Southwell CA Appraisal.pdf - Newark and Sherwood District Council

Spaces, Landscape and Boundary Features
The major open space in this tightly built urban form
is the King Street Market Place, which is a gap site in
the street frontage. Recent environmental
improvements have given the site definition and
character and it makes a positive contribution to the
street. However, a greater sense of enclosure would
benefit the space particularly to the rear.
Market Place, King Street
The yards behind the street frontages are tightly knit and are attractive spaces. They have an
intimate character with shops and houses on either side.
There are fine examples of traditional materials beneath the arch on Waterloo Yard and in Bull
Yard. If further yards are developed the use of traditional materials would positively enhance
the areas.
Many spaces are also enclosed by historic walls, as in Queen Street, and it is important that
these remain and are properly maintained.
There are several footpaths amongst the buildings that provide good pedestrian routes. Little
attention has been given to their appearance or to the safety of their users. They are a valuable
resource adding to the interest and vitality of the town centre and could be enhanced further.
Trees and soft landscape are not particular features
of this area, which is generally built up. However
specimen trees in the King Street Market Place and
at the junction of King Street with Queen Street do
act as focal points. Also of importance are the trees
and gardens in the larger houses, which soften and
contrast with the buildings and make a positive
contribution to the conservation area. Outside the
area, trees in Dunham, Rampton and Sacrista
Prebends form a strong backdrop to the town
centre.
Junction of King
Street and Queen
Street
Street furniture and road and pavement surfaces have developed over a number of years
resulting in too great a variety of materials. Generally surfaces are also of poor quality and in
poor condition. The spaces between buildings detract considerably from the high quality of the
architecture. However, improvements have been undertaken on King Street and Queen Street
with the introduction of Yorkstone paving for the one-way system.
Summary
• King Street Market Place would benefit from some form of enclosure particularly at the
rear where this will make a significant improvement to the townscape quality.
• The rear yards are generally attractive spaces and if the opportunity arises for further
regeneration this could further enhance the attractiveness of the area as a whole.
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