Outdoor food stalls are coming to Old Town this Summer as Devizes Road has a major infrastructure upgrade.
Wales & West Utilities are set to replace ageing gas pipes beneath the key route, and the planned road closure, approved by Swindon Borough Council, will begin at the end of June and continue in phases until the end of September.
In collaboration with local businesses, the council is working to minimise disruption and support the local economy during the closure.
Temporary pavement licences will be made available to eligible hospitality businesses, allowing them to extend their service areas into the street and create a safe, vibrant pop-up food and drink scene throughout the summer months.
Kris Talikowski, Vice Chair of Old Town Business Association, said: “We’ve been involved early in discussions with the council and the contractors to find ways to turn this challenge into an opportunity.
"The pop-up licences give businesses a chance to keep add some extra trading through the works, and to create a really positive atmosphere on Devizes Road this summer. We’re also committed to supporting our businesses and making the most of the situation.
"With safe pedestrian access maintained, and outdoor trading encouraged, we hope residents and visitors alike will continue to support Old Town throughout the summer.”
Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “This work is going to cause major inconvenience to everyone who uses Devizes Road and those that live and work nearby, but the gas pipes underneath the road are 80 years old and need to be replaced for the safety of both local businesses and residents.
“As a council we are keen to provide as much support as we can to businesses during the road closure and we are working with the Old Town Business Association to look at what we can do to help.
"Exact details of how the work will be phased are still being worked through by Wales & West and I have asked them to provide these as soon as possible to all those affected.”
The works, which will start from the Croft Road end and progress towards Wood Street, are part of a critical upgrade to the local gas network. The section of pipe being replaced is over 80 years old and has reached the end of its operational life. Wales & West Utilities has confirmed the works are necessary to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for the area into the future.
Wales & West Utilities has confirmed that full details of the phased road closure and access arrangements will be published ahead of the works, and that all businesses and residents directly affected will be contacted in advance.
All the information given by Wales & West can be found on the This Is Old Town website at https://www.thisisoldtown.com/devizes-road-gas-works
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