Struggling area in Chorley to be given major £200,000 boost

A struggling area near Chorley town centre is set for a new lease of life after the first part of a £200,000 project has been unveiled.
Artwork marks start of gateway improvements for Chorley Council project. Councillor Alistair Bradley is pictured right, with, from the left, Andy Nash from Newground, Councillors Zara Khan and Hasina Khan, Joanne Copeland from Pilkington Oils and Councillor Terry Brown.Artwork marks start of gateway improvements for Chorley Council project. Councillor Alistair Bradley is pictured right, with, from the left, Andy Nash from Newground, Councillors Zara Khan and Hasina Khan, Joanne Copeland from Pilkington Oils and Councillor Terry Brown.
Artwork marks start of gateway improvements for Chorley Council project. Councillor Alistair Bradley is pictured right, with, from the left, Andy Nash from Newground, Councillors Zara Khan and Hasina Khan, Joanne Copeland from Pilkington Oils and Councillor Terry Brown.

The project, aimed to boost business in the Steeley Lane area and link it better to the town centre, began with the revealing of heritage-based artwork around the area.

Newground was commissioned by Chorley Council to design the art, which reflects the diverse business community in the area.

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It cost £15,000 and is the first stage of the planned £200,000 project.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, council leader, described the area as a “key part” of the town centre which has suffered because of poor access due to the nearby bypass and railway line.

He said: “We’re trying to improve the pedestrian gateways to this area by enhancing the public realm to provide more pleasant and safe access.

“The programme, once complete, will benefit businesses by giving the area an identity which will encourage local pride and promote a cohesive and diverse business community.

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“The artwork we’ve had done is the first part of this ambitious project.”

The rest of the plans are reliant on Network Rail completing train station improvement works, which include re-bridging the subway which is near the area.

Coun Bradley added: “Once this work by Network Rail and our public realm works are complete, the whole area will be a more pleasant environment for businesses, residents and shoppers to enjoy.”

The planned works include the improvement of pavement areas with landscaping, an improved crossing to the bus station once across Shepherds Way and upgraded CCTV.

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Businesses are also contributing to the project with some having shop fronts done up to improve the look of the area. Pilkington’s Oils has also invested by replacing their old barbed wire fence with a new palisade fence to which a 35-metre long piece of artwork has been fastened, creating a feature along the pedestrian route.

Coun Bradley added: “Businesses will be open as usual throughout the railway and station works over the summer, so please support them.