FOLLOWING more than three years of work, the date for the final phase of the redevelopment of a Hampshire market town has been revealed.

Commencing on January 7, the last part of Romsey’s town centre £3.2 million improvements will get underway.

Now residents will be able to view the plans at a public meeting next week.

These latest proposals include replacing the long-standing roundabout in the Market Place with a large piazza-style area, built around the famous Lord Palmerston statue.

Civic chiefs say the scheme will make the area pedestrian-friendly and will create a more welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike.

According to the proposals, York stone paving will surround the Palmerston statue, and power bollards will be installed for events such as the Carols in the Market Place.

There will also be places to lock bicycles and a number of benches put in place.

The scheme, led by Hampshire County Council, is expected to be completed in June 2019.

Councillor Rob Humby, transport chief at the authority, said: “This scheme is designed not only to make access easier for everyone, but also provide more space for community events and inspire a café culture.

“Together with the two completed schemes in Church Street and Bell Street, the total investment in improvements in the town centre come to more than £3 million.”

He added: “I would like to reassure residents and business in Romsey that we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum during the works.”

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

As previously reported, Re-Think Romsey Market Place, backed by around 150 residents and businesses, had opposed the plans saying incorporating a piazza cannot be achieved without causing serious safety hazards.

They suggested wide pavements around all sides with ample space for market stalls or cafe tables and said the roadways would be narrower and would be arranged as a conventional roundabout.

But civic chiefs said roundabout was not an option, claiming it would take away “valuable pedestrian space”.

Nevertheless, the plans have been welcomed by town centre manager Mark Edgerley.

He said: “I welcome the Market Place enhancements, the final phase of Town Centre works will offer more space for pedestrians and hopefully reduce vehicle movements in Romsey.

“There will be inconvenience to everyone during the works but with co-operation from all parties this will be minimal and the results will be beneficial to the economic well being of Romsey long term.”

Earlier phases included narrowing carriageways on both Church and Bell streets 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.