Town centre facelift scheme targets June completion date

The heart of Bamber Bridge is getting a £3.5m overhaul.

The facelift includes the centre of town becoming a tree-lined avenue with a public garden.

The major upgrade to Station Road involves wider footpaths, enhanced crossings and improved parking, both outside the shops and a greater long-stay provision. #

A landmark “one of a kind” ornamental tree, made from different metals, is the focal point next to Morrisons, changing colour as it weathers.

There is also a ‘wall of fame’ featuring the names of 300 ‘Briggers’.

When will it happen?

Work on phase one is expected to finish in June. Contractors are currently still on site in Station Road and trees are yet to be planted by South Ribble Council.

Why has it happened?

The scheme has been made possible with funding from the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal which will see a huge cash injection for South Ribble and Preston over the next 10 years.

Phill Wilson, project manager for the City Deal delivery team, said: “Some of the most visible effects of the City Deal so far have been improvements to strategic roads, but just as important are the kind of smaller scale schemes we’re doing in Bamber Bridge to support local businesses and create an environment where people want to spend time and money.”

What happens now?

Phase two is due to start in the summer, but no date has yet been confirmed.

It will extend from the ends of phase one, further along Station Road in either direction. The extent of phase two is yet to be confirmed.

Mr Wilson added: “We are looking forward to people being able to see the full impact of the improvements before starting a second phase later in the summer.”