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TRANSFORMING STREETS AND SQUARES
Local people are to be asked for their views at a two-day exhibition on how they would like to see the streets and public spaces in the city centre transformed.
The interactive public exhibitions at the Guildhall Theatre, Market Place on Thursday February 21 and Friday February 22 between 12 noon and 6pm will focus on the route between Westfield Derby, Riverlights and the Cathedral Quarter.
The events are the first stage in the ‘Transforming Streets and Squares’ project led by Derby Cityscape and Derby City Council with design consultants Savills Urban Design and Alan Baxter Associates.
Invitations have been sent to members of the general public and local businesses who have already been involved in previous consultation events but Derby Cityscape is keen to get a broad base of opinion for the project.
A key objective is to enhance the attractiveness and economic competitiveness of Cathedral Quarter by improving the quality of the public spaces that connect it with Derby’s World Heritage Site, the major mixed-use redevelopment at Riverlights, and the recently completed £340 million retail development, Westfield Derby. As many as seven new and improved public spaces could be created between these sites.
The project includes Derby’s Riverside car park at Cockpit, Morledge, Corporation Street, Full Street, and a part of “Heritage Walk” which runs from the new Saint Alkmund’s Way Bridge at Saint Mary’s Church to the Spot.
Considerable public and private investment is already underway along these routes, including the £10 million Quad arts centre and the new £3.8 million park and new bridge at Cathedral Green. Planning applications have also been submitted for the redevelopment of the Old Magistrates Court and Ex-Police Head Quarters site.
The public’s views will be incorporated in two design workshops with key stakeholders and the detailed designs will go on show during Derby City Partnership week in June. Work is then due to start on the two-year project in early 2009.
Councillor Ranjit Banwait, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation commented: “Now is an opportune time to set out the vision for higher quality streets, squares, and green spaces, to consolidate these investments, and build up the momentum required to ensure that the city centre is as attractive and competitive as it can be.”
Derby Cityscape Chief Executive John Cadwallader explained: “This project is about creating inspiring public spaces in Derby’s city centre. Streets and squares provide the setting for buildings and through this project both will be considered in a joined up way. For example, development briefs will set the vision for the redevelopment of key sites beside the Market Hall and Cathedral.
“Derby’s streets and squares are full of potential but they need a vision for excellence. The vision needs to honour Derby’s heritage and it should challenge the status quo in highway design.”
Derby Cityscape Urban Design Manager Nick Corbett adds: “At the open days, we want to learn what people’s aspirations are for their public space. We don’t just want people to think out of the box; there is no box. If people want Derby’s streets and squares to compare with the best in the world, we’ll help them turn their dreams into reality. The start of the project is a time for dreams and visions. Then we get practical.”
Councillor Chris Williamson, Leader of Derby City Council encourages people to participate; “This project will enable us to build the public spaces that will promote unity and prosperity in Derby. I encourage people to drop in on the open day events and tell the designers what you would like to see”.