A major redevelopment of Abergavenny town centre will begin in the new year, as the second stage of the improvement scheme started last year, was confirmed by MCC this week.

The council’s engineers have drawn up plans to repave and resurface Abergavenny’s Lion Street and Frogmore Street from just past Barclays Bank. The works will include the entrance to the new Morrison’s store.

Details of the project and traffic management issues are still being developed in conjunction with community stakeholders, interest groups and town and county councillors but construction works is planned to start in January and take about 26 weeks to complete.

As part of the plans it’s proposed that the area fronting the new Morrison’s store will be a shared space constructed with a mixture of granite setts and slabs, in keeping with the existing Brewery Yard scheme.

This area will provide a safer link from the Morrison’s store into Abergavenny’s town centre.

The remainder of Lion Street, (King Street junction to start of Frogmore Street) will be a typical highway arrangement, incorporating full height kerbs and granite footways with a traditional tarmac carriageway.

It is also proposed that Frogmore Street be a shared space constructed with a mixture of Welsh Pennant setts and slabs. This arrangement will compliment Phase 1 of the works and link the two halves of the town.

“A lesson learnt from the first phase of the works was the setting up of the public realm working group. This led to successful delivery of the scheme. The second phase will involve potential changes to traffic movement. The council is consulting widely and has initiated an extensive survey and assessment to measure the impact of changes on traffic flows and congestion throughout the area. This information is currently being reviewed and will provide feedback to the public realm working group,” said a spokesman

The current estimated cost for the scheme is £700,000, which will be part-funded by the Morrison’s development.

Alun Griffiths, a local contractor based in Abergavenny who undertook last year’s works has again been appointed as the main contractor for the Phase 2 improvements to the town centre.

This scheme will require road closures to complete the work safely. During the road closure periods, diversion routes will be in place as well as safe routes for pedestrians throughout the town.

County Councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member with responsibility for operations said, “We aim to improve the experience of shoppers and pedestrians and to make this area more attractive. This scheme will also improve road safety and air quality.”

Councillor Martyn Groucutt said, “News that the next phase of pedestrianisation in Abergavenny town centre is more good news for the town.

“Team Abergavenny and the town and county councils have worked together effectively to bring the scheme to fruition. Shopping and just walking through the town centre between Wetherspoon and Baker Street will become a lot more pleasant as the traffic is taken away for most of the day and the environment is improved,” he said.

“In recent years, many people have said that they think that the quality of life in Abergavenny has gone downhill. However, the Labour-controlled town council is committed to pedestrianisation, has given its full support to the campaign for proper access to the platforms at the railway station and campaigned to ensure that local bus services are not withdrawn.

“Things are looking up and those of us who are also county councillors are pushing the Tories who are in control at county hall for a better deal for Abergavenny.” ??

An extensive survey, issued by MCC, will gauge the impact of the significant redevelopment regarding traffic and congestion issues during the six-month project.

It is understood that the area will be ‘pedestrian-lite’ with traffic prohibited between 10am and 4pm, a rule which Councillor Tudor Thomas said was welcomed by business and residents.

“It will involve making Frogmore Street a pedestrian area which will paved. The road past Wetherspoons has posed a major hazard to pedestrians as buses and large lorries sweep around the bend into Frogmore Street.

“There have been a number of near-misses, particularly when parents have children in buggies. For the elderly and people on motorised scooters, this danger will be removed and will make the whole area safer and much more pleasant.

“Hopefully, it will provide a pleasant ‘cafe culture’ space down the main part of Frogmore Street and improve the shopping experience. This should help increase trade for many shops.

“My understanding is that shops and businesses welcome this development. Frogmore Street is constantly blocked up by cars and other vehicles infringing parking regulations and currently parking enforcement, most of the time, is not done.

“From the people I have spoken to this development is welcomed. Businesses certainly welcome this development,” said Councillor Thomas.

MCC has yet to comfirm alternative plans for buses and taxis which use the area extensively.

Andrew Powell, who owns the popular Grofield Inn on Baker Street, said he was in favour of the developments.

“I think it’ll be good for the town and the people of Abergavenny,” he said. “I am all for it and think the pedestrianisation of the town is definitely a good thing.”

Abergavenny Mayor David Simcock said the news was ‘excellent’.

“Town councillors, Team Abergavenny, and other local groups and individuals have been working with Monmouthshire County Council officers over the last few months to plan this development, which has now reached an excellent outcome.

“The development is very good news for Abergavenny and its residents, businesses and shopkeepers and the many visitors to the town.

“It will extend the already bustling pedestrian High Street area into Frogmore Street during most of the day, and give shoppers and others a seamless traffic-free area from the Town Hall down to Baker Street.