Residents and tourists visiting Windsor will have a better sense of arrival this summer – thanks to the extensive refurbishment of the Coach Park footbridge, due to reopen on Tuesday 7 May, and upgrades at nine car parks.

The improvements to these transport gateways by the Royal Borough will help enhance the overall experience and welcome to Windsor town centre, as part of the wider “Vision for Windsor”, with the investment coming from Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The footbridge works have included refurbishment of the lift, cleaning and repainting of the steel structure, preventative maintenance and anti-corrosion works, installation of new lighting, and cleaning the Perspex canopy.

In January, the bridge had to be closed temporarily for this project and encapsulated in scaffolding due to proximity to a working railway platform. It is due to be completed, with removal of scaffolding getting underway following final repair and redecoration works.

Meanwhile, car park improvements are nearly complete at Alexandra Gardens, Alma Road, the Coach Park, Eton Court, Home Park, King Edward VII Avenue, Meadow Lane, River Street and Romney Lock.

User-friendly upgrades include re-lined bays, illuminated signage, and new shelters and lighting over payment machines. River Street has also been resurfaced and marked with six extra bays, while nine extra disabled bays have been created across Alexandra Gardens, Alma Road, Meadow Lane and River Street.

Councillor Amy Tisi, Cabinet member for children’s services, education and Windsor, said: “Improving gateways and arrival points is a key action within the ‘Vision for Windsor’, outlining how our community would like Windsor town centre to evolve into the future. We know that first impressions matter, and many visitors and residents alike arrive in the town centre via the car parks and Coach Park footbridge, so upgrading these important gateways will definitely improve their experiences and sense of welcome.

“Attention to the footbridge was long overdue. Repairs had to be completed before further deterioration and we worked to minimise impact for businesses. I’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience and I’m sure many of us look forward to walking across the fully refurbished bridge, which will serve the town well for many years to come.”

Councillor Geoff Hill, Cabinet member for highways and transport, customer service centre and employment, said: “The car parks will soon be the best they’ve been for years and I’m pleased we’ve been able to include some extra disabled bays too. We encourage people to walk or cycle for shorter journeys, wherever possible, however we know that’s not always possible for everyone all the time, so when people arrive by car these upgrades will make it a more user-friendly experience.”