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Corby Public Realm STRATEGY AND VISION FOR GEORGE STREET

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Page 1: George Street Final Report - 2008 10 21 Public... · 2019-01-03 · North Northants Development Company, and Northamptonshire County Council It may not be used by any person for any

CorbyP u b l i c R e a l m

STRATEGY AND VISION FOR GEORGE STREET

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Note: This document has been produced by ATKINS for Corby Borough Council, North Northants Development Company, and Northamptonshire County Council It may not be used by any person for any other purpose other than that specifi ed without the express written permission of ATKINS. Any liability arising out of use by a third party of this document for purposes not wholly connected with the above shall be the responsibility of that party who shall indemnify ATKINS against all claims costs damages and losses arising out of such use.

Atkins Limited

Document name Rev Date

Strategy and Vision for George Street 0 31.03.08

Strategy and Vision for George Street A 26.01.09

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C o n t e n t sDesign Vis ion & Pr inciples

The vision for George Street Daytime traffi c movementNightime traffi c movementDaytime pedestrian movement

Design Concepts Introduction Design philosophy: the qualities of CorbyIllustrative concept designs: Site plan and principal features George Street south - option 1 George Street south - option 2 George Street north George Street south sketch view George Street north sketch viewDesign philosophy: design elements Street furnitureIllustrative concept design: tree planting

References

Mapping and image references

Introduct ion Background to and objectives of this report

Townscape Appraisal

IntroductionSite context - townscapeSite context - aerial viewSite context - town centreMaterialsStreet furnitureVegetation Figure ground plan Figure ground plan (proposed)Building use (ground level) Visibility Changes over time Eastern facadeCross sections

Transport Appraisal

IntroductionTransport facilitiesPedestrian & cycle movement George Street Transport Appraisal - Executive summary

Appraisal summary

Key points arising from appraisal

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

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The Regeneration of CorbyCorby has until recently been in decline and is characterised by poor quality 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s development. There is now extensive regeneration activity in the Borough which includes large scale retail and housing development. The town centre is in need of comprehensive regeneration if it is to succeed in supporting the growth of Corby as a sustainable community. It is intended that this regeneration, which has already started, will be of signifi cantly higher quality than the relatively poor quality development it replaces. This approach is set out in the Corby Borough Town Centre Area Action Plan Preferred Options Report (May 2006) which also embodies the main principles of the Corby Town Centre Masterplan.

The Town CentreThe Town Centre AAP Preferred Options Report refers to Corby town centre core undergoing a dramatic transformation to become the principal area of destination activity throughout the day and evening. This will include improved public realm with active frontages and good permeability.

George StreetGeorge Street, which is currently a dual carriageway, is a main north-south route through the town centre, a transport interchange and a key element of the Parkland Gateway Framework. George Street adjoins the Corby Cube (currently under construction) and Town Square, which are set to become the centre of civic activity within Corby. It is within this context that it is envisaged that George Street will be transformed into an area of high quality public realm. Early work on the future for George Street has explored a number of options. After consideration by the George Street and Corby Walk Project Board, their preference is for an approach which sees the southern part of George Street restricted to bus and taxi traffi c with the option to permit other traffi c during the evening and night, allowing the possibility of the future reopening of Corporation Street to evening and night time traffi c. The whole length of George Street must provide a high quality and safe pedestrian focused environment.

The Atkins CommissionAtkins was commissoned in January 2008 to prepare a Strategy and Vision for George Street. As part of the same commission a similar document has been prepared for Corby Walk. Both of these documents are supported by separate transport appraisal reports and in the case of George Street, highway engineering investigations. A separate project budget costing has been prepared based on the illustrative concept designs set out in this document. The format of this report is deliberately in a highly illustrative form in order to make the information more easily accessible.

Purpose of this Strategy and VisionThis report sets out a visioning exercise that has been carried out in order to refi ne the overall concept for George Street as a key component in the transformation of Corby town centre. This exercise has been based on a well considered townscape and urban design appraisal. It is also supported by detailed transport planning analysis which is set out in full in a separate report.

Information ReviewAs part of this report, Atkins has reviewed a range of background information regarding the regeneration of Corby as listed below:

•Local Development Framework for North Northamptonshire; Corby Borough Town Centre Area Action Plan Preferred Options; Atkins; May 2006•Corby Town Centre Masterplan; EDAW; February 2006•Parkland Gateway Development Framework; Corby Borough Council; March 2005•Paving Materials Design Statement (The Hub); Grant Associates; October 2007•‘Evolution Corby’ – consultation brochure; Land Securities; January 2008•Corby Cube and Public Space - various analysis, design and design palette sheets; Grant Associates; Date unknown.•The Regeneration Framework; Catalyst Corby; January 2003•Corby Pool and Hub Transport Impact Assessment; White Young Green; January 2007•Corby Station Gateway Proposal Development Brief; Savills Planning and Urban Design; March 2007•Corporation Street – Consultants’ Scheme Design; Chapman Taylor and others (for Land Securities); September 2007

A number of informal meetings were also held throughout the development of this report with consultants and stakeholders to discuss linkages, connections, materials and overall concepts.

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To w n s c a p e A p p r a i s a l

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Extensive analysis of the site has been undertaken to build a defi nitive picture of the components that shape the current street design. The fi ndings of the surveys are presented in this section of the report, separated into different topics to clearly and concisely demonstrate these different layers of information and further supported by photographs to illustrate fi ndings and observations.

Having a clear understanding of the street, of how it has evolved over recent years and how it is used today is an invaluable step towards identifying the key issues to be addressed in the development of concept designs.

This section details the following types of appraisal:• Site context - townscape• Site context - aerial view• Site context - town centre• Materials• Street furniture• Vegetation • Figure ground plan • Figure ground plan (proposed)• Building use (ground level) • Visibility • Changes over time • Eastern facade• Cross sections

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0(1:25 000)N

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Residential areas

Industrial / commercial areas

Urban open space / woodland

Primary roads

Secondary roads

George Street

Corby Walk - central route

Railway line

COVERAGE AREA OFSCALE 1:5000 PLANSCALE 1:5000 PLANCOVERAGE AREA OFCOVERAGE AREA OF

Corby Walk - northern route

Proposed railway station

Cities Revealed ® aerial photography copyright The GeoInformation ® Group, 2003 and Crown Copyright ©. All rights reserved

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George StreetTownscape appraisalSite context - townscape

5051674/GS/UD/001/Rev 0March 2008

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C O T T I N G H A M R O A D

ROCKINGHAM

BROOKFIELD PLANTATION

ROCKINGHAMMOTOR

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ROCKINGHAM PARK

CORBYVILLAGE

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STEELWORKS

C O R B Y

This plan shows that housing is close to all edges of the town centre but that suburban areas are predominantly to the west. Industrial and commercial areas are concentrated to the east of the town centre.Weldon Road / Westcott Way is the primary and most direct east-west vehicular route through Corby, running immediately adjacent to the central retail core of the town. North-south routes are more disjointed and less direct, served by a number of secondary route options, currently including George Street. The location of the railway station to the east of the town centre will serve both the commercial areas and the retail core, with Corby Walk providing a direct connection to the town centre. Corby Walk also offers the opportunity to provide a green link between the currently disparate open spaces to either side of the town centre.

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Retail core

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Primary & secondary roads

George Street

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Railway line

Corby Walk - northern route

Proposed railway station

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Cities Revealed ® aerial photography copyright The GeoInformation ® Group, 2003 and Crown Copyright ©. All rights reserved

George StreetTownscape appraisalSite context - aerial view

5051674/GS/UD/002/Rev 0March 2008

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A L E X A N D R A R O A D

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Retail core

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Parkland Gateway Development

Edges of residential areas

Open grassed areas

Woodland / signifi cant tree planting

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This plan demonstrates the abrupt juxtaposition of different land uses within the town centre and that George Street bisects and defi nes the edges of these areas. By contrast, Corporation Street lies solely within the single type retail core, and is truncated at its junction with George Street. With the new civic space (the Town Square) within the Parkland Gateway, George Street and Corporation Street can be seen as crucial to the succesful integration of this new development and the traditional retail core of the town. Corporation Street also forms the central section of Corby Walk, linking the town centre to the new railway station. This plan also shows the relative proximity of Hazel Wood to George Street, which is not apparent on site.

COVERAGE AREA OFCOVERAGE AREA OFSCALE 1:2000 PLANSSCALE 1:2000 PLANS

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CORBY WALK CENTRAL ROUTE

CORBY WALK NORTHERN ROUTE

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

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George StreetTownscape appraisalSite context - town centre

5051674/GS/UD/003/Rev 0March 2008

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Concrete slab paving with feature lines in brick pavers (see photo)

Perfecta slabs with feature bands in natural sandstone and Tegula blocks (see photo)

Macadam road

KEY

Macadam paving

Concrete fl ag paving

Concrete block paving

Mixed material paving

As the plan demonstrates, George Street footways consist of an uncoordinated patchwork of various materials, most of which are low quality and in poor condition. This apparent lack of consideration in the design of the footways reinforces the current vehicular dominance of the street.Corporation Street by contrast is a pedestrianed area with a strong design theme, but the materials employed and the heavy patterning gives the street a very dated appearance.

Concrete fl ags are the most dominant paving material on George Street, often insensitively used to infi ll to new road alignments.

Poorly designed interfaces between changes in materials.

Block paving is concentrated around the George Street / Corporation Street junction, used as both a paving and road surface.

Quick-fi x repairs such as this lower the quality of the pedestrian environment.

Heavy feature banding used on Corporation Street tends to overdominate the street scene.

New paving at Willow Place uses a varied pallete of good quality materials to help defi ne spaces, with integrated drainage provision.

Macadam cycle path alongside fl ag paved path

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

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George StreetTownscape appraisalMaterials

5051674/GS/UD/004/Rev 0March 2008

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Guardrail

Bollard

Litter bin

Seat

Cycle stand(s)

Planter

Traffi c signal

Sign post

Lamp column

CCTV

Other features

KEY

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6 x cycle stands

Phone boxes

Toilet9 xconcreteplanters

4 x back to back seats5 x litter bins

4 x back to back seats5 x litter bins

Fingerpost sign

Fingerpost sign

Municipal-style highways furniture dominates George Street, particularly between Westcott Way and Alexandra Road, with an excessive use of guardrail and signs in particular. Signs are often placed solely with consideration for the motorist, with little regard to pedestrian desire lines. Pedestrian-orientated furniture on George Street is relatively sparse, generally very old and in poor condition. By contrast, the furniture used on the boundary of Willow Place where it adjoins George Street is of contemporary style and uses higher quality materials, typical of new shopping centres generally and therefore not locally distinctive. On the pedestrianised Corporation Street, seats, litter bins and lighting columns are arranged in clusters centrally within street. Although of better quality than on George Street, the furniture here is dated in apprearance.

View north from Cardigan Way showing dominance of highways furniture within the street scene.

Poorly placed road signs inhibiting pedestrian movement and bus stop on the approach to Westcott Way.

Entrance to George Street from Westcott Way - 3 traffi c signs on separate posts within a few metres of eachother.

Low quality and poorly maintained furniture on George Street, opposite Corporation Street.

Where Willow Place adjoins George Street, new furniture is well designed and uses higher quality materials.

Furniture in Corporation Street now looks dated.

Steelworkerstatue

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9 xcycle stands

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTownscape appraisalStreet furniture

5051674/GS/UD/005/Rev 0March 2008

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Page 13: George Street Final Report - 2008 10 21 Public... · 2019-01-03 · North Northants Development Company, and Northamptonshire County Council It may not be used by any person for any

Trees

KEY

Shrubs

Bedding plants

Grass

New tree planting as part of Willow Place

There is vegetation at either end of George Street. On George Street itself however there is no signifi cant vegetation. Planting is generally confi ned to small pockets on the margins of private land. Corporation Street lacks any soft landscape features whatsoever, but does allow long distance views westwards to Hazel Wood (currently partly obscured by development activity).

Between Westcott Way and Alexandra Road, George Street is dominated by the built environment with no signicant areas of planting.

North of Alexandra Road there are green margins in places along the street, generally within private land.

Corporation Street is lacking in soft landscape features and projects a ‘precinct’ type quality.

Concrete planters on George Street are dated, mostly devoid of any planting and poorly maintained, and clutter the street.

On Westcott Way, the woodland edge signifi cantly enhances the street scene.

Even when further afi eld, trees contribute to the setting and quality of the immediate surroundings.

Trough planters in central reservation (currently unplanted)

Trough planters in central reservation (currently unplanted)

Concrete ring planters with minimal planting

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTownscape appraisalVegetation

5051674/GS/UD/006/Rev 0March 2008

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C O R B Y C U B E(UNDER

CONSTRUCTION)

Buildings

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Private open area

Public open area(including highways)

I N S T I T U T I O N A L E S TA B L I S H M E N T S

Aside from the Cube and Town Square, this plan shows that highways design (rather than the arrangement of buildings) is the most infl uential factor in determining the provision of public open space. Corporation Street is currently the most signifi cant space in the town but is itself derived from a former traffi cked highway. In the wider context of the town centre, the plan also shows the close juxtaposition of large scale commercial buildings with residential areas - a feature typical of new town developments. The footprint and massing of buildings around George Street and Corporation Street follow distinct zonal patterns defi ned by land and building use, as indicated on the plan and shown in the corresponding photographs.

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1. Corporation Street - traditional ‘high street’ with continuous building frontage. Over-wide for its current use as pedestrianised street, although canopied buildings reduce its scale, but also inhibit pedestrian movement.

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2. Willow Place - larger scale than most buildings on George Street and does not support small scale active frontage to marry with existing activities. Separated from a residential area to the south by Westcott Way.

3. Parkland Gateway Institutional Establishments - large scale buildings set back from the street within their own entrance spaces, with car parking facilities or simple grass lawns to the front.

4. George Street Local Retail Area - buildings of generally two storeys and arranged in staggered blocks with active frontages with wide pavements.

5. Oasis Retail Park - out-of-town style development within town centre. Buildings are to rear of plot, with large car park adjacent to the street, resulting in a signifi cant gap between buildings fronting onto George Street.

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTownscape appraisalFigure ground plan

5051674/GS/UD/007/Rev 0March 2008

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Buildings

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Private open area

Public open area(including highways)

T R E S H A M I N S T I T U T ER E D E V E L O P M E N T

This plan includes the future development plots (indicated by labels). Comparison with the existing fi gure ground plan shows how George Street in particular will benefi t from new development - new buildings will fi ll gaps, improve street frontage and help to invigorate the street.In turn, the Town Square around the Corby Cube becomes more clearly defi ned as the main public open space in the town centre, to which there will be an increased pedestrian fl ow. The ease of movement of pedestrians from Corporation Street and George Street will be a signifi cant factor in determining the success of the Cube and Town Square.

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTownscape appraisalFigure ground plan (proposed)

5051674/GS/UD/008/Rev 0March 2008

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Commercial / retail

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Leisure

Education

Public Services

KEYY

Building use differs on each side of George Street. To the west are amenity buildings, with the Cube and swimming pool continuing this pattern. To the east, buildings are predominantly commercial. A car showroom marks the corner of Cottingham Road / George Street and a bingo hall forms the start of a local retail area rising to Alexandra Road. Oasis Retail Park car park breaks the building frontage along George Street. Above street level retail premises is a residential block to the north of Corporation Street and the borough council offi ces to the south. Willow Place wraps around the corner of George Street / Westcott Way forming a strong retail edge to the town centre. Corporation Street is a traditional retail high street at ground level, with commercial and residential premises on balconied fi rst and second fl oor levels on the north side.

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTownscape appraisalBuilding use (ground level)

5051674/GS/UD/009/Rev 0March 2008

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The serpentine layout and rising topography inhibits views along the complete length of George Street. The high point of the street is at its junction with Corporation Street, with a fall of approximately 12m to the junction with Cottingham Road and 2m to Westcott Way. Between Westcott Way and Alexandra Road, high level buildings and the cluttered nature of street design at ground level obscures and detracts from longer distance views. North of Alexandra Road it is more open by comparison, with lower density and set-back buildings, allowing views along the majority of this section of George Street as it falls towards Cottingham Road.

View 1.The open aspect of the street allows views along George Street almost to Cottingham Road, with higher level views to the edge of Hazel Wood beyond.

View 2.The curving road alignment and the crown of the hill limits views along George Street near the Corporation Street junction.

View 3.View along George Street from the south (reciprocal view to view 2), largely inhibited by cluttered street furniture and traffi c.

View 4.Views along George Street from Westcott Way roundabout area are dominated by building facades.

View 5.The western end of Corporation Street presents the only long distance views out of an otherwise very inward-looking town centre

Long distance views to trees on edge of Hazel Wood and along Cottingham Road

East of this point, views to Hazel Wood are inhibited by kiosk building

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Views to edge of residential area

Long distance views up Studfall Avenue rising to north

High level long distance views to edge of Hazel Wood

Intervisibilty at street level

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Long distance view

Photo viewpoint

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Continuous building lines within central section of Corporation Street confi ne views to along street only

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTownscape appraisalVisibility

5051674/GS/UD/010/Rev 0March 2008

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The historic photographs show that little has changed in the appearance of George Street over the last 50 years. The architectural skyline and, to a large degree, the streetscape remain much as when fi rst built as a ‘New Town’. The most signifi cant change has occurred to Corporation Street with the pedestriansation of the carriageway. This closure of Corporation Street has resulted in a concentration of pedestrian and vehicular activity at its junction with George Street. At present, the southern end of George Street is host to a busy town centre bus and taxi pick up and drop off zone. Over time, increased numbers of buses and taxis and the introduction of designated pedestrian crossings, pedestrian barriers and bus shelters have visually degraded the ground level appearance of what was once a wide, open and clutter-free street.

George Street / Corporation Street junctionThis area has changed signifi cantly since the 1950’s with the closure of Corporation Street to vehicles. The street is now a dedicated pedestrian shopping area beyond a tight turning zone that hosts a taxi rank.

Copyright The Francis Frith Collection, SP35QP, www.francisfrith.com

George Street between Corporation Street and Alexandra RoadBus shelters now feature along the pavement edge and a pedestrian crossing links the western side of George Street to Corporation Street pedestrian zone. The concrete planters on the central reservation still remain.

Copyright The Francis Frith Collection, SP35QP, www.francisfrith.com

George Street north of Alexandra RoadThis stretch of George Street remains fundamentally unchanged from the 1950’s.

Copyright The Francis Frith Collection, SP35QP, www.francisfrith.com

George Street near Tresham InstituteModernisation to the facade of the bingo building, the widening of the pavement on the western side and upgrades to streetlight fi ttings appear to be the only changes to this view looking south along George Street.

Copyright The Francis Frith Collection, SP35QP, www.francisfrith.com

George StreetTownscape appraisalChanges over time

5051674/GS/UD/011/Rev 0March 2008

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Cottingham Road

GEORGE STREET EASTERN FACADE(COTTINGHAM ROAD TO ALEXANDRA ROAD)

< NORTH SOUTH > Car Sales Showroom Wood Street Bingo Hall Alexandra Road

Drawings atscale 1:1000

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Oasis Retail Park (set back)

< NORTH SOUTH > Neville House Corporation Street Grosvenor House Westcott Way RoundaboutCardigan Way Willow Place (exct position t.b.c.)

KEY (BUILDING USE)KEY (BU

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Residential

GEORGE STREET EASTERN FACADE(ALEXANDRA ROAD TO WESTCOTT WAY)

The eastern facade of George Street north contains low level buildings forming a continuous street frontage on the approach to town centre. Uses are generally retail on street level with residential above. To the south of Alexandra Road, building form is more varied, higher density and of more mixed uses.These long sections also demonstrate the signfi cant level changes along George Street and that the junction with Corporation Street marks the crown of the hill. (Elevations of the western facade to George Street have not been produced due the imminent changes being made to this area that would render such drawings as out of date very quickly)

George StreetTownscape appraisalEastern facade

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Willows Arts Centre

Neville House

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TYPCAL CROSS SECTION OF GEORGE STREETBETWEEN ALEXANDRA ROAD AND WOOD STREET, LOOKING NORTH

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Corby Cube(exact position and size t.b.c.)

Future public open space to Cube Willow Place(exact position and size t.b.c.)

* dimensions t.b.c. On the eastern facade of George Street, buildings are relatively close to the roadway, whereas along its western edge buildings are mostly set back by some distance. With the road being a dual carriageway with a central reservation, the overall effect is of street of very wide proportions. Footway widths however are disproportionately narrow, reinforcing the current dominance of traffi c on George Street.

George StreetTownscape appraisalCross sections

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T r a n s p o r t A p p r a i s a l

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This section of the report provides a summary of the transport planning study for the scheme - assessing how the area currently functions in transport terms and seeking to identify future transport needs. The issues arising from this section of the report form the basis of a number of key design principles in the development of the scheme concepts.

This section includes the following transport appraisal drawings:

• Transport facilities• Pedestrian and cycle movement

Also included is in this section is:

• George Street Transport Appraisal - Executive Summary (presented in full as a separate report)

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George Street currently has unrestricted access to all traffi c, whilst Corporation Street is pedestrianised and closed to all traffi c. The hub of bus and taxi activity and pick-up / set-down points is at the junction of these two streets. Willow Place multi-storey car park (not shown on this plan) provides the majority of parking provision in the town centre, supported by the Oasis Retail Park at Alexandra Road / George Street junction, and on-street parking on the north section of George Street. Provision for cyclists is piecemeal and unco-ordinated.

George Street / Corporation Street junction - the hub of the local transport network.

Bus shelters are dispersed along George Street, often causing confl ict with pedestrian movement.

Taxis queuing on the Corporation Street taxi rank frequently back up to and block the pavement on George Street.

On-street parking to both sides of the George Street northern section, with a lack of crossing points, discourages cross-road pedestrian movement.

The existing cycle path is too small to accommodate 2-way traffi c, leading to confl icts with pedestrians.

New cycle parking is poorly-sited - peripheral to the town centre and not well over-looked, making cycles vulnerable to theft.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTransport appraisalTransport facilities

5051674/GS/UD/014/Rev 0March 2008

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High-use pedestrian route

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The pedestrianised Corporation Street is, as to be expected, the centre of pedestrian activity in the area. Heavy foot traffi c extends into George Street to access the bus stops and taxi ranks, with the more confi ned spaces here making the pedestrian environment very congested. Pedestrian movement on George Street decreases with distance from Corporation Street. There is little cross-street movement due to a combination of the large scale of the street, obstructions within the central reservation and limited safe crossing places.

On Corporation Street pedestrians tend to use the traditional pavement zones adjacent to shops rather than the open central areas.

Isolated clusters of street furniture occupying central areas of Corporation Street offer little social interaction with passing pedestrians.

On George Street staggered crossings attempt to direct pedestrians but, in not being the most direct route, are often ignored, as shown here.

In the northern section of George Street pavements are over-wide in relation to their useage, meaning a dull and monotonous route for the pedestrian.

The width of the street, on-road parking and obstructions discourage pedestrians from crossing this section of George Street.

Medium-usepedestrian route

Low-usepedestrian route

Obstacle topedestrian movement

Pedestrian crossing

Feeder points onto pedestrian routes

Cycle path

Pedestrianised area

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetTransport appraisalPedestrian & cycle movement

5051674/GS/UD/015/Rev 0March 2008

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1.1 Introduction

The provision of a high quality transport service is integral to the economic growth and vitality of Corby. This needs to be taken into consideration when redesigning the street environment along George Street and the implications of transport needs with future growth.George Street instinctively divides into two parts; George Street south between Alexandra Road and Westcott Way and George Street north from Alexandra Road to Cottingham Road. There is also a distinction in traffi c terms with George Street south accommodating the bus and taxi services and major pedestrian movement between public transport and the shops. Whereas George Street north has a lower traffi c volume with wide carriageway, provision for on-street parking and informal crossing areas linking education and employment from the west, to small scale retail shops to the east.The Transport Appraisal identifi es future transport needs for George Street to accommodate the planned rapid growth of the town centre and Corby as a whole. To this end, we have undertaken site observations, analysis work and early consultation with key stakeholders to fi nd initial solutions and options for the following:• Traffi c appraisal;• Pedestrian movements;• Corporation Street – evening use;• George Street junction with Corporation Street – evening use;• Cycle facilities;• Taxi accommodation; and• Bus facilities.

All of the above have been looked at in context of the traffi c options for George Street and Corporation Street. That is, removal of vehicular through movement on George Street, between the Westcott Way junction and Alexandra Road, during daylight hours with the option for opening up Corporation Street to private vehicles in the evenings.

1.2 Traffi c Appraisal

The traffi c appraisal considers the implications of closing George Street on alternative town centre traffi c routes. The following eight junctions are considered (all roundabouts except where stated): • Westcott Way with Cottingham Road (Priority junction);• Westcott Way with George Street;• George Street with Alexandra Road;• George Street with Cottingham Road;• Cottingham Road with Studfall Avenue;

• Elizabeth Street with Cottingham Road;• Elizabeth Street with Alexandra Road; and• Elizabeth Street with Westcott Way.

Junction assessments were conducted for both the Do-Minimum and Do-Something scenarios at the 2021 assessment year. For both of these scenarios the following junctions were identifi ed as over capacity:• Westcott Way with Cottingham Road;• Elizabeth Street with Cottingham Road; and,• Elizabeth Street with Westcott Way.

Essentially these are the 3 most obvious reassignment locations and mitigation measures have been identifi ed at all 3 locations. These are:(i) Minor widening measures at the Elizabeth Street / Cottingham Road junction. (ii) Potential widening at the Elizabeth Street / Westcott Way junction for the west and north approaches (subject to land ownership issues). OR partial or full signalisation of the roundabout. (iii) The Westcott Way / Cottingham Road junction is predicted to be severely over capacity even in the Do-Minimum scenario. This is likely to be resolved by the introduction of either a roundabout or signalised junction.

1.3 Pedestrian Movements

• The quality of pedestrian facilities varies along the length of George Street with Zebra crossings provided adjacent to Corporation Street and Cardigan Place to cater for movements between the shops and the bus stops and less formal crossing areas to the north of Alexandra Road. • Pedestrian movement and desire lines will evolve with the redevelopment of the town centre. • It is envisaged that there will be a succinct movement between the east and west side of George Street in the future and this demand has to be managed with the provision of high quality crossing areas and the implementation of ‘Corby walk’. • The treatment of George Street and in particular the pedestrian crossing will need to refl ect the increase in pedestrian use as a result of the Parkland Gateway development. • As a result of removing private vehicles from George Street south, the pedestrian / vehicle confl ict at George Street / Corporation Street will be reduced. • The Zebra style crossing appears to function well at present; it is proposed that the same formality of pedestrian crossing is retained with a more direct, larger and wider scale.

Pedestrians crossing informally on George Street north

Staggered zebra crossing opposite Corporation Street

George Street Transport Appraisal: Executive Summary

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• In principle the crossing (at Corporation Street) would become a ‘Shared Space’ so that pedestrians and vehicles share priority at this location although there would still be some demarcation of the vehicle and pedestrian space for safety.• Improvements to the landscaping and on street car parking areas along George Street north as well as improved and shorter pedestrian crossings would cater for future demand and create a safer pedestrian environment.

1.4 Corporation Street – Evening Use

• Corporation Street is currently a wide pedestrian space with the exception of a taxi stand at its western end. • The George Street and Corby Walk design principle is to improve the quality of the pedestrian space along Corporation Street • It is proposed to relocate the existing taxi stand to new locations on George Street. • During the day it is proposed to retain Corporation Street as pedestrian only with the principle that cyclists can also share the space. • The option of opening up Corporation Street to traffi c in the evening has been considered• In principle traffi c could access Corporation Street from George Street and exit onto Elizabeth Street by the Corby Candle Public House. However, the design will ensure that pedestrians will still have priority over vehicles during all hours and the design and materials to be implemented will refl ect this. • The presence of vehicles along Corporation Street in the evening could contribute towards natural surveillance and the security of the area. • If traffi c were to use Corporation Street in the evening then this would need to be limited to vehicles of up to 7.5T weight.

1.5 George Street/ Corporation Street Junction – Evening Use

• During the evening, when Corporation Street could be opened up, vehicles would enter from George Street. • The design of this access needs careful consideration as this will also operate as the main pedestrian crossing location. The space outlined for vehicles along Corporation Street will be treated with a different material to the pedestrian area and is lined to the south of Corporation Street. • Where signage or road markings at the junction / crossing point are innovative and not in accordance with the Traffi c Signs Regulations and General Directions, special agreement from the Secretary of State is required. • The volume of traffi c during the day will be reduced signifi cantly when restricted to buses and taxis only ensuring that vehicles do not dominate the crossing. During the evening when private vehicles are permitted to use

George Street, the design of the street will encourage lower speeds and diversion for through traffi c onto other routes.

1.6 Cycle Facilities

• There are currently limited cycle opportunities into the town centre with a short section of segregated surface on the south west corner of Westcott Way and some cycle parking within the shopping area. • There are no existing cycle counters, so overall cycle usage of the town are unknown.• Early discussions with the County cycle offi cer and Sustrans indicate their desire to see an increase in town and cross town movements and both the County and Borough are seeking to enable cycling opportunity by integrating safe cycle facilities as part of the George Street and The Corby walk proposals. • This study reviewed options to get cyclists into and across the town centre using George Street. The preferred options include a route along George Street itself and a car free route through the proposed Corby Hub development from Westcott Way to the Corby Walk.• Sustrans has also requested a Toucan on the west arm of the Westcott roundabout to encourage pedestrian and cycle movement from Turner Road and Jubilee Avenue, the latter already being envisaged as part of a safer route to schools in the Kingswood area. These proposed facilities would also link to the County cycle and walking corridor proposals for an off road cycle track on the north side of the A427 Cottingham Road/ Westcott Way.• New cycle stands are proposed either end of Corporation Street and at the western end of The Corby walk. Cycle stands would be incorporated in new development areas, particularly outside the swimming pool and The Hub.• During the day it is proposed to retain Corporation Street as pedestrian only with the principle that cyclists can also share the space. • Alternative east / west cycle routes would be provided on Alexandra Road and Wescott Way but the standard would be to allow cyclists to use Corporation Street although the natural perception will be that pedestrians have priority and cyclists’ speeds will refl ect this. This type of arrangement for cyclists in pedestrianised areas is controversial and very much relies on the sensible behaviour of cyclists to be successful. However, New Street in Birmingham and Cambridge city centre have adopted this arrangement successfully.

1.7 Taxi Accommodation

• There are currently 114 Hackney (Black) Cabs and 67 Private Hire Vehicles registered to operate in Corby, with the main taxi rank areas on George Street and Elizabeth Street.

Short section of cycle lane to Westcott Way

Cycle stands at west end of Corporation Street

Taxi rank on Corporation Street

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of the street and more details can be seen in the Transport Appraisal Report for George Street.

The preferred options for the design of bus facilities along George Street south are:• Accommodate all stops between Corporation Street and Westcott Way with 3 northbound stops and 3 southbound stops. This will result in some services diverting to alternative stops along the street.• Provision of a new rolling bay on the northbound side.• All bus stops will be accommodated in bays allowing other buses and vehicles to pass in the adjacent lane.• Preferred option for a single larger shelter on the northbound side of the street, which could accommodate refreshment facilities. Individual shelters proposed on the southbound side.• Provision of full RTPI at the main stops.

1.9 Consultation

Early consultation has been carried out with a number of key stakeholders:• Taxi owners;• Stagecoach (main bus operator);• Cycle representatives;• Northamptonshire County Council (NCC).

The following points were noted:• Stagecoach are supportive of the proposals in principle providing that there are enough stops to accommodate 7 buses stopping at any one time along George Street south.• Taxi operators, although would prefer to stay where they are, they are generally supportive of the alternative facilities outside Neville House and Cardigan Place.• NCC are supportive of removing private vehicles from George Street south during the daytime as long as mitigation measures are provided to accommodate additional traffi c diverted onto other roads within the town centre.• NCC has some concerns over the operation of the ‘informal’ pedestrian crossing at George Street / Corporation Street but accept that this is still subject to Road Safety Audit at a later stage.

• There is a 16 cab capacity rank at the north end of Corporation Street with access from George Street, with a small feeder lane outside Neville House. Drop off at bus lay-bys has been observed.• The use of taxis is popular with shoppers carrying large amounts of shopping bags; say from the nearby Iceland store and Aldi food store, and to those with mobility diffi culties. Many are seen wheeling supermarket trolleys to the taxi stand to unload their shopping. • The proposals will allow taxis to continue using George Street with alternative ranks provided adjacent to Neville House, The Willows Centre and the Arts Theatre• The number of taxis these proposed ranks could accommodate is greater than existing (approximately 20 – 25 spaces) • Taxi operators have been consulted and options have been developed to refl ect their initial concerns.

1.8 Bus Facilities

Corby’s bus services have been subject to considerable change in recent years with the introduction of the ‘Corby Star’ services in 2003 and the diversion of the fi rst town services onto George Street with the closure of the Bus Station in 2002. These changes have seen a major increase in patronage on the network with the frequency of some services increased to up to every 8 minutes.A review of existing bus services was undertaken as part of the study. • There are currently 7 bus stops on George Street south as shown in Diagram 1 (4 southbound and 3 northbound). There are two bus stops on George Street north although these stops do not form part of the main hub.• Stops C and F have real-time information and other stops have static timetables. During an average daytime hour there are currently 27 service departures from these 7 bus stops (amount varies according to time of day). • Stops B and A operate successfully as a rolling bay. • During a weekday there are 12 services that start their route at George Street and 5 through routes, although some of the terminating services also travel through George Street during their route (i.e. service 1 and 3). • Bus waiting facilities (shelters) are currently unattractive with many passengers waiting for buses under building canopies adjacent to southbound stops. • An estimate of level of utilisation was undertaken for each bus stop on George Street. All the bus stops appear to be relatively well utilised at present and the designs for George Street should incorporate the same number of bus stops as is currently provided. This should also allow for some growth in bus demand in line with the growth agenda for Corby although in the long term an additional bus stop may be required. • There is scope to relocate stopping services from the west to the east side

High frequency stop outside Neville House

Diagram 1Bus Stop confi gurationon George Street south

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Taxi using bus lay-by to drop off passengers

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A p p r a i s a l S u m m a r y

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The following are considered to be the key points arising from the townscape and transport appraisals of George Street:

• The street is traffi c-dominated with confl icts between vehicles and pedestrians

• An unoffi cial public transport interchange

• George Street north and south are distinctly different in character

• Characterised by a mix of often dated materials

• Cluttered with street furniture

• Lacking in vegetation resulting in a ‘grey’ appearance

• Bus and taxi facilities will need to continue to be provided in or close to George Street south

• Cyclists are not currently well catered for

• Three nearby junctions will require capacity improvements irrespective of the George Street scheme

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D e s i g n V i s i o n & P r i n c i p l e s

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a people friendly civic boulevard, The vision for George Street:

The design principles for George Street are as follows:

• Creating an attractive tree-lined boulevard

• Reinforcing the concept of a town square at the intersection of George Street and Corporation Street

• Providing high quality facilities for public transport

• Unifi ying both sides of George Street

• Giving increased priority to pedestrians

• Providing generous footpath widths

• Restricting traffi c by minimal means

• Providing clearly defi ned crossing points

To achieve these objectives the basic principles of pedestrian and vehicular movements must be established prior to developing the concept design. These principles are shown on the following drawings in this section of the report:

• Proposed day time traffi c • Proposed night time traffi c• Proposed pedestrian and cycle traffi c

town square and a public transport hub

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During the daytime, motorised use of George Street would be limited to buses and taxis. Splitting the taxis into 2 ranks - one to the north and one to the south of Corporation Street may have the added benefi t of further reducing traffi c across Corby Walk. Delivery vehicles would ideally operate within controlled hours only. Off-road route options for cyclists should be explored. To the north of Alexandra Road, George Street would be open to all traffi c as at present. Corporation Street would closed to all traffi c.These measures would reduce traffi c fl ow along the central section of George Street and establish Corby Walk as the primary crossing point between the town centre retail core and the new civic space around the Cube.

Other pedestrian only areas

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetDesign principles Proposed day time traffi c

5051674/GS/UD/016/Rev 0March 2008

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At night time, George Street would be open to all traffi c. The option of opening up Corporation Street to traffi c in the evening is a possibility that would require careful consideration if pedestrian and vehicular parity is to be maintained at the junction of George Street and Corporation Street.

Possible vehicular route

Pedestrian only areas

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetDesign principles Proposed night time traffi c

5051674/GS/UD/017/Rev 0March 2008

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The construction of the Corby Cube introduces a major new feature and attraction to the west side of George Street, with Corby Walk serving to link the Cube to the existing and expanding retail core to the east. The primary pedestrian desire lines are anticipated to form a triangle of movement between the Cube, Corporation Street and Willow Place. The establishment of a clear pedestrian priority where these lines cross over George Street are essential to the successful connection of these places. In the centre of the triangle sits the public transport hub, with all town centre bus stops readily accessible from the pedestrian network.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

George StreetDesign principles Proposed pedestrian & cycle traffi c5051674/GS/UD/018/Rev 0March 2008

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D e s i g n C o n c e p t s

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This section of the report considers the themes that might be used to coordinate the scheme and how these could be expressed through materials, planting and other features. Upholding the key principles as identifi ed in the previous section of the report, the themes are developed into concept designs for George Street, and its interface with the Hub and Corby Walk, which demonstrate how the vision of ‘a people friendly civic boulevard, town square and a public transport hub’ might be delivered.

This section of the report contains the following illustrations:

• Design philosophy: the qualities of Corby• Illustrative concept design: Site plan and principal features• Illustrative concept design: George St south - Option 1• Illustrative concept design: George St south - Option 2• Illustrative concept design: George St north• Illustrative concept design: George Street south sketch view• Illustrative concept design: George Street north sketch view• Design philosophy: design elements• Street furniture• Illustrative concept design: Tree planting

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Design philosophy: the qualities of Corby It is important that landscape and townscape design responds to the local environment in which it is set - to the physical attributes of the site, cultural history, aspirations for the town and other qualities that defi ne its local character and ‘sense of place’. The distinctive qualities of Corby as a whole and of George Street in particular are set out below:

New town:As historical photographs of the new town centre in the 1950s show, Corby town centre was characterised by wide streets and open spaces, with a largely uninterrupted free fl ow of pedestrian movement. In the years since, progressive traffi c and pedestrian control measures and architectural additions have resulted in the cluttered the streets that we see today. Improved legibilty - whereby pedestrians can more easily see features and landmarks and can walk to them in a direct path is a fundamental concept for the new scheme.

Trees and woodland:Corby is unique in having an ancient woodland - Hazel Wood - so close to the town centre. However, the woodland is disconnected with the town centre due to poor physical connections and limited views to it. Introducing visual connections between the woodland and the town centre - by an extensive programme of tree planting - is a cornerstone of the design concept.

Cultural and industrial heritage:Steel production is the very reason for major growth of Corby from the 1950s. Whilst the loss of the steelworks is a sensitive issue and one which the town wishes to put behind it, the cultural signifi cance of the industry cannot be understated. It is understood that the town does not wish to extensively use steel as a material within the scheme per se, but more subtle references - such as the colours and forms of the steel production techniques as shown here - would contribute to the ‘sense of place’.

Aspirations:With the major construction projects of Willow Place, the Cube, the new swimming pool and the railway station, Corby is demonstrating the desire to move forward as a thriving contemporary commercial centre and a desirable place to live and work.

Note:This page is common to both Corby Walk and George Street reports

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Nightime traffi c movementCorby George Street / Corporation Street Design principles:

P u b l i c R e a l m

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George StreetIllustrative concept designSite plan and principal features5051674/GS/UD/019/Rev ADecember 2008

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Coverage area of enlarged plan of George Street north

Coverage area of enlarged plans of George Street south

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George Street south - principal features:• Daytime traffi c restrictions with raised entries into street • A high quality and safe pedestrian focussed environment• Major central paving feature at intersection of George Street and Corby Walk, adopting ‘shared space’ principle• Defi nition of the edges to the new Town Square around the Cube• A legible street with well defi ned and uncluttered pavements • Centralisation of bus stops with generous pavement widths to reduce confl icts between pedestrians and bus passengers• Relocation of taxi ranks• Tree planting where practicable

George Street north - principal features:• Rationalisation of parking into on-street bays, with build-outs in paving• Build-outs and trees to punctuate the pedestrain route and reduce the apparent scale of the street• Crossing points to encourage cross-street pedestrian movement• Extensive tree planting to create attractive boulevard• Build-outs and crossings to act as pinch points in road to reduce traffi c speeds

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CUBE(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

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Taxi rank(13 places)

Taxi rank(10 places)

Raised entry to George Street

Suggested minor re-design to Grant Associates Hub Square design, with square extending

into Corby Walk and installation of landmark art feature as a

focal point to views from Corporation Street

Re-designed tiered planters and steps to accommodate bus lay-by and allow generous pavement provision around bus stops

4 x northbound bus stops

2 x southbound bus stops with single large shelter

1 x southboundbus stop

Possible location for kiosk or toilets

Shared space with fl ush kerbsmarking street line and

waymarker studs &/or lights marking Corby Walk

A water feature of jets fi xed into the ground will energize and rejuvenate the streetscape, adding fun and intrigue for children along Corporation Street whilst restricting vehicular access during the day time when the street will be a pedestrian only area.

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Macadam - new wearing course overlaying existing construction

Tarmac Mastertint clear-bound aggregate

Perfecta 600 x 600 concrete fl ag paving, natural colour (Trafi ca to be used forvehicular over-run areas)

Kellen 300 x 150 concrete blocks withnatural aggregate, colour ‘Grigio’ (grey)

Marshalls La Linia - Light Grey

Keyblock concrete blocks 200 x 100

Kellen blocks to Grant Associates design detail

Raised entry onto George Street

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Delivery access to Cardigan Place,possibly in restricted hours only

Kerb indents to allow buses to access stops directly, even when other stops are occupied

Taxi rank(5 places)

Raised entry to central George Street

Shelter for waiting taxi passengers

Unrestricted delivery access to Everest Lane

Plan shows 7 busesin waiting positions

George StreetIllustrative concept designGeorge Street south - option 15051674/CW/UD/019/Rev ADecember 2008

Marshalls La Linia - Anthracite Basalt

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George StreetIllustrative concept designGeorge Street south - option 25051674/GS/UD/021/Rev ADecember 2008

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Taxi rank(13 places)

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Raised entry to George Street

Suggested minor re-design to Grant Associates Hub Square design, with square extending

into Corby Walk and installation of landmark art feature as a

focal point to views from Corporation Street

Re-designed tiered planters and steps to accommodate bus lay-by and allow generous pavement provision around bus stops

Single shelter / walkway serving 4 x northbound bus stops with opportunity for integrated kiosk at north end

2 x southbound bus stops with single large shelter

1 x southboundbus stop

Shared space with fl ush kerbsmarking street line and

waymarker studs &/or lights marking Corby Walk

A water feature of jets fi xed into the ground will energize and rejuvenate the streetscape, adding fun and intrigue for children along Corporation Street whilst restricting vehicular access during the day time when the street will be a pedestrian only area.

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Macadam - new wearing course overlaying existing construction

Tarmac Mastertint clear-bound aggregate

Perfecta 600 x 600 concrete fl ag paving, natural colour (Trafi ca to be used forvehicular over-run areas)

Kellen 300 x 150 concrete blocks withnatural aggregate, colour ‘Grigio’ (grey)

Keyblock concrete blocks 200 x 100

Kellen blocks to Grant Associates design detail

Raised entry onto George Street

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Delivery access to Cardigan Place,possibly in restricted hours only

Rolling bay bus stops -rear bus drives to stop when front bus drives off

Taxi rank(5 places)

Raised entry to central George Street

Shelter for waiting taxi passengers

Unrestricted delivery access to Everest Lane

Plan shows 7 busesin waiting positions

Marshalls La Linia - Light Grey

Marshalls La Linia - Anthracite Basalt

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George StreetIllustrative concept designGeorge Street north

5051674/GS/UD/022/Rev 0March 2008

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GARAGE

JOB CENTRE

BINGO HALL

TRESHAM INSTITUTE

Build-outs offering opportunity for informal crossing of George Street

Formal crossing point

Existing kerb lines maintained

Widened central reservation with trees, underplanted with low level shrubs

Macadam - new wearing course overlaying existing construction

Key to surfacing materials

Perfecta 600 x 600 concrete fl ag paving, natural colour

Granite setts 300 x 150

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Bus stops

Taxi rank(existing retained)

Formal crossing point

Note: the proposed car parking in bays would provide approximately the same overall provision as the current on-street parking arrangements

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Sketch view looking towards Corporation Street from west side of George Street, showing concept design for George Street south

The existing street scene

George StreetIllustrative concept designGeorge Street south - sketch view5051674/GS/UD/023/Rev ADecember 2008

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Sketch view looking south from outside Bingo Hall, showing concept design for George Street north

The existing street scene

George StreetIllustrative concept designGeorge Street north - sketch view5051674/GS/UD/024/Rev 0March 2008

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Note:This page is common to both Corby Walk and George Street reports

Design philosophy: design elementsThe over-arching objective of the Corby Walk and George Street schemes is to provide a legible, safe, and comfortable environment for pedestrians, whilst balancing this with the needs of vehicular traffi c. The design themes are intentionally subtle and understated, so as not to complete with the new high profi le buildings, but create a high quality, legible and distict design. The issues described below demonstrate how this might be achieved by the various elements that make up the street scene.

Traffi c management:The ‘shared space’ philosophy, where vehicles and pedestrians have equal rights of way, is suggested at key intersections to ensure that Corby Walk becomes an effective and continuous pedestrian link in the town. Highways furniture would be kept to a minimum, with changes in materials and levels considered preferable to the use of barriers and signage. Where highways furniture is absolutely necessary, this should be sensitively designed and sited with consideration for pedestrians as well as drivers.

Surface materials:A coordinated palette of complementary road and paving materials is proposed to replace

the current patchwork of low quality, poorly maintained surfaces across entire streets within

the scheme areas. Materials should be of a high quality, subtle in colour and texture, with

warm reddish hues used as an accent colour - as a visual reference to the iron ore used

in steel production. Materials, such as granite, would be used selectively, concentrated

in high use and prominent areas. The remaining surface materials have been chosen to

refl ect adjacent regeneration projects and have taken into account private landowners

requirements and general project costs whilst still providing a distict identity.

Street furniture:Furniture should be used sparingly and be strategically placed so as to avoid over-dominance and the creation of obstructions within the street. Contemporary designs offer the opportunity of combining individual elements, such as planters with seats, and seats with lighting, to further minimise street clutter. Materials and designs could subtly refl ect the steel theme. Bus shelters should be carefully considered - a well designed shelter would contribute to the quality of the streetscene and could offer opportunities for public art.

Lighting:Current lighting provision within the scheme areas is almost totally highways- focused. New lighting offers the opportunity for dual-purpose highways and pedestrian lighting from common columns, thereby minimising unnecessary duplication and clutter. Where the need arises for single use lighting, different height columns and lanterns should be in a coordinated style. In feature areas, accent lighting should be used to create an atmosphere that extends beyond a purely functional lighting scheme and positively contibutes to the night time environment.

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Rough and Ready & Long and Lean rangesby StreetlifeTimber slats on steel frames - warm, robust and versatile

Other furniture:Whilst other items of furniture must complement the primary seating and lighting units, it is not recommended that they are simply selected from the same ranges. Each item should be carefully considered to make stylistic statements and meet functional purposes. Shown here are some of the additional items of furniture likely to be required within the scheme.

Street furniture:The furniture proposed for George Street and Corby Walk is of a contemporary style, but in being relatively simple designs, would not dominate the street scene or quickly date. Robust materials make for a sound investment as the quality of fi nish is retained over a longer period and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum.

Seating:Seats are arguably the most important item of street furniture - the public uses them directly and will have strong opinions on their comfort and cleaniness. Timber slatted benches are the proposed common items throughout the scheme - reinforcing the linearity of Corby Walk in particular. This versatile design offers a range of seating options, from single units to long benches, with backrest options. The seats use elements of steel whilst the timber provides a warm and robust impression, refl ecting a distict identity and a clear legibility along Corby Walk and George Street. The more organic-shaped stone benches would be used in feature areas such as squares, making a more pronounced design statement and allowing more fl exible and informal seating arrangements.

Lighting:Lighting columns are the single largest items of furniture and their style, spacing and placement must be carefully considered if they are not to dominate the street. The preferred lighting column is an elegant tapered unit, offering the potential for roadway and pedestrian lighting from a single column. Column-mounted banners offer the potential for artistic input and also of promoting cultural events in the town. The use of low-level lighting adds night time interest to the street scene and would allow high quality paving details to be emphasised. Integration of lighting units within seating could also be employed in feature areas.

Boomerang by EscofetFeature seats in cast stone, in complementary colourways to paving

GEO by WoodhouseSimple lines minimises visual impact of large items

Fin by FurnitubesStylish variation to standard cycle stand

Zenith by FurnitubesRobust and cleanable

Portman by FurnitubesRelecting linearity of seats

Cite by EscofetIntegrated seating and lighting

LED by variousFlush mounted feature lighting

Custom signageoffers integrated directional and interpretation signage

Planters / seatsby StreetlifeCombinations minimise clutter

Note:This page is common to both Corby Walk and George Street reports

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008)

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One of the primary common objectives for the George Street and Corby Walk projects is to introduce substantial tree planting to the town - to act as ‘green threads’ to link the open spaces and woodland around the periphary of the town centre. Each of the streets and open spaces within the project areas have differing uses, scale and visual qualities, necessitating careful consideration of suitable tree species. Shown here are suggested trees, descriptions of the way in which they might be planted and the qualities they would bring to the areas in which they are proposed. At this stage all species indicted below are illustrative only and suggestions. It is proposed at the detail design stage that a Arbouriculturalist is consulted.

Note:This page is common to both Corby Walk and George Street reports

0(1:5000)N

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Medium compact street tree in planting to the central reservation, providing colour and visual interest whilst reducing the exposed aspect of George Street north.

A central row of majestic London Plane trees create visual interest, gentle shade and balance the vertical form of the buildings.

Small compact street tree with colourful red berries and striking autumnal leaves providing seasonal colour and visual interest.

Strong avenue of tall elegant trees lining the main route through Station Park toward the new train station.

Small trees with fragrant blossom, colourful deep red fruits, attractive red bark and striking autumnal leaves providing year round colour and visual interest.

George Street north: Proposed trees: Hornbeam

Corporation Street:Proposed trees: London Plane

Stuart Road:Proposed trees: Mountain Ash

Station Park:Proposed trees: Lime

Station Park:Proposed trees: Cherry

George StreetIllustrative concept designTree planting

5051674/GS/UD/025/Rev ADecember 2008

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Pg 411st row (l-r) • High Street, Watford • Water fountains, unknown location • Public Plaza, unknown location • No entry sign by Woodhouse, Kensington2nd row (l-r) • Breccia Grigio paving by Kellen • Breccia Rosso paving by Kellen • Mastertint road surface by Tarmac • Red granite by Marshalls • Perfecta paving by Marshalls3rd row (l-r) • Tree tubs by Streetlife, Manchester • Rough and Ready bench by Streetlife • Portman tree grille and Fin cycle stand by Furnitubes • Bus shelter by Woodhouse4th row (l-r) • Geo lighting by Woodhouse • The Eventful Path, Sydney • Finsbury Avenue Square, London • Pathway lighting, Hornsea

Pg 42Images supplied by manufacturers, with product and company details provided.

Pg 43Images supplied by various tree nurseries.

Pg 15 • Historic photos from the Francis Frith Collection

Pg 341st row • Historic photos from the Francis Frith Collection2nd row (l-r) • Generic woodland canopy • Birch avenue, Tate Britain, London • Saitama Plaza, Tokyo • Green thread design concept3rd row (l-r) • Iron Ore • Rolled steel in production • Liquid metal • Rolled steel joist • Microscopic image of steel surface4th row (l-r) • Architect’s drawing of Corby Pool • Architect’s drawing of Willow Place • Architect’s drawing of Corby Cube

Aerial photographs:Cities Revealed ® aerial photography copyright The GeoInformation ® Group, 2003 and Crown Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

Map bases:Maps are based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100018791 (2008).

Site photos:All colour location images of Corby included within the report have been taken by Atkins.

Other images:Unless stated otherwise, images included in the George Street and Corby Walk Stategy and Vision documents have been taken from the following of journals, books, websites and search engines: • www.cabe.org.uk • www.google.co.uk - image search engine • Landscape (journal of the Landscape Institute)

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For all enquiries please contact:

Chris RancePrincipal Landscape Architect

Atkins LtdThe Axis10 Holliday StreetBirminghamWest MidlandsB1 1TF

Telephone: +44 (0)121 483 5000

www.atkinsglobal.com