Story: Saleema Imam
Over £1 million is to be spent on improving the Spital Hill shopping area.
The Council had secured just over £450,000 from the planning agreement linked to Tesco. This is for replacing paving, street lighting and litter bins, as well as the installation of public art works in the area.
Questions had been asked why nothing was planned for Ellesmere Green, which is in a sorry state, as we reported in October’s Messenger. Councillors decided that Ellesmere Green should be a priority and the council has now decided to invest an extra £605,000 from the ‘Local Growth Fund.’
Councillor Harry Harpham, the Council’s Cabinet member for Homes and Regeneration said,
“We want the local community and businesses to have their say on this exciting opportunity to make significant improvements to the area and we will be holding consultation events at the end of May/early June to get their views.”
An important part of the consultation will be the future use of Ellesmere Green, which is considered key to helping improve the overall appearance of the area.
Councillor Jackie Drayton said,
“This is great news for Burngreave, especially for Ellesmere Green. We can develop ideas to improve the green, which could include a market area, new seating and pathways, as part of the improvements for Spital Hill.”
There are also plans for public artworks along Spital Hill. Once the Council has appointed an artist, they will consult local people for their input on the theme for the designs. The artists tender document states: “Designs to include stone and mosaic work, lamp-post banners and hoardings on the corner of the TESCO site which will create a high quality, pleasant, environment, supportive to local traders and attractive to investors.”