Published on 4th September 2018

The space around Boots Corner fountain will soon get a make-over.

The area will benefit from seating, attractive planters, cycle racks and a new town centre ‘lawn’ feature as part of the first phase of the temporary uplift whilst the traffic trial continues.

Highway works will begin on 13 September which will enable the installation of street furniture the following week. The new bike stands already in place outside the Co-op travel shop will be supplemented with additional new stands at the end of North Street and the Promenade near Starbucks. This will provide twelve additional cycle parking spaces around Boots Corner, building on Cheltenham’s town wide network of cycle parking, please see our map at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/cycle-parking

From the week commencing 24 September works will start around the fountain. Existing cycle racks along the southern edge of the fountain will be removed to make way for contemporary seating and the fountain base will be covered with artificial grass to create a lawned area.

These improvements will help to make the space feel more attractive and inviting for people to enjoy. All equipment will be relocated elsewhere within the borough at the end of the trial.

During October local artists will be invited to add further enhancements with sculptures, artwork and decorated pigeons, salvaged from the previous wayfinding signage. Local residents and visitors will be able to see the space transforming over the coming months as a taster of how Boots Corner could look and feel if the traffic trial is successful.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: “Now the trial is underway the council has a unique opportunity to re-claim some of the highway to enhance the area and make it more appealing. We apologise for any initial disruption as the works begin towards the middle of September and we anticipate the work will be completed within a month.

“The next few months promise to be exciting when we can begin to see the High Street looking very different, and in the long term, offer a considerable boost to Cheltenham’s economy.”

Councillor Max Wilkinson, council walking and cycling champion, said: “This work will make the town centre much nicer for Cheltenham people and visitors too. The transport plan must be about that, as well as encouraging more people to start walking, cycling and using public transport to promote healthier lifestyles.”

Kelly Ballard of Marketing Cheltenham, said: “The works happening throughout our high street will see it becoming a hub of activity. The council’s vision is becoming a reality and we will see an attractive, inspiring and comfortable space being actively used in our community; a place where shopping is just one small part of a rich mix of activities including working, sharing, exchanging, playing and learning new skills.”

Keep up to date with the High Street improvements at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/high-street-refresh  


For media enquiries please contact Laura Carter, communications officer on 01242 264514 or email [email protected]
The installations of the improvements will be moved to other locations around Cheltenham if the trial is not continued. To read more visit the Cheltenham Transport Plan FAQ’s.