Middleton Gardens work approved

Councillors have tonight (Monday 21 March 2011) approved the proposals for the Middleton Gardens Public Realm Works.
 
Middleton Gardens is the main public square and key focal point within the Town Centre. It is the location of the Market and provides the main route for pedestrians moving through the Town Centre including shoppers moving between the Bus Station, Shopping Centre and the new Tesco store.
 
There was a high quality refurbishment of part of Middleton Gardens that was completed around 8 years ago. It was always intended that this would be a two phase scheme, to complete a “wall to wall” refurbishment.
 
The report presented to Councillors reads: “Since the first phase was completed the remainder of Middleton Gardens has deteriorated, largely as a result of vehicle movements and poor reinstatement works.
 
“This compares poorly with the quality of the new development in the Town Centre and so it is important that the image of Middleton is improved in this key area and that a high quality scheme goes ahead that will raise the image of the town, complement the new development and stands the test of time.
 
“Improvements to Middleton Gardens are a key component of the Middleton Town Centre Spatial Master plan. Therefore, it accords with the Middleton Township priority to “continue the progress of the town centre redevelopment with the adopted master plan and work on the regeneration of the town centre”.
 
“Now that the Market has moved into Middleton Gardens, it is vital that this is a key consideration in designing the layout of the scheme and a providing flexible, functional space for the Market to operate efficiently.”
 
The work will see a formal gardens space created in the centre of the Middleton Gardens with timber/steel comfortable seating, angled flower beds and ornamental trees.
 
The scheme has been designed to effectively accommodate the Market. Additional facilities for the Market are provided including anchor and electricity points and there is flexibility to accommodate a number of kiosks if desired.
 
There is still a large flexible space provided for use by the market, events or entertainments. The level of this area will be raised to reduce the amount of steps leading up from this area to the new gardens area with shallower steps for ease of access. Grassed banks are to be created around the performance area that will allow for the current guardrail to be removed.
 
The whole area is to be constructed to carriageway standard to accommodate market vehicles, security vans and street cleansing movements whilst restricting access to non-essential vehicles.
 
The main access point for vehicles will be from the southern side of Manchester New Road with the detail of the barrier/entry control system to be finalised. At Long Street folding lockable bollards are to be installed. Gateway features will be installed at the Long Street and Manchester New Road entrances to Middleton Gardens.
 
High quality natural stone flags and setts will be used throughout Middleton Gardens. The levels of trafficked areas are to be flush with the pavement within the central gardens area.
 
The circular Middleton Township Crest seat is to be relocated to a more central position. The Moonraker public art feature is to remain in its current position however the setting will be improved by the surrounding gardens and seating and interpretation boards will be provided.
 
The disabled parking facility is to be retained in its current location, but with an improved layout and properly marked out disabled bays provided.
 
Long Street is to be redesigned to accommodate a one-way traffic flow (bus, taxis and deliveries) with a large raised pedestrian crossing at the junction of Long Street and Wood Street. This will be paved with high quality concrete paving and reduced height kerb.
 
The pavement on the southern side (alongside the former Horridges and NatWest Bank) will not be implemented as part of this scheme but left to a future phase if proposals for a mixed use development on the adjacent site are implemented.
 
The scheme is anticipated to start in May and be completed by November.