Many thousands of people are expected to throng the historic street on their way to and
from the new entertainment complex and the council hopes to create an area rich in
diversity, life and vitality.
Work starts in May to lift the traditional tarmac road and paving slabs to replace them
with wall-to-wall York stone and granite sets. Two medieval shops seriously damaged in a
recent fire will be rebuilt, there will be pavement cafes and restaurants, streetscape
works of art, illuminated buildings and new street signs.
The subway beneath the inner ring road will also be made safer by installing closed
circuit television cameras.
People walking into Spon Street from Lower Holyhead Road will pass through a specially
designed gateway welcoming them to the new area.
Today the scheme was welcomed by the traders in the area. Peter Tomlinson, owner of WH
Furniture at the mouth of Spon Street said:
"It is an excellent idea long overdue.
"It has always concerned me that so many local people have no idea how to reach us
through the traffic system. But if we all pull together it should be a magnificent
addition to the city centre.
"Spon Street really is a wonderful street and with the right mix of businesses it
will be a jewel in the city centre crown."
