Start date announced for Midhurst’s Town Square

A PROJECT to rejuvenate Market Square and Church Hill in Midhurst town centre is set to start on Monday, February 18.

West Sussex County Council said it will restore the Square to its former charm by turning it into a recreational space for pubs and cafes to use for outdoor seating.

It will also provide the space required to hold community events and traditional farmers’ markets and make the area more pedestrian friendly.

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Parking on Market Square, which is owned by the Midhurst Trust, will be restricted to permit holders only.

Parking restrictions are being relaxed in Edinburgh Square and South Street.

The enhancement will cost £376,000 and is being carried out by the county council’s contractor Balfour Beatty.

Because it is located within the Midhurst Conservation Area, high-quality Yorkstone will be used to pave the footways in Market Square and Church Hill.

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The memorial tree in the Market Square is to be preserved, and the other two trees are to be replaced and repositioned.

A new drainage system will also be in place.

Funding for the project has come from The Monument Trust, which has provided £200,000, with the county council investing £176,000.

The works are expected to be finished by the end of July 2013.

A public exhibition is being held at St Mary Magdalene Church Hall in Old Town Hall, Market Square, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9NJ, between 11.00am and 3.00pm on Thursday, January 31.

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Engineers from West Sussex County Council and Balfour Beatty will be there to answer any questions residents may have about the project.

The plans will be left on show in the Church Hall until Thursday, February 14.

County council cabinet member for highways and transport, Pieter Montyn, said: “This scheme is the result of two years’ worth of public consultation to help Midhurst raise its status as a market town.

“We are inviting all residents to the exhibition where they can get answers for any questions they may have.

“Once finished, we are certain the project will enhance the old town area and boost Midhurst’s appeal.”