Honeybourne Line access improved from lower High Street

As part of Cheltenham Borough Council’s drive to promote sustainable travel, access from the lower end of the high street to the Honeybourne Line has undergone an improvement that provides more convenient pedestrian access with the construction of a set of steps. The new link allows easier access for those travelling towards the train station and towards Leisure at Cheltenham and Pittville Park.

A Google map of the Honeybourne Line map is now available and highlights entry and exit points for cyclists and pedestrians as well as two play areas and outdoor fitness equipment along the 3km route. The Honeybourne Line runs from Cheltenham railway station and Queen’s Road to Tommy Taylors Lane, Pittville Park and Wyman’s Brook as well as branching off towards the town centre following the River Chelt.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay member for development and safety said: “The Honeybourne Line is a hidden gem in Cheltenham and I’m pleased that improvements like this can be made to encourage sustainable forms of travel, particularly for short journeys. It’s our intention that we also improve the access for cyclists and pedestrians from the south as part of the station improvement project.”

Bernice Thomson, manager at Cheltenham West End Partnership, said: “We’ve waited a long time for access from the Honeybourne Line to the High Street so we are pleased that this is now happening. We are hopeful that this will encourage more people to discover the diversity of shops along the lower High Street and the vibrant and friendly atmosphere that exists here. This area is part of the original, pre-spa, town, but it is also a part of town that is largely unknown to many Cheltenham residents. These steps could help change that.”

Ken Dale, townscape manager, said: “These types of urban design improvements are essential to improve access for those that want to cycle and walk more. They also lead to the council investigating further options for improvements to the Honeybourne Line, particularly ramp access for cyclists and wheelchair users. We’re exploring ideas for how we can add a wider variety of plants and flowers along the route to help improve this special place for wildlife and future generations.”

The trail has also benefited from contemporary street art with designated tunnels and free-walls that street artists paint independently and through the coordination of the renowned Cheltenham paint festival organisation.

To keep up-to-date visit: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/honeybourne-line.

For media enquiries please contact: communications team email [email protected] phone 01242 26 4332.

Notes to editor:

Photograph single use only:

Jeremy Williamson, managing director Cheltenham Development Taskforce, is pictured front left, with Cllr David Willingham, ward member for St Peter’s, Cheltenham Borough Council, behind, and Bernice Thompson manager at Cheltenham West End Partnership, front middle, along with members from the green space volunteers.

The new steps were part of the 453 High Street development on the lower High Street.

The new access to the Honeybourne Line connects the end of the High Street to the train station (South) and Leisure @ (North), traffic free.