2. TIMELINE Scheme emerged in City centre policies 2003 - 2006 Estell Warren appointed 2007 Concept design approved by WMDC Cabinet 2007 Design detailing (WMDC engineers with EW used ‘on call’ basis) early 2008 Construction period mid 2008 – late 2009
3. APPROACH Research history of place Understand policy/ strategic context Identify people & vehicle movement patterns Analyse character & views Clarify brief & design objectives Prepare & refine concept design (including consultations) Develop detailing (to reinforce concept & objectives) Deliver scheme (always check changes against original concept & objectives)
4. HISTORY Urban form - changed considerably over time, space has always been a node, previously connecting narrow, intimate Medieval streets. Triangular form of the space was lost in the 1940’s/ 50’s due to highway improvements. Previous uses – was the original market place for the old town of Wakefield. Name – there was a ‘Bull Ring’, stone set in ground with steel ring that bulls were chained to.
18. MORE ON CONSTRAINTS …… Be aware of them, make sure they are addressed but don’t let them drive the design unless that is the intention. Bull Ring constraints included: Traffic (vehicles themselves, noise, fumes, geometry of road alignment, traffic controls). Queen Victoria statue (in difficult location at centre of space). Utilities (prevent tree planting, expensive to move 250K for BT box). Flush surfaces (controversy over suitability of flush surfaces for blind and visually impaired people). Public attitude (‘ey up lad that’s a waste of money…. You cannot please all of the people all of the time, identify what matters most and stick to it). Political/ officer attitude (fear of criticism, things going wrong), use case studies & examples to help, work through difficult issues rationally. Budget – expensive is not always good, focus available money on the things that really matter.
22. KEY CHALLENGES An open/ empty space (that is good for people and has distinct character when not in use for events). Creating a good space that has traffic moving through it.
45. MATERIALS PALETTE Yorkstone - pavements Dark grey granite – kerbs, channels, roadway, service zones Granite brindle – central pedestrian areas & crossings Silver grey granite – tactile at crossings & Bull Ring kerb Corten or ductile iron strips – integrated ground line & seats Ground lighting – coloured flush light strips to highlight pedestrian crossings
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50. FURNITURE & GREENERY Adapted light columns – event & feature lighting, columnar hanging baskets, banners, festive lights, coloured square at night Trees – large semi-mature to give immediate presence, single species to create visual consistency along the street (suggest London Plane) Floral colour (& scent) – introduced through innovative stacked hanging baskets, creating a much bolder impact than individual baskets & avoiding clutter of planters at ground level. Seating – comfortable off the peg benches at regular intervals + bespoke linear seats at the Bull Ring
