'Substantially complete' Queen Street improvement scheme pauses for Christmas

The Queen Street improvement scheme in Newton Abbot is substantially complete, and work will now take a break ahead of the Christmas shopping period with the final touches being completed in the New Year.

The scheme will transform Queen Street into a more attractive, healthier and greener place for visitors and businesses and is being delivered by Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council.

The improvements delivered so far include a new Pedestrian and Cycle Zone covering the section between Albany Street and Courtenay Street, two flexible loading bays and widened pavements.

Side road crossings have been improved which will provide additional space and better access to shops and businesses particularly for less-mobile visitors or those with young children in buggies.

Daytime works will now pause between Saturday, 30 November 2024 and Thursday, 2 January 2025 and most of the fencing and red barriers will be removed during this time.

Contractors will return in the New Year to put the final touches to the scheme, when  Juneberry trees will be planted in seven wooden planters, flowers in hanging basketswill be added and cycle parking and additional public seating will be installed.

A raised junction with a red coloured surface, to increase driver awareness of the new Pedestrian and Cycle Zone, will also be installed opposite Albany Street.

Additionally, there will be a new zebra crossing near the War Memorial, and new signs and road markings will be added across the scheme area.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Now that the main part of the works have been completed we’ve decided to pause the works and take down the barriers and fencing from the end of the month to help ensure that everyone can enjoy a festive shopping experience in Queen Street without disruption.

“Contractors will return in the New Year to put the final touches on the scheme, and we expect for this work to be completed in February.”

Councillor David Palethorpe, Deputy Leader of Teignbridge District Council and Executive Member for Assets, Economic Development and Communication said:

"Queen Street's improvement works will be paused for the festive season ready to welcome holiday shoppers. This project is a great example of the positive partnership working between Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council to deliver enhancements to an important area of Newton Abbot. The feedback has been fantastic, especially on the improved pedestrian access, making the area more inclusive and enjoyable for all. We’ll return in the New Year including to install trees, planters, and hanging baskets, which will further enhance Queen Street's businesses."

Councillor Phil Bullivant, County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, said: "The work which has been done so far looks great and the addition of Juneberry trees and underplanting of other plants in the New Year will all help create the feeling of an attractive, open space.

“I also wish to thank local people not only for their patience during the work but for following the town council’s recent request earlier this month not to park along the route of the recent Remembrance Day parade prior to the service.

“It helped ensure the event went ahead without any issues.”