Improving Cirencester’s appeal as a classic market town has been 50 years in the planning and is at last coming to fruition, as Tracy Spiers explains.
THE word ‘change’. It is like liquorice, Marmite and horse radish. You either like it or you don’t. But at least with change, in time most come to accept it and see why it had to happen.
One Cotswold market town which has had its fair share of change in recent months is Cirencester. A few years ago the South Porch of the magnificent parish church was given a facelift and now the areas outside have received an impressive transformation. Today it is partly pedestrianised to allow shoppers to walk around the town centre with more ease, and has revived the meaning of ‘market’ for Cirencester. Traditionally, it has always been a thriving market town and this latest major redesign of the market place takes it back to its roots, whilst at the same time providing a shared space for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and a place to host new improved markets, themed markets and outdoor concerts. Cirencester’s Friday Charter Market is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Cirencester Farmers’ Market takes place every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
This month workmen will complete the final tasks of this £1.4 million pound initiative led by Cirencester Town Council. The vision was first thought about 50 years ago, discussed in more depth 20 years ago, has been the subject of detailed design and public consultation over the last five years, and has been finally been realised today.
Having lived through building work with two one-year olds, I know first hand the disruption - and dust - reconstruction can create. Yet it was worth it. Likewise many traders have felt the pinch of upheaval. Now it is behind them, they are looking forward to a new-look Cirencester and a safer, more pedestrian-friendly market area.
Denne historien er fra February 2017-utgaven av Cotswold Life.
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Denne historien er fra February 2017-utgaven av Cotswold Life.
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Gloucestershire After The War
Discovering the county’s Arts and Crafts memorials of the First World War
THE WILD SIDE OF Moreton-in-Marsh
The days are getting shorter but there’s plenty of reasons to be cheerful, says Sue Bradley, who discovers how a Cotswolds town is becoming more wildlife-friendly and pots up some bulbs for an insect-friendly spring display
Mr Ashbee would approve
In the true spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement, creativity has kept the Chipping Campden community ticking over during lockdown
The Cotswolds at war
These might be peaceful hills and vales, but our contribution to the war effort was considerable
Trust in good, local food
‘I’ve been following The Country Food Trust’s activities with admiration since it was founded’
Why Cath is an open book
Cath Kidston has opened up almost every nook and cranny of her Cotswold idyll in a new book, A Place Called Home. Katie Jarvis spoke to Cath ahead of her appearance at this year’s Stroud Book Festival STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL – THIS YEAR FREE AND ONLINE: NOVEMBER 4-8
From the Cotswolds to the world
Most people know that the Cotswolds have featured in a fair few Hollywood movies and TV series.
The Wild Hunt
In search of the legendary King Herla in the Malvern Hills
Fighting spirit amid the flowers
Tracy Spiers visits Warwick, a beautiful town that is open for business and ready to welcome visitors
Final journey
Cheltenham author and volunteer on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), Nicolas Wheatley, recounts the fascinating story of funeral trains
