have been working with local schools and several students have already enjoyed work experience on site, The Emmbrook School enjoyed two careers sessions where Balfour Beatty staff talked to the students about opportunities available within a large construction organisation.”
And the way in which the town has worked together over the this first phase of Market Place has been picked by businesses as well.
James Woodhouse, Asset Manager at Aviva Investors the owner of The Plaza, said: “We are delighted to support the local community by enabling the market to trade from The Plaza. As a major stakeholder in Wokingham, we back the wider redevelopment of the town centre and the temporary relocation of the market.
“Both the tenants of The Plaza and the market traders, together with shoppers have benefited from this relocation through the added footfall generated.”
