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Work to enhance Market Street is now complete and has made the area more appealing to users, according to some of those most affected by the changes.
Sonia Taylor, the Director of the group managing the Market Building, and Jack Gervaise-Brazier, the owner of the Golden Lion, both said they were 'thrilled' with the work that had been done, and how the street now looked.
The newly paved area includes this quote by Victor Hugo.
Environment & Infrastructure approved works to enhance the vibrancy of this area, improve pedestrian safety, provide a natural link through to the ‘Old Quarter’ and to increase its overall accessibility. The previous asphalt road surface needed replacing and, therefore, it was the most suitable time to carry out improvements.
The new surface has been laid with granite and is all on one level, making it more suitable for all, including those with disabilities and push chairs. Businesses along Market Street are able to take advantage of the flat surface should they wish to have outdoor seating. Another new Al Fresco licence has been secured in the past few weeks.
In addition to this, a seating area is planned at the Mill Street end to draw people towards the Old Quarter.
The refurbishment will hopefully draw more people through Market Street and up to Mill Street.
"On behalf of both businesses in the area, I am absolutely thrilled with the vision and commitment from the various service areas within the States that has allowed this project of the new road surfacing in Market Street and up to the bottom of Mill Street to happen," Mr Gervaise-Brazier, who also owns the Juggling King Rum Company, said.
"The impacts have visually and in terms of people and dynamics in the area been immediately felt. Tourists are now more attracted to the whole area, right past The Golden Lion and are actively going right up into Mill Street. The traffic dangers to children walking in the area have been reduced and it seems to have really lifted the atmosphere of the people using the area. We hear only good things from people who frequent the pub and walk as far as The Juggling King. The workmen gave their heart and soul in tough conditions and whilst the impact was felt by traders and we count ourselves in that number, the time it took against the background of the next multiple decades of enjoyment really is minimal to have created a unique area in our town."
E&I said feedback to the work had been positive so far. They asked Adrian Vidamour, a wheelchair user, what he thought: "We are impressed with what we have seen nice slabs to wheel across no trouble at all.”
New disabled spaces have been put in at the end of the Market Building.
Ms Taylor echoed all of this positivity. She said it was not unusual for them to see visitors stop before the tarmac started on Market Street and turn around, because it looked like the end of the retail area in Town.
"There has been a marked increase in footfall towards the old quarter and we really hope that with additional directional signage the area will see more people. The area looks so much more welcoming.
"While it may have been a little inconvenient for a short period of time, the contractors worked tirelessly in often difficult conditions and for long hours. We cannot thank them enough for what they have achieved.”
Deputy Sarah Hansmann-Rouxel, a member of Environment & Infrastructure and States' Disability Champion, said: “The Committee is really pleased with the improvements in Market Street and would like to thank everyone, especially the neighbouring businesses, for their patienceand understanding while the work was completed. We’d also like to thank thecontractors for doing the work to such a high standard. The positive feedback on the finished result reflects that the area is now more attractive and, importantly, a moreaccessible area for all.”
Pictured top: The new Market Street.
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