Looking south to Canal Street. Maid Marian Way was developed from the late 1950s. Prior to this, no thoroughfare existed here. Post-War increases in traffic and enthusiasm for 'modern' city planning led to the redevelopment of the area between the bottom of Derby Road and Broadmarsh. Many of the old Medieval streets, which ran between the Castle Hill and the Market Square area, were cut though, and buildings demolished to made way for its development. Some buildings survived, such as The Salutation Inn, The Royal Children Pub, and St Nicholas' Church, but with their frontages much reduced. (There are many photographs of the old buildings and streets which can be seen on this web site). The result was the 1960s huge blocks of offices, large shops, like Tesco and their 'Green Shield Stamp' shop, and the unpopular pedestrian underpasses. The new road traffic system was successful with regard to the through flow of traffic, but on a human pedestrian scale, the area was not so successful, particularly after the closure of the Mount Street Bus Station. In the 1970s the road was voted to be 'One of the ugliest in Europe'!, and shops and offices were constantly changing traders or closing for business. In the 1980s the City Council started a programme to improve the area; flowers and trees were planted, and road crossings were improved giving better pedestrian access. Today, the road is still being developed (for the better): with the new tram lines incorporated into it; offices have been redeveloped into hotels; and it has many thriving shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. The old Tesco building now houses 'The Tales of Robin Hood' tourist attraction.
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