Call for monthly Minshull Street closures for alfresco dining

Shops and restaurants on the street believe serving food and drink outside could attract more visitors and shoppers into the town.

The proposal will be discussed by Knutsford town councillors at an events and town centre management committee meeting on Monday evening.

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Phil Roberts, director of Project 53 bar, has carried out extensive research, speaking to all but three of the street's traders.

In a report presented to councillors, he states: “All 15 businesses I have been able to speak to are in total agreement with the proposal.

“They agree it would enhance the location, create greater interest in this end of town, bring more people into town and improve their business turnover.

“More importantly, it could create much needed support and stability for their businesses thus ensuring continued employment for a large number of people.

“Many could not have been more excited if they had tried.

“To say the vast majority of the street is on board and totally supportive is a complete understatement.”

Mini and Moi, Create Cheshire, Lord Eldon, La Casa Del Habano, Corner Café, The Angel, Saks, King Barbers, Knutsford Wedding Gallery, Philip Armstrong, Wendy Diddams, Pizza Mate UK, Project 53, Oliver Wild Menswear and Babylon Pizza all back the proposal.

Filling the road with tables and chairs, serving food and drink during an Alfresco Dining event in August last year, they agree, was a huge success.

Phil states: “The closure for the town’s May Day procession is also a very welcome boost for trade for all of the businesses as it creates a huge uplift in people coming into town.”

Businesses believe serving food and drink outside on Minshull Street could create a 'continental' feel (Image: Alanah Mudie)

The proposal suggests the closure could be fully funded by local businesses, or with a contribution from the Town Council, to cover road closure costs.

The council says affected residents would have to be consulted.

Two feasible options being suggested are to close Minshull Street one Saturday every month throughout the year or once a month on a Saturday from May to September.

Phil states: “Either proposal means that Minshull Street could become a very continental area of town with outdoor provision of coffees, teas, food, drinks.

“How very cosmopolitan would that be?

“These events are proven to bring people into town with money to spend from which all businesses would benefit.

“A full day closure would give us the opportunity to provide a much wider appeal for children and families.

“The inconvenience to the few cars and vans that use the street on those 12 days out of 365 in the year would be minimal.”

The full cost for road closure orders and traffic management have not yet been confirmed.

Phil states: “A regular closure of Minshull Street would bring businesses closer together, providing opportunities that would help all of us grow our businesses.

“It could create a magical, continental ‘café culture’ atmosphere on that small street in Knutsford that could become a magnet like Shaw Street near the Market Hall in Altrincham.

“It could entice people into town that otherwise wouldn’t be there and allow other local businesses to gain and grow.”

The committee will consider whether it wishes to support monthly closures all year or just from May to September and if the council wishes to fund the cost of road closure orders.

Councillors must also decide if they wish to commit officer resource to coordinate the initiative, including consultation with residents.