Consultation Draft 1 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Consultation Draft 1 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Consultation Draft 1 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council
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STOKE-ON-TRENT CITY CENTRE<br />
PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>C<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong></str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Draft</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1
Foreword<br />
The North Staffordshire Regenerati<strong>on</strong> Partnership was established in March 2007 as a Regenerati<strong>on</strong> Body for the North Staffordshire c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong>. The NSRP is an unincorporated body which has <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<br />
<strong>Trent</strong>-<strong>on</strong> <strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>Council</strong> as its Accountable Body and brings together the regenerati<strong>on</strong> functi<strong>on</strong>s across North Staffordshire. The NSRP is working with its key Partners to translate its Strategic Objectives into<br />
the Priority Projects that need to be implemented.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre is located at the heart of the “North Staffordshire” sub-regi<strong>on</strong>. A populati<strong>on</strong> of approximately 500,000 people live within a 20 minute drive of the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Strategically located between<br />
the West Midlands and The North West, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre benefits from excellent transporati<strong>on</strong> links, with close proximity to major road and rail corridors and within an hour of four internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
airports. The Potteries / North Staffordshire c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong> is made up of six distinctive towns with the former town of Hanley designated as the sub regi<strong>on</strong>al <strong>City</strong> Centre. As a result of this polycentric formati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> has suffered for many years from a lack of clear identity and failure as a destinati<strong>on</strong> of choice in terms of its central <strong>City</strong> focus.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> Centre ec<strong>on</strong>omy is underperforming because it lacks the established diversity of uses seen in the archetypal <strong>City</strong> Centre; interc<strong>on</strong>nected and established areas of retail, offices, leisure, educati<strong>on</strong>, civic<br />
and residential uses supported by high quality public realm.<br />
This <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm Strategy presents a l<strong>on</strong>g term strategic visi<strong>on</strong> for the transformati<strong>on</strong> of the public realm of the <strong>City</strong> Centre, c<strong>on</strong>tributing to the development of <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> as a destinati<strong>on</strong> of<br />
choice in the l<strong>on</strong>g term.
STOKE-ON-TRENT CITY CENTRE PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY<br />
C<strong>on</strong>tents<br />
1: Introducti<strong>on</strong>, Purpose & How to Use 5<br />
2: Summary of Baseline Informati<strong>on</strong><br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong> 10<br />
Planning Policies 10<br />
Proposed Development Schemes 10<br />
Transportati<strong>on</strong> 11<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre Distinctiveness 11<br />
Public Spaces 11<br />
3: The Visi<strong>on</strong> 13<br />
4: Strategic Objectives<br />
Development of Strategic Objectives 17<br />
Emphasising Linkages 18<br />
Enhancing Local Distinctiveness 19<br />
The Materials Matrix & Spatial Hierarchy 21<br />
Excepti<strong>on</strong>al Public Realm Quality 21<br />
Sustainable Principles 22<br />
5: C<strong>on</strong>nectivity<br />
The Transport Hierarchy 26<br />
Pedestrian Friendly Streets 26<br />
Sustainable Transport Links 27<br />
Gateways 28<br />
Servicing & Parking 29<br />
6: Spatial Hierarchy<br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong> 32<br />
Spatial Hierarchy 32<br />
Main Squares 33<br />
Other Public Squares 38<br />
Green Spaces 46<br />
Feature Areas 50<br />
Pedestrian Friendly Streets 52<br />
Other Primary Streets 54<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>dary Streets 56<br />
Boulevard Streets 58<br />
Alleyways/Lanes 60<br />
Pedestrian & Cycle Crossing Points 61<br />
Roads & Open Car Parks 62<br />
7: Design Principles<br />
General Design Principles 64<br />
Shop Fr<strong>on</strong>tages & Advertising 64<br />
Lighting 65<br />
Hardworks 66<br />
Softworks 68<br />
Signage 69<br />
Street Furniture 70<br />
Public Art 72<br />
0<br />
C<strong>on</strong>tents
INTRODUCTION 1<br />
‘Public space is all around us, a vital part of everyday urban life: the street we pass through<br />
<strong>on</strong> the way to work, the places where children play, or where we encounter nature and wildlife;<br />
the local parks in which we enjoy sports, walk the dog or sit at lunch time; or simply,<br />
somewhere quiet to get away for a moment from the bustle of a busy daily life.<br />
In other words, public space is our open-air living room, or outdoor leisure centre.’<br />
The Value of Public Space, CABE Space, 2004<br />
1<br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong><br />
5
INTRODUCTION 1<br />
1.1 Why is this Public Realm Strategy important?<br />
The producti<strong>on</strong> of this Public Realm Strategy (PRS) and its parent<br />
Masterplan for the <strong>City</strong> Centre of <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> come at a time of<br />
unprecedented opportunity for the <strong>City</strong> Centre, with the c<strong>on</strong>tinuing<br />
focus <strong>on</strong> city regenerati<strong>on</strong> at a nati<strong>on</strong>al and regi<strong>on</strong>al level and significant<br />
public and private investment being marshalled and directed<br />
toward the <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong>. The masterplan and the<br />
public realm strategy aim to increase the quality of the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
as the commercial heart of North Staffordshire. The Area Acti<strong>on</strong><br />
Plan for the <strong>City</strong> Centre sets out a target date of 2026 for successful<br />
delivery of improvements to the public realm.<br />
1.2 What is the public realm strategy for?<br />
As part of the <strong>City</strong> Centre Masterplan, the Public Realm Strategy<br />
has been prepared to give advice for use by a cross secti<strong>on</strong> of<br />
people who have a stake in the <strong>City</strong> Centre, but primarily for those<br />
involved in designing elements of it, those who will invest in it and<br />
those with resp<strong>on</strong>sibility for managing change and ensuring its upkeep<br />
and stewardship.<br />
The Public Realm Strategy is supported by two other documents,<br />
as follows:-<br />
1. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm - Supporting Baseline<br />
Document (please refer to paragraph 1.3 for further detail)<br />
2. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm - Supporting Technical<br />
Manual (please refer to paragraph 1.4 for further detail)<br />
All three documents are intended to inform each other, but each<br />
document will be used by specific user groups. They describe the<br />
issues, proposed resp<strong>on</strong>se and technical details. The three documents<br />
comprising the PRS should be read as an essential comp<strong>on</strong>ent<br />
of <strong>City</strong> Centre Masterplan. All three documents are intended<br />
to be adopted as supplementary planning documents.<br />
This document is the <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm<br />
Strategy.<br />
1.2 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm Strategy<br />
This Public Realm Strategy details the strategic principles that will<br />
transform the public realm within the <strong>City</strong> Centre. It sets out the<br />
following:-<br />
1. an aspirati<strong>on</strong>al visi<strong>on</strong> for the transformati<strong>on</strong> of the public realm<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre that is achievable.<br />
2. strategic objectives that inform the more detailed proposals for<br />
the public realm<br />
3. proposals to achieve maximum c<strong>on</strong>nectivity across the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre, whilst accommodating a variety of transport choices<br />
4. a hierarchy of spaces (including site specific principles for key<br />
civic spaces) that supports the ec<strong>on</strong>omic development of the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
5. general design principles for specific elements within the public<br />
realm<br />
The public realm strategy is intended for use by a variety of users.<br />
It gives clear guidance to design c<strong>on</strong>sultants for design quality<br />
within the public realm associated with private sector development<br />
proposals and public sector implementati<strong>on</strong>. It will significantly<br />
help to attract funding from external bodies for implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
of the public realm by the NSRP. It will inform decisi<strong>on</strong>s made by<br />
NSRP officers relating to development c<strong>on</strong>trol. It will also inform<br />
politicians, developers and the general public of the proposed<br />
changes to the public realm of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
It is vitally important to stitch all of the major projects together with<br />
a programme of relevant high quality public realm works. The<br />
public realm implementati<strong>on</strong> is crucial in order to achieve a safe,<br />
attractive and accessible <strong>City</strong> Centre envir<strong>on</strong>ment. This will be<br />
achieved by establishing a clear set of design principles which run<br />
throughout the <strong>City</strong> Centre area. The principles should reinforce<br />
the character and identity of the <strong>City</strong> Centre whilst creating a true<br />
sense of place.<br />
1.3 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm - Supporting<br />
Baseline Document<br />
The baseline document is a supporting document to the public realm<br />
strategy. It gathers together informati<strong>on</strong> that is relevant to the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre at the time of drafting, as follows:-<br />
1. outline of current planning policies that will affect the future development<br />
of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
2. references current transport policies that need to be supported in<br />
the development of the public realm.<br />
3. illustrates proposed major development schemes that have<br />
already been commissi<strong>on</strong>ed that will need to be c<strong>on</strong>sidered in the<br />
development of the public realm within the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
4. assessment of the <strong>City</strong> Centre and quality of the existing public<br />
realm.<br />
5. urban design analysis of key public spaces<br />
It serves as an evidence base that supports the proposals c<strong>on</strong>tained<br />
within the public realm strategy. Primarily it is intended for use by<br />
members of the <strong>City</strong> <strong>Council</strong>. They will refer to the document when<br />
addressing issues of planning policy and development c<strong>on</strong>trol. The<br />
document can also be referred to in planning appeals.<br />
It will also serve as a reference document for politicians, c<strong>on</strong>sultants,<br />
designers and the general public.<br />
6
INTRODUCTION 1<br />
1.4 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm - Technical<br />
Manual<br />
The technical appendix details the following informati<strong>on</strong>:-<br />
1. specificati<strong>on</strong> of appropriate materials and products<br />
2. implementati<strong>on</strong> of improvements to the public realm up to the<br />
period of 2026<br />
3. whole life costings to determine the cost of ownership in the l<strong>on</strong>g<br />
term, including maintenance<br />
4. principles of maintenance of the public realm <strong>on</strong>ce it has been<br />
implemented.<br />
This document is intended for use by members of the North Staffordshire<br />
Regenerati<strong>on</strong> Partnership (NSRP) who are resp<strong>on</strong>sible for<br />
the delivery of the regenerati<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Design c<strong>on</strong>sultants<br />
will refer to the specificati<strong>on</strong> of materials and products for individual<br />
proposed schemes. Development c<strong>on</strong>trol officers will refer<br />
to the technical manual when assessing applicati<strong>on</strong>s for approval of<br />
planning c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s relating to materials. The <strong>City</strong> Centre management<br />
team will use the document to inform the development and<br />
delivery of future maintenance programmes for the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
BASELINE<br />
Regenerati<strong>on</strong> C<strong>on</strong>text, including<br />
- planning and transport policies<br />
- proposed schemes<br />
- public realm c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> report<br />
PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY<br />
Proposals for public realm enhancements,<br />
including<br />
- visi<strong>on</strong><br />
- strategic objectives<br />
- c<strong>on</strong>nectivity<br />
- spatial hierarchy<br />
- general design principles<br />
TECHNICAL MANUAL<br />
Detailed informati<strong>on</strong> including<br />
- product and materials specificati<strong>on</strong><br />
- implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
- whole life costings<br />
- management and maintenance<br />
7
BASELINE SUMMARY 2<br />
2<br />
Baseline Summary<br />
9
BASELINE SUMMARY 2<br />
3.1 Introducti<strong>on</strong><br />
The development of the public realm within the <strong>City</strong> Centre will<br />
need to align with the baseline informati<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tained within the<br />
supporting baseline document. In summary the baseline informati<strong>on</strong><br />
can be categorised as follows:-<br />
1. planning policies and best practice principles<br />
2. proposed development schemes<br />
3. transportati<strong>on</strong> issues<br />
4. analysis of local distinctiveness and assessment of the public<br />
realm<br />
5. urban design analysis of key public spaces<br />
3.2 Planning Policies and Best Practice Principles<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al Policies and Best Practice Guidance<br />
By way of policy summary, the following nati<strong>on</strong>al policy documents<br />
have informed the development of the public realm<br />
strategy:-<br />
1. PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development<br />
2. The compani<strong>on</strong> guide to PPG1 By Design – Urban Design in<br />
the Planning System: Towards Better Practice<br />
3. PPS3: Housing<br />
4. By Design: Better Places to Live<br />
5. Building for Life<br />
6. PPS6: Planning for Town Centres<br />
7. Planning for Town Centres: Guidance <strong>on</strong> Design and Implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
tools<br />
8. PPS 9: Biodiversity and Geological C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
9. PPG13: Transport<br />
10. Manual for Streets<br />
11. PPG15: Planning and the Historic Envir<strong>on</strong>ment<br />
12. PPS 22: Renewable Energy<br />
13. PPS 25: Development and Flood Risk<br />
14. The Housing Market Renewal Programme<br />
15. <strong>City</strong> Centres and Liveability<br />
West Midlands Regi<strong>on</strong>al Policies<br />
The following regi<strong>on</strong>al strategies have also been c<strong>on</strong>sidered in<br />
the development of the public realm strategy:-<br />
1. West Midlands Regi<strong>on</strong>al Ec<strong>on</strong>omic Strategy (RES)<br />
West Midlands Regi<strong>on</strong>al Spatial Strategy (RSS)<br />
3.3 Proposed Development Schemes<br />
The following proposed major development schemes are located<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre and work is already underway to deliver<br />
them.<br />
1. Transport Interchange<br />
2. East West Centre<br />
3. Central Business District<br />
4. Tesco Superstore & Waterloo Gateway<br />
5. Enhancements to Potteries Ring Road<br />
Implementati<strong>on</strong> of the above schemes is expected to follow in the<br />
short to medium term.<br />
There are five proposed major development schemes that are<br />
located outside of the <strong>City</strong> Centre boundary, but will complement<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Centre, as follows:-<br />
6. University Boulevard<br />
7. University Quarter<br />
8. <strong>City</strong> Waterside<br />
9. Shelt<strong>on</strong><br />
10. Forest Park & Cobridge<br />
The enhancements to the public realm will emphasise linkages to<br />
these proposed developments.<br />
More detail <strong>on</strong> these schemes is given in the <strong>City</strong> Centre Masterplan<br />
and supporting baseline document.<br />
3.4 North Staffordshire Local policies and design guides<br />
The following local policy documents have informed the development<br />
of the public realm strategy at a more detailed level<br />
2. The NSRP Business Plan<br />
3. Newcastle-under-Lyme and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> Core Spatial<br />
Strategy<br />
4. <strong>City</strong> Centre and Etruria Road Corridor Area Acti<strong>on</strong> Plan<br />
5. Development Framework and Investment Strategy (2005)<br />
6. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Masterplan<br />
7. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> Design Guide (SPD)<br />
10
BASELINE SUMMARY 2<br />
3.4 Transportati<strong>on</strong> Issues<br />
The local highways authority has outlined a hierarchy of users<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre that the public realm needs to support, as<br />
follows:-<br />
1. pedestrians (to include mobility impaired)<br />
2. cyclists<br />
3. public transport (including taxis)<br />
4. goods servicing vehicles<br />
5. private vehicles<br />
The local highways authority has identified the following issues<br />
that will need to be addressed in the development of the public<br />
realm for the <strong>City</strong> Centre that will support the above outlined<br />
hierarchy:-<br />
1. Pedestrian friendly streets<br />
2. Sustainable transport linkages and transport choices<br />
3. key gateways and arrival points to the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
4. parking and servicing<br />
The baseline document provides more detail in relati<strong>on</strong> to transportati<strong>on</strong><br />
issues. Notably, facilities for public transport will be improved<br />
through the c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> of a new transport interchange,<br />
and existing bus routes throughout the <strong>City</strong> Centre will be reviewed.<br />
A rapid bus system will improve linkages to the rail stati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Landscape improvements to the Potteries Way are already<br />
underway and proposals are being drafted for phase 2 improvements,<br />
including works to the northern approach into Town Road<br />
and pedestrian crossings from Northwood.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> has been desigated as a Cycle city, reflecting the<br />
potential of cycling in the <strong>City</strong> and promoting resources to provide<br />
enhanced cycling facilities. There are over 120km of newly<br />
surfaced cycle routes in <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong>, of which 80km is off<br />
road, utilising green ways, canal towpaths and river paths. The<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre Masterplan and public realm strategy will build up<strong>on</strong><br />
this potential by providing good quality cycle routes and<br />
way finding through the centre linking to the<br />
existing facilities and to existing residential centres<br />
and other attracti<strong>on</strong>s and destinati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
3.5 Local Distinctiveness & Existing Public Realm<br />
The approach to the public realm strategy looks to build <strong>on</strong> local<br />
distinctiveness, in order to promote a str<strong>on</strong>g character to the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre in the l<strong>on</strong>g term that clearly disinguishes it from other<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>al <strong>City</strong> Centres. An extensive analysis of local distinctiveness<br />
has been undertaken.<br />
A baseline analysis of the quality of the existing public realm is<br />
also c<strong>on</strong>tained within the baseline document. The public realm<br />
strategy has been developed to address the key issues and opportunities<br />
outlined in the baseline analysis of the existing public<br />
realm.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> Centre Masterplan and public realm strategy will build<br />
up<strong>on</strong> this potential by providing good quality cycle routes and<br />
way finding through the centre linking to the<br />
existing facilities and to existing residential centres<br />
and other attracti<strong>on</strong>s and destinati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
3.6 Public Spaces<br />
A series of urban design analyses of existing public spaces has<br />
been undertaken with a view to identifying positive and negative<br />
attributes that are specific to each public space. The proposals<br />
for the public realm will seek to promote the positive attributes of<br />
these key spaces, whilst minimising or addressing negative attributes.<br />
These improvements seek to enhance ease of wayfinding<br />
and legibiltiy within the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
The public spaces that have been analysed include the follow-<br />
ing:-<br />
1. Fountain Square<br />
2. Market Square<br />
3. T<strong>on</strong>tine Square<br />
4. Parliament Square<br />
5. Crown Bank<br />
6. Albi<strong>on</strong> Square<br />
7. Town Hall<br />
8. Bethesda Triangle<br />
9. Bethesda Churchyard and Gardens (to be extended in to the<br />
Central Business District)<br />
Additi<strong>on</strong>ally, it is proposed to create new public spaces at the<br />
following locati<strong>on</strong>s:-<br />
10. Boothroyd Street (entrance to Victoria Hall), subject to implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
and delivery of the Transport Interchange and East<br />
West.<br />
11. Town Road (adjacent to St. John’s Church)<br />
12. East West Courtyard<br />
The locati<strong>on</strong>s of these public spaces are shown in Chapter 6:<br />
Hierarchy of Spaces.<br />
11
BASELINE SUMMARY 2<br />
Existing street plan of the <strong>City</strong> Centre (NTS)<br />
12
THE VISION 3<br />
The <strong>City</strong> Centre public realm shall be outstanding and inspirati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
in the quality of design.<br />
The quality of the public realm will be a defining characteristic<br />
of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
The public realm will help to create a sustainable <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
core with a coherent sequence of streets and spaces.<br />
The public realm shall be exemplary and win internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
acclaim<br />
Inspirati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Sustainable<br />
Exemplary<br />
Transforming<br />
3<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
13
THE VISION 3<br />
4<br />
Visi<strong>on</strong> Plan<br />
3.1 The Visi<strong>on</strong> Statement<br />
Central Forest<br />
Park<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
The visi<strong>on</strong> for the public realm within the <strong>City</strong> Centre is to promote <strong>City</strong> Centre life by providing an inspirati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
series of linked public spaces and streetscapes that can accommodate major events and festivals,<br />
in additi<strong>on</strong> to providing a high level of good quality amenity space that local residents can use and<br />
enjoy with their friends and family in a safe, accessible and attractive <strong>City</strong> Centre envir<strong>on</strong>ment.<br />
The sustainable development of the public realm underpins the proposals at all levels, from envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong>s, to ec<strong>on</strong>omic c<strong>on</strong>cerns and community issues. Strategically, the public realm strategy<br />
aims to link surrounding residential communities back to the <strong>City</strong> Centre, in order to create a vibrant and<br />
easily accessible, yet safe urban core at all times of the day. The excepti<strong>on</strong>ally high quality of design<br />
within the public realm will provide an attractive envir<strong>on</strong>ment that will persuade regi<strong>on</strong>al visitors to choose<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre as a regi<strong>on</strong>al destinati<strong>on</strong>. The public realm will support the development<br />
of existing and proposed commercial schemes that have been identified as key regenerators within the<br />
transformati<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>City</strong> Centre, building c<strong>on</strong>fidence for investors. A str<strong>on</strong>g emphasis has been placed<br />
<strong>on</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>mental quality and life cycle costs, management and maintenance, to ensure that the delivery<br />
of improvements to the public realm will be l<strong>on</strong>g lasting.<br />
The c<strong>on</strong>sistency of materials will promote local distinctiveness within the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Locally distinctive<br />
buildings have been strategically identified and the public realm will enhance these assets within the<br />
urban core. The public realm will promote a true sense of place.<br />
Ultimately, it is intended that the delivery of public realm enhancements, as detailed in the design principles<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tained in this document, will provide a l<strong>on</strong>g term legacy for the residents of <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong>.<br />
KEY<br />
Main public square<br />
Other public square<br />
Green space<br />
Feature Area<br />
Pedestrian friendly street<br />
Other primary streets<br />
Alleyways/lanes<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>dary street<br />
Pedestrian and cycle crossing point<br />
Major pedestrian and cycle crossing point (refer to chapter 5)<br />
Existing parks<br />
Green z<strong>on</strong>e (green roofs, green walls, tree and hedge planting)<br />
Street trees and boulevards<br />
green link between existing parks<br />
Cald<strong>on</strong> Canal Way<br />
Existing ring road<br />
Hanley Park<br />
Open car park<br />
Proposed extensi<strong>on</strong> to ring road<br />
15 14
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
linkages<br />
local distinctiveness<br />
materials matrix<br />
outstanding quality of design<br />
sustainable principles<br />
Strategic Objectives<br />
4<br />
15
4<br />
16 17
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
4.1 The Development of Strategic Objectives<br />
The development of strategic approaches is required in order to justify<br />
and inform the design rati<strong>on</strong>ale for improvements to the public realm.<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> sets out those strategic objectives.<br />
Strategic Objectives<br />
1. Linkages<br />
Emphasise important linkages, including<br />
links between retail & employment<br />
anchors and links to surrounding<br />
residential communities, in<br />
order to maximise accessibility and<br />
wayfinding.<br />
2. Local Distinctiveness<br />
Enhance local distinctiveness, so that<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> develops a str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>al identity<br />
3. Materials Matrix<br />
Develop a materials matrix, in order<br />
to articulate the hierarchy of public<br />
spaces<br />
4. Excepti<strong>on</strong>al Quality<br />
Achieve outstanding quality of design<br />
within the spaces and streets in the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre that supports outdoor<br />
amenity use and the hosting of major<br />
events and festivals, in additi<strong>on</strong><br />
to reversing negative percepti<strong>on</strong>s of<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong><br />
5. Sustainable Principles<br />
Incorporate sustainable principles<br />
into the public realm, including green<br />
infrastructure that will mitigate against<br />
climate changes in the foreseeable<br />
future, sustainable transport links that<br />
allow for choice of transport modes<br />
and management and maintenance.<br />
public art promotes spatial identity<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine Street<br />
Classic paving b<strong>on</strong>d using simple<br />
paving module<br />
Feature lighting<br />
Public amenity use<br />
17
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
4.2 Emphasising Linkages<br />
There are numerous existing and proposed assets within the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre that need to be linked closely, in order to ensure the successul<br />
regenerati<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>City</strong> Centre. These linkages need to<br />
be clearly defined, in order to maximise accessibility and wayfinding.<br />
The enhancements to the public realm will achieve these<br />
enhanced linkages and promote the full offer that the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
is intended to have.<br />
Existing Assets<br />
Existing assets within and in close proximity to the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
are listed as follows:-<br />
• the retail heart (incl. Stafford Street & Parliament Row)<br />
• Potteries Shopping Centre<br />
• existing Cultural Quarter, to include the Museum, Art Gallery<br />
& Library, Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall<br />
• Surrounding residential areas<br />
• Central Forest Park and the Historic Hanley Park<br />
Proposed Major Developments<br />
The following proposed major development schemes are located<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre and work is already underway to deliver<br />
them.<br />
1. <strong>City</strong> Centre Transport Interchange<br />
2. East West Centre<br />
3. Central Business District<br />
4. New Tesco Superstore & Waterloo Gateway<br />
5. Enhancements to Potteries Way Ring Road<br />
6. Cycle <strong>City</strong> Initiatives<br />
Implementati<strong>on</strong> of the above schemes is expected to follow in the<br />
short to medium term.<br />
There are four proposed major development schemes that are<br />
located outside of the <strong>City</strong> Centre boundary, but will complement<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Centre, as follows:-<br />
7. University Boulevard & associated street car linking to wider<br />
c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong> of North Staffordshire<br />
8. University Quarter<br />
9. <strong>City</strong> Waterside, Derby Street linkage & associated Cald<strong>on</strong><br />
Canal Way enhancements<br />
10. Shelt<strong>on</strong> and associated Acorn development.<br />
18 19
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
4.3 Enhancing Local Distinctiveness<br />
The public realm needs to play a part in enhancing local distinctiveness, so that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> develops a str<strong>on</strong>g regi<strong>on</strong>al identity. An assessment of local distinctiveness has been included within the baseline<br />
document supporting this public realm strategy.<br />
Historic building traditi<strong>on</strong>s often have a large impact up<strong>on</strong> local distinctiveness. The Victorian traditi<strong>on</strong> of emphasising corner building elevati<strong>on</strong>s with high quality detailing, combined with the use of readily available<br />
local materials provide a str<strong>on</strong>g starting point for highlighting key points within the <strong>City</strong> Centre and aiding wayfinding. The plan opposite shows the locati<strong>on</strong> of distinctive corner buildings within the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
that need to be highlighted through public realm treatments and owner/occupier investment.<br />
The development of the <strong>City</strong> Centre should embrace this traditi<strong>on</strong> of corner elevati<strong>on</strong>s, particularly where proposed new developments are located adjacent to key streets.<br />
The T<strong>on</strong>tine Building<br />
The Town Hall Former Waterboard Offices Former Teleph<strong>on</strong>e Exchange<br />
Metro Bar<br />
19
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong> of distinctive corner buildings<br />
The plan opposite shows identified locati<strong>on</strong>s of traditi<strong>on</strong>al historic<br />
buildings. The corner buildings occur within a very short walking<br />
distance of each other and help to define local character. They<br />
include the following buildings:-<br />
1. Lloyds Bank & associated retail premises<br />
2. The T<strong>on</strong>tine Building<br />
3. The Post Office & Webberleys<br />
4. The Market Tavern & Stafford Yard<br />
5. Metro Bar<br />
6. HSBC Bank<br />
7. The Town Hall<br />
8. Former Waterboard Offices<br />
9. The Former Teleph<strong>on</strong>e Exchange<br />
10. The Quality Hotel<br />
10<br />
6<br />
5<br />
1<br />
9<br />
2<br />
4<br />
3<br />
8<br />
7<br />
20 21
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
4.4 The Materials Matrix & Spatial Hierarchy<br />
A hierarchy of spaces and streets has been developed, in order<br />
to promote ease of wayfinding, as follows:-<br />
Focal Areas<br />
• Main Squares<br />
• Other Public Squares<br />
• Green Spaces<br />
• Feature Areas<br />
Retail Streets<br />
• Pedestrian Friendly Streets<br />
• Other Primary Streets<br />
• Alleyways/Lanes<br />
• Boulevard Streets<br />
Key Linkages<br />
• Sec<strong>on</strong>dary Streets<br />
• Pedestrian Crossing Points<br />
• Roads & Open Car Parks<br />
• Super Stops for Public Transport<br />
A materials matrix has been developed, in order to articulate the<br />
hierarchy of public spaces and streets. This matrix is illustrated<br />
in Chapter 7: Design Principles, and should be referred to for<br />
further detail.<br />
A basic materials palette will be selected to provide a c<strong>on</strong>sistent<br />
surface treatment throughout the <strong>City</strong> Centre. As the importance<br />
of the space increases, the quality of the public realm treatments<br />
are enhanced and additi<strong>on</strong>al design interventi<strong>on</strong>s are added with<br />
a view to creating visual interest.<br />
The design of main squares shall be of such importance that a<br />
complete departure from the selected materials palette may be<br />
acceptable in order to deliver an excepti<strong>on</strong>ally high quality, internati<strong>on</strong>ally<br />
acclaimed scheme, whilst still maintaining the overall<br />
character.<br />
4.5 Excepti<strong>on</strong>al Public Realm Quality<br />
In order to promote a positive image of the <strong>City</strong> Centre, and reverse<br />
negative percepti<strong>on</strong>s of <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong>, it is imperative that<br />
the proposed quality of the public realm is excepti<strong>on</strong>ally high.<br />
The quality of the public realm will be <strong>on</strong>e of the factors that will<br />
challenge existing negative percepti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
The delivery of high quality streetscapes will also facilitate ownership<br />
by local residents and encourage amenity use, in additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
facilitating the hosting of major events and festivals that the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre currently struggles to accommodate.<br />
These benefits will result in a busy and vibrant town centre that<br />
feels safe to use and pleasant to be in.<br />
In order to provide a l<strong>on</strong>g lasting legacy, stewardship of the public<br />
realm should be c<strong>on</strong>sidered at the design stage, and provisi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
made for l<strong>on</strong>g term maintenance.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>trasting paviours<br />
Walkway feature<br />
For example, sec<strong>on</strong>dary streets shall incorporate the required<br />
paving materials palette and necessary signage <strong>on</strong>ly. Rising up<br />
the spatial hierarchy, design proposals for public spaces shall<br />
provide for feature paving materials, feature lighting, signage and<br />
adapted street furniture (incorporating public art).<br />
Tree planting within the street<br />
21
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
4.6 Sustainable Principles<br />
The regenerati<strong>on</strong> agenda provides a great opportunity to incorporate<br />
sustainable principles into the public realm that address<br />
community, ec<strong>on</strong>omic and envir<strong>on</strong>mental issues.<br />
Community Issues<br />
On a community level, ease of access to high quality amenity<br />
facilities and amenity space is addressed in the first strategic<br />
objective proposed, by emphasising linkages to surrounding residential<br />
areas.<br />
On a more detailed level, inclusive access underpins the improvements<br />
to public realm proposals, by substantially reducing<br />
street clutter, incorporating hazard warning materials within<br />
surfaces and revising levels to achieve maximum 1:21 gradients<br />
where achievable.<br />
The public realm proposals seek to enhance the <strong>City</strong> Centre’s<br />
local distinctiveness through the development of a visible brand<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre public realm. The public realm will also<br />
provide opportunities for observati<strong>on</strong> and resting places. Public<br />
art and community facilities will engender the values of local<br />
people.<br />
Ec<strong>on</strong>omic Growth & Employment<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre currently comprises mainly retail with<br />
associated small businesses. Limited but important leisure uses<br />
are available but are not supported by a broad mix of leisure uses.<br />
Parking is also a significant land use within the <strong>City</strong> Centre although<br />
it is currently under-utilised.<br />
The NSRP objectives intend to redress the balance by creating<br />
opportunities for business development, increased leisure uses<br />
and employment opportunities. Additi<strong>on</strong>ally, work is currently<br />
<strong>on</strong>going in developing the North Staffordshire brand . Following<br />
<strong>on</strong> from this will be the development of a clear and structured <strong>City</strong><br />
wide destinati<strong>on</strong> marketing strategy to provide a robust platform<br />
from which to build both external profile and local pride.<br />
The existing Potteries Shopping Centre and proposed East-West<br />
Centre within the <strong>City</strong> Centre will result in a str<strong>on</strong>g retail dumb<br />
bell effect that will envelop the retail heart. This retail heart will be<br />
emphasised using high quality public realm materials.<br />
A str<strong>on</strong>g link will be provided from the new Tesco superstore al<strong>on</strong>g<br />
Clough Street, Brunswick Street and Albi<strong>on</strong> Street, in order to<br />
highlight the supporting role that the store will provide to the existing<br />
retail core.<br />
Tesco<br />
Central<br />
Business<br />
District<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
East-West<br />
Centre<br />
Improvements to shop fr<strong>on</strong>tages and retail units will promote a<br />
quality shopping experience, whilst public realm enhancements<br />
will articulate appropriate spaces for <strong>on</strong> street trading and commercial<br />
activities to animate the streetscape. Provisi<strong>on</strong> for service<br />
c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s and anchor points for <strong>on</strong> street activities will be<br />
designed and built in.<br />
Illustrative Anchor Retail & Employment Layout<br />
The development of Trinity Square and Town Road will also increase<br />
retail opportunities, and promote niche markets and artisan<br />
products that will add character to the street.<br />
The combined effect of the existing and proposed retail is shown<br />
<strong>on</strong> the figure diagram opposite.<br />
22 23
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4<br />
Envir<strong>on</strong>mental Issues<br />
Envir<strong>on</strong>mental quality should be supported through a variety of<br />
measures, including the delivery of green infrastructure and sustainable<br />
transport opti<strong>on</strong>s. Green infrastructure provides natural<br />
cooling and shelter from extreme weather c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s within the<br />
streetscape. It also helps to alleviate the carb<strong>on</strong> footprint of commercial<br />
businesses in the l<strong>on</strong>g term, in additi<strong>on</strong> to providing an<br />
attractive envir<strong>on</strong>ment. Green infrastructure can be enhanced<br />
through street tree planting, hedging, green walls and green<br />
roofs.<br />
Softworks - incorporated to reinforce the creati<strong>on</strong> of a green<br />
character of the <strong>City</strong> Centre and sense of place. Trees located<br />
in hard paved areas should have provisi<strong>on</strong> for maximum growing<br />
c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s in order to provide l<strong>on</strong>gevity and good quality trees<br />
that serve to minimise extreme climate variati<strong>on</strong>s. Specificati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
should include for the correct selecti<strong>on</strong> of tree and plant<br />
species, planted in the right c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s with proper maintenance<br />
procedures in order to maximise the life cycle of the trees. Use<br />
of native species will be encouraged, although final selecti<strong>on</strong> of<br />
plant species should be appropriate to the scheme and ensure<br />
successful establishment.<br />
Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) should be used in<br />
large hard surfaced areas, including car parking across the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre, by way of addressing water management and future<br />
proofing the <strong>City</strong> Centre from flooding.<br />
Given the extent of the <strong>City</strong> Centre that is currently cleared for<br />
regenerati<strong>on</strong> purposes, or about to be cleared, this is an unprecedented<br />
opportunity to create a truly sustainable <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
within a very short time frame.<br />
Opti<strong>on</strong>s for transport modes need to be increased, including<br />
provisi<strong>on</strong> for sustainable transport links, in order to reverse the<br />
current trend of over reliance <strong>on</strong> the private car by historic development.<br />
The provisi<strong>on</strong> of excellent cycling facilities (to support<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Cycle Initiative that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>Council</strong> are<br />
implementing) and public transport provisi<strong>on</strong> is required, in order<br />
to achieve this objective. High quality public realm treatments<br />
will help to make these opti<strong>on</strong>s more attractive.<br />
The public realm highlights key sustainable transport links, including<br />
links to surrounding residential areas, str<strong>on</strong>g links to the<br />
Cald<strong>on</strong> Canal Way and extended cycle network for cyclists, attractive<br />
arrival points, particularly for Street Car users and the development<br />
of the Transport Interchange (appropriately positi<strong>on</strong>ed<br />
<strong>on</strong> the fringe of the <strong>City</strong> Centre, but allowing easy access to the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre). These links have been highlighted with a view to<br />
increasing accessibility whilst reducing car dependence and traffic<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Enhancements to primary and sec<strong>on</strong>dary routes will also emphasise<br />
quick pedestrian routes across the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Car parking<br />
will observe benchmark guidance set out in the Park Mark Safer<br />
Parking Assessment Guidelines. C<strong>on</strong>flicts between pedestrian<br />
and vehicular users shall be minimised.<br />
Public realm improvements intended to enhance legibility will<br />
also improve the percepti<strong>on</strong> of a safer envir<strong>on</strong>ment, as pedestrians<br />
and cyclists will be able to form a more immediate understanding<br />
of the structure of the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Liais<strong>on</strong> with the Staffordshire<br />
Police Architectural Liais<strong>on</strong> Officer will be a requirement<br />
in the development process for major developments.<br />
Design needs to work <strong>on</strong> different levels from form and functi<strong>on</strong><br />
to flexibility and durability.<br />
Surfaces - use of good quality natural materials to provide a<br />
durable surface. Paving installati<strong>on</strong> should be future proofed to<br />
allow for anticipated uses such as vehicular over-run, events and<br />
street trading uses. Materials should be sourced locally where<br />
possible. Materials should be assessed under the life cycle assessment,<br />
in order to evaluate and ultimately reduce the envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
impacts of specific materials.<br />
The development of a specific lighting scheme will be crucial<br />
to a reducti<strong>on</strong> in crime and the promoti<strong>on</strong> of a safe and secure<br />
place to be. When appropriately installed, lighting will reduce<br />
anti-social behaviour by improving general levels of illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
and quality of colour renditi<strong>on</strong>. This will enhance the sense of<br />
safety and security within the <strong>City</strong> Centre at night time. Lighting<br />
polluti<strong>on</strong> will be reduced and low energy bulbs will reduce energy<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong>. Lighting installati<strong>on</strong> shall be in accordance with<br />
current British Standards.<br />
23
CONNECTIVITY 5<br />
5<br />
C<strong>on</strong>nectivity<br />
25
CONNECTIVITY 5<br />
5.1 The Transport Hierarchy<br />
Currently, there is no adopted transport strategy to support the<br />
regenerati<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>City</strong> Centre. However, the Highways Authority<br />
have requested that the public realm supports a hierarchy of<br />
users within the <strong>City</strong> Centre, as follows:-<br />
1. pedestrians (to include mobility impaired)<br />
2. cyclists<br />
3. public transport (including taxis)<br />
4. goods servicing vehicles<br />
5. private vehicles<br />
It is intended that design interventi<strong>on</strong>s within the public realm<br />
supporting a range of transport modes will promote a choice of<br />
transport opti<strong>on</strong>s, reducing reliance <strong>on</strong> the private car.<br />
Waterloo<br />
Road<br />
Tesco<br />
6<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
12<br />
3<br />
8<br />
7<br />
4<br />
5<br />
2<br />
1<br />
9<br />
10 11<br />
East/<br />
West<br />
13 Centre<br />
5.2 Pedestrian Friendly Streets<br />
Pedestrian friendly streets<br />
These designated streets allow for unimpeded access to pedestrians<br />
within the whole street, rather than just a defined pavement,<br />
whilst allowing for emergency and loading access. Vehicular<br />
access is currently managed. It is the l<strong>on</strong>g term objective that<br />
the following streets will provide pedestrian friendly streets during<br />
working hours:-<br />
1. Upper Parliament Row<br />
2. Upper Market & Market Square<br />
3. Lamb Street<br />
4. Fountain Square<br />
5. T<strong>on</strong>tine Square & Upper T<strong>on</strong>tine Street<br />
6. Piccadilly<br />
7. Market Lane<br />
8. Stafford Street*<br />
9. Percy Street<br />
10. Lower T<strong>on</strong>tine Street<br />
11. Old Hall Street<br />
12. Albi<strong>on</strong> Street<br />
13. Upper Lichfield Street*<br />
(* bus services may operate)<br />
Existing restricted access<br />
These streets have been chosen to support the major assets of<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Centre and to promote linkages to existing and proposed<br />
major developments. All pedestrian friendly streets should allow<br />
for restricted access to facilitate emergency access and servicing.<br />
The design should define carriageways where appropriate<br />
to guide service vehicles and paving should be designed to withstand<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>al heavy loading. Enforcement of restricted access<br />
will be required for restricted vehicular access areas, initially<br />
through the use of retractable bollards at appropriate points.<br />
Further detail is given <strong>on</strong> typical street layouts in secti<strong>on</strong> 6 of this<br />
document.<br />
Pedestrian Crossings<br />
Pedestrian crossings should be emphasised through the use of<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trasting surface treatments to the main carriageway, lighting<br />
and signage. Street clutter should be reduced where possible.<br />
Crossing points <strong>on</strong> the Ring Road will be important to link surrounding<br />
residential communities. Crossing points within the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre will also need to be addressed where restricted access<br />
is not in operati<strong>on</strong>, particularly al<strong>on</strong>g Marsh Street and Broad<br />
Street. All pedestrian crossings need to incorporate inclusive access<br />
elements in a sensitive yet effective way.<br />
Further detail is given <strong>on</strong> typical pedestrian crossing layouts in<br />
secti<strong>on</strong> 6 of this document.<br />
CBD<br />
Proposed restricted access<br />
Major commercial anchor<br />
Plan showing existing and proposed pedestrian friendly streets (NTS)<br />
26
CONNECTIVITY 5<br />
5.3 Sustainable Transport Links<br />
Public Transport<br />
Kidsgrove<br />
Central Forest Park<br />
Wider c<strong>on</strong>nectivity to the c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong> of North Staffordshire will<br />
be achieved through the development of the Street Car (rapid<br />
transport bus), in additi<strong>on</strong> to revised bus routes and associated<br />
bus stops. Cycle lanes and facilities for cyclists will also need<br />
to be sensitively incorporated into the street scape, as will taxi<br />
ranks. Public realm treatments will need to support these proposals,<br />
whilst maintaining the proposed transport hierarchy.<br />
Festival Park<br />
& N. Shelt<strong>on</strong><br />
Northwood<br />
Indicative locati<strong>on</strong>s for bus stops have been suggested <strong>on</strong> Broad<br />
Street, Marsh Street Nth, Stafford Street and Quadrant Road.<br />
However, these are subject to c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> and may change. The<br />
bus stops should be located at preferred strategic locati<strong>on</strong>s that<br />
work for all parties c<strong>on</strong>cerned. The design of bus shelters should<br />
be sympathetic to surrounding historic townscape views, particularly<br />
at Bethesda triangle. They should also be fit for purpose.<br />
Cycling<br />
NCN5<br />
Hanley Park<br />
<strong>City</strong> Waterside<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> is designated a Cycling <strong>City</strong>. Currently, the Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Cycle Network 5 (NCN5) links Hanley Park to Central<br />
Forest Park through the <strong>City</strong> Centre. The public realm should<br />
facilitate Cycle <strong>City</strong> Initiatives.<br />
Given the close proximitiy of surrounding residential areas,<br />
cycling networks should be improved across the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
The locati<strong>on</strong> of the Cald<strong>on</strong> Canal provides the potential for good<br />
cycling links from the <strong>City</strong> Centre to the other surrounding town<br />
centres and historic tourist attracti<strong>on</strong>s within the <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong>. Cycle links should be promoted to take advantage<br />
of this existing major cycle link and substantially increase permeability<br />
for cyclists. Lichfield Road and Bottleslow Road provide<br />
good links to the Cald<strong>on</strong> Way Heritage trail.<br />
Rail stati<strong>on</strong> and<br />
Keele<br />
Plan showing proposed public transport routes (NTS)<br />
Plan showing existing and proposed cycle routes (NTS)<br />
East-west c<strong>on</strong>nectivity should be enhanced through the implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
of cycle lanes <strong>on</strong> Etruria Road, to link with Festival<br />
Park and North Shelt<strong>on</strong>. Residential neighbourhoods would benefit<br />
from improved cycle links <strong>on</strong> Pall Mall, Old Hall Street and<br />
Bucknall New Road, linking to the <strong>City</strong> Centre and<br />
associated green spaces.<br />
Cycle facilities should be sensitively integrated within the street<br />
scene <strong>on</strong> Bethesda Triangle, Lichfield Square, Albi<strong>on</strong> Square,<br />
Parliament Square, Crown Bank, Market Square and Quadrant<br />
Road. The design should be such as to minimise street clutter.<br />
More detailed informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> the sensitive incorporati<strong>on</strong> of bus<br />
lanes and cycle lanes is given in chapter 6 of this document.<br />
Design principles in respect of bus shelters and cycle stands are<br />
given in chapter 7 of this document.<br />
27
CONNECTIVITY 5<br />
5.4 Gateways<br />
Increasing C<strong>on</strong>nectivity <strong>on</strong> the Potteries Way<br />
As menti<strong>on</strong>ed in the baseline document, the Potteries Way can<br />
serve as a barrier to local residents approaching the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
using n<strong>on</strong>-motorised transport modes. Additi<strong>on</strong>ally, gateways located<br />
<strong>on</strong> the approaches to Waterloo Road, Etruria Road, Hinde<br />
Street, Lichfield Street and Bucknall Road are likely to host the<br />
arrival of regi<strong>on</strong>al visitors as well as local residents.<br />
As the ‘fr<strong>on</strong>t doors’ of the city, these gateways need to be highly<br />
attractive, welcoming and easy to cross, regardless of the transport<br />
mode used. Signage needs to be clear and easy to understand,<br />
and crossing points should accommodate ease of pedestrian<br />
and cycle access, whilst reducing traffic c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong>. As the<br />
gateway to the Cald<strong>on</strong> Canal Way heritage trail and Canal Quarter<br />
development, Lichfield Street should be particularly emphasised,<br />
whilst addressing traffic c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Best practice examples of public realm treatments to key gateways<br />
that accommodate all user groups successfully include<br />
the Place du Carrousel, opposite the Louvre in Paris, and Sheaf<br />
Square in Sheffield.<br />
Major Approaches<br />
1. Etruria Road approach<br />
This approach functi<strong>on</strong>s as a key vehicular approach for regi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
motorists travelling from the M6 <strong>on</strong>to the A500 and then<br />
the A53. The approach to Etruria Road should be enhanced to<br />
provide a clear indicati<strong>on</strong> of the way to the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Suitable<br />
treatments could include the development of the boulevard and<br />
gateway signage incorporating public art.<br />
2. Hinde Street<br />
The proposed Street Car will cross this gateway, in additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
dealing with link road vehicular traffic and pedestrian and cycle<br />
users. Safety for all users is the key priority within this space,<br />
with clearly defined and attractive routeways for different transport<br />
modes. Clever use should be made of the distinctive bottle<br />
oven located at this juncti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
3. Lichfield Street<br />
As the gateway to the East-West Centre from <strong>City</strong> Waterside,<br />
The Cald<strong>on</strong> Canal Way and Canal Quarter, Lichfield Street will<br />
experience an increase in n<strong>on</strong>-motorised traffic. Improvements<br />
are proposed for Derby Street to support the development of a<br />
hotel at the apex of the <strong>City</strong> Waterside development. It is critical<br />
that c<strong>on</strong>flicts between motorised and n<strong>on</strong>-motorised traffic are resolved<br />
in a highly attractive and innovative manner at this point.<br />
Local gateways<br />
Local gateways should promote ease of accessibility by providing<br />
safe and easy crossings for pedestrians in order to link surrounding<br />
communities to the heart of the <strong>City</strong> Centre. The gateways<br />
need to promote a sense of arrival to the <strong>City</strong> Centre, and promote<br />
wayfinding.<br />
A c<strong>on</strong>sistent public realm treatment should be adopted for local<br />
gateways with an emphasis placed <strong>on</strong> lighting for safety and<br />
security. Signage should still be incorporated but can be more<br />
discrete. Views to locally distinctive buildings and surrounding<br />
green links should be emphasised.<br />
More detailed informati<strong>on</strong> relating to design interventi<strong>on</strong>s at<br />
crossing points is given in chapter 6 of this document.<br />
5<br />
4. Bucknall Road<br />
Visitors travelling by vehicle <strong>on</strong> the A52 from the Staffordshire<br />
Moorlands and Peak District will arrive at this gateway juncti<strong>on</strong>,<br />
whilst the local Northwood community are likely to arrive <strong>on</strong> foot.<br />
Again, safety for all users will be the priority, whilst an attractive<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>ments is critical.<br />
1<br />
4<br />
Sheaf Square, Sheffield<br />
5. Waterloo Road Gateway<br />
Vehicular users approaching the <strong>City</strong> Centre from Waterloo Road<br />
and the A53 will use this juncti<strong>on</strong>, as will pedestrians and cyclists<br />
approaching from the Greenway and Central Forest Park. The<br />
principles of safety and promoti<strong>on</strong> of wayfinding are applicable<br />
Major gateway<br />
Minor gateway<br />
2<br />
3<br />
28
CONNECTIVITY 5<br />
5.5 Servicing & Parking<br />
Vehicle parking will encourage visitors with restricted transport<br />
opti<strong>on</strong>s to visit the <strong>City</strong> Centre by private car. The proposed<br />
locati<strong>on</strong>s of major car parks within the <strong>City</strong> Centre will be situated<br />
in close proximity to existing and proposed major retail and<br />
commercial outlets.<br />
All car parks will need to meet Park Mark Safer Parking accreditati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The facades of car parks shall be sensitively designed<br />
to prevent the percepti<strong>on</strong> of bland fr<strong>on</strong>tages. Open car parks<br />
should incorporate sustainable urban drainage, hedging and<br />
crown raised trees to promote sustainable objectives and enhance<br />
the image of the city <strong>on</strong> first arrival. Future proposals for<br />
car parks must be well lit to reduce opportunities for crime and<br />
pedestrian routes should be clearly distinguished from vehicle<br />
routes.<br />
Blue badge parking for the mobility impaired will be re-distributed<br />
following c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> with the local Disabled Parking User<br />
Group. Blue badge parking should allow for the maximum recommended<br />
50m travel distance between parking areas and major<br />
destinati<strong>on</strong>s, whilst being located so as to reduce obstacles<br />
within the streetscape, in accordance with best practice issued<br />
by the Department of Transport.<br />
The public realm will need to facilitate servicing requirements<br />
to include for delivery access and access to and from privately<br />
owned space within restricted areas (for example, parking to rear<br />
of premises, refuse collecti<strong>on</strong>, security vehicles and Royal Mail<br />
deliveries).<br />
Pavements will be designed to withstand vehicular loadings associated<br />
with servicing within the retail heart. Street name signage<br />
should be clearly identifiable to aid way finding: the design<br />
of street signage must be sympathetic to the c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> area,<br />
whilst maintaining c<strong>on</strong>sistency across the <strong>City</strong> Centre. Signage<br />
relating to servicing and car parking will be developed in accordance<br />
with the branding strategy of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
5 East/West<br />
Centre<br />
Tesco<br />
3<br />
Central<br />
Business<br />
District<br />
Plan showing proposed car park locati<strong>on</strong>s (NTS)<br />
4<br />
1<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
KEY<br />
1. multi-storey associated with the Potteries Shopping Centre<br />
2. Meigh street multi-storey<br />
3. proposed multi-storey associated with the East/West Precinct<br />
4. proposed multi-storey associated with the Central Business District (CBD)<br />
5. proposed surface car park associated with Tesco supermarket<br />
2<br />
29
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6<br />
Spatial Hierarchy<br />
31
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.1 Introducti<strong>on</strong><br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> illustrates the hierarchy of spaces within the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre. The hierarchy serves to set out an indicator of character<br />
and design quality that will be expected for specific areas, according<br />
to the classificati<strong>on</strong> given to them in the spatial hierarchy.<br />
A visi<strong>on</strong> and key characteristics are set out for the more important<br />
spaces and streets within the <strong>City</strong> Centre. The hierarchy is<br />
important to define as it helps visitors to orientate themselves<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre and promotes legibility.<br />
6.2 Spatial Hierarchy<br />
The hierarchy of streets and spaces is set out fully in the following<br />
pages, as follows:-<br />
Focal Areas<br />
• Main Squares<br />
• Other Public Squares<br />
• Green Spaces<br />
• Feature Areas<br />
Retail Streets<br />
• Pedestrian Friendly Streets<br />
• Other Primary Streets<br />
• Alleyways/Lanes<br />
• Boulevard Streets<br />
Key Linkages<br />
• Sec<strong>on</strong>dary Streets<br />
• Pedestrian Crossing Points<br />
• Roads & Open Car Parks<br />
Detailed urban design principles relating to the streets and<br />
spaces are set out in the following pages, with suggested materials.<br />
KEY<br />
Main public square<br />
Other public square<br />
Green space<br />
Feature Area<br />
Pedestrian friendly street<br />
Other primary streets<br />
Alleyways/lanes<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>dary street<br />
Open car park<br />
Pedestrian and cycle crossing point<br />
Existing parks<br />
Boulevard Streets<br />
Existing ring road<br />
Proposed extensi<strong>on</strong> to ring road<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Spatial Hierarchy Plan<br />
32
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.3 Main Squares<br />
• The two main squares shall be located at Fountain Square (existing) and adjacent to the Victoria Hall (subject to the<br />
East West Centre and Transport Interchange schemes being implemented).<br />
• The main squares will serve as a internati<strong>on</strong>ally acclaimed c<strong>on</strong>temporary civic spaces: destinati<strong>on</strong>s in their own right.<br />
• They will be required to accommodate large gatherings of people, to support the <strong>City</strong>’s capacity to host important events<br />
and festivals.<br />
• They will form important anchor points within the <strong>City</strong> Centre that visitors can identify with and orientate from.<br />
• They will be situated at strategic locati<strong>on</strong>s that will enforce important linkages.<br />
Fountain Square<br />
• They will articulate the transformati<strong>on</strong> of Hanley Town Centre to <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• They will be the focus for high c<strong>on</strong>centrati<strong>on</strong>s of mixed uses to provide activity during the day and into the evening<br />
• They will be designed to facilitate creative uses and activities within the spaces to ensure vitality <strong>on</strong> a day to day basis<br />
and to promote usage throughout the year.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text Plan (NTS)<br />
Lichfield Square<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
East West<br />
Centre<br />
CBD<br />
<strong>City</strong> Waterside<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for main squares<br />
33
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Fountain Square<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
The historic core of the retail heart, Fountain Square shall c<strong>on</strong>tinue<br />
to host major events associated with the retail offer and<br />
outdoor markets in additi<strong>on</strong> to civic and sports events. This high<br />
quality envir<strong>on</strong>ment shall encourage shoppers to dwell in the<br />
area.<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• historic pedestrian feature square<br />
• re-instate water feature and plant room whilst allowing for the<br />
flexibility of outdoor markets and events<br />
• re-design level changes to define routeways and integrate<br />
provisi<strong>on</strong> for inclusive access, provide a level plateau for activities<br />
and events and enhance distinctive character;<br />
• allow for peripheral integrated seating to take advantage of<br />
sunny aspects if possible.<br />
• maintain clear views towards Market Square, Crown Bank<br />
and Piccadilly<br />
• provide interface with Market Square and T<strong>on</strong>tine Square<br />
• maintain space for <strong>on</strong>-street activities and trading<br />
• frame historic views to Miles Bank<br />
• emphasise str<strong>on</strong>g character of Market Lane<br />
• emphasise architectural fr<strong>on</strong>tage to bank through provisi<strong>on</strong> of<br />
paved curtillage<br />
• screen views of poor quality facades within the area<br />
• incorporate high quality feature paving, lighting (to include<br />
variable c<strong>on</strong>trol mechanisms) , signage, street furniture and<br />
public art<br />
• allow for emergency and service goods access<br />
Potteries Centre<br />
Vanga granite*<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
Mox<strong>on</strong>’s Island<br />
Seating<br />
Water jets<br />
Metro Bar<br />
Cafe spill<br />
out<br />
Lloyds Bank<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine<br />
Square<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage re-cladding to Mox<strong>on</strong> Island building facade<br />
• encourage enhancements to historic fr<strong>on</strong>tages<br />
Metro<br />
Cafe<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Illustrative layout plan<br />
34
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
water jets enliven the square<br />
intregrated seating to walls<br />
awnings promote <strong>on</strong> street trading<br />
recessed lighting to seating<br />
precedent images<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trasting setts provide interesting paving feature<br />
paving design catches water flows<br />
feature lighting within paving<br />
35
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Lichfield Square (to be c<strong>on</strong>firmed, or otherwise, within the sec<strong>on</strong>d<br />
stage of the Masterplan document)<br />
Extensi<strong>on</strong> to Town<br />
Hall<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
Subject to the successful delivery of the Transport Interchange<br />
and the East West Centre, Boothroyd Street shall become a destinati<strong>on</strong><br />
in its own right. This space shall be transformed into an<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>ally acclaimed c<strong>on</strong>temporary civic space that supports<br />
the leisure uses of the Victoria Hall, whilst providing a str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
gateway point for visitors approaching from Lichfield Street and<br />
the Central Business District. The development of high quality<br />
c<strong>on</strong>temporary architecture and associated public realm shall<br />
articulate the initial foundati<strong>on</strong>s for the transformati<strong>on</strong> of Hanley<br />
into the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• creati<strong>on</strong> of c<strong>on</strong>temporary civic events space, with str<strong>on</strong>g links<br />
to Victoria Hall and associated uses<br />
• extend the space across Lichfield Street to ensure maximum<br />
capacity and incorporate Street Car route into the space<br />
• encourage improvements to facade of Chaplins Public House<br />
• incorporate str<strong>on</strong>g design principles within the street car stop<br />
• enclose and formalise the space and mitigate climate variables<br />
by extending <strong>on</strong>to the Town Hall, incorporating avenue<br />
trees adjacent to Lichfield Street, East-West Centre and<br />
Transport Interchange<br />
• define str<strong>on</strong>g route from Victoria Hall to East-West Precinct,<br />
to emphasise links to the Central Business District.<br />
• frame superb rural views to the south, whilst screening views<br />
towards the working areas of the bus stati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
• provide space to encourage Street Cafe’s<br />
• provide facilities for cycle parking<br />
• incorporate high quality feature paving, signage, street furniture<br />
and m<strong>on</strong>olithic public art to make best use of sunny<br />
aspect<br />
• use of brightly coloured banners and feature lighting to enliven<br />
the space further: allow for variable c<strong>on</strong>trols to lighting<br />
schemes<br />
Dark grey granite* Viennetta<br />
granite*<br />
Vanga granite*<br />
Town<br />
Hall<br />
Vic<br />
Theatre<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Transport<br />
Interchange<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
East<br />
West<br />
Victoria Hall<br />
Entrance<br />
linking to CBD<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
Public House<br />
Transport<br />
Interchange<br />
Link to East West<br />
Centre<br />
36
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
uplit trees add night time drama<br />
c<strong>on</strong>temporary kiosk fr<strong>on</strong>tage<br />
lighting integrated within seating<br />
autumn leaves provide colour<br />
movable seating<br />
‘Red Carpet’ treatment<br />
precedent images<br />
37
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.4 Other Public Squares<br />
• Other public squares will be located in Market Square (1), T<strong>on</strong>tine Square (2), Parliament Square (3), Crown Bank (4),<br />
Albi<strong>on</strong> Square (5), Bethesda Triangle (6), Old Hall Square(7) and East West Courtyard(8).<br />
• These public spaces support the character and use of the buildings associated with them.<br />
• They allow the visitor to form a str<strong>on</strong>g mental map of the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
• They will be situated at strategic locati<strong>on</strong>s that will reinforce important linkages.<br />
• They will add character and reinforce identity to the streetscape within the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
1<br />
• They will be areas to both dwell and pass through<br />
4<br />
2<br />
3<br />
• They will host less formal functi<strong>on</strong>s and activities suited to their character and proximity to the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
7<br />
• They will act as internal pedestrian gateway spaces defining the core area of the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
6<br />
5<br />
8<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
East West<br />
Centre<br />
CBD<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text Plan (NTS)<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for other public squares<br />
38
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Market Square<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
To create a vibrant, attractive, flexible space where <strong>on</strong>-street<br />
commercial activities including street cafes, traders, entertainment<br />
and events animate this busy intersecti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• pedestrianised gateway to retail heart<br />
• maintain views to Piccadilly and Parliament Square afforded<br />
by elevated topography<br />
• restore original floor plane to provide opportunities for <strong>on</strong>street<br />
trading, whilst maintaining access to the indoor market<br />
to basement level within the Potteries Shopping Centre<br />
• encourage <strong>on</strong>-street traders to extend into Upper Market<br />
Square<br />
• improve signage to Potteries Shopping Centre to promote<br />
percepti<strong>on</strong> of quality retail complex<br />
• partially screen poor facade of Potteries Shopping Centre<br />
with uplit avenue tree planting <strong>on</strong> Lamb Street for night time<br />
illuminati<strong>on</strong>; use ambient lighting to Street Cafe areas also<br />
• design of paving to provide an interface between Fountain<br />
Square and c<strong>on</strong>temporary paving <strong>on</strong> Parliament Row and<br />
Town Road<br />
• define str<strong>on</strong>g entrance curtillage to Potteries Shopping Centre<br />
through use of paving<br />
• encourage use of umbrella canopies to brighten and promote<br />
Street Cafe’s and take advantage of sunny aspect<br />
• include provisi<strong>on</strong> for cycle parking<br />
• incorporate orientati<strong>on</strong> signage<br />
Dark grey granite* Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black<br />
granite*<br />
Potteries Shopping Centre<br />
Illustrative plan layout (NTS)<br />
Potteries Centre<br />
Market Stalls<br />
Uplit street trees<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage enhancements to facade of Potteries Shopping<br />
Centre;<br />
• high quality re-design of entrances to Potteries Shopping<br />
Centre, to complement re-design of Market Square as a<br />
whole<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
Metro<br />
Cafe<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
Cafe culture<br />
39
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Parliament Square<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
A sunny and sheltered traditi<strong>on</strong>al market square within the retail<br />
heart of the <strong>City</strong> Centre, best use should be made for Street<br />
Cafe’s, whilst emphasising the historic entrance to Percy Street.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• illuminate the existing T<strong>on</strong>tines fr<strong>on</strong>tage and historic facades<br />
<strong>on</strong> Percy Street, through building mounted lighting or recessed<br />
lighting within the paving; incorporate feature lighting<br />
within the defined spill out area<br />
• maintain views towards Market Square and the East-West<br />
Centre<br />
• provide a str<strong>on</strong>g curtillage line to the T<strong>on</strong>tines through use of<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black granite paving: this will encourage pub spill<br />
out to take advantage of the sunny and sheltered aspect<br />
• use of colour blended setts would be appropriate in this<br />
square to emphasise the traditi<strong>on</strong>al market setting<br />
• emphasise the entrance to Percy Street using feature paving<br />
so that it invites the shopper to experience this characteristic<br />
street<br />
• emphasise provisi<strong>on</strong> for cycle parking<br />
• include orientati<strong>on</strong> signage within the square<br />
• avoid planting trees in fr<strong>on</strong>t of the historic fr<strong>on</strong>tages, so that<br />
they are clearly visible<br />
• cafe seating should be removable and provided by the occupants<br />
of surrounding premises<br />
• provide for emergency and services access<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black<br />
granite*<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
The T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
Cycle Stands<br />
Spill Out<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
Feature Paving<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine<br />
Building<br />
Lloyds<br />
MacD<strong>on</strong>ald’s<br />
Bank<br />
attractive fr<strong>on</strong>tages and spill out<br />
cycle ctands<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage restorati<strong>on</strong> of other historic fr<strong>on</strong>tages facing <strong>on</strong>to<br />
this square<br />
Post<br />
Office<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
East West<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
c<strong>on</strong>temporary use of setts<br />
40
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Crown Bank<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
This square will become a busy nodal hub and gateway to the-<br />
Cultural Quarter from the retail core. Buses, delivery vehicles,<br />
cyclists and pedestrians will meet at this juncti<strong>on</strong>, whilst the<br />
surrounding commercial premises will provide first class facilities.<br />
The design of the square needs to emphasise the historic character<br />
of the surrounding buildings, Market Lane and Percy Street.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• gateway to the Cultural Quarter from the retail heart<br />
• following c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> with inclusive access groups, c<strong>on</strong>sider<br />
re-locati<strong>on</strong> of toilet provisi<strong>on</strong> near to adjacent blue badge<br />
parking areas<br />
• maintain views to Fountain Square, Market Square and<br />
Bethesda Triangle<br />
• maintain clear sightlines to Edwardian corner buildings<br />
• play with the levels to make opportunities for recessed street<br />
furniture<br />
• emphasise historic character of Market Lane and Percy Street<br />
through appropriate paving (entrance to Percy Street to be<br />
similar to Parliament Square)<br />
• use trees to frame views into Market Lane<br />
• positi<strong>on</strong> orientati<strong>on</strong> signage at a visible point, without obstructing<br />
pedestrian access<br />
• positi<strong>on</strong> seating and cycle stands to the periphery of the<br />
square, so as not to obstruct pedestrian access<br />
• integrate public art into the street design and/or elements of<br />
street furniture<br />
• include access for buses, taxi’s and service goods vehicles,<br />
whilst minimising user c<strong>on</strong>flicts<br />
• provide service points to facilitate <strong>on</strong>-street activities and<br />
events and incorporate CCTV to reduce anti-social activities<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Vanga granite*<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
HSBC Bank<br />
Cycle Stands<br />
& Seating<br />
Feature Paving<br />
Mox<strong>on</strong><br />
Island<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
Entrance to<br />
Percy Street<br />
HSBC<br />
Bank<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
orientati<strong>on</strong> signage<br />
use of c<strong>on</strong>trasting materials<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage improvements to Mox<strong>on</strong> Island building facade,<br />
opposite the HSBC bank<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Stafford<br />
Lane<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al setts and flags<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine Square<br />
Lloyds Bank<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine Square needs to invite people in to the historic area of<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine Street and Percy Street in order to promote a str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
link between the East West Precinct and the Potteries Shopping<br />
Centre.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• public realm treatments in this square should align with the<br />
character of T<strong>on</strong>tine Street and Percy Street<br />
• there needs to be an interface with Fountain Square<br />
• use feature paving to emphasise entrance to T<strong>on</strong>tine Street,<br />
using similar design to the Percy Street entrance in Parliament<br />
Square<br />
• use tree planting to screen poor building facades<br />
• use recessed uplighters to trees<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage restorati<strong>on</strong> and illuminati<strong>on</strong> of historic facades<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Vanga granite*<br />
C<strong>on</strong>trasting paving patterns<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine Street<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
Ambient lighting<br />
Lloyd’s<br />
Bank<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
Marks<br />
Metro<br />
Cafe<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
Post<br />
Office<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
C<strong>on</strong>temporary use of setts<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Old Hall Square<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
The interfaces between the old and the new; gateways to the<br />
historic retail core.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• use the public realm to emphasise entrance to T<strong>on</strong>tine Street<br />
• maintain views to the Town Hall and Miles Bank from Albi<strong>on</strong><br />
Square<br />
• extend pavement at entrance to T<strong>on</strong>tine Street to provide<br />
useable space that makes maximum use of sunny aspect;<br />
provide str<strong>on</strong>g curtillage to Albi<strong>on</strong> Hotel; use design similar to<br />
Percy Street Entrance within Albi<strong>on</strong> Square<br />
• screen poor quality fr<strong>on</strong>tages of 55-63 Old Hall Street<br />
• re-c<strong>on</strong>figure road layout to provide more direct link between<br />
Lichfield Street and Stafford Street<br />
• c<strong>on</strong>sider road layout c<strong>on</strong>figurati<strong>on</strong> with a view to widening<br />
pavements that will facilitate feature tree and semi-mature<br />
avenue tree planting<br />
• incorporate removable seating and street furniture <strong>on</strong> Old Hall<br />
Street, including cycle stands<br />
• incorporate service points for <strong>on</strong>-street trading activities<br />
• use tree planting to screen poor building facades<br />
• emphasise the interface between historic character and modern<br />
development through clever use of paving design<br />
• incorporate orientati<strong>on</strong> signage at clearly visible vantage<br />
point, without obstructing pedestrian access<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black<br />
granite*<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Feature Tree<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
Feature paving to<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tine Street<br />
entrance<br />
Albi<strong>on</strong> Hotel<br />
Post<br />
Office<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
External seating<br />
Specimen tree and integrated seats<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• c<strong>on</strong>sider development of ic<strong>on</strong>ic corner building <strong>on</strong> juncti<strong>on</strong> of<br />
Old Hall Street and Parliament Square to advertise the retail<br />
core; restore active fr<strong>on</strong>tages to 2-6 T<strong>on</strong>tine Street and adjacent<br />
public house to advertise the retail core.<br />
• encourage re-decorati<strong>on</strong> and illuminatati<strong>on</strong> of the Albi<strong>on</strong> Hotel<br />
• further masterplanning work to this area may c<strong>on</strong>clude that it<br />
should integrate wtih the Town Hall<br />
Wilkins<strong>on</strong>’s<br />
Town Hall<br />
Albi<strong>on</strong><br />
The<br />
Hotel<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Ambient lighting<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Albi<strong>on</strong> Square<br />
Wilkins<strong>on</strong>’s<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
The civic space fr<strong>on</strong>ting the Town Hall needs to provide a majestic<br />
setting to this listed building.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• maintain views to Bethesda Triangle and Old Hall Street<br />
• Open up the space by removing brick walls and feather the<br />
steps to accommodate levels<br />
• illuminate historic corner buildings <strong>on</strong> corner of Albi<strong>on</strong> Street<br />
and Pall Mall<br />
• screen views to Wilkins<strong>on</strong>’s through the use of tree planting;<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sider re-c<strong>on</strong>figurati<strong>on</strong> of road layout to achieve this end.<br />
• make provisi<strong>on</strong> for blue badge parking adjacent to the substati<strong>on</strong><br />
• feature paving should provide a str<strong>on</strong>g curtillage to the Town<br />
Hall; use threshold bands from side roads leading into the<br />
square<br />
• column lighting should be sensitively incorporated in this<br />
square, and the Memorial illuminated; recessed uplighters to<br />
trees should be incorporated<br />
• include adapted street furniture to fr<strong>on</strong>t of Town Hall, incorporating<br />
public art<br />
• service access to the Town Hall needs to be c<strong>on</strong>sidered in the<br />
final design of this space.<br />
• kiosk spaces to support local start-up businesses (in the spirit<br />
of Wayne Hemmingway’s KiosKiosK project).<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage improvements to facades of Radio <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong><br />
and Wilkins<strong>on</strong>’s<br />
Dark grey granite* Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Vanga granite*<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black<br />
granite*<br />
Radio <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
Town Hall<br />
Radio<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
Wilkins<strong>on</strong>’s<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
night time illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
elegant plinth seating<br />
Town<br />
Hall<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
dramatic lighting to tree planting<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Bethesda Triangle<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
Bethesda Triangle will form a distinctive and historic arrival space<br />
to the <strong>City</strong> Centre from the Broad Street and Bethesda Street approaches<br />
(within the c<strong>on</strong>text of the Central Business District and<br />
surrounding community). The historic nature of the corner buildings<br />
form have the potential to provide a distinctive and appropriate<br />
setting to the Museum. This space needs to accommodate<br />
both pedestrians, cyclists and motorised traffic.<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Street Cafe’s<br />
cycle stands<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• illuminate historic fr<strong>on</strong>tages of corner buildings to enhance<br />
historic townscape view at night time: use recessed uplighters<br />
to tree plantings; locate feature column to corner of Museum<br />
• re-c<strong>on</strong>figure road layout to enhance historic setting and make<br />
provisi<strong>on</strong> for extended pedestrian areas and Street Cafe’s,<br />
whilst accommodating vehicular traffic<br />
• use paving to promote Street Cafe’s: highlight the Museum<br />
entrance through feature paving; use historic setts in a c<strong>on</strong>temporary<br />
manner; use paving to define threshold to the<br />
space<br />
• use tree planting to green the space and screen unsightly<br />
views: use planting to enhance the Museum curtillage<br />
• locate orientati<strong>on</strong> signage at most visible point<br />
• use street furniture to make best use of the sunny aspect<br />
• incorporate provisi<strong>on</strong> for cycle parking<br />
• allow for emergency and vehicular access to Albi<strong>on</strong> Street<br />
and Piccadilly<br />
• include provisi<strong>on</strong> for art park and banners to enliven Museum<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>tage <strong>on</strong> Broad Street<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• encourage enhancements to the gable end of 69 Piccadilly<br />
and to the fr<strong>on</strong>tages of the historic corner buildings fr<strong>on</strong>ting<br />
the Triangle<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black<br />
granite*<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Broad Street<br />
Art Park<br />
Museum<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
East/West Courtyard<br />
Proposals to create a private-public space for the East West<br />
Centre will be informed by the over-riding visi<strong>on</strong> for this prestigious<br />
development.The courtyard will be expected to support the<br />
uses associated with the development and promote a high quality<br />
approach.<br />
The courtyard will be expected to promote the strategic objectives<br />
set out in chapter 4 of this document and proposals for<br />
materials and colour should complement the materials proposed<br />
within this document.<br />
Museum<br />
entrance<br />
CBD<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Museum<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
Bethesda<br />
The Church<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
use of uplighters to trees<br />
historic street with Street Cafe’s<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.5 Green Spaces<br />
• There will be four areas of green space within the <strong>City</strong> Centre, namely Bethesda Churchyard (1), Lower Bethesda Gardens<br />
(2), Central Business District (3) and St. John’s Church (4)<br />
• The green spaces will help to mitigate against anticipated rising temperatures in urban envir<strong>on</strong>ments by providing shade.<br />
• They will form calm retreats, providing a place for visitors to relax.<br />
4<br />
• They will enhance linkages between major developments.<br />
• They will enhance the settings of the buildings and streets surrounding them, and soften the hard lines of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• They will enhance the sensory experience of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• They will c<strong>on</strong>tribute toward sustainable urban drainage as part of the wider drainage strategy<br />
• They will act as green pedestrian gateway spaces within the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
• They will accommodate areas of informal ‘spill out’ space from surrounding uses to help create activity and surveillance<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
East West<br />
Centre<br />
Central<br />
Business<br />
District<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text Plan (NTS)<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for green spaces<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Bethesda Churchyard<br />
Bethesda Lower Gardens<br />
A calm and green retreat from the office during the lunch hour; a<br />
place to relax and unwind, or amble up to the shops<br />
Design Principles for Bethesda Churchyard<br />
• emphasise the link from the Central Business District to Adventure<br />
Place and retail heart through design<br />
• maintain views to the Museum, and c<strong>on</strong>urbati<strong>on</strong> of <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<br />
<strong>Trent</strong><br />
• frame views to the Victoria Theatre<br />
• screen views of poor quality rear building facades in the north<br />
east corner<br />
• use feature planting to provide visual and sensory interest<br />
and to promote wildlife habitats<br />
• emphasise the building facades of Alexander House and<br />
Bethesda Church through renovati<strong>on</strong>, re-decorati<strong>on</strong> and illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
• incorporate a c<strong>on</strong>temporary style, whilst respecting the setting<br />
of historic buildings<br />
• extend the space into the Central Business District<br />
• relate useable dwell space to the Museum and encourage<br />
Street Cafe’s<br />
• use str<strong>on</strong>g sculptural forms within the planting design to fill<br />
remaining space, maintain views to St. Marks Church and<br />
shelter the Museum spill out area from chill winds<br />
• use tree planting to enhance sense of enclosure, whilst maintaining<br />
important views.<br />
• implement permeable porous paving within the paving design.<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• C<strong>on</strong>struct new building with angled fr<strong>on</strong>tage to provide active<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>tage and define business link whilst screening poor views<br />
to rear of the library<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
Oasis at the heart of the Cultural Quarter and threshold between<br />
the offices and shops.<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• reinforce the str<strong>on</strong>g link between Bethesda Churchyard and<br />
the Central Business District<br />
• relate useable dwell space to the Museum to enhance natural<br />
surveillance; shelter the Museum spill out area from chill<br />
winds<br />
• maintain views to St. Mark’s Church; c<strong>on</strong>sider use of tree<br />
planting to frame views<br />
• ensure creative manipulati<strong>on</strong> of level changes<br />
• provide a feature focal point to enhance wayfinding<br />
• provide service points and lighting to facilitate temporary exhibiti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and outdoor events<br />
Suggested Building Enhancements<br />
• C<strong>on</strong>struct new building with angled fr<strong>on</strong>tage to provide active<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>tage and natural surveillance in this space, whilst screening<br />
poor views to the rear of the library<br />
Central Business District<br />
Proposals to create a private public open space for the Central<br />
Business District will be informed by the over-riding visi<strong>on</strong> for this<br />
prestigious mixed use development. The courtyard will be expected<br />
to support the uses associated with the development and<br />
promote the green link c<strong>on</strong>necting the existing two parks.<br />
The public open space within the Central Business District will be<br />
expected to promote the strategic objectives set out in chapter 4<br />
of this document and proposals for materials and colour should<br />
complement the materials proposed within this document.<br />
CBD<br />
Museum<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Semi-permeable<br />
gravel<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank Bethesda<br />
Church<br />
Library<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
str<strong>on</strong>g paving designs<br />
green terraces<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
lighting within paving<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Church Square<br />
The Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
St. John’s Church, situated <strong>on</strong> Town Road, would benefit from<br />
associated public space to enhance the setting of the building<br />
and improve the entrance to the <strong>City</strong> Centre at this locati<strong>on</strong>. Development<br />
proposals envisaged in the l<strong>on</strong>g term for Town Road<br />
should respect the church setting. In additi<strong>on</strong>, design proposals<br />
should emphasise the green link from Central Forest Park to the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre. An emphasis should be placed <strong>on</strong> interest during<br />
the winter.<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Potteries<br />
Car Park<br />
illuminated seating<br />
Key Characteristics<br />
• Arrival space for visitors from the Potteries Way and walking<br />
from Central Forest Park<br />
• New civic space provided through removal of car parking and<br />
re-c<strong>on</strong>figurati<strong>on</strong> of road layout<br />
• use of raised intersecti<strong>on</strong> to aid pedestrian access<br />
• Improved setting around St. John’s Church will act as a focus<br />
for views for visitors entering the <strong>City</strong> Centre from the North<br />
• use of crown-lifted native semi-mature tree planting to enhance<br />
bio-diversity and give immediate greening of space<br />
and restrict views of detracting building elevati<strong>on</strong>s surrounding<br />
the square<br />
• use of ground recessed uplighters to tree canopies<br />
• provide a defensible space to the Church<br />
• use of string lights to trees<br />
• Feature details e.g. lighting, signage and artwork to create<br />
linkage with other spaces, routes, etc.<br />
• Semi-mature tree planting to give immediate greening of<br />
space<br />
• Car parking within the Potteries Shopping Centre Car Park<br />
should be clearly signed and <strong>on</strong> street parking discouraged.<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts*<br />
Semi-permeable<br />
gravel<br />
Potteries<br />
Shopping<br />
Centre<br />
Illustrative layout plan (NTS)<br />
St. John’s Church<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
Car Park<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
St. John’s<br />
Church<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
public art & tree planting<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
paving & semi-permeable gravel<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.6 Feature Areas<br />
A feature area for the purposes of this public realm strategy is defined<br />
as the use of the public realm to enhance the setting of existing historic<br />
corner buildings.<br />
• There will be two feature areas within the <strong>City</strong> Centre. The first<br />
shall be the Percy/T<strong>on</strong>tine Street juncti<strong>on</strong> (1); the sec<strong>on</strong>d feature<br />
area occurs at the Piccadilly/Brunswick/Cheapside juncti<strong>on</strong> (2).<br />
Yellow granite<br />
• The feature areas will complement and help to draw attenti<strong>on</strong> to<br />
attractive corner buildings that should be emphasised.<br />
• They will aid legibility for the pedestrian user.<br />
• They will enhance linkages between major developments.<br />
Dark grey<br />
granite<br />
2<br />
1<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for feature areas<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Percy/T<strong>on</strong>tine juncti<strong>on</strong><br />
The distinctive corner buildings at<br />
this juncti<strong>on</strong> forms a pivotal node<br />
within the historic T<strong>on</strong>tines area. Key<br />
views towards these buildings should<br />
be maintained. Historic fr<strong>on</strong>tages<br />
should be sympathetically illuminated.<br />
The paving design should<br />
provide an attractive and distinctive<br />
threshold. Paving inscripti<strong>on</strong>s of<br />
Arnold Bennett quotes could be appropriate<br />
due to the locati<strong>on</strong> of Webberleys<br />
book shop.<br />
Stafford<br />
Lane<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
Post<br />
Office<br />
Example of feature paving treatment<br />
Market<br />
Tavern<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
Webberleys<br />
Enlarged locati<strong>on</strong> plan (NTS)<br />
Market Tavern<br />
Piccadilly/Cheapside/Brunswick<br />
juncti<strong>on</strong><br />
The distinctive corner buildings at<br />
this juncti<strong>on</strong> forms a distinctive locati<strong>on</strong><br />
and aids legibility within the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre. Key views towards these<br />
buildings should be maintained. Historic<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>tages should be sympathetically<br />
illuminated. The paving should<br />
incorporate feature details such as<br />
feature bands and recessed inground<br />
lighting.<br />
Trinity Street<br />
Regent’s<br />
Theatre<br />
C<strong>on</strong>text plan<br />
Lloyds<br />
Bank<br />
The<br />
T<strong>on</strong>tines<br />
HSBC<br />
Bank<br />
Example of feature lighting treatment<br />
Enlarged locati<strong>on</strong> plan (NTS)<br />
corner buildings to Piccadilly<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.8 Pedestrian Friendly Streets<br />
• The designated pedestrian friendly streets are Stafford Street, Lamb<br />
Street, Parliament Row, Old Hall Street, East West Spine, T<strong>on</strong>tine<br />
Street, Percy Street, Piccadilly, Albi<strong>on</strong> Street, Lichfield Street (partially)<br />
and Bird Cage Walk (associated with proposed Tesco’s)<br />
• They will be shared surfaces, to allow for emergency access, restricted<br />
loading and private vehicular access outside of the specified daytime<br />
hours of 10am to 4pm. Where main public transport routes are<br />
required, kerbs shall be retained, such as Stafford Street. All other<br />
surfaces should be flush, but there should be a clear delineati<strong>on</strong> of<br />
walkways and carriageways across spaces through paving design<br />
to enhance directi<strong>on</strong>al way finding and safety. Necessary lighting<br />
and signage columns should further reinforce the distincti<strong>on</strong> between<br />
walkways and carriageways.<br />
• The design quality of these streets will be very high, as they provide<br />
key linkages between the major existing and proposed schemes<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
• The lighting proposals should promote soft, ambient lighting during<br />
the evening; however, highways requirements for lighting will have to<br />
be met in some instances.<br />
• Designated streets will be required to provide lanes for bus and cycle<br />
use (refer to Chapter 5: C<strong>on</strong>nectivity) and design proposals should<br />
have regard to associated loading and turning requirements in the<br />
design of paving. Reference will need to be made to the Highways<br />
Authority for specified minimum widths of designated carriageways.<br />
• the preferred paving module size is setts laid to segmental arch b<strong>on</strong>d,<br />
although c<strong>on</strong>trasting textures are welcomed. Natural st<strong>on</strong>e materials<br />
should be used.<br />
• Lighting columns should <strong>on</strong>ly be incorporated where illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
levels would otherwise not be sufficient to provide safe illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
levels. Building mounted lighting is the preferred opti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
• refer to secti<strong>on</strong> 6.9: Boulevard Streets for guidance <strong>on</strong> incorporati<strong>on</strong><br />
of tree planting.<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for pedestrian friendly streets<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Cross-secti<strong>on</strong> through Stafford Street (NTS)<br />
Plan view of Stafford Street (NTS)<br />
Walkway<br />
Carriageway<br />
Cycle Lane<br />
Walkway<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Segmental arch b<strong>on</strong>d<br />
Yellow rock granite*<br />
* subject to internal<br />
approval<br />
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BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.9 Other Primary Streets<br />
• The designated primary streets are Town Road, Foundary Street,<br />
Lower Foundary Street, Trinity Street, Gitana Street, Brunswick<br />
Street, Broad Street, Bethesda Street (partially), Warner Street,<br />
Cann<strong>on</strong> Street, Lichfield Street (partially), Adventure Place and<br />
Bagnall Street<br />
• The surfaces for pedestrians will be raised,with separately defined<br />
vehicular and pedestrian carriageways. Kerbs shall be dropped<br />
where vehicular access to premises is required<br />
• The design quality of these streets will be high, as they provide<br />
key linkages between the major existing and proposed schemes<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
• The lighting proposals should be c<strong>on</strong>sistently well-lit, particularly<br />
in the Trinity area where a c<strong>on</strong>centrati<strong>on</strong> of late night ec<strong>on</strong>omy<br />
activities require pro-active <strong>on</strong>-street safety management. Building<br />
mounted lighting is preferred where feasible to reduce street clutter.<br />
• Designated streets will be required to provide lanes for bus and<br />
cycle use (refer to Chapter 5: C<strong>on</strong>nectivity) and design proposals<br />
should have regard to associated loading and turning requirements<br />
in the design of paving. Reference will need to be made to<br />
the Highways Authority for specified minimum widths of designated<br />
carriageways.<br />
• the preferred paving module size is setts to vehicular carriageways<br />
and flags to pavements, using natural st<strong>on</strong>e materials laid to<br />
interlocking staggered b<strong>on</strong>d. Clearly defined pedestrian crossing<br />
points need to be incorporated to promote a comfortable pedestrian<br />
passage across the road.<br />
• vehicle turning points into and out of these streets should incorporate<br />
a mix of flags and setts to prevent paving failure in the l<strong>on</strong>g<br />
term<br />
• refer to secti<strong>on</strong> 6.9: Boulevard Streets for guidance <strong>on</strong> incorporati<strong>on</strong><br />
of tree planting<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for other primary streets<br />
54
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Cross-secti<strong>on</strong> through Foundry Street (NTS)<br />
st<strong>on</strong>e setts and flags within the street<br />
Staggered b<strong>on</strong>d - to road<br />
Plan view of Foundary Street (NTS)<br />
Silver grey granite*<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
flags and setts to vehicle<br />
turning points<br />
Building<br />
Walkway<br />
Dished drain<br />
Carriageway<br />
Dished drain<br />
Walkway<br />
Building<br />
* subject to internal<br />
approval<br />
55
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.10 Sec<strong>on</strong>dary Streets<br />
• The designated sec<strong>on</strong>dary streets are Hope Street (with potential<br />
for re-alignment), New Hall Street, Marsh Street North, Century<br />
Street, Hillchurch Street, Huntbach Street, Old Hall Street, Broad<br />
Street, East West peripheral links, Central Business District peripheral<br />
links<br />
• The surfaces for pedestrians will be raised,with separately defined<br />
vehicular and pedestrian carriageways. Kerbs shall be dropped.<br />
• The design quality of these streets will be high, as they provide<br />
key linkages to surrounding residential areas<br />
• The lighting proposals should be c<strong>on</strong>sistently well-lit<br />
• Designated streets will be required to provide lanes for public<br />
transport use and cycle lanes (refer to Chapter 5: C<strong>on</strong>nectivity),<br />
and design proposals should have regard to associated loading<br />
and turning requirements in the design of paving. Reference will<br />
need to be made to the Highways Authority for specified minimum<br />
widths of designated carriageways.<br />
• the preferred paving module size is setts and flags, using a mix of<br />
natural st<strong>on</strong>e setts laid to a staggered b<strong>on</strong>d and c<strong>on</strong>crete aggregate<br />
materials to pavements<br />
• refer to secti<strong>on</strong> 6.9: Boulevard Streets for guidance <strong>on</strong> incorporati<strong>on</strong><br />
of tree planting<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for sec<strong>on</strong>dary streets<br />
56
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Cross-secti<strong>on</strong> through Huntbach Street (NTS)<br />
Dark grey granite*<br />
Silver grey granite*<br />
Kellen aggregate<br />
paver*<br />
Staggered b<strong>on</strong>d to road<br />
* subject to internal<br />
approval<br />
Plan view of Huntbach Street (NTS)<br />
flagsand sett mix to vehicle<br />
turning points<br />
Building<br />
Walkway<br />
Dished drain<br />
Carriageway<br />
Dished drain<br />
Walkway<br />
Building<br />
57
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.11 Boulevard Streets<br />
• The approaches to the <strong>City</strong> Centre will provide an attractive first<br />
impressi<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>City</strong> Centre, through the implementati<strong>on</strong> of boulevard<br />
and street tree planting<br />
• Boulevard tree planting should reinforce the proposed green link<br />
that c<strong>on</strong>nects Hanley Park to Central Forest Park<br />
• Boulevard and street tree planting is also intended to provide the<br />
additi<strong>on</strong>al benefit of climate change mitigati<strong>on</strong><br />
• Tree species should be chosen for their suitability to urban envir<strong>on</strong>ments<br />
• <strong>City</strong> Centre branded tree grilles and permeable self-binding gravel<br />
paving should be used within the tree pit area<br />
• Automatic irrigati<strong>on</strong> should be included within the tree planting<br />
proposals, in order to reduce maintenance requirements<br />
• The link between Hanley Park and Central Forest Park is particularly<br />
important, linking Bethesda Street, Albi<strong>on</strong> Street, Old Hall<br />
Street and Town Road.<br />
• Designated streets will be required to provide lanes for public<br />
transport use and cycle lanes (refer to Chapter 5: C<strong>on</strong>nectivity)<br />
• The paving materials and kerb heights to be used <strong>on</strong> boulevard<br />
streets will depend up<strong>on</strong> the street type classificati<strong>on</strong>, i.e pedestrian<br />
friendly, primary or sec<strong>on</strong>dary (see previous pages)<br />
KEY<br />
Boulevard Planting<br />
Green Link<br />
Green Open Space<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for boulevard streets and avenue planting<br />
58
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
Cross-secti<strong>on</strong> through Old Hall Street (NTS)<br />
Materials to street type classificati<strong>on</strong><br />
Building<br />
Walkway<br />
Cycleway<br />
Carriageway<br />
Walkway<br />
Building<br />
Plan view of Old Hall Street (NTS)<br />
59
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.7 Alleyways/Lanes<br />
• The designated alleyways are Stafford Lane, Market Lane,<br />
Brockley Square and Browns Alley<br />
Cross-secti<strong>on</strong> through alleyway/lane (NTS)<br />
• With the excepti<strong>on</strong> of required vehicular access to Stafford<br />
Lane, the lanes shall be restricted to pedestrian use <strong>on</strong>ly.<br />
There shall be no definiti<strong>on</strong> of carriageways.<br />
3<br />
• The historic character of these alleys and lanes needs to be<br />
str<strong>on</strong>gly emphasised, through the use of open drainage channels<br />
and natural st<strong>on</strong>e setts laid to staggered b<strong>on</strong>d<br />
• Lighting to these streets should be atmospheric and ambient,<br />
using building mounted lighting <strong>on</strong>ly, where feasible<br />
• the preferred paving module size is small sized<br />
Plan view of alleyway/lane (NTS)<br />
100mm cubed Yellow rock<br />
granite sett*<br />
dished drainage channel<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for alleyways and lanes<br />
60
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 62<br />
6.12 Pedestrian and Cycle Crossing Points<br />
• The pedestrian and cycle crossings must comply with current<br />
guidance set out in the Manual for Streets<br />
• in resp<strong>on</strong>se to the hierarchy of users set out in chapter 5:<br />
C<strong>on</strong>nectivity, the pedestrian and cyclist should be prioritised<br />
• pedestrian and cycle crossings should cross both lanes of<br />
vehicular carriageways in <strong>on</strong>e crossing<br />
• the use of railings shall be reduced, and raised pedestrian<br />
crossings should be used where possible<br />
• natural st<strong>on</strong>e setts and flags should be used to crossing areas,<br />
laid to distinctive and str<strong>on</strong>g c<strong>on</strong>strasting patterns<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al paving to crossing point<br />
Stardust granite*<br />
Sheaf Square, Sheffield<br />
Alantejo black<br />
granite*<br />
Place du Carousel, Paris<br />
Kellen paviour*<br />
* subject to internal<br />
approval<br />
Plan showing locati<strong>on</strong>s for green spaces<br />
61
BASELINE SPATIAL HIERARCHY SUMMARY 67 2<br />
6.13 Roads and Open Car Parks<br />
• Avenue tree planting and hedging should be integrated in to<br />
the design of new roads and car parks; tree planting and hedging<br />
should be retrofitted within existing roads where space,<br />
servicing and utilities allows<br />
• The implementati<strong>on</strong> of green infrastructure al<strong>on</strong>g the roads<br />
and within open car parks will mitigate against climate change<br />
through the provisi<strong>on</strong> of shade and evapotranspirati<strong>on</strong>, in additi<strong>on</strong><br />
to carb<strong>on</strong> sequestrati<strong>on</strong> in the l<strong>on</strong>g term.<br />
• The implementati<strong>on</strong> of green infrastructure will have a significant<br />
visual impact and complement the development of the<br />
green z<strong>on</strong>e associated with proposed building developments.<br />
This will help to develop the wider green character that is to be<br />
associated with the <strong>City</strong> Centre identity in the l<strong>on</strong>g term<br />
• The implementati<strong>on</strong> of sustainable urban drainage within all<br />
proposed car parks will c<strong>on</strong>tribute significantly to the wider<br />
sustainable urban drainage strategy within the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
• Proposals for car parks should identify minimum and maximum<br />
capacities for car parks, and define an overspill area. The<br />
overspill area should promote a green approach that promotesthe<br />
use of SUDS and promotes a softer landscape design<br />
approach<br />
• Electrical vehicle charging points should be included within car<br />
parks generally<br />
street trees provide design feature<br />
shade provisi<strong>on</strong> through street trees<br />
street trees and car parking<br />
design feature of sustainable drainage<br />
boulevard planting to key approaches<br />
sustainable urban drainage to car park<br />
6362
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7<br />
Design Principles<br />
63
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7.1 General Design Principles<br />
The purpose of setting out general design principles is to c<strong>on</strong>trol<br />
the design of the public realm as it develops over an extended<br />
period of time. They can also be used as an opportunity to establish<br />
an urban brand that is specific to <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong>. They<br />
give str<strong>on</strong>g guidance to developers in respect of the quality and<br />
character that is expected for a proposed scheme. When incorporated<br />
into the public realm strategy, they become a material<br />
c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> for the planning team, when assessing planning<br />
applicati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
The design principles set out issues that need to be factored in<br />
to the design of the elements that make up the public realm. For<br />
more informati<strong>on</strong> relating to specificati<strong>on</strong> of materials and maintenance,<br />
please refer to the <strong>City</strong> Centre Public Realm Technical<br />
Manual that supports this document.<br />
7.2 Design Principles for Shop Fr<strong>on</strong>tages & Advertising<br />
• The public realm strategy should promote active fr<strong>on</strong>tages<br />
that face <strong>on</strong>to primary streets, where that c<strong>on</strong>forms to planning<br />
policy<br />
• Encouragement should be given to the restorati<strong>on</strong> of historic<br />
shop fr<strong>on</strong>tages whilst modern infill development proposals<br />
should incorporate sympathetic and high quality fr<strong>on</strong>tages<br />
into design proposals.<br />
• The appearance of the retail sector will be improved through<br />
the use of a co-ordinated colour strategy and appropriate<br />
materials within the public realm, in order to promote a unified<br />
and str<strong>on</strong>gly characteristic image that will promote a branded<br />
image of the <strong>City</strong> Centre as a whole. Reference should be<br />
made to the ‘Colours of England’ colour palette produced by<br />
English Heritage for colours suitable for traditi<strong>on</strong>al brick buildings.<br />
Dulux heritage colours are also acceptable<br />
• Use of traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials, such as wood, ceramics, canvas<br />
awnings, corrugated ir<strong>on</strong> and glass will be encouraged; use of<br />
metal cladding, glass, timber and steel will be encouraged for<br />
more c<strong>on</strong>temporary fr<strong>on</strong>tages; illuminated plastic and polycarb<strong>on</strong>ate<br />
will be discouraged.<br />
• where possible, shop fr<strong>on</strong>tages should facilitate inclusive access<br />
with respect to door widths and thresholds<br />
• Historic signage and advertising practices will be encouraged,<br />
such as painting signs <strong>on</strong>to walls, swinging signs, ne<strong>on</strong> lettering<br />
(as distinct from ne<strong>on</strong> signs), and mosaic signs incorporated<br />
within paving and building facades.<br />
• High quality c<strong>on</strong>temporary signage opti<strong>on</strong>s will be encouraged,<br />
such as polished steel lettering illuminated by use of c<strong>on</strong>cealed<br />
uplighters/downlighters at night, and c<strong>on</strong>temporary interpretati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
of historic signage and advertising practices.<br />
• No commercial advertising to extend above ground floor height<br />
(however, it is recognised that upper floor businesses will need<br />
to sign their premises and this should be d<strong>on</strong>e resp<strong>on</strong>sibly);<br />
advertisements for The Victoria Hall and Regent’s Theatre (and<br />
any future such use) can be larger than life.<br />
• Use of billboards should be prohibited in the l<strong>on</strong>g term – alternative<br />
opti<strong>on</strong>s such as swing signs can be used within Trinity<br />
Square and the Cultural Quarter<br />
• C<strong>on</strong>tractual advertising should be located to the periphery of<br />
spaces and be sensitively replaced or re-located over a period<br />
of time, where possible. The design of replacement c<strong>on</strong>tractual<br />
signage should be developed in c<strong>on</strong>juncti<strong>on</strong> with the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
marketing and branding strategy.<br />
More detailed guidance is to be provided in a proposed Shopfr<strong>on</strong>t<br />
Design Guide (shortly to be produced by <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
ceramic shop fr<strong>on</strong>tage, Manchester<br />
Coloured shop fr<strong>on</strong>tages, Burslem<br />
Painted signage<br />
64 65
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7.4 Design Principles for Lighting<br />
• Lighting shall be implemented within the public realm to<br />
provide a unique identity to the <strong>City</strong> Centre, aid night time<br />
legibility and articulate the different character areas of the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre; lighting proposals should enhance the night time<br />
appearance of the <strong>City</strong> Centre and create a safe and visually<br />
exciting quality evening destinati<strong>on</strong> for all user groups.<br />
• Lighting should prioritise the pedestrian user above the vehicular<br />
user, in accordance with the hierarchy set out in the<br />
transport strategy.<br />
• The overall ambient quality of the finished lighting scheme<br />
should be c<strong>on</strong>sidered in additi<strong>on</strong> to lighting functi<strong>on</strong>. For<br />
example, use of warm lighting suitable for late evening cafe<br />
use and dwell time in the street after theatre spill out, or cold<br />
lighting outside night clubs to encourage dispersal.<br />
• Lighting levels should be appropriate to the occasi<strong>on</strong>; the<br />
incorporati<strong>on</strong> of a remote m<strong>on</strong>itoring system to c<strong>on</strong>trol illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
levels would help to c<strong>on</strong>trol the ambient lighting<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>ment in a way that is appropriate for major events<br />
at specific times, whilst maintaining subtler lighting levels at<br />
quieter times.<br />
• Recessed electrical service points within paved areas allow<br />
flexibility for hosting lighting festivals, outdoor performances<br />
and night time <strong>on</strong>-street trading.<br />
• Lighting within the pedestrianised retail core of the <strong>City</strong> Centre<br />
shall be recessed or mounted <strong>on</strong>to buildings and street<br />
furniture, where practical, with the excepti<strong>on</strong> of lighting columns<br />
that are required for adequate and safe illuminati<strong>on</strong><br />
levels where other structures are not available to take advantage<br />
of<br />
• Lighting should promote variety al<strong>on</strong>g pedestrian routes in<br />
additi<strong>on</strong> to uniformity, (c<strong>on</strong>sistency of illuminati<strong>on</strong> aids the<br />
visually impaired) ; this could be achieved by manipulating<br />
illuminati<strong>on</strong> levels and diffusi<strong>on</strong> hoods al<strong>on</strong>g a route,whilst<br />
maintaining safe lux levels. Spaces within the streets will also<br />
provide opportunities for interesting lighting proposals; lighting<br />
proposals need to resp<strong>on</strong>d to the requirements of each<br />
specific site, particularly in relati<strong>on</strong> to gateway crossing points<br />
where pedestrian safety is crucial. Glare should be avoided.<br />
• Light polluti<strong>on</strong> shall be minimised by using asymmetric optics,<br />
light refracting screens and fresnel lenses; lamps to be metal<br />
halide for provisi<strong>on</strong> of white light and good colour renditi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
• It is important for lighting fixtures to be of very high quality,<br />
easily maintainable, vandal resistant and have proven l<strong>on</strong>gevity.<br />
• The adopti<strong>on</strong> of low energy fixtures should be incorporated<br />
where possible.<br />
• CCTV equipment should be incorporated into the design of<br />
lighting fixtures, where appropriate, in order to minimise street<br />
clutter. Liais<strong>on</strong> will be required with the Staffordshire Police<br />
Architectural Liais<strong>on</strong> Officer in order to determine the required<br />
locati<strong>on</strong>s for CCTV.<br />
discreet lighting within handrails<br />
Feature lighting, Plantati<strong>on</strong> Lane<br />
recessed lighting within street furniture<br />
uplit trees and building mounted lighting<br />
65
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7.3 General Design Principles for Hardworks<br />
• The applicati<strong>on</strong> of the materials matrix to the hierarchy of<br />
streets and spaces will help to c<strong>on</strong>trol cost, design quality and<br />
pedestrian flows (refer to Chapter 6 for the <strong>City</strong> Centre spatial<br />
hierarchy plan)<br />
• In order to emphasise the hierarchical nature of the spaces,<br />
feature paving should be included within the public squares<br />
and feature spaces. Design features within feature paving<br />
should incorporate feature bands, literary inscripti<strong>on</strong>s, use<br />
of c<strong>on</strong>trasting blends, best use of textures, percentage ratio<br />
blends and differing module sizes.<br />
• Within the retail heart and public squares the specificati<strong>on</strong> will<br />
be for natural st<strong>on</strong>e materials that demand very high quality<br />
detailing<br />
• The c<strong>on</strong>cept for the surface treatments to the streets is based<br />
<strong>on</strong> the little black dress, that you can dress up or down according<br />
to the occasi<strong>on</strong>. This will facilitate the expansi<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre in the l<strong>on</strong>ger term.<br />
• The approach to the retail heart from the Potteries Way shall<br />
be articulated through the increasing use of colour within the<br />
paving materials: the colour range at the periphery of the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre shall be grey, with the colour range increasing to grey,<br />
cream, yellow and terracotta within the retail heart.<br />
• Road markings should <strong>on</strong>ly be used where absolutely necessary,<br />
and the width of line markings should be reduced from<br />
standard widths in primary areas.<br />
• c<strong>on</strong>sider raising paving levels where stepped access to shop<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>tages is c<strong>on</strong>sistently required within individual streets, to<br />
minimise adaptati<strong>on</strong> of entrances to facilitate inclusive access<br />
through ramps and handrails.<br />
• A co-ordinated palette for hardworks should be adopted that<br />
complements materials used in the surrounding buildings (refer<br />
to the materials matrix for paving materials over the page).<br />
A c<strong>on</strong>sistent palette will c<strong>on</strong>tribute to an overall branded image<br />
• Selected materials should be robust enough to withstand regular<br />
pressure washing and l<strong>on</strong>g term <strong>on</strong>-street trader and event<br />
use; they should be maintainable in the l<strong>on</strong>g term, resistant to<br />
vandalism and weather well.<br />
• Retractable service supply units incorporating water and electricity<br />
supplies should be incorporated into paved areas intended<br />
for outdoor trading and events througout the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• PV electrical charging points for electrically fuelled maintenance<br />
vehicles should be incorporated <strong>on</strong> Town Road and near<br />
the Town Hall, subject to further discussi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
• The current practice of red or green paint <strong>on</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre roads<br />
to define bus and cycle lanes should cease - these lanes will<br />
need to be defined as part of the paving design.<br />
• Sheffield <strong>City</strong> Centre, Ancoats Manchester and More L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
schemes are to be used as best practice examples for incorporati<strong>on</strong><br />
of hazard warning paving - hazard paving to be integrated<br />
sympathetically into the design of the paving as a whole.<br />
• Cycle lanes shall have a cycle paviour integrated into the paving<br />
design, placed at 10m intervals.<br />
dished sett drainage channel<br />
st<strong>on</strong>e setts and flags within the street<br />
corduroy paving and inlaid strip to steps<br />
cycle lane paviour, Bristol<br />
66 67
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
Materials Matrix: Hardworks*<br />
main square<br />
other squares<br />
green spaces<br />
feature areas<br />
pedestrian friendly<br />
streets<br />
alleys<br />
primary streets<br />
sec<strong>on</strong>dary<br />
streets<br />
crossing points<br />
Viennetta granite<br />
Vanga granite<br />
Kellen aggregate<br />
sett (Ring Road)<br />
Vanga granite<br />
Portingt<strong>on</strong> black<br />
granite<br />
Semi-permeable<br />
gravel<br />
Silver grey granite<br />
kerbs<br />
Kellen aggregate<br />
sett paviour<br />
Alantejo black<br />
granite sett<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
bands<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
bands<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
bands<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
bands<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite flags<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
bands<br />
Yellow Rock<br />
granite setts<br />
Yellow Rock granite setts<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
setts<br />
Silver grey granite<br />
flags<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
setts<br />
Silver grey granite<br />
kerbs<br />
Dark grey granite<br />
setts<br />
Stardust granite<br />
sett/band<br />
* subject to internal approval<br />
67
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7.3 Design Principles for Softworks<br />
• There should be a general c<strong>on</strong>cept of green walls and roofs to<br />
proposed buildings, boulevard tree planting to streets and street<br />
trees and low hedging to car parks, where possible, with a view<br />
to providing a natural climate change mitigati<strong>on</strong> strategy within<br />
the centre (in accordance with PPS 1: Sustainable Development<br />
• The adopti<strong>on</strong> of the above planting c<strong>on</strong>cept will inform the overall<br />
branding of the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• Tree and shrub species shall be selected to suit site c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and complement the surrounding use of colour within the public<br />
realm; fruit and/or nut dropping species should be avoided.<br />
• Tree planting may be used to frame key vistas, yet should be<br />
avoided in other places if the architectural merit of a building<br />
needs to be emphasised.<br />
• locate planting sensitively to promote maximum spatial use<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> Centre and support outdoor trading and events<br />
• Locati<strong>on</strong> of trees not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular movement<br />
or encroach <strong>on</strong>to pedestrian routes; use deep rooting species<br />
to avoid disrupti<strong>on</strong> of the paved surface<br />
• the green link shall be identified through the use of a specific<br />
paviour with a green emblem carved into it, located every 10<br />
metres<br />
• seas<strong>on</strong>al planting may be provided through the use of hanging<br />
baskets, using a c<strong>on</strong>temporary basket design that is being developed<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>Council</strong>. Flower colour shall be<br />
restricted to <strong>on</strong>e colour for each year, to maximise visual impact.<br />
Tesco<br />
Central Forest<br />
Park<br />
CBD<br />
Potteries<br />
Centre<br />
East West<br />
Centre<br />
green infrastructure to car parks green wall to building, Paris boulevard planting to key approaches<br />
Hanley Park<br />
Plan to show softworks strategy (NTS)<br />
68 69
DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7.5 Design Principles for Signage<br />
• Signage shall be located in clearly visible locati<strong>on</strong>s within squares<br />
and at pedestrian crossings, but must not obstruct pedestrian access<br />
(refer to spatial hierarchy plan in Chapter 6 for designated<br />
locati<strong>on</strong>s) or obscure visual sight lines.<br />
• The use of signage shall enhance civic identity, advertise the<br />
proximity of the <strong>City</strong> Centre to passing visitors, reduce the inward<br />
nature of the retail core, define main routes into the town centre<br />
and direct pedestrians to destinati<strong>on</strong>s. It should form part of the<br />
package of branding for the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• The design of signage shall be simple and ic<strong>on</strong>ic in nature in order<br />
to strengthen the city brand.<br />
• The signage suite as a whole should incorporate a c<strong>on</strong>sistent use<br />
of colours that are complementary to other colours used within the<br />
public realm. Design of vehicle gateway signage should promote<br />
visibility to vehicular users incorporating evening illuminati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
• Pedestrian gateway signage should be at a human scale, incorporating<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Centre brand logo, orientati<strong>on</strong> plans and art; it<br />
should be distinctive to <str<strong>on</strong>g>Stoke</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>Trent</strong> whilst being complementary<br />
to the surrounding landscape; signage should incorporate the<br />
principles of accessible sign design, as defined within ‘Sign Design<br />
Guide’, published by JMU and Sign Design Society and recognised<br />
as best practice.<br />
• Orientati<strong>on</strong> signage should enhance identity and legibility through<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Centre, identify Cown Centre destinati<strong>on</strong>s, clearly direct<br />
the pedestrian in the directi<strong>on</strong> sought, and help to define the hierarchy<br />
of spaces and streets.<br />
• Street name signage should be reviewed and where possible<br />
street names should be clearly placed <strong>on</strong>to corner building facades<br />
and illuminated.<br />
• the ‘Legible <strong>City</strong>’ signage scheme designed by Bristol id and implemented<br />
within Bristol is a good precedent signage scheme that is<br />
suitable for the <strong>City</strong> Centre. The signage incorporates a locati<strong>on</strong><br />
plan, an orientated map and illustrati<strong>on</strong> of 4 minute walking distances.<br />
• interpretative material should be incorporated into signage to signify<br />
historic features<br />
• The NSRP is currently developing a suite of <strong>City</strong> signage structures<br />
that will accord with the branding strategy adopted for the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
sculptural design for signage<br />
interpretive m<strong>on</strong>olithic signage<br />
legible city signage designed by Bristol id<br />
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DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
7.6 Design Principles for Street Furniture<br />
• Street furniture should be incorporated into the street design<br />
sensitively to reduce street clutter. Stand al<strong>on</strong>e elements must<br />
be justified and should be removable in spaces intended to<br />
accommodate <strong>on</strong>-street trading, exhibiti<strong>on</strong>s, events and gatherings<br />
to allow for flexible use of spaces.<br />
• The adopti<strong>on</strong> of a palette of materials within street furniture will<br />
help to promote the percepti<strong>on</strong> of a city brand. Street furniture<br />
should complement the paving palette.<br />
• A c<strong>on</strong>sistent use of standardised street furniture provides<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sistency: adapted standard street furniture reinforces the<br />
street hierarchy and creates visual interest. Subtle changes in<br />
materials, lighting and public art can be used to enhance street<br />
furniture, whilst maintaining a c<strong>on</strong>sistent palette across the <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre<br />
• Street furniture should not obstruct pedestrian flows, particularly<br />
in the retail core, or restrict vehicular access: positi<strong>on</strong> seating<br />
in locati<strong>on</strong>s that allow for observati<strong>on</strong> into spaces, rather than<br />
the sitter being the object of observati<strong>on</strong>: seating should be<br />
located at strategic intervals to satisfy DDA requirements.<br />
• Seating should be used to promote ‘dwell’ time at desired<br />
points; street furniture should be omitted where it is important<br />
to keep the street clear or where quick dispersal is required: a<br />
high quality base element allowing for easy adaptati<strong>on</strong> of seating<br />
surfaces would allow a c<strong>on</strong>sistent approach; st<strong>on</strong>e would<br />
be a suitable base material; timber seats would promote dwell<br />
time, st<strong>on</strong>e seats would reduce the dwell time.70<br />
• Select bins with wide apertures to provide easy and effective<br />
disposal of fast food cart<strong>on</strong>s; multi-hole bins should be selected<br />
to promote recycling strategies.<br />
• Bollard should be retractable to allow for movement of traffic<br />
outside of restricted hours; the design should allow the bollards<br />
to sit discretely within the street scape; designed to 1m height,<br />
with a visually c<strong>on</strong>trasting band.<br />
• Street furniture should be DDA compliant, robust and durable,<br />
with provisi<strong>on</strong> of a range of seating with and without arms, to a<br />
seat level of 480mm; bear the required maintenance of street<br />
furniture in mind when specifying (refer to <strong>City</strong> Centre Public<br />
Realm Technical Manual for further details)<br />
Removable seating<br />
seating incorporating lighting<br />
c<strong>on</strong>temporary seating<br />
Removable seating<br />
st<strong>on</strong>e plinth seating<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trasting textures<br />
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DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
Materials Matrix: Street Furniture<br />
seating materials for squares<br />
main square bins & bollards<br />
seating materials for green spaces<br />
base accent detail top<br />
base<br />
accent detail<br />
base<br />
top<br />
Kilkenny limest<strong>on</strong>e<br />
stainless steel (quick<br />
dispersal)<br />
Kilkenny limest<strong>on</strong>e<br />
Chrystal black<br />
granite<br />
Untreated Green oak<br />
timber (dwell time)<br />
Selecti<strong>on</strong> for<br />
features<br />
Yellow rock granite<br />
Ceramics<br />
Untreated Green oak<br />
timber (dwell time)<br />
movable coloured<br />
seating<br />
stainless steel<br />
RAL 9004 traffic<br />
black powder coated<br />
steel<br />
Yellow rock granite<br />
Yellow rock granite<br />
(short stay)<br />
green space bins & bollards<br />
base<br />
Chrystal black<br />
granite<br />
Untreated Green<br />
oak timber<br />
accent detail<br />
RAL 9004 traffic<br />
black powder coated<br />
steel<br />
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DESIGN PRINCIPLES 7<br />
Decorative tiles at Buxt<strong>on</strong> Spa<br />
7.2 Design Principles for Public Art<br />
• public art should explore the idea of ceramics in the public<br />
realm, interpreting historic traditi<strong>on</strong>s and applying c<strong>on</strong>temporary<br />
design soluti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
• surfaces such as shop fr<strong>on</strong>ts, seating bases and hand rails<br />
should be utilised, where possible<br />
• The development of public art within the <strong>City</strong> Centre should<br />
allow for community involvement, identify local values, aspirati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and historical stories and illustrate the cultural c<strong>on</strong>text of<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• It should express the unspoken values of local residents.<br />
• It should also provide visual interest and aid legibility within the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre.<br />
• M<strong>on</strong>umental stature should be used for impact and to strengthen<br />
local identity in additi<strong>on</strong> to simplifying wayfinding (e.g Angel<br />
of the North). A suitable locati<strong>on</strong> would be the proposed main<br />
square adjacent to Lichfield Street, (subject to masterplanning<br />
c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong>).<br />
• Subtle and discrete art elements that are discovered over a period<br />
of use should be used to promote the visitor experience of<br />
discovery. Subtle interventi<strong>on</strong>s add quality to the public realm,<br />
whilst preserving inclusive access. These should be located in<br />
other public squares, as set out in this document.<br />
historic use of ceramic tiles in The<br />
Golden Cup fr<strong>on</strong>tage, Northwood<br />
ceramic art in Seville adds a distinctive<br />
character to the <strong>City</strong><br />
ceramic art <strong>on</strong> wall in northern quarter,<br />
Manchester<br />
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