March town centre work to be complete by end of October

The work included a revamp of March Market Place, riverside enhancement works, improvement grants for businesses and pedestrianising the town centre.

The aim of the scheme, said Fenland District Council, was to "help the town adapt to the changing retail environment and meet the needs of current and future generations as the town continues to grow".

The regeneration work has been delivered by Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council with funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and the County Council’s March Area Transport Study (MATS).

(Image: Fenland District Council)

The Broad Street project, which started in June 2023, has included new zebra crossings and new planters and trees, which will finish being installed in the coming weeks.

It has also included the relocation of March’s historic fountain, which will return to its new, more accessible public space next month.

The repaving work is largely completed and over the next few weeks the site compound and barriers will be gradually removed.

As part of Fenland District Council’s Future High Streets Fund grant, two buildings in the town centre have also been refurbished.

The council has also received 30 applications to its new March Shopfront Grant Scheme launched in August.

The old Barclays Bank was also purchased as part of the regeneration programme after the building became empty six months into the scheme.

It will eventually be demolished and replaced with a new mixed-use development.

(Image: Fenland District Council)

The public toilet block was removed as part of the regeneration work too. After feedback from the public, plans for a new facility to be built were put forward with disabled and family changing facilities.

A planning application for the new toilet block, to be located along the western edge of Grays Lane and the riverbank, was approved by Fenland District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday September 18.

It is hoped the new facility will be built early next year.

Temporary toilets in the car park of the old Barclays building will remain in use until then.

Councillor Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for transport, heritage and culture, and lead member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: “We are now in the final stage of the regeneration work and the whole scheme is on-track to be completed by the end of October.

“I’d like to once again thank businesses and residents in March for their incredible patience and understanding whilst this important work has been carried out.

“High streets up and down the country have been battling a decade of decline, but this work will help March to reverse those fortunes and futureproof the town centre for generations to come.”

Cllr Steve Count, district and county ward member for March, member of the county council’s March Area Transport Study (MATS) Group and member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: “As work nears the finishing line, it’s really exciting to see the transformation of our town centre take shape.

“This major investment into March represents not just a boost for our local economy, but a commitment from many partners to ensuring the town remains thriving and attractive for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Cllr Jan French, deputy leader of Fenland District Council, town, district and county ward member for March, chair of March Area Transport Study (MATS) Group and member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: “The regeneration of March town centre marks an exciting chapter for our community.

“With £8.4million invested, we’re ensuring our much-loved town adapts to modern retail demands while enhancing its special character.

“I’m confident it will breathe new life into March, creating a town centre that is much-better equipped to reflect the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.”