An intricate network of courts, lanes and alleys weaves through
the heart of the Fleet Street Conservation Area. Some are
well-trodden routes and others are hidden spaces, forgotten by the
passage of time. This strategy seeks to re-capture the appeal of
these historic routes and spaces by using traditional materials
combined with subtle design interventions. The aim is to create a
more attractive and better functioning environment for this unique
corner of the City.
Burns + Nice Landscape Architects were commissioned by the City
to develop this design strategy. Their brief was to produce a
strategy for improvements to the appearance and function of the
street scene of the area. City Members approved the strategy in
2004 and a number of individual projects are currently being
implemented.
The strategy sets out a raft of proposals, ranging from simple
lighting improvements to comprehensive pedestrianisation and
landscaping schemes that will transform whole areas. The proposals
strive to create a more legible environment, to encourage better
use of the pedestrian network and improve safety and access for
all. Experience has shown that significant change can often be
achieved by simple measures, such as the removal of unnecessary
clutter, and it is this attention to detail that forms the basis of
the strategy.
High quality design and materials are to be used with precision
and care, to create a distinctive streetscape for this historically
important area. York stone and granite will be the main paving
elements, combined with attractive planting, innovative lighting,
and carefully positioned water features and public art
installations.
The design guidelines indicate a range of approaches, materials,
fittings and features that would compliment the historic fabric of
the courts and lanes but also enable a response to the more recent
developments and change of use now influencing them. The
specifically cover:
- Covered entrances
- Waymarking
- Signage
- Paving
- Street furniture
- Lighting Water Planting
- Public Art
The implementation of enhancement projects is subject to funding
becoming available.
Gough Square
- Pedestrianisation of Square. Carriageway level to be raised and
existing area of granite setts to be extended to its original
extent.
- Formal planting in planters to be located at building entrances
around the Square, together with improved seating.
- Additional wall-mounted lanterns to be positioned above the
archway entrance to the Square.
Hanging Sword Alley
- Introduction of a sculptural central water feature including
fibre optic lighting to focus the space, positioned to be viewed
from all routes entering the space.
- Placement of a tree in the north-east corner. Introduction of
planting, including climbers, to soften the building elevations.
Provision of seating and improved lighting.
- Enhancement of the covered sections and incorporation of a ramp
leading to Hood Court.
Bouverie Street and Whitefriars Street
- Replacement of asphalt footway with York stone paving.
- Location of raised pedestrian tables to improve crossing
points.
- Street tree planting where ground conditions permit.
- Narrowing of carriageway outside Fleetbank House on Whitefriars
Street to provide tree planting and additional cycle
racks.
St Brides Passage
- Redesign of existing planters to extend and improve
planting.
- Location of a sculptural feature with historic references in
the north-east corner of the space, together with improved
lighting.
- Provision of additional seating with new paving to provide a
directional link to the staircase leading to Bride Lane.
- Improvements to the handrail and increased lighting levels on
the staircase leading to Bride Lane.
Bride Lane
- Pedestrianisation of the southern section of Bride Lane from
New Bridge Street to St Brides Passage where the Lane turns
north.
- For the pedestrianised section, the road surface should be
raised and paved with granite. Introduce a new granite sett
carriageway to the northern section of the street with York stone
footways.
- Improve street lighting and consider projection of images onto
churchyard wall from wall mounted street lights as a public art
installation.