RACHEL LEVER welcomes
The new Priory Square
I quite like the new Priory Square. It’s an interesting and versatile bowl-shaped outdoor space that creates natural mini theatres, with beautiful street lighting, some steps and a little ledge to sit on, some young London Plane trees, even a noticeably handsome litter bin, and a couple of brilliant graffiti murals painted during the Coastal Currents Ethos Festival.
On a cool, still Friday night in September two rows of people perched quietly watching a set of intriguing and haunting short films accompanied by electric cellist Bela Emerson. Others stood around in small groups. It felt companionable and welcoming. At the back, two bikes had drifted over from the Pier to Eternity event, still decked out in festive fairy lights and one carrying a little garden of flowers complete with two gnomes in its basket.
Apparently the multi-storey car park across the street and other grim edifices are to go, and will make way for something bright and new. I can’t wait. Meanwhile, welcome to Priory Square: I think it’s going to be a popular haunt. Especially if a few more benches are added to make life easier.
Home Ground
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