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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 />

46


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 />

52


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 />

70 71


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 />

71


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 />

72

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