CIHT’s 2024 North West Small (under £5m) Project of the Year comprises several changes made to Westhoughton’s busy high street to enhance the pedestrian and cycling environment.

Swapping on-street parking for wider footways, finished in attractive York stone in places, has afforded the opportunity for retailers to extend externally creating a vibrant retail frontage.

The inclusion of continuous footways across all the side roads gives greater clarity over pedestrian priority and makes for a less vehicle dominated environment.

Malcolm was able to explain the thought process behind the design which included a well-considered deviation from TSRGD and to also share learnings from post-implementation observations and feedback.

It is understood that feedback received from the retailers, residents and local councillors has, in the main, been very positive despite some initial concerns over loss of trade, reduction in pedestrian safety and the implications of displaced parking. 

The event, which was limited to 15 attendees for practical reasons, proved to be a popular topic and all of the places filled up quickly.

If you would like to know more you can contact regions@ciht.org.uk