CITY leaders have unveiled a multi-million-pound transport plan that includes road closures and other measures aimed at making Southampton more pedestrian-friendly.
A car park at Albion Way is due to be turned into a bus hub and a tree-lined park - the first green space to be created in the Old Town for almost 60 years.
Supporters of the £3.9m proposal say it will improve access to the historic city walls as well as provide enhanced views of the Bargate.
East Park Terrace will be closed to all traffic except buses, taxis and bicycles to make it safer for people walking between East Park and Solent University. A similar scheme will be introduced at Portland Terrace to cut bus journey times.
The government-funded plans aim to create a "family-focused" city centre by reducing the impact of traffic in several parts of the main retail area.
Civic chiefs claim the far-reaching proposals will result in a more vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone living, working, and studying in the area.
Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said the measures would improve accessibility.
He complained that Southampton had often been starved of funding, adding: "We are pleased the government has recognised the importance of helping to fund infrastructure changes that will make it easier and safer to get to and around our city."
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Cllr Keogh said similar changes elsewhere in the country had made city centres more connected, resulting in extra visitors and shoppers spending longer in stores.
"We want to follow suit, so here in Southampton our plans will upgrade our public spaces and make them safer, while better showcasing our incredible heritage."
The proposed new park will boast tree-lined lawns and gardens with an art-scape motif based on images discovered on ancient Southampton pottery.
Council bosses say the adjoining bus hub will make passengers feel safer and more comfortable by offering new waiting facilities and better travel information, plus enhanced lighting and CCTV.
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Subject to planning permission, construction work will begin in the autumn.
The council is proposing to prioritise access to the facility by making nearby Portland Place bus, cycle, and taxi-only from Spa Road to the Shopmobility site.
This will reduce through traffic, creating a better environment for walkers and cyclists. Improved crossings to the Old Town and West Quay are also planned.
A council spokesperson said the authority's long-term vision was to create a "progressive and liveable" city centre in line with other places across the country.
"Additional green spaces and better travel options for all will build a sense of community amongst users, whether that’s families enjoying quality time outdoors or commuters finding cheaper ways to get to work."
Work has already started on a £5.5m scheme to create a new-look gateway to the city at Southampton Central railway station.
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Improvements have already been carried out to other parts of the city centre, including the Charlotte Place roundabout and nearby Grosvenor Square.
"New on-street electric vehicle charging points have been installed at Brunswick Place and Grosvenor Square, helping achieve our commitment to a zero-emission city," said the spokesperson.
"The next step will see significant improvements to the A3024 Northern Inner Ring Road junction with London Road. They will be followed by improvements to the junctions of Devonshire Road, Commercial Road, and West Park Road."
Devonshire Road's junction with Cumberland Place will be closed to vehicles, with traffic lights replaced by a "pocket park".
Other proposals include a new pedestrian crossing that will make life easier for people walking between the Polygon area and the city centre.
Traffic signals at the civic centre junction - one of the busiest in the city - are due to be upgraded at a cost of £2m.
"This will improve general traffic flow and provide priority for buses and people cycling and walking through low-level signals, advanced stop lines and better detection," said the spokesperson.
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"This will conclude the A3024 Northern Inner Ring Road corridor signal upgrades to make journeys more reliable and quicker and reducing congestion.
"East Park Terrace will be accessed by bus, taxi, and cyclists only to better connect the parks with Solent University by ensuring quicker journey times, more punctual and reliable bus journeys.
"Pavements will be widened, along with other improvements that aim to create a more pleasant and pedestrian-friendly environment.
"The scheme will create better connections to and from the city centre for people walking and cycling, offering students more sustainable means of travel."
The proposals, including those already being implemented, are set to cost almost £14m.
Prof James Knowles, vice-chancellor at Solent University, said: "We are particularly excited about the East Park Terrace scheme.
"It will improve connectivity for our students, staff, and guests into the city centre via the parks, prioritising pedestrian and cycle-friendly environments along East Park Terrace.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the council as they grow the travel network, improve services, and enhance the city centre."
Stephen Manion, executive director of GO! Southampton, also praised the plans.
He said: "GO! Southampton are pleased to see improvements to the public transport in Southampton which makes the city centre a more pleasant and safer place to visit and use the wide range of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities."
Mr Manion said the new-look city centre would also provide visitors with a "much-improved view of the Bargate.
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