A TRANSFORMATIVE town centre regeneration project has been completed, revitalising the area for local businesses and residents and enhancing community space.

Shepshed’s Market Place in Leicestershire is now a versatile and pedestrian-friendly environment, following work undertaken by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard. The improvements, which are set to boost trade and increase footfall in the region, include new car parking spaces, seating, bicycle parking facilities and an array of trees and plantings.

Pavements in Market Place and along nearby Brook Street have also been upgraded and expanded, with soft landscaping elements implemented to increase accessibility and reinforce visual identity in the town centre.

The transformation forms part of a wider set of public realm works by Charnwood Borough Council, which will enable the town centre to host new events and market stalls.

The work, which has been several years in the making, saw Pick Everard deliver project and cost management services via Perfect Circle and the SCAPE Consultancy direct award framework, designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects.

Matt Hall, director at Pick Everard, said: “It’s fantastic to see the transformation of Shepshed’s Market Place complete, which will generate increased footfall for local businesses. Improving our high streets and public spaces is vital to ensure they suit the way we live our lives today. The scheme has placed accessibility and flexibility at the fore to ensure the space can be used for a variety of purposes, including town centre events that will turn Shepshed into a destination offering.

“The work undertaken was both challenging and rewarding, with collaboration and engagement with project partners and the community ensuring any disruption was kept to a minimum in a live working environment. We look forward to watching the space evolve as a modern town centre that benefits residents and visitors alike.”

The Market Place renovation also coincides with improvements to the local Bull Ring, Hall Croft and Field Street.

The scheme, known as the Shepshed Town Centre Masterplan, is led by Charnwood Borough Council, working alongside Shepshed Town Council and Shepshed Town Team.

Cllr Jewel Miah, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It is so pleasing to see this project completed and it has made the area a much more attractive place for people.

“We have worked closely with the town council and the town team in consultation with local businesses and residents throughout the process and I hope these improvements will have a positive impact on the town.

“The area is now better for residents and is much more accessible and safer.”

For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/