Work to improve Beckenham town centre is nearing completion with the High Street then set to re-open to 2 way traffic.
Work to complete the £4.4 million scheme includes overnight resurfacing work for 4 nights, which started on Tuesday 18 up to and including Friday 21 September. The High Street will be reopened to 2 way traffic and bus services will revert to normal from 24 September. More minor work will continue for a short period, including the installation of seating, cycle stands and other street furniture including granite planters and the planting of street trees in November.
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation said, “This is very positive news. Beckenham has a strong High Street and the improvement work has been designed to support local businesses. Our experience elsewhere has shown that when the High Street is improved, the local economy receives a boost as the enhanced environment attracts more visitors and additional businesses.”
Councillor Morgan added, “We have always recognised the challenge the work would bring to traders and I would like to pay tribute to the business community in Beckenham, for their goodwill and patience whilst the work has progressed. I would encourage local people from across the region and beyond to show their support and come and see what Beckenham has to offer.”
The scheme has been designed to make the town more attractive to visitors and shoppers by day and night. A major objective is to support existing businesses and encourage new businesses to invest in the town centre. When complete, the High Street improvements will have created a more attractive and safer pedestrian environment. Improvements have included new paving and road surfacing, improved and attractive lighting, improved road crossings and bus waiting facilities, better facilities for cyclists and improved amenity spaces including Beckenham Green.
Extensive planning and consultation has been carried out since the scheme was proposed in 2012. The proactive input and cooperation of the ‘Beckenham Town Centre Team’ and the Beckenham Town Centre Working Party has been key in ensuring that the completed scheme will reflect community aspirations. The contribution of the Beckenham Business Association, The Beckenham Society, the local Resident Association’s representatives and other groups and individuals who have attended the Working Party is therefore gratefully acknowledged.