First views of how Carlisle could look
Last updated at 11:40, Friday, 18 April 2008
CLUES as to how Carlisle will look after the city’s Renaissance plans are implemented are revealed in a city council document.
- Weblink: Carlisle City Council
Titled Urban Design Guide and Public Realm Framework it is intended as a handbook for developers.
It deals in detail with schemes to revitalise the city centre after the 2005 floods.
And it specifies materials and design principles right down to paving stones and litter bins, even where hanging baskets should or should not go.
The document says: “Carlisle city centre is a patchwork of distinct character areas, which have built up over time.
“However, over the years, the city fabric has started to show signs of strain. Many buildings have fallen into disrepair.
“The vision seeks to repair the city fabric through quality urban design and inspirational public realm.”
Some of the proposals may raise eyebrows.
Not least the suggestion that Botchergate will become a tree-lined “cultural entertainment destination” hosting festivals and concerts.
But there is encouragement for the Save Our Streets group, opposed to the demolition of homes in Rickergate.
Although the document persists with the idea of creating a new square, Rickergate Plaza, it argues the case for keeping buildings of “significant architectural character”.
It says: “Distinctive buildings should not be demolished unless there is a compelling case to do so and definite proposals to replace them with development that will substantially improve the area.”
The document also cautions against erecting buildings of more than six storeys “unless the need can be justified and the impact understood”.
It calls for the removal of street clutter such as unnecessary signs and bollards.
The authors want to see more pavement cafés, public art and water features.
Central to their design concept are four “city squares” – Court Square, Market Square, Rickergate Plaza and a new square in Viaduct Estate, where the University of Cumbria plans its new HQ.
Transport issues are touched on too, alluding to proposals to discourage traffic from the city centre while making bus travel and cycling more attractive.
Ideas include more cycle parking, including secure long-term parking at Court Square. The blueprint has been drawn by the design consultancy Gillespies. It is still in draft form but will go before the City Council on April 29.
The final version should go out to public consultation for six weeks from mid May.
First published at 13:40, Thursday, 17 April 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Monorail? Who do you think you are... Bruce Wayne? Personally I'd rather see the money spent improving things that NEED improvement, rather than messing with parking bays near the cathedral. Almost a million quid on new paving? I could tarmac it for a couple of grand :-)
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Heh Mike -
If it's good enough for Gotham City why not Carlisle!! - It would alleviate the traffic jams during rush hour.Posted by V Cords on 28 April 2008 at 12:11