There’s cause for celebration for town centre shops and restaurants this week after a series of new road closures came into force, enabling the High Street and Pauls Row to become pedestrianised during key trading periods.
The part-time road restrictions, which will run from 12th April – 31st September 2021, have been implemented to encourage increased footfall to the town centre – to allow for greater pedestrian safety, and will also support businesses during this crucial period of re-opening.
From 12th April, the High Street will be closed to all traffic on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (11am – 2.30pm), coinciding with the town’s market days and the calendar of town centre events organised by High Wycombe Business Improvement District (HWBIDCo).
Discussing the new road closure, Chief Executive of HWBIDCo Melanie Williams said, “We’re ecstatic to have been granted these road closures by Buckinghamshire Council. They will make a huge difference to the town centre retailers, making it a safe and welcoming environment. It’s a welcome development for our schedule of summer events too – there’s lots planned and the road closures will mean there’s many opportunities for extra entertainment”.
Pauls Row is also set to become High Wycombe’s own bastion of weekend café culture and alfresco dining, with the main through road now closed on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (4pm – 9.30pm). As the location for many town centre eateries – including Noodle Nation, Bluegrass BBQ, O’Neill’s & Trilogy Nightclub – a halt to the continual traffic passing through this area will allow each restaurant to expand beyond their doors. There are now plans to add musical performances and entertainment to this new ‘outdoor dining arena’, with the aim of bringing a continental atmosphere to the centre of High Wycombe.
Kwong Lin, Owner of Noodle Nation (based in Pauls Row) said, “The road closures are such a significant development for all the businesses here, and it’s going to be incredibly beneficial for all the bars and restaurants, especially as we try to rebuild trade. There is a constant stream of traffic through this area, making relaxed outdoor dining impossible previously, but now we can take full advantage of Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and expand outdoors. With added live music and entertainment, we’re excited to start building an amazing atmosphere for all our diners and make Pauls Row a destination venue in the region.”
The restaurants in Paul’s Row will be opening their outdoor dining area on a staggered basis from mid-April, with an official launch being planned for once all the openings are complete – more information to be released soon!