Hertfordshire County Council, in collaboration with Bishop's Stortford Business Improvement District (BID), Bishop's Stortford Town Council, and local businesses, has developed a scheme to strengthen the town centre and boost economic activity. The initiative follows extensive consultation and requests from partners seeking to enhance the area.
The trial seeks to foster a safer, more appealing, and people-centric environment, encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time in the town centre. This is intended to support local shops, cafés, and businesses, while also creating space for community events. By increasing footfall and providing opportunities for businesses to flourish, the scheme aims to contribute to the long-term success of Bishop's Stortford town centre and support Hertfordshire County Council's objectives for economic growth.
Key changes include a new southbound one-way system on North Street and Water Lane, accompanied by a temporary 20mph speed limit. During weekends, North Street will become a pedestrian and cycle zone between Water Lane and High Street/Bridge Street, operating from Friday evening to Monday morning. This weekend closure is designed to accommodate events and activities, beginning with the BID's Festive Fun Day and Lights Switch-on on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
The one-way system is scheduled to be implemented from Monday, 9 November 2026, with the weekend closures starting on Friday, 13 November 2026. The trial is planned to run for up to 18 months, allowing for assessment of its impact and the collection of feedback from businesses, residents, and visitors. Works to implement the new layout are expected to take approximately five days and will occur between 8am and 5pm.
Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, stated, "We want Hertfordshire's town centres to be vibrant places where businesses can thrive and where residents and visitors want to spend time." He emphasised that the trial is a response to local ideas and aspirations, providing an opportunity to test concepts and gather evidence before final decisions are made. Businesses will remain open throughout the trial.
Karen Burton and Madeleine Lees, Joint Managers of Bishop's Stortford BID, highlighted that the trial addresses challenges such as reduced footfall and traffic issues. They described it as a collaborative process involving the BID, businesses, county council, and town council to make the street more attractive and commercially successful.
Councillor Miriam Swainston, Leader of Bishop's Stortford Town Council, expressed strong support for the initiative, believing it has the potential to benefit local businesses, enhance the market, and improve traffic management and air quality. The Town Council will manage the weekend closure of gates on North Street.
Initially, no parking spaces are being removed. However, on-street parking within the weekend closure area, along with parking at Sworders Yard, The George, and Prezzo, will be inaccessible at weekends. Alternative parking is available at nearby locations including Basbow Lane, Northgate End, Jackson Square, and Apton Road. Bus services will be rerouted via Link Road and The Causeway.
