PART of Abergavenny will get a new look next month after planning chiefs gave the extensive Brewery Yard Scheme the green light.
Planners at Monmouthshire County Council gave the final go-ahed for the scheme which promises to "wider ambitions to regenerate the town."
The project, which includes adjoining sections of Market Street and Lion Street, promises to deliver a high quality public space and vastly improved route that will link any future development and the town centre.
MCC's consultants are putting the final details on the design, with a view to commencing the 15-month works at the beginning of October.
A newsletter is being produced to inform and update those directly affected, and the wider community of Abergavenny, at key points in the scheme.
Features of the scheme include the demolition of existing structures, the garage and toilet, and replacement with 'cascading' terraces. The upgrading of public conveniences, to include female facilities and a disabled toilet. Construction of a café/kiosk, to provide a 'hub' within the revitalised space and pedestrianisation of the upper level to encourage the expansion of markets and visitor use of the Market Hall. Planners say that high quality materials such as granite and sandstone will be used.
There will be improved visitor parking, an "outstanding" public area that can host regular events such as the Tuesday market and the annual Food Festival.
There will be specially made artwork, a pedestrian friendly route along Market Street -
introducing one way traffic, extending footway widths, improved street lighting and
providing seating.
"Most people would agree that the relationship between Abergavenny Market and the
town is a special one. Each week thousands of visitors travel to Abergavenny from all
over the UK to experience the unique atmosphere of the market, set against the stunning backdrop of the Black Mountains. It is essential that suitable arrangements are in place to accommodate the Tuesday market to ensure that the market and the wider town continue to prosper. Against this background, work is underway to ensure that the eagerly anticipated redevelopment of Brewery Yard has a positive effect on the market, not just after the works are completed, but during them," a Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said.
While the internal market will continue trading as normal during construction work, MCC say relocation of the outside market is unavoidable. For the past few months, council officers have been meeting with Market Traders, Town Council, Chamber of Trade and
Commerce and others to agree the best way to take "full advantage of the opportunities
that the coming months will present."
A number of options have been considered, with the preferred option being the
relocation of the outdoor market to the cattle market site.
The MCC spokesperson added, "Wherever the location, together, we have agreed that a single move would be best, whereby all stalls move at the same time and stay in their new locations whilst the work takes place. Once a final decision has been made a public announcement will be made through the local media. When work is finished, the new Brewery Yard space, will, no doubt, have been worth the wait and will be taken full advantage of by all those who are keen to see Abergavenny prosper."
Councillor Douglas Edwards said he wasn't against the scheme as a whole, but questioned the need for a cafe, "I carried out a survey which highlighted that we have in the main street 13 hotels and public houses, 30 cafe and coffee shops, included in that were three public houses and five cafes or restaurants in Market Street. That's not counting the cafe in the Market Hall. The toilets we have now stink and I think we need more clean toilets for both men and women."
Councillor Bob Greenland, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration said, "This is really exciting. I can see all the jigsaw pieces beginning to come together. The Brewery Yard scheme and an architect and blue print design for our cattle market development, a new and prosperous Abergavenny is becoming more of a reality every day."
This scheme is funded by Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.
The newsletter will be available at the One Stop Shop, Abergavenny Leisure Centre and at http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk">www.monmouthshire.gov.uk.
TIMELINE:
September 12 - contractor selected
October 6 - Brewery Yard car park vacated and work begins
September 10 - Brewery Yard car park completed in readiness for Food Festival
January 2010 - All site works (Market and Lion Street) completed. Formal scheme opening.