Plans to introduce significant permanent changes to Stevenage High Street's layout are set to be unveiled at a workshop for business owners next week.

Hertfordshire County Council has outlined three phases of the Stevenage Old Town High Street Improvements Project, which it says "aim to make the High Street a better place to visit for shopping, eating and leisure, and to make walking and cycling easier".

The council explained: "A first set of improvements to reorganise the existing space would reduce traffic speeds coming into and along the High Street, allow people to cross the High Street safely at more controlled crossings, and improve the walking routes between the car parks and the shops.

"We envisage 'plaza' style areas with seating and planting, which would make walking and cycling more attractive."

HCC has already received funding for the first phase from a Department for Transport's Active Travel Fund grant and says it is "keen to start developing the concept designs early in 2023".

The second phase of the project aims to reduce traffic volumes along the High Street, the council says.

It explained: "Not all vehicles passing through the High Street stop to use its services, so to install an ANPR bus priority gate and to direct drivers towards the underused car parks in Primett Road would reduce congestion in the High Street and the risk of road accidents.

"Longer term interventions in phase three would split the gyratory north of the High Street, creating two simple north-south routes - for main traffic along the A602 Lytton Way, and for lower speed movements between High Street and North Road.

"This would allow traffic to flow more freely between A1(M) J8 and Stevenage town centre, and it would also open up the space around the Bowling Green for walking, cycling and outdoor leisure."

The council says it has invited High Street business owners to attend one of two workshops to share their initial thoughts, raise any issues, and point out any opportunities. They will be held at 4pm on January 19 at the Cromwell Hotel, and at 6.30pm on January 23 on Microsoft Teams.

"We would like to engage businesses on the High Street early in order that we can develop ideas and designs with business owners and other local stakeholders," the council said.

Businesses can email ATFConsultation@hertfordshire.gov.uk to get involved.