Nottingham City Council is investing funding received from Central Government to improve Bridlesmith Gate in the city centre.

Over the years, since the cobbles and York stone paving were laid, Bridlesmith Gate has had thousands of footsteps pounding along it. This huge footfall, along with damage caused by vehicles, has taken its toll on the paving, which has become damaged and uneven in places.

From Monday May 19 for a total of eight weeks, Nottingham City Council will install stylish new brushed stainless steel furniture, replaced the damaged and uneven paving and install better drainage facilities.

While the work is carried out pedestrians will still be able to walk along Bridlesmith Gate and access to shops and businesses will always be maintained during opening hours.

Officers from Nottingham City Council will discuss with businesses along Bridlesmith Gate when the best time will be to carry out the work outside their premises so it is more convenient to them.

Bridlesmith Gate will need to close it to through traffic while work is carried out, but as Bridlesmith Gate is in the Clear Zone only vehicles which are loading / unloading and blue badge holders are only permitted to travel along it between 4.30pm and 10am.

Loading vehicles will still be able to enter / exit Bridlesmith Gate to access shops and businesses on Bridlesmith Gate itself, but depending upon where the work is taking place at that time, they need to use either Victoria Street or Low Pavement and reverse back out the same way that they entered.

Geoff Kidd from Nottingham City Council, said: “We would like to apologise in advance if these improvements cause any inconvenience. We promise to do all that we can to carry out the work in as short a time as possible and to a high standard so Bridlesmith Gate is a more enjoyable area for shoppers, pedestrians and businesses to benefit from.”