Integrated Urban Development Plan (pdf) - Make It Kilmarnock

Simplify the arrangements for the key intersections, with
the use of compact low-speed high-capacity junctions would
enhance the public realm, reducing the barrier effect of a
busy highway space. High capacity signal junctions could
be replaced by roundabouts with reduced approach widths
and tight turning radii, to encourage low vehicular speeds
and retain high urban design standards (as successfully
implemented in Mainland Europe).
Sheriff Court Corner
At present the signal-controlled junction of John Finnie
Street, Portland Road, Dundonald Road and St Marnock
Street presents a forbidding barrier to the town centre, and
a poor arrival point into John Finnie Street, dominated by
barriers, signals and all the street signs associated with the
one-way system.
John Finnie Street
The two-lane one-way road system, where pedestrians rely
on signal-controlled crossings to negotiate the fast moving
traffic, generates excessive street clutter that erodes the
urban quality of John Finnie Street. The fine Victorian
buildings disappear from view, and key connections are lost.
A simple informal junction would cope with likely traffic
volumes and reduce the build-up of stationary queues along
St Marnock Street. We would recommend a careful detailing
of the transition of materials. The selection and inclusion of
characteristic street lighting would help define the identity
of the new space and establish a key transition point into
John Finnie Street.
We would recommend simplifying the street layout
reintroducing a two-way traffic movement. The carriageway
would be narrowed to 6 metres. Parking could be retained
and interspersed by a few carefully located trees that could
help reinforce the sense of place. Courtesy crossings would
be located at regular intervals to enhance the numerous
pedestrian desire lines.
Station Square
The regeneration of the space surrounding the station
underpins the re-design of John Finnie Street. At present the
visitor arriving by train is welcomed by a bleak, incoherent
space lacking definition and dominated by signals. The
quality of the shops and business suffer from the lack of
opportunities for pedestrians to spend time in this area.
Howard Park Place
The entrance to Howard Park is aligned with John Finnie
Street and provides the opportunity to define the edge this
axis at this side of town.
Our sketch design recommendations build on the principles
of place-making to create a simple, legible relationship
between the park and the street. The design would make
use of surface treatments to create a clear forecourt to the
park, with some distinctive lighting and planting to be
incorporated into the newly paved area. It allows for the full
frontage of the park to become the entry point to the town
centre, emphasising the transition from the A759 to the
slow-speed context of the town centre, where the use of any
centre line or other road markings should be avoided.
Our initial recommendation would include a carefully
designed roundabout that would create an appropriate
forecourt to the station. A paving language of contrasting
materials / textures / tones would define the carriageway
and footway areas.
1.3 Top of the Town proposals
Proposals for the top of the town would seek to change the
current perception of this area as a series of car parks into
an elegant urban space with a revised road system and
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