Front Street is an important high street in Acomb, York. It plays a vital role in the community and the wider city and is home to many established and well-loved local independent retailers and community spaces.
There has been a long-standing desire to undertake place making improvements to enhance the economic growth of this shopping area.
In recent years, funding has been received from central government to enhance, develop and support a more resilient high street in Acomb.
Acomb Front Street project updates
The School Street blue badge parking has been resurfaced and remarked to create a single accessible bay. This makes the space easier for blue badge holders to use and means that enforcement can be more effective.
Electrical pillar cabinet has been installed near the new wide central crossing and will be connected by Northern Power mid February. A metered electric supply was added into the design in response to community requests to make it easier to run events in the space when the road is closed.
New pedestrian crossing has been completed between the Morrisons junction and roundabout. This was requested to improve safety at a point where people used to cross informally, and to improve links to the older part of Front Street.
New curved bench has been installed with a second ‘Welcome to Front Street’ totem due to follow shortly near Cooplands.
The new Community notice board is now available to share local activities and events. A set of keys are held by the office at Gateway Centre during office hours.
‘Art of Protest’ have been working with the community to shape the design of a mural and to transform eight existing wooden benches.
What’s happening next at Acomb Front Street
Art of Protest are also running a Street Art Academy focused on skills development and capacity building. Some places remain on the Adult (ages 18+) Street Art Academy (Saturday 15 February 9.00am till1.00pm, The Place)
Wayfinding fingerposts will be installed in February, signposting residents and visitors to facilities and green spaces. The signs will use the same green colour as the planters and new seating and logo that was designed by Greater Acomb Community Forum.
Cigarette tray bins will be installed outside William Hill and Kings Fish & Chips in response to requests during the consultation.
Additional seating will be installed in front of Acomb Working Men’s Club to better connect the two sections of Front Street and to provide a rest point for pedestrians in the area.