TRADERS have welcomed council plans to upgrade the Triangle in Bournemouth and local residents are being invited to have their say on how the area should shape up.

The council has released an artist’s impression showing how the Triangle could be transformed under the Town Centre Vision.

As part of a pilot study to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, the road outside Bournemouth Library has remained closed since the summer.

Now planners have designed a more permanent scheme to make the area more attractive.

Proposals include resurfacing the newly created pedestrian space in front of the library with green planted areas to create a space for markets and events.

Some disabled parking spaces would be relocated from the top of Commercial Road pedestrian precinct and replaced in the Triangle in a bid to create an easy transition between the two shopping areas.

Cllr Bob Chapman, cabinet member leading the project, said: “Public consultation into the Town Centre Vision highlighted the Triangle as a priority area.

“We’re doing everything we can to bring improvements and increase footfall there and I urge the public to take this opportunity to help shape the final plans.

“I’m delighted that we’re able to offer such tangible improvements within the constraints of a limited budget.

“We hope to start work by next spring. If more funding becomes available the area could be in line for larger scale improvements.”

Under the proposals, buses, taxis, disabled drivers and cyclists would retain access to the remaining southern Triangle road and western Commercial Road.

The council also hopes to create a right-hand turn from Avenue Road into Norwich Avenue in front of the APCOA multi-storey car park to improve access and safety.

Gary Lancashire, who leads the Triangle Traders’ Association, said: “We’re very pleased things are happening in the Triangle and look forward to these changes.”

Consultation documents have been distributed to local residents and traders. They are available online at bournemouth.gov.uk/ triangleconsultation. The deadline for responses is October 26.