DESIGNS have been revealed for a new civic space which would be created if the pedestrianisation of Boots' corner goes ahead.
Cheltenham Development Task Force has suggested four proposals for a centrepiece for the planned new pedestrian space outside Starbucks in the town centre.
This includes a sculpture, an event space for activities linked to the festivals, a water feature reflecting Cheltenham's history as a spa town, and the planting of trees similar to those in the Promenade and High Street.
The task force is asking for feedback on the civic space ideas as well as the overall transport changes.
A leaflet has been created to outline the overall proposal, and it shows these artist impressions of the civic space designs. It is being delivered to 16,000 properties for a two-month public consultation period, which starts on July 1.
Jeremy Williamson, head of the task force, said the designs were not final and were purely to give the public an idea of possibilities for the space.
"It's very much about saying 'here are some thoughts we have had, do they accord with the public wish?'," he said.
Suggestions
A number of residents told the Echo they liked the suggestions for the civic space.
Martin Clifford, 28, from Pittville, said: "The festival-themed event space is a good idea. You could have authors doing free public readings during the literature festival."
He said his second choice would be a sculpture.
"I always think artwork improves a town centre. For example, the tortoise and the hare in the Prom looks really interesting." Anne Wright, 72, from Hester's Way, gave her backing to the planting of trees, saying: "It would be quite a big open space so some trees could look really nice there."
She added: "I wouldn't be upset if it was a water feature, though, as that would look really nice too."
To see the leaflet and comment on the plans, go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk
OPINION, P8
