Traders hope for economic boom in Southsea as Palmerston Road is pedestrianised

INDEPENDENT businesses will start a new chapter of post-lockdown trade today as their premises enjoy a boost from the council.
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It comes after the southern end of Palmerston Road in Southsea was yesterday pedestrianised to allow venues to adopt a ‘continental’ style of al fresco service.

The temporary scheme is aimed at promoting social distancing and helping independent firms embark on a road to financial recovery after months out of action.

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Dave Walker, general manager of Drift, said the initiative has ‘come at just the right time’ as the bar gets set to join the Eat Out to Help Out scheme after a refurb.

Pedestrianisation work in Palmerston Road, Southsea, as it began yesterday and, from left, venue managers Dave Walker, Ionut Munteanu and Matt Bond. Pictures: Byron MeltonPedestrianisation work in Palmerston Road, Southsea, as it began yesterday and, from left, venue managers Dave Walker, Ionut Munteanu and Matt Bond. Pictures: Byron Melton
Pedestrianisation work in Palmerston Road, Southsea, as it began yesterday and, from left, venue managers Dave Walker, Ionut Munteanu and Matt Bond. Pictures: Byron Melton

‘There’s more space, it’s safer than being inside and I think this is something the council should look to do full time,’ he said.

‘This continental feel will create a nice community here and it makes the customer feel like they’re on holiday. I think it’s brilliant.’

The closure stretches between Villiers Road and Osborne Road but will still allow deliveries before 11am.

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It’s been seen as a shot in the arm by Ionut Munteanu, who manages the newly-opened Vintage Eatery.

Dave Walker, general manager of Drift in Palmerston Road. Picture: Byron MeltonDave Walker, general manager of Drift in Palmerston Road. Picture: Byron Melton
Dave Walker, general manager of Drift in Palmerston Road. Picture: Byron Melton
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He said: ‘I’ve worked in Greece and Italy and this concept is really good.

Independent businesses have struggled throughout the pandemic and we’ve just opened, so this is going to help us.

‘Palmerston Road is known for mostly being busy on a Friday and Saturday but the timing of this with Eat Out to Help Out could change that.’

Ionut Munteanu, manager of The Vintage Eatery in Palmerston Road. Picture: Byron MeltonIonut Munteanu, manager of The Vintage Eatery in Palmerston Road. Picture: Byron Melton
Ionut Munteanu, manager of The Vintage Eatery in Palmerston Road. Picture: Byron Melton
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Matt Bond, deputy manager of recently revamped bar The Monarch, added: ‘Customers I’ve spoken to are missing an al fresco dining experience and I think Palmerston Road is the perfect site for it.’

Villiers Road’s one-way system has been temporarily suspended to allow disabled and resident parking.

A passing point for social distancing has also been introduced adjacent to Bonita’s, Soprano’s and Meat and Barrel.

Matt Bond, deputy manager of The Monarch, is in favour of the Portsmouth City Council initiative. Picture: Byron MeltonMatt Bond, deputy manager of The Monarch, is in favour of the Portsmouth City Council initiative. Picture: Byron Melton
Matt Bond, deputy manager of The Monarch, is in favour of the Portsmouth City Council initiative. Picture: Byron Melton

Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development, said the closure would be reviewed monthly.

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‘We appreciate as with all new schemes some people have concerns and we have tried hard to address these when developing the plans,’ he said.

‘As part of the consultations, residents reported some previous issues with anti-social behaviour and we are hoping closing the road to traffic and prioritising seated eating and drinking will have a positive impact, helping to create a relaxed atmosphere.’

Residents and businesses can report their concerns about the closure to the council’s business support team on (023) 9284 1641.

The initiative is being funded by the Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund from the European Regional Development Fund.

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