The former Barclays bank in Broad Street, March, bought by Fenland District Council for £750,000 is to be demolished but no time scales have been offered. “It will eventually be demolished and replaced with a new mixed-use development, representing an exciting opportunity for the town centre,” said a council spokesperson.
The council says the “prime location” became empty six months into the start of the Broad Street regeneration scheme and so a decision was made to buy it.
The purchase was made with a portion of the £6.4 million Fenland Council was granted by the Government from its Future High Streets Fund in 2021.
Initially, that money – as well as £4.2 million from Cambridgeshire County Council and £2 million from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – was earmarked for five regeneration projects in March.
Fenland Council says the overall £8.4m March town centre regeneration scheme is nearing completion, with works due to be complete by the end of October.
“The once-in-a-generation scheme has included the revamp of March Market Place, riverside enhancement works, improvement grants for businesses and the major transformation of Broad Street to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and create a more open, social, and pedestrian-friendly town centre,” said a council spokesperson.
“The finishing touches are now being made to the Broad Street project including the installation of the permanent road and new mini roundabout surface.
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“A temporary evening closure of Broad Street is necessary to enable the resurfacing works to take place quickly, safely and with minimum disruption.
Works will commence on Monday, 23 September, and will be in place for five consecutive nights until the road is fully resurfaced – weather permitting.
An evening diversion will be in operation during this time and will be well sign-posted.
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The spokesperson said the Broad Street project, which started in June 2023, has included work to” enhance public safety, with new zebra crossings, and add colour with new planters and trees, which will finish being installed in the coming weeks.
“It has also included the restoration and 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”.
The council says as part of its Future High Streets Fund grant, two buildings in the town centre have also been refurbished and revitalised, resulting in improvements to frontages and vacant buildings brought back into use.
The council has also received 30 applications to its new March Shopfront Grant Scheme launched in August.
The spokesperson said: “The public toilet block was removed as part of the regeneration work too, in order to open up the riverside area.
“After feedback from the public, plans for a new facility to be built were put forward with modernised 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 yesterday, Wednesday 18 September.
The council hopes the new public loos will be built early next year. Temporary toilets in the car park of the old Barclays building will remain in use until then.
Cllr 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: “I would like to thank businesses and residents once again in March for their incredible patience and understanding whilst this important work has been conducted.
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“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 Jan French, deputy leader of Fenland District Council, said: “With £8.4million invested, we are 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.”
