A highways regeneration scheme has been praised for transforming part of Lincoln Road, with the works completed ahead of schedule.
Councillors joined officers, residents and business owners on Monday to celebrate the official opening of the improvements along a stretch of Lincoln Road between Windmill Street and Searjeant Street. The project has been finished ahead of schedule less than a year after it got under way.
The works have enhanced the area by creating raised uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points, new cycle stands and seating, improved paving, new signalised crossings, as well as the repositioning of the northbound bus border and a new zebra crossing near to the junction with Alma Road.
The improvements will also enhance user experience for those that already live, work and visit the area as well as encouraging more people to travel to Lincoln Road and support the diverse variety of businesses and services there.
The project was delivered by the council and its highways partner the M Group Ltd after the authority secured over £3.4million in funding, including a £2.4m contribution from the government’s Towns Fund. Additional funding came from other sources, including developer contributions.
Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I am absolutely delighted that this vital work has been completed ahead of schedule and would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts. This is fantastic news for residents and businesses particularly those in Lincoln Road as this area is long overdue some investment.
“The Towns Fund grant allowed us to deliver this work, demonstrating our commitment to boosting economic growth and sustainability. The improvements we have delivered are a significant upgrade and I’m confident this will have a positive effect on the area. I would also like to thank businesses and residents here for their patience whilst this work was carried out."
Scott Blackburn, Senior Projects Manager for the M Group Ltd, said: “The success of the Lincoln Road project has been made possible through the unwavering support of local businesses, councillors, and residents. Their cooperation and trust have enabled our operational teams to deliver meaningful improvements to the local infrastructure. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved for their commitment, patience, and partnership in bringing this project to a positive and successful conclusion.
“I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the delivery teams for their remarkable dedication and hard work. Their outstanding efforts, resilience, and professionalism have been instrumental in achieving an excellent outcome on what has been a truly challenging project.”
The improvements have also been praised by business owners in the area. Cafer Koc, owner of the Cafe Algarve in Lincoln Road added: "We are happy with the finished work and so are many of our customers. Business is picking up and the road looks cleaner and nicer than it was previously."