Proposed improvements to St Matthias Park

We want to make St Matthias Park a safer and more pleasant place for the local community. This follows strong local support from residents and councillors calling for action to improve safety and make it easier for those walking, wheeling and cycling.

Why are we proposing changes

In response to concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, we are proposing measures which aim to:

• Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in St Matthias Park, by changing the road outside the park into a more sociable and welcoming space.
• Make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier.

What we are proposing

Following engagement with local groups and organisations, we propose the following measures:

• Making a section of St Matthias Park a traffic-free zone between its junctions with New Street and Redcross Street – access will be retained for loading and access requirements
• Installing a raised pavement across the junction of St Matthias Parks with Redcross Street
• Installing two sets of removable bollards on New Street (at its junction with St Matthias Park and at Great George Street) to stop through traffic in the area – access for pedestrians and cycles will be retained
• Resurfacing St Matthias Park and fixing a known drainage issue at its western end
• Installing decorative planters and new landscaping – existing trees will be retained
• Installing an e-scooter parking bay and two spaces designated for mobile catering facilities
• Improving street lighting and wayfinding

The above proposals aim to give a better view of the recreational area ‘St Matthias Park’.

There are future ambitions to enhance the park itself, and the eastern end of St Matthias Park, subject to available funding.