Street furniture improvements

Nameplates

Over the years, many of the original street nameplates in the Underbanks were damaged or removed. Eventually, modern signage replaced them.

To bring back some of the streets’ original character, we've created new nameplates in a heritage style. You can find them on:

  • Great Underbank
  • Rostron Brow
  • Deanery Way
  • Royal Oak Yard
  • Harvey Street

Nameplate


Planters

To introduce more greenery into the area, we've installed heritage style planters across Little Underbank. The plants include:

  • common box
  • spindle
  • ivy

The Cheshire Wildlife Trust have also introduced lavender to encourage wildlife into the urban environment. The planters are maintained by local businesses Rhode Island and Mustard.

Planter


Benches

We've installed new benches throughout the Underbanks so that you can take in the sights and enjoy some outdoor dining.

Bench


Bins and bollards

The bins and bollards in the Underbanks now match the heritage style of the area. They feature a unified paint scheme and gold detailing.

We've also repositioned the bollards to create more outdoor space for the local businesses.

Bins and bollards


Cycle racks

We're keen to encourage more walking and cycling in the town centre, and so we've installed new cycle racks in the Underbanks. You can now find cycle racks at the corner of Little Underbank and Great Underbank, as well as outside SK1 Records.

Cycle racks


Lighting

The new street lighting in the Underbanks features Victorian-style lanterns. Despite their classic appearance, they use modern LED lights for energy efficiency.

We've also designed a new lighting scheme so that the area beneath St. Petersgate Bridge can be transformed into a space for performances and community events.

Lantern, Underbanks

Paving

In the past, roadways in towns and cities were usually paved with stone blocks known as setts.

As motor vehicles became more popular throughout the 20th century, the weight of the traffic would damage the setts on the Underbanks. This meant that they needed to be replaced regularly.

As part of the Townscape Heritage project, we've added new setts and reinforced the road with a concrete foundation. This allows the road to keep its heritage style whilst preserving it for many generations to come.

Setts