New benches have been installed outside The Grafton Centre in Cambridge, providing more outdoor seating options as residents and visitors return to the city.
Found on Fitzroy Street, in front of Poundland, Holland & Barett and Card Factory, the benches comprise wooden picnic tables and attached seating, allowing the public to enjoy outside spaces this summer.
Benches had already been installed around Market Square, while solar-powered ‘smart bins’ have also been installed in busy city centre areas in order to decrease the cost of litter collection.
The picnic benches have been funded by part of a £710,000 grant given to the council and other city centre partners, including Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Fund.
The installation of the benches is hoped to encourage people into Cambridge city centre following the easing of lockdown restrictions, increasing the opportunities for people to eat, drink and socialise outdoors.
Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for climate change, environment and…
