Altrincham Town Centre
by Planit IE and Civic Engineers for Trafford Council The use of consistent and high quality materials harmonise the public realmThis is the space between
Streets and Public Realm
Public Realm
Introduction
Public realm is defined as the space between buildings which is freely and publicly accessible to all, it is the place where people should come together. It should connect people with each other and their environment. The public realmThis is the space between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces. should be designed to meet the necessary demands of our lives whilst creating joy, delight and meaning through facilitating social interaction and cohesion.
The length of time an individual or a group spend in a place and how they use it can be directly linked to the quality of the environment they encounter. Successfully designed public spaces create safer and more attractive places for people to live, visit or invest in, bringing vitality to our places.
Features of public realm design
- Ensure spaces have good natural surveillance and are well-lit with lighting designs that consider the pedestrian experience.
- Spaces should be legible and free of visual clutterThe uncoordinated arrangement of street furniture, signs and other features., providing consistent materials, wayfinding and signage to aid accessibility
- Design spaces to provide opportunities to bring people together, promote sociability, well-being and a sense of community
- Deliver spaces that incorporate high quality hard and soft landscaping
- Provide adequate space for play, recreation, activities and events
- Incorporate multifunctional street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. and avoid street clutter
- Introduce SuDSSuDS are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties and other developments. Sustainable drainage measures are ones which avoid adding to flood risks both at a development site and elsewhere in the catchment by replicating natural drainage processes. SuDS work by slowing and holding back the water that runs off from a site, alleviating flooding and allowing natural processes to break down pollutants. wherever possible
SPPR 1
Landscape
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate that the public realmThis is the space between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces. has been designed in accordance with the codes set out in the ‘Landscape and Nature’ chapter of this Code.
Description
Well-designed public realm creates safer and more attractive places for people to live, visit or invest in, bringing vitality to our places. The quality of the spaces between buildings is as important as the buildings themselves.
Well-designed places have trees and other planting within public spaces for people to enjoy, whilst also providing shading, and air quality and climate change mitigation.
The design of landscape influences the microclimate and can promote a sense of tranquillity.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Site Wide Landscape Strategy as required by the Landscape and Nature Chapter
- Drainage Assessment Reports
SPPR 2
Desire lines
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate that they have carefully considered the relationship of areas of public realm with the surrounding environment when laying out pedestrian, cycling and wheeling routes to deliver well-landscaped, efficient and coherent pathways.
Description
Areas of public realm should incorporate continuous, clear, direct and attractive walking, cycling and wheelingWheeling refers to use of wheeled mobility aids, such as wheelchairs mobility scooters and walking frames. Wheeling is a term that many, but not all, disabled people identify with. It also includes prams, buggies and other modes of transport which may travel on footways, at speeds similar to walking. It excludes cycles and e-scooters. routes into sites and surroundings. Crossing points should be frequently located on desire lines and free from obstruction.
The delivery of attractive routes encourages active travelMaking journeys by physically active means like walking, wheeling or cycling, rather than motor vehicle. and the delivery of sustainable developments.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Site Wide Landscaping Strategy
- Site Layout Plan.
SPPR 3
Accessibility
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Areas of public realm must be designed to be fully accessible.
Description
Areas of public realm should be designed to be accessible for people of all abilities as part of attractive spaces with good sightlines, and well-chosen junctions and crossings, so that people want to use them.
Provide access and facilities for all users in accordance with BS8300 Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Built Environment – code of practice, external environment.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Site Wide Landscaping Strategy
- Site Plan
Principles of an accessible public realm
Guidance and regulations change. Refer to building regulations for full latest guidance
Footway width
It has a surface width of at least 2m. Where space does not permit, a surface width of 1.8m or 1.5m with passing places may be acceptable.
Free from obstruction
Is free from obstructions that further reduce the surface width of the footway
Height Obstructions
It is free of obstructions to a height of 2.1m.
Surface materials
Its surface is firm, durable and slip resistant, with undulations not exceeding 3mm under a 1m straight edge for formless material.
Joints between paving units
Difference in level at joints between paving units. Joints filled flush: 5mm max wide; recessed: max 5mm deep and 10mm wide; unfilled: max 5mm wide.
Different surface materials
Where there are different materials along the access route, they have similar frictional characteristics.
Forward slope
The gradient along its length is either no steeper than 1:60 along its whole length, or less steep than 1:20 with level landings introduced for each 500mm rise of the access.
Cross-fall slope
Cross-fall gradient of all paths no steeper than 1:40.
SPPR 4
Wayfinding and legibility
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Pedestrian environments must make wayfinding easy, be safe, accessible, legible, free of visual clutter and include a consistent material palette and signage strategy.
Description
Carefully sited signage and well-designed wayfindingBetter wayfinding means improving the ease with which people can navigate themselves to, from and within a place or development. plays an important role in delivering safe, accessible and legible streets and public realm. Signage and wayfindingBetter wayfinding means improving the ease with which people can navigate themselves to, from and within a place or development. can range from road traffic signs and street name plates to “A” Boards and other temporary or integrated signage. The use of signage must be carefully considered to ensure that it is kept to minimum, appropriately sited and kept up to date.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Site Wide Landscaping Strategy
- Site Plan
Examples
SPPR 5
Street furniture
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Street furniture must make a positive contribution to the public realm and respect the character of the area. A restricted palette of materials must be used for street furniture that is simple, usable, durable and easy to maintain. It must not create visual clutter or impede access.
Description
Street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. can help animate the public realm and is vital to the safe functioning of public spaces and very often, the direct safety of the people that use them. However careful planning is required to avoid unnecessary clutter and obstacles. Where possible smart technology and digital infrastructure should be integrated within street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. in a creative way. Consider ways in which street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. could perform multiple functions or be integrated with other features, such as using robustly designed planters as seating or to act as vehicle barriers. Street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. should contrast in colour and tone with its surroundings to help visually impaired people avoid obstacles they might walk into or trip over. Historic street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. should be refurbished and retained.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- In New Places it should be demonstrated how this fits in with a masterplanor design framework for the whole of the place.
Documents required:
- Site Plan
- DetailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. of street furnitureThe collective name used for all furniture, fittings and objects in the external areas of buildings, landscapes and streets for the benefit of the public. This can include benches, post boxes, cycle stands, traffic lights, street lamps, traffic signs, outdoor sculptures, and waste bins that are seen on the street. (may form part of the Site Wide Landscaping Strategy or Design and Access Statement).
Examples
SPPR 6
Cycle parking
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Areas of public realm must incorporate cycle parking.
Description
Cycle parking should be provided to allow people to visit local neighbourhood amenities. Cycle parking provision should be provided at a level of provision that is proportionate to the size of the public realmThis is the space between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces.. Five percent of the cycle parking provision should be capable of accommodating inclusive cycles, cargo cycles and tricycles.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Site Plan
SPPR 7
Play and recreation
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Areas of play and recreation must be inviting, inclusive, imaginative and stimulating for all ages. It must also be sensitively designed to complement and enhance the local area.
Description
The use of natural materials and surfaces is preferred for play spaces, providing a more sensitive appearance and greater sensory experience for users. Informal play features should be designed into the wider environment to encourage the interpretation and exploration of surroundings. The design of formal play spaces (both equipped and natural) should be undertaken through consultation with the relevant public bodies such as ROSPA and local need should be assessed. When designing play equipment, the maintenance and repair of any equipment and surfaces should be considered.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Site Wide Landscaping Strategy
- Site Plan
- DetailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. of play and recreation equipment, layout, surface and boundary treatment.
Examples
SPPR 8
Materials
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Materials used in the public realm must be high quality, durable and complement the local context.
Description
Surface materials are an integral element of creating areas of public realm, ensuring cohesion and continuity. In order to achieve this, a limited palette with materials that are attractive, simple, durable, appropriate to the local characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. and capable of withstanding their intended use should be chosen.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Site Wide Landscaping Strategy
- Site Plan
Examples
SPPR 9
Public art
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Public art must contribute positively towards the local character and distinctiveness of the Trafford place and respond to social and cultural context.
Description
When designing public art, careful consideration must be given to siting, accessibility and the users of the space. Public art must enhance the visual and spatial experience of the public realmThis is the space between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces. and stimulate the imagination with innovative or creative installations. Public art should create focal points in the public realmThis is the space between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces. and appeal to the senses through imaginative use of colour, light, proportions, texture, sounds and movement. Public art can be two or three dimensional and interactive and participatory art installations are encouraged.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- In New Places it should be demonstrated how this fits in with a masterplanor design framework for the whole of the place
Documents required:
- Site Plan
- DetailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. of public art (may form part of the Site Wide Landscaping Strategy or Design and Access Statement).
Examples
SPPR 10
Hostile vehicle mitigation
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Hostile vehicle mitigation, where appropriate must be integrated seamlessly into the public realm.
Description
Designers of public realm must ensure that hostile vehicle mitigation measures are integrated seamlessly into the environment, providing proportionate security whilst also creating appealing and functional places for people.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- Certain schemes, for example the provision of public realm, that are located within the Civic Quarter and Wharfside, Trafford Centre Rectangle and Town Centres may be required to provide details of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM).
Documents required:
- Crime Impact Statement
- Design and Access Statement
- Site Wide Landscaping Strategy
- Site Plan
- Details of HVM measures
Examples
Public realm case studies
Aura, great kneighton
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Bonn Square, Oxford
Bonn Square, Oxford by Graham Massie In retaining that which is essential and of historic value, and by folding a taut sandstone surface over its
West Gorton Park, Manchester
West Gorton Community Park by BDP, Arup and Groundwork for Manchester City Council West Gorton Community Park is the first of its kind in Greater
Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Centre
Altrincham Health and Wellbeing centre by AFL Architects for Citybranch / Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group The new health centre in Altrincham – an integration of
Wellington Place, Leeds
Wellington Place, Leeds by DLG, Arup, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Architects (FCBS), Carey Jones and Gillespies, Martha Schwartz (Landscape) Wellington Place marks an important part
