|
Great urban squares are the stage upon which the diverse
social life of towns and cities are played. They are the lifeblood
of any thriving urban centre - providing venues for large civic
celebrations and intimate places where people can meet, talk, eat,
drink and relax. It is essential that St. Peter's Square and Mersey
Square are reintegrated into the existing urban fabric. The scheme
looks beyond immediate boundaries, and forges new connections with
surrounding streets, buildings and movement networks that will
draw new life and activity into the heart of each square. At the
heart of any sustainable urban centre is an efficient and integrated
network of public transport. The existing bus station and rail
links provide a valuable asset that should be connected to the
town centre in an attractive and efficient manner.
Improvements to the public realm have to be undertaken in parallel
with measures to reduce the impact of vehicles. Better connections
and pedestrian routes will ensure that the heart of Stockport
is fully walk-able. It is essential that road crossings are kept
to
a minimum; all paving surfaces are fully accessible and should
be constructed from robust and easily maintained materials. In
the proposed master plan an idea for a Wind Wand gateway is developed
to mark as well as animate the main arrival artery. The gateway
mast made out of composite materials would greet people with
their constant gentle sway
accentuated during night time by low intensity blue marker LED
lights. |
