The precise start date for work on the long-awaited ‘Plan E’ improvement works to the roads and public spaces in Epsom town centre has been pushed back six days, it was announced this week.
Plan E, a joint venture between Epsom and Ewell Borugh Council and Surrey County Council, will now begin on Monday, January 9, 2017, with the relocation of the bus stand outside TK Maxx in Epsom High Street to the back of the Ashley Centre on Ashley Avenue.
From September: Works on expansive Epsom town centre plan announced for new year
Work was initially planned to start this autumn, but was delayed until January 3, and then January 9. Plan E is scheduled to be completed by October 2017.
From February 2010: Public consultation on plans to improve Epsom Town Centre begins
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee first approved a draft document for Plan E – a long-term strategy for improving leisure, cultural and recreational facilities, maintain accommodation and enhancing retail units in the borough – in January 2010.
The county council was awarded £2.7million from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership – a coalition of local authorities and businesses in south London, Surrey and Sussex – to change the road layout in Epsom.
It is hoped the scheme will reduce congestion and provide help for pedestrians and those using public transport within the town.
A spokesperson for Surrey County Council said: “Some delays have occurred whilst Surrey County Council and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have sought ways of balancing the needs of all town centre users, in order to finalise the details and to avoid commencing any works in the build up to the Christmas period.”
After the relocation of the TK Maxx bus stop, planners will widen the pavement outside Metro Bank and change the signalling outside the Spread Eagle junction to enhance safety. This will include a countdown for pedestrians, allowing them to better time their crossing.
From August 2015: What makes Epsom town centre junction so dangerous?
There are also plans to improve the junction outside the Marquis of Granby in West Street, make South Street two-way, and make the market place more attractive.
For more information, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/epsomhighwayimprovements
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