Loathed £17k parklet on busy high street to be moved

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A loathed £17,000 'parklet' on a busy Stockport high street is set to be removed. The installation - paid for by the former Conservative government's Towns Fund, set up ex-ministers trying to 'level-up' the country - will soon be moved to a school.

Completed in 2021, it consists of wooden checking, benches as planters. It was built in a loading bay on the high street, designed by Broxap.

The project cost £17,000. It was aimed at 'bringing people together to relax and chat... giving shoppers and visitors a pleasant space to enjoy a breather and the opportunity to spend more time in the area'. READ MORE: Every detail around controversial plans to turn town centre into 20mph zone and one-way system In reality, locals said it looked out of place on the busy stretch lined with shops. "Who wants to sit right by the road while the traffic thunders past?", one person said on social media.

Councillors have now said the parklet will soon be moved to a school where it will be used as part of a sensory garden. The Lib Dems said in a statement: "The new location at the school promises to give the Parklet a renewed purpose, offering students a unique, green space for learning and recreation." Councillor Ian Hunter added: "I'm delighted the parklet is moving.