LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE - Public Realm Implementation Framework - JUNE 2004
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LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE
Public Realm Implementation Framework
JUNE 2004
List of Contents
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
The City Centre Strategic Regeneration Framework 4
The Local Transport Plan 5
The City Centre Movement Strategy 5
PART ONE – THE PUBLIC REALM FRAMEWORK
1.1 Urban Form & Character 7
1.2 The Pedestrian Network 8
1.3 Creation of City Streets 10
1.4 Creation of City Spaces 15
1.5 Public Art 19
1.6 Furnishing the City 20
1.7 Lighting the City 20
1.8 Greening the City 21
PART TWO – PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION
2.1 The Floor of the City 22
2.2 Street Furniture 28
2.3 Street Lighting 30
2.4 Tree Pits 31
2.5 Design Review 31
2.6 Implementation 31
2.7 Ease of maintenance 32
APPENDIX 1 33
REFERENCES 34
2 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
FOREWORD
The purpose of this guidance is to set quality and centre is described within the City Centre Urban
performance parameters within which movement Design Guide (Liverpool Vision, 2004) currently in The public realm in general requires a consistent
and public realm schemes are to be designed and preparation. The Framework has been prepared to approach across the City Centre in both streets
implemented in Liverpool City Centre. It defines realise the Vision for public realm contained in the and spaces, although variations in function can
the functional requirements of the city centre public Strategic Regeneration Framework for the city centre generate different design responses. Designs
realm and establishes quality benchmarks for design (Liverpool Vision 2000) and the draft City Centre that are deemed as low constructional quality, will
and construction in the form of a Performance Urban Design Guide. This Specification focuses on not be acceptable.
Specification. Liverpool City Council will administer the Core of the city centre, as defined by the shaded
this document through development control and area in Figure 1 and Figure 1 a. The specification
through its programme of public realm implementation also applies outside the core area to certain identified
over the next decade. streets.
The objective is to provide continuity in the public The Framework will:
realm quality across the city centre through the
provision of a simple palette of materials and • Be approved by the City Council to guide all
furniture, supported by generic detailing to meet the public realm projects in the core area.
functional and sustainable requirements of the streets
and public spaces. It has been produced to guide all • Inform emerging Local Development
public and private sector organisations and agencies Framework policy and
engaged in the delivery of public realm works within
the city centre. It provides a flexible briefing document • Be applied to planning and grant funding
incorporating minimum performance requirements applications in the City Centre relevant to
and basic material specification. public and private sector led public realm.
Design quality is the primary requirement and this
document sets a high but attainable standard, which
is based on good design and construction practice.
“Good design is non-negotiable and translates into
increased values” (DETR and CABE, 2001).
Flexibility in the programme of implementation will be
required to maximise benefit from available resources,
but this should not compromise design quality.
This Framework forms part of a heirachy of guidance
documents, starting with the Liverpool Urban Design
Guide (Liverpool City Council, 2003). Area-based
guidance follows the overarching Vision for the city
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 3
INTRODUCTION
This sets the regeneration context for the city centre can be prepared to deliver the priorities identified. It
and describes the strategy within which public realm guides and capitalises upon the changes already
projects will be designed and implemented. occurring in the city centre ensuring the achievement
of maximum regeneration potential in a co-ordinated
THE CITY CENTRE STRATEGIC REGENERATION way. The emphasis is for focussed action within the
FRAMEWORK city centre over a 15 year period, primarily related to
public sector investment with private sector partnering
In July 2000, the partners to Liverpool Vision to pump-prime regeneration.
approved the City Centre Strategic Regeneration
Framework (SRF) (Liverpool Vision, 2000) as the The SRF has been endorsed by the City Council and
blueprint for focussed investment and action in the its partners with agreement to support it through the
City Centre. The Vision encapsulated in the SRF is statutory planning and funding processes. Liverpool
“establishing Liverpool as a world class city for the City Council, in their capacity as the local planning
21st Century, building upon its identified potential to and highway authority, will:
become one of Europe’s most liveable city centres”,
(Liverpool Vision, 2000). This Vision identifies 12 “Give…approval to those strategic Action Areas and
goals, which are directed through seven Action Areas proposals which require planning support and…adopt
and six Supporting Themes, which will: the appropriate mechanism (e.g. planning framework,
planning brief or design guide) to give fuller planning
• “concentrate related activity; support to the [SRF].
The Action Areas • create a co-ordinated approach to project
delivery and The movement and public realm objectives of the
• Pier Head • prioritise actions to generate the maximum SRF are:
• Commercial District regeneration & economic benefit to the City”.
• Castle Street/ Live - Work District • “the implementation of a balanced movement
• Cultural Quarter/Lime St Station It builds upon the strengths of the city: “its business strategy that delivers an approachable and
• Retail Core community, its vibrant youth culture, its impressive accessible city centre for all” and
• Kings Waterfront universities and its inherent physical quality. It also • “The delivery of a unique, high-quality public
• Hope Street Quarter draws on the aspiration of Liverpool’s communities realm that unifies the city centre”.
to see the city propelled into the 21st Century
The Supporting Themes as a ‘Living City’ – an engine of regeneration for The public sector will deliver a high quality and
Merseyside and the Northwest”, as identified in the accessible physical environment in terms of
• European Capital of Culture North West Regional Economic Strategy (NWDA, movement and public realm, which needs to be
• Movement 2003) and Liverpool Community Strategy: Liverpool supported and capitalised upon by appropriate private
• Public Realm First (Liverpool Partnership Group, 2000). sector development. It is recognised, that there will
• Community Engagement be actions beyond the areas of focus, which will rely
• Reinforcing City Communities The SRF is a flexible and dynamic document that largely on incremental private sector investment.
• Business Development provides the vital context against which detailed plans
4 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004. Figure 1 - Key Plan Core Area PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 5
THE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN
The ten year strategy and five year programme development opportunities; and revised traffic pedestrian friendly approach is key to creating a
for transport improvement in the Merseyside Local circulation and parking plans. thriving and vibrant environment that will encourage
Transport Plan (LTP) (Merseytravel and STET, July people to use the city centre for a whole range
2000) was an opportunity to co-ordinate a transport Pedestrian priority areas aim to integrate the planning of activities. As such, the concept of pedestrian
strategy with the Strategic Regeneration Framework and design of both transport and public realm works. priority spans across both pedestrian movement
for Liverpool City Centre. Incorporating pedestrian friendly urban design as part and the public realm and contributes towards
of the development of transport and infrastructure the implementation of the Liverpool City Council
The Plan features four major schemes, two of which investment programmes. The development of a Sustainable Development Plan.
are in the city centre:
• Hall Lane Gateway, the main gateway to the
city centre from the east, and improved road
access from the M62, via Edge Lane;
• Merseytram Light Rail Transit (LRT), a three
line network, starting with Line 1 from the city
centre to Kirby
THE CITY CENTRE MOVEMENT STRATEGY
Figure 3 THE CITY CENTRE MOVEMENT STRATEGY PLAN
Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision and
Merseytravel have prepared the Liverpool City
Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS) (Merseytravel
and Liverpool City Council, July 2000), which is
a component of the Local Transport Plan and the
Strategic Regeneration Framework. The CCMS is
consistent with the SRF’s theme of “Putting People
First”. It advocates taking a balanced approach to
the delivery of three key elements of the physical
regeneration process:
• Transport and Movement;
• Urban Design and Public Realm and
• Development and Regeneration.
The key elements of the movement strategy are
pedestrian priority areas; high quality public transport
corridors linking existing transport hubs and new
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
6 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
PART ONE - THE PUBLIC REALM
FRAMEWORK 1.1 URBAN FORM & CHARACTER
Part one of the implementation framework presents a Clear visual structure defines the character and in the 1960s, which was insensitive to the need of
hierarchy of pedestrian networks, streets and public memorable image of a place and is an essential pedestrians.
spaces and a public realm framework to guide future aid to orientation and connectivity. Liverpool has a
design plans for the Core Area. densely built mercantile city centre with many fine Physical Connectivity
public buildings, but few public squares and spaces. Taking the physical issues first, the Shankland plan of
In its heyday Liverpool created public spaces and Over 2000 listed buildings across the city reflect the 1960s imposed a transport plan on the city centre
provided streets, squares and parks of the highest the richness of Liverpool’s Georgian, Victorian and to support a comprehensive redevelopment that did
quality. Unfortunately high quality standards Edwardian legacy. This heritage culminates in the not materialise. The result is a highway infrastructure
have not always been maintained. Today the city Core Area, creating a cityscape that eclipses that of that has isolated a number of quarters within the city
intends to deliver a step change in the quality and other English cities. At least four highly individual centre. The Cultural Quarter, defined by William
consistency of public realm design, implementation character areas can be identified as of national Brown Street, St Georges Hall and St John’s
and management to meet the objective of delivering significance – the Pier Head, the Cultural Quarter Gardens, is isolated from its surroundings, an island
a “unique high quality public realm”. This will radically (Lime Street Gateway), Castle Street conservation surrounded by wide streets with fast flows of traffic.
improve the image of the city, stimulating investment area and the Cavern Quarter. The first three are The Waterfront is similarly cut-off from the rest of the
and fostering civic pride. within the boundary of the current World Heritage city centre by The Strand. The area that links them,
Site nomination, based on their authenticity and the Castle Street conservation area, favours the car
The public realm includes streets, spaces, views, connection to Liverpool’s 18th and 19th century over the pedestrian. The retail quarter (including
public transport facilities and public buildings. The maritime heritage. the Cavern Quarter) is a pedestrian orientated area
public realm holds the city together and provides and offers a degree of respite from the domination of
the backdrop and opportunity for social interaction. The built form of the city centre is very dense. A traffic. Although the general quality of public realm is
Public realm, is the most inclusive element of the strong grid of principal streets developed organically low, the quarters are composed of intrinsically high
city, as everybody uses it. A successful public realm from the function of the historic port and the underlying quality streetscapes, places, spaces and buildings.
provides a well-connected network of spaces that topography. Dale Street is the traditional spine of the
serves the needs of all. The nature of the public Victorian and Edwardian commercial core, linking Functional connectivity
realm should reflect the character, history and the Waterfront with the region via the lowest bridging In terms of functional connectivity, the commercial
aspiration of the city. point of the original pool at Old Haymarket. A series and retail functions of the city centre were closely
of east-west streets developed parallel to Dale Street, connected historically, both physically and
Streets account for the majority of the public realm with a number of linking north-south streets defining a economically. The economic standstill of the past
environment in the city centre. The CCMS will radically strong grid of urban blocks that are each served by an few decades has meant that changing business
improve the quality of this environment through abundance of more intimate lanes. requirements have passed Liverpool by, and the city
pedestrian friendly design. The implementation centre has not physically evolved. This has had the
of the Public Realm Framework will improve the Although the physical fabric of the city centre remains positive effect of maintaining the historic urban form
walking environment, creating opportunities for largely intact, and is protected through Listed Building intact.
the rediscovery and development of public spaces and Conservation Area designations, there is a lack
and public activities. Together these policies of physical and functional connectivity within the city The result is that the retail and commercial districts
should deliver an unrivalled public environment, centre and between the city centre and the rest of are now redefining themselves over a wider area and
visually stimulating, safe and sustainable, providing the city. This is a result of economic changes and their centres of gravity are shifting apart. The core
opportunities and accessibility for all. the imposition of an inappropriate transport plan of the commercial district is moving north into the
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 7
development land behind Mercury Court and upper 1.2 THE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
Old Hall Street and into Princes’ Dock, whilst the Main
Retail Area is moving south towards Chavasse Park. The aspiration for the whole of the city centre is provide an added attraction to the city centre for
The traditional commercial district is redefining itself to ensure that the safe and enjoyable movement both visitors and residents. This will be achieved
as a live/work/leisure destination that is attracting and interaction of pedestrians is given priority through the City Centre Feature Lighting Strategy
much needed investment to its historic building wherever feasible over other modes of transport, in (Liverpool Vision 2002) and general street lighting
stock. particular over the car. In developing a pedestrian improvements.
priority area, there is a general presumption against
To ensure that these redefined economic districts in pedestrianisation. The aim is not only to create Principal pedestrian routes, linking the main character
the city centre function to their fullest capacity, a well- a pedestrian friendly environment, but one which areas, architecturally significant buildings and open
developed network of streets and spaces is essential. continues to serve the wider needs of other street spaces, form the Key Pedestrian Network (Figure
The retail district remains directly connected to the users such as car access, service vehicles and public 10). This network will incorporate clear signage so
emerging live/work/leisure district centred on Dale transport. Pedestrian priority is also more than the the routes are highly legible to visitors and tourists.
Street, via a series of interconnecting north-south introduction of a series of pedestrian crossings. It Where a street is required to function as a major
routes. is about the creation of conditions that promote artery for traffic, including bus and Merseytram
walking as an enjoyable and efficient way of moving use, a solution that ensures maximum pedestrian
The streets north of Dale Street are offset and through the city, establishing a Walkable City through compatibility will need to be designed.
less prominent than streets to the south, resulting the removal of extraneous traffic and the effective
in potentially very weak linkage between the new management of it. This allows for the reallocation of The areas coloured mustard and yellow on the plan
Commercial District and the Main Retail Area. road space to pedestrians as well as the development are primary spaces. They will have bespoke briefs
of facilities that enable pedestrians to move around written for them. The mustard areas will have some
These functional and resultant physical changes an area with ease and the removal of clutter in the flexibility in the palette of paving and furniture. The
within the city centre demand a new movement public realm caused by unnecessary signage and yellow areas will need to demonstrate continuity
infrastructure, which is proposed under the CCMS, street furniture. with the general palette of materials identified in the
including the following: specification. The palette will continue to apply to
Increased city centre living and less distinction the connections identified in figure 10, thus providing
• traffic management measures; between leisure and work time has generated a visual continuity through these special and individual
• the creation of strong north south pedestrian need to address after dark requirements regarding areas.
linkages between the Commercial District and safety, security, orientation and visual appearance.
the Main Retail Area; Emphasising key night-time pedestrian networks
• improving general pedestrian permeability with improved qualities of light focused upon the
along pedestrian lanes in East and West pedestrian environment rather than traffic needs
Moorfields and Covent Garden and alone is required. Gateways to the city centre function
• improvements to legibility and way-finding. differently at night. The first and last impression for
a visitor will be a car park, train station, taxi rank,
Merseytram or bus stop. Improving the night time
environment by highlighting the architectural quality
and character of the city centre will add drama and
8 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
Figure 10 - KEY PEDESTRIAN NETWORK © Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 9
1.3 CREATION OF CITY STREETS
The CCMS presents an opportunity to replace the • improving engineering design to create streets The balanced reallocation of highway space for
city centre one-way street system with highway not roads, adopting a simple, high quality and pedestrians over vehicles is likely to result in the
management which will deliver an improved continuous surface treatment; removal and relocation of some on-street parking.
environment and promote economic regeneration. • reinforcing pedestrian desire lines as an On-street disabled parking and managed off-street
The design of these streets, their landscape, building integral part of street design; parking will maintain maximum access to the city
frontages and the creation of quality public spaces • improving way finding, including the introduction centre. Allowing evening access and parking in
are all dependent on an integrated approach, with of visitor information systems on the street, some areas where restrictions apply during the day
individual streets only being addressed in the context principally through the Connecting Liverpool will maintain activity and security to support both
of others. The streets in the city centre will be Iniative. the evening economy and access for the wider
designed so that pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles • removing superfluous and obsolete street items community.
can utilise these safely. This will incorporate the and rationalising those remaining;
following principles: • establishing urban design principles for The streets in the city centre have been categorised
frontages including the introduction of into several types, classified and treated according to
• management of vehicles within pedestrian pavement activities eg. pavement cafes and their functional and capacity requirements to provide
priority areas on a predominantly 20mph well managed or presented street trading; a street hierarchy:
network; • introducing tree planting, public art and lighting
• provision of safe and legible driving in a strategic manner to enhance the public • Strategic Boulevards & Streets.
environments minimising the need for signs, realm; • Transit Streets.
especially those concerned with traffic direction • incorporating the requirements of the • City Streets.
and control; Merseyside Code of Practice on Access and • Retail Streets.
• enhancement of all streets for pedestrians and Mobility (SURFACE, 2002) into all designs and • Pedestrian Lanes.
cyclists; • developing positive open spaces, including
• streets acting as ‘shop windows’ to city centre streets with clear definition, enclosure and no
quarters; and ambiguity or ‘left over’ space or clutter.
• facilitating sustainable maintenance and
management regimes. Other issues requiring full consideration will include:
In addition, these streets will be transformed into high • daily servicing of and access to buildings and
quality urban environments by: public spaces, including emergency access;
• intermittent access to commercial and
• development of active frontages and pedestrian residential buildings for deliveries and
focussed lighting schemes along key pedestrian removals;
routes to increase perceptions of safety; • provision for disabled persons parking permit
• creating balance through reallocation of holders;
highway space to pedestrians, cyclists and • provision of adequate taxi ranking facilities
public transport; and
• provision of secure cycle parking facilities.
10 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKStrategic Boulevards & Streets
Strategic Streets: Strategic Boulevards:
Strategic Streets will tend to direct vehicles on route
St Anne Street Strand
to other centres around the city on their approach to Norton Street King Edward Street
key gateways. Seymour Street Byrom Street
Copperas Hill Hunter Street
Renshaw Street
The Strategic Road Network in the Core Area will
include the Strand and King Edward Street in the
west; St Anne Street, Norton Street, Seymour Street,
Copperas Hill and Renshaw Street in the east; Byrom
Street and Hunter Street to access the Queensway
tunnel from the north and east.
Figure 11 - STRATEGIC BOULEVARDS & STREETS
The SRF requires the creation of a new strategic link
between Leeds Street and St Anne Street, which will
remove extraneous traffic from Byrom Street and
Hunter Street in the future, allow Byrom Street and
Hunter Street to become Strategic Boulevards, whilst
maintaining access to the Queensway tunnel.
Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall
Street and the Churchill Way flyover (north) will be
downgraded from the Strategic Road Network to City
or Transit Streets with 20mph limits, two way with
contraflow bus lanes to ensure that this route is not a
‘rat run’ for through traffic.
The SRF requires the creation of a maritime
boulevard along the full length of the Strand
(continuing along Leeds Street in the north and
Parliament Street in the east), providing pedestrian
priority throughout its length. The objective for The
Strand is to create a boulevard in a city streetscape
with enhanced pedestrian crossings to support desire
lines and alleviate the barrier between the waterfront
and city centre. It is proposed that the boulevards
and strategic streets including those outside the
core identified in Table 1 will have black asphalt
carriageways, with granite kerbs and channels.
The Strand in particular provides an opportunity for
extensive tree planting and public art. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 11City & Transit Streets Public transport in the form of Merseytram or bus
will be concentrated in Transit Streets through
City and Transit Streets in the Core Area are partial or complete removal of private traffic. Paving
characterised by a mix of uses. They will be open to materials will match City Streets and incorporate
all traffic, have a 20 mph speed limit and a preference public transport requirements. Where these routes
for two-way running. They will have asphalt include Merseytram there will be specific details and
carriageways, granite kerbs and granite paving infrastructure to consider.
flags. Tree planting and public art will generally be
restricted to respect the quality of the architecture Some streets will have a dual role as both transit
and reduce clutter. and city streets, and will need to strike a firm balance
between public transport, vehicle access, cycling and
pedestrians. These include Whitechapel, Dale Street
and Water Street, Tithebarn St. and Chapel St
City Streets:
Brownlow Hill Rumford Street
Brunswick Street Sir Thomas Street
Castle Street St. John’s Lane
Chapel Street St. Nicholas Place
Cheapside Stanley Street
Churchill Way Tithebarn Street
Cook Street Trueman Street
Covent Garden Vauxhall Road
Crosshall Street Vernon Street
Dale Street Victoria Street
Exchange Street East Water Street
Fenwick Street Whitechapel
Georges Pier Head
George’s Dockway
Great Crosshall Street Transit Streets:
Hale Street
Hanover Street Brownlow Hill
Hatton Garden Eliott Street
James Street Chapel Street
Johnson Street Charlotte Street
Lime Street Churchill Way
London Road Dale Street
Lord Street Great Crosshall Street
Mann Island Hood Street
Moor Street Lime Street
Moorfields Roe Street
North Street St Johns Street
North John Street Tithebarn Street
Pall Mall Water Street
Ranelagh Street Whitechapel
Table 2
Figure 12 - CITY AND TRANSIT STREETS © Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
12 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKRetail Streets
Retail Streets:
Retail Streets are characterised by predominantly South John Street
retail uses, are largely pedestrianised with shared Basnett Street Tarleton Street
Bold Street Whitechapel Street
surfaces for service, maintenance and emergency Church Alley Williamson Street
access during restricted hours. These streets provide Church Street
the flexibility for additional public space functions such Dawson Street
as markets and festivals to occur without disruption to Houghton Street
Leigh Street
city centre traffic management. It is proposed that Lord Street
the streets will be paved with large granite setts to Parker Street
demarcate service vehicle areas, granite kerbs and Richmond Street
granite paving flags. These streets provide some Table 3
opportunity for tree planting and public art.
Figure 13 - RETAIL STREETS © Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 13Pedestrian Lanes
Pedestrian Lanes:
Buttun Street Old Haymarket
Cheapside Alley Peter Street Pedestrian Lanes are the small-scale streets in the It is proposed that the lanes will be paved in a variety
Cumberland Street Preston Street city centre used for accessing local buildings. They of ways depending upon their function. Lanes that
Cunliff Street Progress Place
Queen Avenue
will be pedestrian dominated environments with very provide key linkage in the wider pedestrian network
Davies Street
Drury Lane South Ryleys Gardens limited vehicle access for servicing and access to will be renewed with granite pavements, kerbs and
Drury Lane North Stanley Street properties, preventing the existence and creation of sett carriageways where vehicles are expected. Other
Erberle Street Sweeting Street ‘rat-runs’. The Lanes should be enhanced to create lanes will be repaired and renewed as appropriate to
Hackens Hey Tempest Hey
Temple Street
more inviting and higher quality pedestrian places, their function and appropriate budget allocation.
Harrington Street
Hockenhall Alley Temple Court encourage development and address servicing
Leather Lane Temple Lane issues.
Lower Castle Street Tower Gardens
Matthew Street Vernon Street
Table 4
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
Figure 14 - PEDESTRIAN LANES
14 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK1.4 CREATION OF CITY SPACES Major Squares & Gardens
The major squares and gardens are the ‘Face of
There are a range of public space types within the city Liverpool’ and include the spaces around St. Georges
centre that will require varying design approaches Hall and the Pier Head. These are the most complex
in response to both the requirements of adjacent spaces in the city centre and perform many functions.
building users, transient city centre users and visual Within them are gateways and entrances, spaces
settings. Bespoke design briefs will be prepared for that provide a setting for important buildings, spaces
each of these spaces. that functionally serve important buildings and those
that provide for informal recreation or serve a civic
Some general principles, which should apply to function. To be successful, they must be designed
bespoke designs are: with enough flexibility to accommodate multiplicity of
use or the staging of events.
1. natural stone floorscapes;
2. paving sizes, which reflect the scale of the Water Spaces
space eg. the over-predominance of small Liverpool’s waterfront provides the most familiar
scale setts is inappropriate for large spaces; image of the city and is a principal economic
3. artists should be involved in the design from asset. The city needs to further capitalise upon its
concept stage; historical dock system. This dock system provides
4. lighting should be an intrinsic part of the the potential for the creation of ‘water squares’ that
design. provide concentrated pedestrian activity at their
edges and water-based activity in their centres. The
The spaces have been illustratively categorised into development of the 4th Grace and public facilities at
several types: Kings Dock will be a catalyst for public realm activity
around the dock system that will revitalise this unique
• Gateways and approaches waterfront.
• Major Squares & Gardens
• Water Squares It is also important to remember the origins of
• City Squares Liverpool, which is the now culverted Pool that linked
• Garden Courts the Cultural Quarter with the Mersey via Whitechapel
• Public Buildings and Canning Place. The river has long gone but
the valley remains, providing a potential context for
Gateways & Approaches reinterpretation through public arts that re-establishes
Gateways and approaches are points of arrival and this link and reinforces pedestrian movement.
transition that can be transport interchanges and
car parks, or important points on the edge of the City Squares
city centre or city centre quarters where a functional City Squares include Williamson Square, Queen
change occurs. It is important to clearly mark these Square, Derby Square, Castle Street and Exchange
changes to prevent the indistinguishable blurring of Flags, as well as a number of sub-spaces within the
the edges and to provide a sense of arrival. major squares. Williamson Square has been provided
with a new fountain, which will enliven the space,
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 15whilst leaving a multi-functional area for staging
events. Derby Square, Castle Street and Exchange
Flags must be designed as one place, which will
provide a backdrop to the unique setting of Castle
St. A new commercial square is proposed within the
Commercial District as part of a masterplan, which
seeks to create a new high quality business address.
Each of these squares will generate their own unique
set of requirements and identity, dependant upon the
city quarter in which they are located. Each space will
also be part of a public space network and as such
must contribute to the legibility of the city centre.
Garden Courts
Garden Courts include small gardens within the
Castle Street Live/Work district. They are intimate
spaces, primarily serving their adjacent buildings
and communities and are usually ‘discovered’,
which creates a richness of experience for the visitor
and citizen alike. They may be semi-public/private
spaces.
Public Buildings
All accessible parts of public buildings are public
spaces. Properly considered, this experience can
be extended beyond the front door of the building
into the public realm. This can include the provision
of outside exhibition/performance space, meeting or
lunching space or even the linking of related buildings
or activities. These relationships should be exploited
where appropriate.
16 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKFigure 15 - CITY SPACES © Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004.
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 17Figure 16 - COMPOSITE FRAMEWORK PLAN © Crown copyright. All rights reserved The City of Liverpool, LA076228, 2004. 18 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
1.5 PUBLIC ART
A Public Art Strategy (Modus Operandi, 2002) has This flexible framework of conceptual approaches
been prepared for the city centre that identifies a provides a context, against which a range of specific
range of connective themes and starting points - projects can be identified, funded and organised.
physical, infrastructural, elemental and interpretive Independent public art initiatives by individuals or
- that provide the context for specific project organisations must also be co-ordinated within this
recommendations. These contextual themes include framework.
artists’ involvement in the design process of:
Public art can play an important role in creating a
• Spaces: Streets, squares and gardens. sense of place. It needs to be integrated with the
• Gateways: marking points of arrival and public realm programme to be successful. A single
departure. point of co-ordination and responsibility is required for
• Connections: linkage across the city, serial public art, with officers from the arts and public realm
artworks, layering the city, vistas. working closely together in conjunction with those
• Transport & Interchange: structures and experienced in commissioning arts projects. Public
infrastructure, routes and journeys. art should be an integral part of all bespoke design
• Water: Light: Street furniture. briefs for public spaces, with artists commissioned to
• Monuments and memorials. work with the design team from concept stage.
• Interpretation: legibility; access; documentation;
mapping the city.
• Environment: archaeology; ecology;
sustainability.
• Interactive works: the media; the digital city.
• Live art: celebratory events and festivals.
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 191.6 FURNISHING THE CITY 1.7 LIGHTING THE CITY
There is little traditional Liverpool street furniture Lighting is now recognised as an important component Street Lighting
remaining in the city centre, but there is an emphasis in creating a successful city, particularly in stimulating In support of this strategy, each public space and
on heavy-duty metal fittings as would be expected the evening and tourist economy. There are two street should be lit in a complementary manner to
in a maritime city. Apart from the moorings at the aspects to lighting the city, feature lighting and street support the concept of continuity and connectivity in
waterfront, original Corporation of Liverpool bollards lighting. The Feature Lighting Strategy for the City public realm design. It is important to note however,
tend to be square section, often with a ribbed finish. Centre (Liverpool Vision, 2002) has developed from that sustainability (including energy efficiency),
best practice established in other European cities, reduction in light pollution, recognition of highway
The repaving of the city centre will create a simple but is unique to Liverpool, recognising the inherent safety standards and ease of maintenance are pre-
uncluttered environment and the cluttering effects opportunities and constraints. requisites of any design proposal. The daytime
of poorly considered and sited street furniture must appearance of lighting columns, lamps, fixtures and
not destroy this clarity. As with paving, there are Feature Lighting fittings must be carefully considered. Streetlights can
functional requirements that should direct the choice The most important aspect of the proposed strategy is be one of the strongest influences on the appearance
and siting of street furniture. The aim is to create to keep it simple and thus deliverable and sustainable. of a street, dominating the streetscape and creating
a harmonious environment between buildings, Liverpool is famous for the quality of its architecture clutter. In general, a contemporary approach to
floorscape, tree planting, public art and furniture. It is and the first principle of the lighting strategy is to lighting design is promoted.
possible to create an environment that can anticipate enhance and emphasise this unique feature. White
additions to the street scene over time (telephone light will be used extensively throughout, with the sole
boxes, additional signs etc) by creating zones for intention of unifying the urban fabric and reinforcing
these elements with appropriate paved surfaces such routes through it.
as edging strips to minimise damage.
The Feature Lighting Strategy has four simple
As with paving, street furniture must be fit for purpose, components that will deliver a step change through
simple and unifying and sustainable through life-time the concentration of resources. The first component
costing. It should be of a scale appropriate to its is the lighting of ‘beacons’. This includes all the
location. The waterfront may require larger, more recognisable symbols of Liverpool (Cathedrals,
robust furniture, whereas small public open spaces Graces etc) that are seen from a distance and
may require smaller individual items. Designs must experienced on approaches to the city centre. The
be robust to cope with intense usage, weathering second and third components are the Cultural
& potential vandalism. Street furniture should be Quarter and Waterfront, again recognisable symbols
designed at the outset with DDA requirements in of Liverpool and gateways to the city centre. The
mind, rather than the requirements being applied fourth component is the Core Area between the
retrospectively. The design should aim to achieve a Cultural Quarter and the Waterfront.
balance between the requirements for contrast and
the quality of visual appearance. There is scope for more inovative and artistic lighting
design and this will be developed along with public
To promote a sense of place, local solutions based on art features.
Liverpool types should be used where such examples
exist. Where this is not possible, bespoke designs
should be used. More details are given in Part Two.
20 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK1.8 GREENING THE CITY
Liverpool City Centre has a dense form, to both • It must also be remembered that trees grow provide ideal conditions for plant growth and should
maximise land use and provide shelter from the and the choice of species must match the be discouraged. Opportunities for appropriate
harsh maritime environment. The ‘greening’ of availability of space for the tree when mature. planting are limited and it is anticipated that the only
this environment must be carefully considered opportunities for such planting within the city centre,
and executed to protect the visual quality of the Trees in cities contribute enormously to physical would be in St Johns Gardens, Chavasse Park and
architectural heritage as well as ensuring that the and psychological well-being, yet the city is a hostile along the Strand corridor.
planting survives. Many streets in the city centre environment for trees. Street trees are best planted
would be ruined by the indiscriminate planting of directly into the ground. Even so, their roots are likely Undertaking planting in the city centre in a strategic
trees whilst others such as the Strand would greatly to be cramped by buildings and street foundations, and thoughtful manner will positively contribute
benefit. and constrained by underground cables and pipes. to the delivery of a unique and high quality public
They face damage from vehicles and vandals, and realm. This can be enhanced through the inclusion
The following principles must be considered when contend with air and soil pollution. Surrounding of temporary arts and planting displays that are
contemplating any planting: pavements typically allow neither air nor water to seasonal or related to particular festivals, if delivered
reach the roots that extend below them. with skill, sensitivity and style.
• Trees should provide for the functions of
enhancement, focus and or intimacy. They Tree planting locations must consider light and shelter
should positively contribute to the quality of requirements and coordinate with underground
space that is being designed and should not be services to promote successful establishment.
incorporated arbitrarily. Suitably protected and off the main circulation route,
survival rates are further enhanced by planting rows
• The overall aim should be for quality rather of trees in extended pits rather than in individual
than quantity, achieved through the creation of holes. If sufficient space cannot be found, it is better
strategically located planting and the creation to forego trees altogether. Tree grilles maintain the
of ‘green oases’. Planting maybe inappropriate continuity of paving around trees, protect and aerate
in many locations. Where it is undertaken, it tree root systems and allow rainwater irrigation. Tree
should have real impact, in terms of its scale, grilles are also an important visual design element.
location and nature. When trees are planted they should be high quality
semi-mature specimens, placed in locations and
• Planting should not be used where it would conditions where they can flourish.
obscure important features and facades or
traffic sight line requirements. Other forms of planting should only be used where
they can positively enhance a particular urban
• Planting must be sustainable. It must be in a environment. All too often they are used as space
position where it will be able to survive in its fillers or barriers, instead of being an integral part of
environment and flourish. Large specimen the overall design. Permanent planters, containers
trees are less vulnerable to vandalism. or raised beds are comparatively expensive, they
incur high maintenance costs, they do not always
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 21PART TWO – PERFORMANCE 2.1 THE FLOOR OF THE CITY
SPECIFICATION
The city centre contains some of the finest 19th
This section of the document concentrates on the It is accepted that that these objectives are not always Century architecture and ornamental cityscape in
establishment of design principles and construction mutually reinforcing, so there will be a degree of the World, an asset that demands a high quality
quality parameters for the city centre. It presents compromise with priorities being established through response in the public realm, particularly in the design
specifications for paving, furniture, planting and a street by street reconciliation of issues. Overall, of the floorscape. The floor of the city is the element
lighting supported by a defined palette of robust continuity will be the major objective, and therefore upon which this architecture sits and therefore will
materials and generic details. the strongest deciding factor, followed by connectivity be unified or fragmented by it. Traditionally the
and finally character. floorscape unified the city and the continuity of this
The previous section established a street and tradition is the major objective of this implementation
public space hierarchy based on varying functions, The design of the public realm should not exaggerate framework.
movement patterns and aspirations. This section the diverse character of the city centre further.
identifies how this should be transferred physically Using a simple palette of complementary materials, The predominant traditional paving materials within
to the streets and spaces within the city centre. The the architecture of an area and the activities of its the city centre were granite and Yorkstone. Granite
formulation of a ‘palette’ of materials and ‘image’ of the inhabitants should be encouraged to give character was widely used in the city centre for road surfaces
streets and spaces initially requires the establishment to the streets instead. Character should be reflected and kerbs, specialist purposes such as surrounds
of objectives on a cross-centre scale. The palette in the streetscape through the quality of materials (in to pavement lights, the base and entrance steps to
choice needs to address how to reflect intrinsic both design and workmanship) and variations in scale buildings and for dockside copings and edges.
street character whilst also achieving continuity and the use of area quarters, with branding restricted
of movement, flow and, with it, connectivity. The to subtle design intervention to better achieve In common with other ports, the roads of Liverpool
streetscape objectives can therefore be summarised continuity. The size and scale of materials within were surfaced with granite sets of varying size and
as being: individual streets will vary according to the relative type. The kerbs and channels traditionally used in
position within the hierarchy from larger units within Liverpool were predominantly sourced from North
• Continuity City Streets to smaller within Pedestrian Lanes. Wales granites. These sources are now rare and
- unification of built fabric to reinforce legibility. uneconomic, although similar stone is economically
- consistent quality design outcome. available from other countries.
• Connectivity The Yorkstone paving flags traditionally used in
- consistent street treatment along major the city centre were riven (split) hard sandstones
transport and pedestrian spines. finished in random sizes, demanding great skill and
- reinforcement of legibility to aid orientation. labour intensity to lay them. These traditional hard
sandstones, and the skills to lay them, are now in very
• Character short supply making it an uneconomic and unreliable
- townscape, not street treatment, defining material to specify. Although technology has
character. expanded the available range of paving materials, the
- respond to character through simple unifying modern sandstones offered are soft and not durable
palette of complementary materials. enough to withstand the pressures of the modern city
and the climate in Liverpool.
22 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKTraditionally the pallete of materials in the city centre • To provide a sense of repose. Neutral, non- Considering the above requirements, natural stone
has been simple and robust, as has the pattern of directional paving has the effect of halting has been selected (in preference to concrete products
their design layouts. Analysis of successful traditional people. Areas of sitting, meeting or gazing to with replica finish) for its traditional relevance to
paving in the city centre illustrates that rarely is there distant views should be paved in this way. Liverpool, its robustness in serving these functions
a change in material or surface pattern without a and its value for money over its design lifetime. Where
practical purpose. Building upon this tradition, a • To indicate a hazard by change of material streets are to be completely renewed, granite paving,
number of paving functions have been identified to set or pattern. This technique must be used kerbs and channels are recommended. Where
the specification for this implementation framework. consistently to provide its own language. For streets are to be refurbished / repaired (Pedestrian
The most important is to provide a hard, dry, non-slip, example, paved junctions at side streets warn Lanes only) reclaimed kerbs and setts may be used.
durable, easily maintainable surface that will carry the drivers that they are crossing or entering Other materials may be appropriate within squares
load of traffic asked of it. In achieving this function a pedestrian environment. The change in and public open spaces, and will be considered within
the sub-base construction quality is as fundamental material should also be responsive to the the context of individual designs, although continuity
as the surface material. This is supported by several requirement of a tougher material for vehicles is expected throughout the city centre. For example,
less tangible functions: in the pedestrian environment. it will be appropriate to pave the areas around the
Cultural Quarter with reclaimed Yorkstone, but with
• To reinforce character. Paving brings unity to • To reduce scale. Introducing a change granite paving demarking the key pedestrian routes,
diverse places or gives character to nebulous of material to affect the scale of a space providing a harder wearing surface, legibility and
areas that need a common background requires care and subtlety to avoid making the continuity.
or idea. Successful paving reinforces the paving overly important. Paving should not
latent character dictated by the space and aggressively proclaim its presence but provide It is essential that these high quality materials be
its activities, which should not be usurped background to the city centre streets. Practical properly laid. This requires the highest standards
by alien paving patterns or an infinite variety requirements provide an aesthetic means of in public realm design, specification, installation
of materials. Design detail consolidates and reducing scale. Drainage channels across and supervision including both the surface material
creates character and an immense variety is pavings provide a classic example. and underlying construction and fundamentally, the
obtainable within a limited range of materials. interface between the two. Traditional Liverpool
Detail design should respect and enhance The extent of quality architecture across the city details will be used in creating a new paving
existing character where it meets quality centre demands a commensurate first-class public vocabulary for the city centre with a simple ‘Liverpool’
thresholds. Whatever the character, the surface realm across the same area. This dictates that there paving layout that consistently addresses functional
must be tough and durable and improve with can be no tailing-off of quality. The choice of paving requirements.
age. materials and design detailing must be capable
of satisfying all of these functions. They can be
• To guide people by providing a sense of summarised into the following requirements:
direction. Examples include pedestrian routes
across squares and parks, or, service vehicle • Be fit for purpose and hard wearing.
routes through pedestrian areas. To be • Be simple and unifying.
successful, routes must be direct. However, if • Be sustainable through life-time costing /
the unity of the space is to be preserved, the valuing.
change of colour and texture must be subtle.
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 23Table1: Hierarchy of preferred Street Surfacing
Street Type Carriageway Kerbs/ Footway Paving Paving Trim
Channels
STRATEGIC STREET Thin wearing Granite Granite (Type 3) Yes
course
TRANSIT STREET Bus Thin wearing Granite Granite (Type 3) Yes
course
Tram Thin wearing Granite Granite (Type 3) Yes
course
CITY STREET Thin wearing Granite Granite (Type 2) No
course
RETAIL STREET Setts (Large) Granite Setts (Med) No
PARKING BAY DETAIL STRATEGIC AND CITY STREETS
PEDESTRIAN LANES Servicing Thin wearing Granite Granite (Type 1) No
course
Pedestrian Setts (Pedn) Granite Granite (Type 1) No
Carriageways
Note 1 Retail streets are shared surface and so have no Note 2 Refer to appendix for more detail and footway
footway paving. The streets do however have a edge treatment paving catagories. Strategic Streets
which for the propose of this schedule is classed as the footway. Asphalt remains the most appropriate material for
streets used by all vehicles. The ‘strategic and transit
Pavements streets’ have a skid resistance requirement that will
To meet the criteria outlined above, it is inset and high quality metal covers are preferred. only be satisfied by using ‘black’ asphalt. The ‘city
recommended that flame textured granite paving Plastic covers are not acceptable. Where a number streets’ that specify all traffic access should also be
should be used throughout the city centre street and of small covers occur together (notably water stop black asphalt.
Table 1 summarises the hierarchy of street surfacing. cocks) they should be framed and set in a cement
Table 2 (in appendix 1) summarises the surface matrix matching the surrounding paving. Retail Streets
specification based upon recommendations from the These are largely primary streets where public realm
Natural Stone Surfacing Good Practice Guide Where buildings discharge rainwater drainage onto quality should be highest. They are shared surface
(SCOTGUIDE, 1999). the pavement, an appropriate channel detail will be with ‘footways’ distinguished by the use of medium
required to transfer the water across the pavement setts and defined by channels. Large unit granite
Service covers must be re-set to align with the into the street gutter. setts are proposed for the paving of the carriageway,
prevailing paving pattern where practicable. Paving which defines the ‘service’ road within the street.
24 PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORKPedestrian Lanes
Some Pedestrian Lanes will be paved in granite setts
(newly laid and repaired existing) and some in asphalt
depending upon the level of traffic, pedestrian priority,
use/quality and available budget. The size of setts
specified will depend upon availability of reclaimed
setts from the city centre or historic precedent. It may
be appropriate to raise some Pedestrian Lanes to the
level of the pavements to create complete shared
carriageways.
Kerbs and Channels
New granite kerbs 200mm deep, 300mm wide
with a bevelled edge or pencil round sufficient to
remove fragile arises and a standard length of 1.0m
are proposed for all streets in the city centre. The
PARKING BAY DETAIL PEDESTRIAN LANE VEHICLE ENTRANCE DETAIL ENTRANCE LEVEL WITH nominal height of these kerbs will be 100mm. A
CARRIAGEWAY
complementary channel is also proposed, replicating
historic detailing. The cross-section of the channel
will be similar to the kerbs but a standard length of
0.5m.
Junctions & Cross-overs
Traditionally where side streets meet primary streets
the hierarchy and pedestrian priority was reinforced
LAYOUT OF
TACTILE PAVING using granite paving. Bespoke details at street
junctions were the norm, historically. This included
broader kerbs, and changes in paving size and texture
catering for the tremendous wear at these points.
The use of robust standard details, incorporating drop
crossings at street junctions, is crucial for durability
and to satisfy DDA requirements.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN MID PAVEMENT VEHICLE ENTRANCE DETAIL ENTRANCE LEVEL WITH
FOOTWAY
PUBLIC REALM / IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 25CORNER DETAIL
NOTE
Flexibility will be required at
corners where one or both
footways are narrow (less than
4 metres in width), since in
these cases the typical details
illustrated here may not be
possible. When designing
corners where footways are
less than 4 metres in width
regard should be had to the
requirements identified on page
23.
CONTROLLED CROSSING DETAIL
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