GOOLE : Street Fund Supports Power Up The Precinct Project

New electrical power points and street lighting in the pedestrian precinct of Goole is now complete, thanks to £8,760 from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s High Street Fund.

Power Up the Precinct is a project by Goole Town Council, working with Business in Goole (BIG), and complements the Goole Portas funded urban realm works, town centre seating though the Renaissance Small Projects Fund, and the legacy sculpture seat celebrating the successful Local Sustainable Transport Fund scheme, Get Moving Goole.

Power Up the Precinct is a project of two parts. The first required investment in electrical infrastructure, through the installation of new electric power points. This has created an opportunity for a wide range of events to be held within the pedestrian plaza. It also contributes to increased use of the space, heightened footfall and encourages spend in the local economy, all of which are key ingredients to a successful and thriving town centre.

The second part has seen new lighting installed along Boothferry Road pedestrian plaza, bringing a vibrant feel to a key town centre space. Enhancing this important shopping and leisure zone will increase the attraction of the space for people to socialise and spend, enabling Goole town centre to remain a vibrant, viable part of the community.

Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Power Up the Precinct is an excellent initiative and really stood out to the High Street Fund panel.

“When this money was being made available to communities across the Eat Riding, we were looking for projects that could help create a lasting legacy.

“Good quality lighting can make all the difference in making a public space attractive and the installation of new electrical points will hopefully encourage more events to be held in Goole which will benefit the local economy.”

Brian Robertson, clerk of Goole Town Council, said:

“Goole Town Council is pleased to have worked with our partner, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, to provide new lighting to the pedestrianised area, which will not only enhance the festive season but improve the town centre environment throughout the year and attract increased footfall to the area.”

The mood enhancing lighting will be used throughout the year to complement the annual calendar of town centre events, along with creating an ambience so people can enjoy the atmosphere in the pedestrian plaza.

Peter Sanderson, chairman of BIG, explained:

“The issues of power and lighting up the town centre were discussed at Business in Goole meetings and in conversations held with traders, residents and visitors. This provoked a need to address these issues to guarantee Goole’s local economy is supported and the town centre enhanced to benefit everyone.

“Lighting up Goole will enable residents to enjoy visiting their own town centre, contributing to the feel good factor by making purchases in an environment which supports buoyancy and spend in the local economy.”

Power Up the Precinct will also portray Goole in a positive manner to rail passengers and increasing visitor interest to the town, which is a great way to attract visitors travelling to Hull in the UK City of Culture year.

Leigh Johnson, renaissance coordinator, said:

“This is such a perfect addition to the town centre’s physical appeal, increasing use of the space for leisure and socialising along with encouraging trade. Business in Goole has worked with Goole Town Council on a project that supports and complements the high street in one of the East Riding’s most diversely populated towns.”