Parade masterplan to get £2.5m cash boost

A survey on plans to pedestrianise Leamington Parade received 3,100 responses.

Plans to turn Leamington Parade into a pedestrianised zone have been given a cash boost of £2.5 million.

A consultation into the proposal to ban cars and buses from the main high street in the town ended on Monday, receiving the views of 3,100 residents.

At a recent Warwick District Council Cabinet meeting, councillors voted to transfer the money from the council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to fund the next stage of design work.

The money will also be used towards the next stage of the existing improvement scheme at Bath Street.

As part of the plans, buses that currently stop at the top of Parade could be re-routed to convenient alternative stops nearby.

New trees, planting, seating and cycle infrastructure are also set to be included in the design, which will also prioritise accessibility for those with disabilities.

Mark Lee, the Independent Chair of the Leamington Transformation Board, told the BBC that the aim of the project is to increase the number of people using the Parade, as well as the time they spend there.

He said: "The high street needs constant reinvention. Where people used to go into Leamington for afternoon shopping as their recreation, they want their shopping to be a little different now.

"We were lacking a little bit of the invitation of people to stay longer on the Parade. There was no seating, no trees, no features - it needs reinvigorating.

A new square next to the Town Hall for community events, entertainment, and markets, could also be a part of the final designs, which will be completed now the consultation period is over.

Mr Lee added: "My view - and the view of the whole board - is that the Parade is a great place as a statement to start transforming Leamington for the future."