1. PROPOSAL FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF
PUBLIC REALM-BATH SPA
St. James Rampire
JAMES STREET- BATH SPA
Presentation by
Surajit Bhattacharya
Architect, Urban & Transport Planner
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2. Introduction
1. Bath SPA- Location of the Town
2. Bath SPA- Background
3. Study Area
4. Study Area- look at Past
5. Study Area- look at Present
6. Data Collection
7. Key issues and problems- Present
8. Other key findings
9. Key stakeholders
10. Aim and objectives
11. Policy Context
12. Recommendations for re-design and enhancement
13. Sketches
14. Conclusion
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4. Bath SPA- Background
Geographically Bath is positioned between the
Cotswold and Mendip Hills gives it a diverse and complex
character. It is drained primarily by the River Avon.
This is a historic Roman town and was inscribed as a
World Heritage Site in 1987.
The total population of the district at the 2001 census
stood at 169,040
Bath is a town of international tourist attraction.
The town has good communications, being located on
the main transport corridor between Bath and Bristol, and
close to the Avon Ring Road.
Source: Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan
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10. Study Area- James Street-A look at Present
Source: Self Photograph 06-03-2012
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11. Study Area- James Street-A look at Present
Source: Self Photograph 06-03-2012
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12. Study Area- James Street-A look at Present
Source: Self Photograph 06-03-2012
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13. Study Area- James Street-A look at Present
Source: Self Photograph 06-03-2012
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14. Data Collection
1. Qualitative Data
- Bath trip findings 2010-2012, Black board
2. Quantitative data
- Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF)-DFT
- Bath and North East Somerset local plan-2007
3. Policy
- Bath and North East Somerset local plan-2007
- PPG 13
- DFT Website
4. Literature Review
5. Web Search
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15. Key issues and problems-present
Pedestrian safety fallen
No sense of place, pedestrian en route to other
destinations - little dwelling .
Static space and no dynamic activity and lacks identity.
Pedestrian areas low in aesthetics
Pedestrian areas low in keeping with the environment
More trees flower and shrubs required.
Need more street furniture.
Poor design of cycle storage
Not much cycling
Area is viewed as quieter than pre change
Source: Bath trip findings on black board
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16. Other key Findings
Annual Average Daily Flow - 2010
Buses Light Goods
Cars Taxis Coaches
Vehicles
All HGVs
All
Motor
Vehicles
Pedal Cycles
Motor cycles
316
260
16419
421
2748
440
20604
1.53 %
1.26 %
79.69 %
2.04 %
13.34 %
2.14 %
100%
-High level of Car use in 2010
Source: DFT website
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17. Key Stakeholders
Residents of the area
Business establishments
Students of the college
Tourists and visitors to the area
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Motorist
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Bath Heritage Watchdog
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18. Aim and Objectives
AIM:
The principal aim is to create dynamic space conducive for public
interaction which in turn will have a sense of place and enhance the
aesthetic quality of the space so that the space can be identified as
a land mark by the different road users.
OBJECTIVES:
- To create a vibrant urban space for the urban space users.
- To enhance the safety of all the users including pedestrians
and cyclist.
- To Improve the aesthetic quality of the space.
- Improve the quality of the space encouraging public
interactions and provide a sense of belongingness to the
space as a lively urban public space.
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19. Policy Context
National Policy
The Government has defined sustainable development as ensuring a better
quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come (A Better Quality of
Life 1999, DFT)
Local Policy for Transport
The Local Plan policy framework takes account of the National Sustainable
Development Objectives: The five key themes of the Local Transport Plan:
• management of road traffic to minimise the adverse impacts of traffic
• promotion of better public transport and walking, cycling, safety and
community togetherness
• management and control of parking
• involvement of the public in the transport planning process for successful
implementation of transport and behavioural changes;
• improvement of the local environment through a transportation programme in
sympathy with the World Heritage
Source: Bath & North East Somerset local Plan 2007
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20. Recommendations
The following recommendations are found to be appropriate
considering the National and local transport policies as have
enumerated in the Bath and North East Somerset local plan 2007.
- A ‘shared space’ would provide enhanced safety and equal status
to all road users.
- Creation of ‘pedestrian zones’ will also facilitate greater safety
and obviously will encourage free movements of the pedestrians.
- Introduction of Soft landscape elements will improve the
aesthetic quality of the space and provide a sense of plaza.
- Coffee Kiosks will greatly enhance the possibility of public
interactions along with Kiosk for further information to the
strangers.
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21. Recommendations
- There could be informal seating arrangements and adequate
cycle storage within this space .
- Removal of on street parking from the area.
- Use of different types of traditional paving materials for different
users on the shared space keeping in line with the environment.
- Limiting of vehicle speed below 20 mph “Home Zone” (pp- 66)
to keep up with the safety to the pedestrian and cyclist and other
road user.
- All above together would craft an identity of a memorable urban
space in the ‘Historic City’ as else where could be seen within the
city of Bath SPA.
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22. Final Thoughts
Creating effective Urban Public Space
- Everyone is welcome at all times in the space, regardless of age
culture, wealth, etc (inclusive and democratic space)
- Sitting places are available
- Well maintained and clean
- Feels safe and unthreatening – crime risk and incivilities are
under control
- Distinctive character and identity that makes the space
memorable
- Incorporation of natural elements (eg: trees, water)
- Comfortable micro-climate (both sunny spots and shade, when
needed)
- Vehicular circulation banned or tightly controlled
Source: creating effective public places, Shaftoe, H
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