Biggin Street Area Pedestrian Improvements

Press Release: 3rd Nov 2005: Opening Ceremony

The scheme was developed by Leicestershire County Council, in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council.  Funding was provided through developer contributions from The Rushes development, from both local authorities, and from Leicester Shire Economic Partnership.

The completed scheme has closed Biggin Street to vehicular traffic from the A6 (Swan Street), allowing pedestrianisation of the section between Swan Street and Church Gate.  Two-way vehicular access is still permitted to the remainder of Biggin Street from Fennel Street, allowing access to relocated taxi ranks, loading bays and disabled parking bays.  A turning head has been created on Biggin Street at its junction with Church Gate.  An area-wide 7.5T weight restriction has been introduced applying to Biggin Street, Warners Lane and Church Gate, with an excemption for deliveries between 4pm and 10am.  Deliveries to the pedestrianised zones can also be made between 4pm and 10am.  A 20mph zone has been introduced for the whole area.  

Completed landscaping includes the resurfacing of pedestrian areas, including footways and pedestrianised zones and substantial renewal of street furniture.  A new planting scheme has replaced old trees which had become too large for the urban environment.  Gateway features, in the form of arches over the highway have been introduced by Charnwood Borough Council, for the entrances to Church Gate and Warners Lane.

Leicestershire County Council: Simon Lawrence, 0116 305 7243

Charnwood Borough Council: Martin Tincknell, 01509 634 767