Ground being prepared for Link Pathway Surface Trial

If you have been driving down the Esplanade this week, you may have noticed a triangle has been cleared from the grassy area in front of the Boutique Hotel at Brighton Street. The area is being prepared for a community surface trial for the Link Pathway which is due to launch on 14 June.

Council is asking the community to come along and try out six different surfaces and to vote for your preferred options. The community’s votes will then be incorporated into the final design decisions for Stage One of the pathway – from West End, along the Esplanade to Torquay Street.

Each surface in the trial area will be numbered. All you have to do is use your phone to scan a QR code or visit the webpage to vote for your favourite surfaces. There will be signs alongside the surface area with instructions on how to vote.

Dave Clibbery, Senior Manager Operations said, “The surface trial area will have six surfaces that have been selected as suitable options for the main surface of the pathway along the Esplanade. The final pathway will also have some more decorative elements along its route. Our aim is to make the pathway accessible to all users – walkers, prams, wheelchairs, those with mobility challenges as well as skateboards and scooters. So it’s really important that we hear the preferences of a broad section of the community”

Will Doughty Said, “We encourage everyone to take 5 minutes to visit the surface trial and tell us what you think so that we can be confident the final surface reflects the community’s wishes. This is just the first community consultation on the project. We also have plans to ask for community feedback on other elements, such as street furniture and public art.”

Look out for more information in the coming weeks about the launch of the trial on Council’s Facebook and website.