Poynton Shared Space - Highway improvement works

We have carried out highway improvements works at Poynton Shared Space to improve the condition of the highway and the drainage system, and to install new street lighting.

Poynton Shared Space, introduced in 2011, was designed to calm traffic and create a people‑focused environment where drivers, cyclists and pedestrians naturally pay closer attention to one another, leading to safer, more pleasant movement through the centre.

As the area has aged, essential maintenance is needed to strengthen the road, improve drainage and provide a more durable layout, while preserving the Shared Space principles of wide pavements, low vehicle speeds and easy pedestrian movement.

We have replaced the existing block paving in the shared space areas with a buff‑coloured asphalt. The new surface will be safer, more durable and still in keeping with the look of the area. The buff colour that will be used will still provide good contrast for all users, including those with visual impairments, and is the closest practical match to the existing colour.

To support sustainability and reduce waste, the block paving setts from the site will be recycled and reused on future projects.

The project

Works to deliver these highway improvements started on 16 March 2026, with works being phased to help to facilitate access to businesses and residents, and to minimise disruption.

PSS Location

The following works took place:

installation of new street lighting on London Road North, London Road South and Chester Road
drainage improvement works on London Road South
improvements to Fountain Place
road resurfacing and improvement works on London Road North, London Road South and Chester Road

Artist impression of the coloured surfacing that will replace the existing block paving

Poynton Shared Space Cropped Image

Road closures and traffic management

To keep both our workforce and the public safe, road closures and traffic management was required while the works took place. The project was completed in phases, with suitable diversion routes provided throughout. Work took place during weekdays and on some weekends to help keep the programme on schedule.

Road closures and traffic management followed the phased approach outlined below.

During the works a utility company installed a new water main within the shared space area. To prevent any damage to the newly laid surfaces and repair works taking place as part of our works, the resurfacing of London Road North, London Road South and Chester Road and the repairs to Fountain Place were delayed until the utility works had been completed.

Works were carried out in phases as shown below

Table of roadworks
Phase 1 - Street Lighting Works	Date	Traffic Management
London Road North	16 to 20 March 2026	Complete
Chester Road	23 to 27 March 2026	Complete
London Road South	30 March to 3 June 2026 - a temporary road surface is in place	Complete
Phase 2 - Carrier Drain works
London Road South	27 July to 7 August 2026	Complete
Phase 3 - Removal of setts
Chester Road - at the junction of Burton Avenue -	22 June 2026 to 3 July 2026 - a temporary road surface will be left in place	Complete
London Road North - at the junction of Park Avenue	6 July to 24 July 2026 - a temporary road surface will be left in place	Complete
Phase 4 - Road resurfacing works
London Road South - (works will also include drainage and removal of the remaining granite setts)	7 August to 18 August 2026 (including weekend works during 15 and 16 August)	Complete
Chester Road	19 and 20 August 2026	Complete
London Road North	20 August to 24 August 2026 (including works on Saturday 22 August)	Complete
Phase 4a - Repair and drainage investigations
London Road South Following the drainage investigations, the remaining works will include: Reinstatement of trial holes Installation of a new drainage connection Installation of a new maintenance chamber to support future drainage maintenance Carriageway resurfacing	4 September until 11 September 2026	Complete
Phase 4b - Refreshing roundel lining and polishing the granite sets
Refreshing of road markings on the roundels on Fountain Place and polishing the granite setts	6 October until 9 October 2026	Complete

* London Road South closed while works are carried out on Fountain Place. This was necessary to ensure the safety of road users and our workforce. The closure will also support coordinated works with a utility company, helping to minimise disruption and reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Access for pedestrians and cyclists was maintained at all times. Cyclists will be asked to dismount.

Bus services continued during the closure, however, there was some impact to the service. Bus companies were aware and operated a revised route.

Waste collection were not affected. We liaised with the waste management team to address any concerns and ensure waste collections are carried out.

Emergency services were aware of the planned closures and access was facilitated where possible. They are also aware of the diversion arrangements in place for emergency vehicles.

Roadworks, closures and diversions are displayed below:

Diversion route for Chester Road

Diversion Route for Chester Road Poynton

Diversion route for London Road North

Diversion route for London Road South

Work progress update

We have completed the drainage and resurfacing works on Chester Road, London Road North and London Road South and the refurbishment of Fountain Place.

Works completed are as follows:

Refurbishment of the roundels on Fountain Place and relaying of anti-skid material.
Replaced the existing street lighting on Chester Road, London Road North and South, remedial work to footways will be carried out in future phases.
Removed 40 tonnes of old road surface on London Road South
Removed the granite sets on London Road South and placed them into storage
Completed the drainage works on London North South
Carrier drains and gullies cleansed and CCTV surveys have been completed.
The road surface on London Road North has been removed
The granite setts have been removed from London Road North

crane