Residents and visitors to Kingsmead Square and York Street will be able to safely shop and socialise in a traffic-free, improved environment for longer from October. Bath & North East Somerset Council has agreed to further support the vehicle access restrictions introduced in response to Covid-19 in both streets. From Monday, 5th October access restrictions will apply from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

The Council is also investing in public realm improvements in both streets. Improvements to York Street are due to be implemented as part of the Archway Centre project.  Phase 1 of improvements to Kingsmead Square will see the installation of new ‘parklets’, incorporating seating and attractive planting in former car parking bays and new cycle stands erected.

It has been a long-held ambition of residents and businesses in Kingsmead Square to reduce the dominance of vehicles and reclaim the roadway as public space and the Council has consulted and worked  with the local community on the project proposals for the last two years.

Lindsay Holdoway of local property company HPH, said: “We have worked with Council for many years to help improve the environment in the Square and promote its use for a more café culture style, in the way that similar space is used in many European cities. The Council have brought forward a very practical and exciting design.”

Emma Savage, owner of Grace & Ted, said “The businesses in Kingsmead Square have been bustling since re-opening after lockdown and the access restriction has really helped with spacing tables and making the area feel safer and more pleasant to sit.”

For further information about the project, visit: