Professional Practice: Walkability & Community St. Pauls Ward - Zone 5, “Clarence Square area�
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What do we want to achieve?
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Site Survey • To have a greater understanding of what walkability is and how it can be achieved. • To understand the importance of community and to what extent St Pauls Ward encourages it. • To undertake a detailed survey of Zone 5, focusing on the economic, social and environmental values. • To map out vehicular, public and pedestrian movement in and around Zone 5.
Site Analysis • To Exploit potential issues with Zone 5 and finding ways to improve them in relation to walkability and community. • To explore the advantages and opportunities of Zone 5 and encourage positive future development ideas.
Proposal • Reserarch successful community and walkability initiatives and uses them as precedent study.
• Create a proposal that will encourage and improve walkability and directly impact the local community. jpk landscape architecture
What is Walkability?
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • It is a measure of how friendly an area is to walk.
GREEN
• It has health, environmental and economic benefits. • A walkable environment must have short distances.
COSMOPOLITAN CLOSE
• It can mean traversable to children, elderly and the disabled. • Walkable environments tend to have coffee shops, a mix of housing types, grid street pattern, tree lines and scenic green spaces.
PEDESTRIANISED
UPSCALE
BARRIER FREE
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Introduction to St. Pauls Ward - Community
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
St Paul’s Road Area Residents Association(SPRA) • The Association (SPRA) was established in June 2008 to provide an effective way to capture and address the common concerns of the community. • Its objective is to help improve the quality of life in the area. • Maintaining effective communication with the many authorities and organisations influencing life in the area.
Key Points • School House Cafe is a ‘community first cafe’ in St. Pauls aiming to bring people together ran by volunteers. • The Cafe is located in the lobby of the old St. Pauls School opened by the Vicar of St. Pauls Henry Bromby & Francis Close. • St. Pauls Ward has an integrated student community as a result of Francis Close Hall Campus and Hardwick Campus. • St. Pauls Church is at the ‘heart of the community’ and organises and encourages events and activities.
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Introduction to St. Pauls Ward - History
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Roads were built in St. Pauls area throughout the 19th century creating housing in a grid layout. •
Important buildings that add to the character; - Cheltenham Union Workhouse (demolished 1990s) - St. Pauls Church - Teacher Training Centre (now FCH)
• Maintains rich industrial character, despite modern infill development. • Distinctive artisan terraced housing. • Pittvile has a distinctive history which integrates into the St. Pauls Ward.
National Library of Scotland OS Historic Map 1888-1912 1:2500 @A2
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Introduction to Zone 5 - The Site
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Pittville Pump House
St. Pauls Walk
Honeybourne Line
Pittville Park Dunalley Primary School
St. Pauls Medical Centre
St. Pauls Church
Central Cross
Marle Hill
University of Gloucestershire FCH Campus
Wellington Square
Pittville Crescent
Clarence Square Pittville Circus
Lower Highstreet The Brewery
North Place Car Park
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Character
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Predominantly housed Cheltenham artisan workers. • The houses are arranged in a grid layout however have been developed around Clarence and Wellington Square. • The houses vary in style; from compact terraced Londonesque housing to country style detached brick housing. • Regency style housing facade with black fencing and handrails. • Some houses have retained original features such as front door canopies and brackets. • There are14 statutory listed buildings in Zone 5 and many of the houses are also listed. • The Francis Close Hall Campus, which is now part of the University of Gloucestershire adds to the rich character of Zone 5.
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Character
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Health & Wellbeing
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Bradbury Gardens is a newly developed voluntary care home with nursing. The home cares for those with learning disability, physical disability and sensory impairment. • Cheltenham Holistic Health Centre was established in 1981 and offers over 25 well established therapies. The health centre is in walking distance from the town centre. Cheltenham Holistic Health Centre
Hilden House
No.38 The Park
Bradbury Garden Care Home
Clarence Court
22 Garden Flat
• There are four hotels and/or bed and breakfast in Zone 5, located in close proximity to Clarence and Wellington Square. jpk landscape architecture
Introduction to Zone 5 - Education
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Dunalley Primary School Key Points • Community school with 324 pupils ages 4-11. • The school is directly linked with the local community. • The school has its own garden which includes wildlife areas, a pond and a bird feeding station. • 76% of students live in the Borough of Cheltenham. • Vehicle usage during pick-up and drop-off times dramatically increases congestion along West Drive.
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Flora & Fauna
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • St. Pauls Ward has a lack of Public Green Space • Zone 5 has two Green Spaces; Clarence Square & Wellington Square • Squares are formed with a series of tarmac pathways & expansive grass areas • Both squares are bordered by Ilex aquafolium (Holly hedge rows) •
Biodiverse number of native trees; - Plantinus x hispanica - Quercus robur and Quercus ilex - Pinus Sylvestris - Betulus pendula - Taxus Baccata
•
Street Trees consist of; - Fraxinus exselsior - Betula Pendula - Plantinus x hispanica
How to improve • Opening the squares • Lighting & Natural Surveillance
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Flora & Fauna
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Shrub species Include; - Cornus Alba and Salix alba - Aucuba japonica - Choisya ternata - Rhodedendron Varieties • All species provide a form of shelter for small mammals. • Evidence of grey squirell, and a buzzard preying on a pigeon. • Green verges reducing run-off. • London plane create a green link bewteen town and Pittville Park & absorb pollutants. • Wide range of flora & funna, pocket parks & dynamic green landscaping linking to Pittville Park. How to improve • Clarence & Wellington square not used to full potential • Introducing nature trail maps along green link • Converting expansive green space to community allotments
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Socio-Economic Statistics Other Looked after 3% at home 3% Sick/Disabled Retired 6%
Figure 1 - Economic activity of people living in St. Pauls Ward
1%
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • 2011 census; Population of St. Pauls was 6 403 now approx. 7 000 • 52% Females 48% Males
Full Time 30%
• St. Pauls tightly packed artisan terracehousing with basements • Renovations made ideal for more residents i.e 43% Students • Zone 5 much larger 4 storey londonesque style terrace housing & detached • Opportunity for community space, engagement and green space to encourage local biodiversity
Part Time 8% Student 43%
Self Employed 3% Unemployed 3%
Figure 2 - Ages of people living in St. Pauls Ward
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Introduction to Zone 5 - Crime
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Clarence Drive 9%
Clarence Road 13%
West Drive 28%
Clarence Square 6% Clarington Mews 5%
Wellington Square 9%
Evesham Road 7%
Wellington Lane 3% Monson Ave Wellesley Road 2% Northfield Place 4% Northfield Terrace 9% Figure 1 - Location & Percentage 5% of crime within Zone 5
St Pauls Ward
Zone 5
Figure 2 -Zone 5 crime statistics compared to St. Pauls ward
Crime Hotspots
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Circulation - Pedestrian Traffic
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Pump House
Pittville Park
Key Points • Pedestrians use Zone 5 has a direct link between Pittville Park and Cheltenham town centre. • Evesham Road borders Zone 5 to the east and provides the main thoroughfare for pedestrians. • There are also direct links betwen the Brewery and Clarence Road which leads onto West Drive. • West Drive has a an influx of pedestrian traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times. • There are a number of smaller roads such as Clarington Road and Wellesley Road that remain very quiet.
Brewery
Town
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Circulation - Vehicle Traffic
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Evesham Road that borders Zone 5 to the east provides the main thoroughfare of traffic. • St Pauls Road and Swindon Road run parallel with one another and have constant vehicual traffic. • West Drive is generally quite however during school times there is a large volume of traffic. • Access through the site is resricted because of barriers which ensure Zone 5 is not used as a ‘cut-through. • Vehicle traffic is minimal around Clarence and Wellington Square as the parking is for permits only. • Swindon Road and Evesham Road have a public bus link reducing the need to drive.
Low Traffic
Public Bus
Moderate Traffic
Traffic Restriction
Heavy Traffic
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Circulation - Parking
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • In comparison to the rest of St Pauls Ward, parking is not a major concern. • This is because the roads are wide enough to allow on street parking and still provide accessibility. • The majority of parking is permit holders or pay and display only reducing huge volumes of parked cars.
• Parking during school drop and pick off points creates congestion and reduces safety.
Permit Holders Only Past This Point Area Wide Parking NO BAYS MARKED Shared Bay: Permit Holders or Limited Time
Shared Bay: Pay & Display or Permit Holders P
Parking Bays: Permit holders only
P
Public Pay & Display Secure Parking P
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Issues - Hard Materials
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Shallow tree roots are lifting areas of pavement and tarmac leading to an uneven walking surface. • Particular problem for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and parents/guardians pushing buggies. • Inconsistent walking surface as tarmac used to fill in gaps when existing slabs are cracked or uplifted. • Gloucestershire County Council maintenance clear gutters once a year at £35 per drain. • Leaves on pavements and roads create a slippery surface increasing the risk of an accident.
• Hazard warning paving present to provide safe crossing for the visually impaired.
How to improve • Consistency in material is key to distinguish between vehicle and pedestrian priority. • Root barriers utilised when planting street trees. • Encourage pedestrian priority and traffic calming through the use of material.
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Issues - Pedestrian Access
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • In general, the width and safety of pavements in St Pauls Ward is a huge problem and needs addressing. • Pavement width for most of Zone 5 is ideal however cars still have priority. • Grass verges bordering the two squares limit access into the grass spaces particularly during wet weather. • Refuse bins, cars which have mounted the kerb and overgrown vegetation can hinder accessibility in places. • Shallow roots of birch trees have began uplifting the pavement slabs and tarmac creating trip hazards. • Desire lines used during the ‘school-run’ have been filled with gravel however reduce ease of access for buggies. How to improve • Ensure a safer environment for pedestrians via traffic calming and 20mph vehicle speed zones. • Encourage pedestrian priority zones with incorporation of Clarence and Wellington Square. • Maps will help with navigation and ensure security.
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Advantages & Opportunity - Wellington Square
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
• Wellington Square has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a selection of native tree species. • Native trees and shrubs are grouped together creating habitats and shelter for an array of wildlife. • Artificial lighting and surveillence needs to added to encourage use of the site at night. • Expansive areas of grass could be developed into a community allotment scheme encouraging involvement of the local residents. • Natural climbing frames could be integrated into the vegetation encouraging phsyical activity in chilren. jpk landscape architecture
Advantages & Opportunity - Clarence Square
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
• Clarence Square has a wide variety of flora and fauna, however is not being used to its full potential. • The curving tarmac paths and expansive grass areas encouage walkability and summer activity. • Benches providing the opportunity to rest, however shelter from extremes in weather remains a problem. • Community engagement needs to be developed and encouraged in the square. • Native Trails could provide a fun and interactive way to learn about the local biodiversity.
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Advantages & Opportunity - North Place Carpark
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
• Currently a dead space space for feeding the needs of Cheltenhams high demand for parking. • Sold for development of housing and retail Cheltenham borough council have proposed a development strategy for this area (Just Evesham Road) • Great opportunity for green space to create link towards Pittville. • Perhaps a mix of residential parking, development & urban green space. • Expand the green corridor through this area. • Safer Crossing Zone, St. Margarets Road. jpk landscape architecture
Advantages & Opportunity - Links Pump House
Pittville Park
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Zone 5 provides a direct thoroughfare between Pittville Park and Cheltenham town centre. • Ideal Opportunity to open up and incorporate Clarence and Wellington Square to create that link. • Further improve the green corridor by using street trees to create a clear processional access route. • The squares also provide the opportunity for a nature interpretation trail creating an educational but enjoyable link through the space. • Designated cycle routes need to be integrated to encourage cycling and provide a safe journey for users. • The focus link needs to be designed and dedicated to the pedestrian user. There must be a switch from vehicle priority to pedestrian priority.
Focus Link Brewery Main Thoroughfare Links
Town
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Advantages & Opportunity - Views
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
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Advantages & Opportunity - Intersection points
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
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Proposal - Precedent Study
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Key Points • Diana Memorial Fountain is in Hyde Park and provides a fun and interactive water feature for people of all ages. • Ingress Park, Greenhithe is a wealthy housing development encouraging green processional routes and pedestrian priority through materiality. • Central Cross Cafe is located in Pittville Park and provides seating and shelter amongst a natural landscape. • A community allotment scheme in Liverpool encouraging local residents to come together. • Bath Road, Cheltenham, has used planters to create an on-road cycle park increasing pavement space. • Exhibition Road, London, is a pedestrianised road with seating and central lighting.
• Visualisations for the new playground at Pittville Park:
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Proposal - Focus Points
Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
1. Biodiversity
4. Pedestrian Network
• Maintain and enhance existing flora and fauna in Clarence and Wellington Square.
• Encourage pedestrian priority at intersections and create pedestrianised zones around the squares.
• Create a nature trail interlinking the two squares with information about the local flora and fauna.
• Ensure consistency in material and level surfaces to ensure safety and security along pavements.
2. Community Engagement • Community allotment and coffee shop scheme encouraging involvement of the local community. • Water feature providing interaction and fun. • Natural climbing frame to encourage physical activity.
5. Vehicle Network • Integrate traffic calming in a subtle way using variation in materials and create 20mph zones. • Encourage Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuD’s) instead of traditional drainage systems.
3. Green Grid
6. Parking
• Create a green processional route and grid between Cheltenham town centre and Pittville Park
• Develop Northplace Car Park into a multifunctional space including an interated green car park
• Plant street trees (using root barriers) and create phytoremediation flower beds to improve air quality.
• Provide permits for house owners in Zone 5 for the new car park to reduce congestion along the roads.
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Walkability & Community St Pauls, Cheltenham
Any Questions?
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