New operators like Carluccio’s are a welcome addition to the North Laine and will attract new footfall to the area, as will the other restaurants in Jubilee Street, but Gardner Street traders are acutely aware that they have to compete.

The fear is that a new pedestrian flow pattern could emerge which will rob them of some of their market share as shoppers use Jubilee Street to access the northern reaches of the North Laine area.

Cosmopolitan Carluccio's dining

Cluttered Gardner Street

This was a possibility that was highlighted by the Business Forum when the plans for the new library complex were first mooted over a decade ago. In anticipation of the challenge the North Laine Traders Association worked with the local authority to upgrade the pavements and streetscape in Gardner Street.

Local Green councillor Simon Williams and Chief Executive of the Business Forum - Tony Mernagh - attended the meeting. Tony Mernagh explained how the inclusion of Gardner Street in the city centre Business Improvement District (BID) could deliver added attractions like more marketing, Christmas lights, events and promotions, increased cleaning and security which would go some way to helping meet the challenge of the Jubilee development.