Middle Gate Improvement Scheme

Middle Gate, Stodman Street and Kirk Gate are located in the historic town centre of Newark. These busy shopping streets are adjacent to the Market Place and attract large numbers of shoppers and visitors to Newark. However, during the County Council’s recent transport study concerns were expressed regarding the volume of traffic in the area. Large numbers of parked vehicles, poor materials and narrow footways combined to make this busy shopping area congested and unappealing.

Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council and the Alliance SSP are proposing a significant environmental improvement scheme for the area. The scheme will offer a more attractive, safe and pedestrian friendly area. It will link the shops and services available in the Middle Gate area more effectively with the town centre and add to the image and economic vitality of Newark.

The scheme has been designed by architects at Newark and Sherwood Council and includes wider pavements with improved crossing points. The scheme will be constructed using high-quality natural materials, appropriate to the historic nature of Newark’s town centre.

The scheme will include:

• Raised areas and narrower road widths to assist pedestrians to cross the road and help restrict vehicle speeds.
• Facilities such as seating, litter bins, cycle and motorcycle parking.
• Dedicated lay-bys for disabled users’ vehicles, loading and taxis will also be constructed. These will rationalise the on-street parking by making clear provision for essential users and deterring illegal parking.  
• The scheme will bring other benefits, such as improving the efficiency of CCTV operation in the area.  

The original design was publicised earlier this year, and amended in light of comments and suggestions received during this time. The final design for the area can be viewed using the link below.

Map of the revised Middle Gate scheme [PDF 1.7MB]

Site works commenced in October 2006, with work due for completion August 2007. The scheme will be delivered in five phases, outlined below:

• Phase 1.
  Kirk Gate (between Bar Gate and Middle Gate)  Approximate duration 6 weeks starting 2nd October 2006.
• Phase 2.
  Middle Gate (between Kirk Gate and Boar Lane)  Approximate duration 7 weeks starting January 2007.
• Phase 3
  Middle Gate (between Boar Lane and Stodman Street)  Approximate duration 7 weeks starting March 2007.
• Phase 4
  Stodman Street (between Middle Gate and Castle Gate)  Approximate duration 8 weeks starting April 2007.
• Phase 5
  Kirk Gate (between Middle Gate and Wilson Street)  Approximate duration 7 weeks starting July 2007.
  

All effort will be made to keep disruption to traffic and businesses in the area to a minimum during the work.

If you would like more information regarding the scheme please e-mail: transport.strategy@nottscc.gov.uk