One of the other principal entrances to the Cathedral precinct is via Cathedral Close from Southernhay. Whilst this is intrinsically a much more attractive entrance than the western end of Cathedral Yard, it has for many years lacked presence. For visitors this lack of prominence can mean that the attractions of Cathedral Close are missed. There has been a desire for some time to create a much enhanced entrance from Southernhay.

The City and County Councils have been working with landowners to address the issues which will arise from restricting traffic movements into Chapel Street and improving pedestrian access. The proposal is to resolve these issues by creating a high quality pedestrian priority access from Southernhay, with the re-paving of the carriageway and removal of the parking spaces between Southernhay and Burnet Patch Bridge.

A second element is to re-pave the existing carriageway between Burnet Patch Bridge and the gate on Cathedral Close with small setts, possibly in porphyry, Yorkstone or other suitable stone.

The scheme would create a signed pedestrian priority route from Southernhay, with exemptions for those parking in private car parks at the rear of the Southernhay properties.

The existing granite flags (top) will be retained.  The existing riverbed cobbles (middle). An example of porphry setts (bottom)