PLANS for the final phase of a £1.6 million improvements scheme to the centre of Romsey have been given the green light and are to be completed by June next year, the council has confirmed.

Enhancing the look and feel of Romsey town centre, the scheme will replace the roundabout with a large piazza-style build out around the Lord Palmerston statue in Market Place. This, Hampshire County Council says, will create a more welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike. The works, which will be the third and final phase, will start in January.

It comes after £1.5 million improvements have already been completed on Church Street in 2015, and Bell Street earlier this year.

Last year, councillors on the scheme’s project board unanimously agreed to create a more welcoming location to encourage a café culture.

As reported, in the council’s final designs it reveals that York stone paving will surround the Palmerston statue, and power bollards will be installed for events such as the Carols in the Market Place.

The scheme is aimed at improving the overall accessibility to the area but had attracted a number of criticisms for safety by Re-Think Romsey Market Place group.

Romsey’s county councillor, Mark Cooper, said: “The economy of the town depends on making it an attractive place for people to want to be; thus maintaining footfall in the centre is crucial to its vitality and viability. Doing nothing is not an option. It is time we made the town more pedestrian friendly.

“The design and layout has been scrupulously analysed by the project board of local councillors, of which I’m part, and we have responded positively to the helpful comments that derived from the public consultation last year.”

Earlier phases included narrowing carriageways on both Church Street and Bell Street in order to reduce vehicles speeds and the footway and carriageway have been set at one level to aid accessibility. A new drainage system has also been introduced to reduce the risk of flooding and maintenance required.

Speaking about the works, leader of the Hampshire County Council, Cllr Roy Perry, said: “This investment in Romsey is designed to help it thrive and prosper as a successful market town for many years to come.

“As the traditional high street evolves, it is important that improvements are made which reflect how people want to enjoy the town centre, while also keeping sight of its historic character.”