Agenda item

Report of the Interim Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a Gateway 4C report which provided Members with details of the proposed final RIBA Stage 3 developed design for Greyfriars Square and sought Member approval to progress the design of the public space to RIBA Stage 4 (detailed design).

Members received a presentation on the proposal and were informed that closing the carriageway at King Edward Street and Newgate Street slip road would help create approximately 3,000 square metres of new public space. Work had been undertaken on developing the detailed design of the public space including the play feature and this had been overseen by a steering group.

At the Chairman’s request, particulate matter from the underground air vent had been monitored by an independent company. This concluded that there were no abnormal levels of particulate matter and the location identified was suitable for the play feature. In response to a Member’s question about how often the air quality standards were breached, the Officer stated he understood there were no breaches of particulate matter standards. He would check and confirm that the nitrogen oxide standards had not been breached.

Members were shown images of the proposed public space and were informed there would be a large paved area which could be used for occasional public events, large planters, rain gardens, permeable paving and a linear feature of Thames embankment granite through the space. There would also be quieter areas with seating and tables. The Officer stated that work had been taking place on a modification to the steps proposed at the southwest corner of 81 Newgate Street.

The Officer stated that the design of the play feature had involved the City Parent Carer Forum which included the parents of children with special educational needs or disabilities. He stated their input had been invaluable in designing the feature to be inclusive and for children of different ages. The feature included sensory features and more traditional play features as well as a trampoline.

Members were informed that a Gateway 5 report would be submitted to the Sub-Committee in October 2024 for approval to start work on the highway design. Officers were aiming for work to start in early 2025 once the traffic changes were in place and King Edward Street was closed.

A Member commented that the location chosen for the play area was relatively close both to the road and the underground vent and asked whether any other spaces had been explored. An Officer stated that two possible locations for the play area had been considered. The location chosen maximised the space available. The other location was close to Angel Street.

In response to a Member’s suggestion that the play area be moved, the Officer stated that there were no locations identified as suitable that were at the heart of the site and away from surrounding streets. The Chairman stated there were competing needs e.g. the constraints of the existing gardens, required open space for events and cathedral views. The Officer stated that Historic England had expressed informal concerns about views if the play area was located close to the scheduled historic monument and Grade I listed building. The Officer stated that the report to the Sub-Committee in January 2024 included the assessments that had taken place about where the play feature could be introduced and it was concluded that the location proposed was the best location.

Member raised concern about safety with the play area being so close to the main road. An Officer stated that this had been raised by the City Parent Carer Forum and the plan had been modified to extend the barriers.

An Officer stated that if the view of the Sub-Committee in relation to the location of the play area was unclear, it would not be possible to approve the detailed design and Officers would consider the feedback and come back with another proposal.

The Chairman asked for confirmation that Officers considered the chosen location for the play area was the best location and the Officer confirmed it was. The Chairman requested that the area between the play area and Newgate Street be made impermeable to improve safety and minimise the risks.

A Member stated that the plan on page 43 of the agenda showed the spatial position of the play area more clearly than the CGIs. He stated that the play area was secluded and the ventilation building offered some protection to the play area from the street. He suggested that spatially accurate plans should be highlighted in all future presentations.

Concern was also raised about people cycling through the space as this would be available permeable space without traffic. An Officer stated that it was not possible to entirely prevent this but there would be a traffic order prohibiting cycling which would be enforceable and a protected cycle route would be created around the space. Members were informed that any physical measures to stop people from accessing the space on a bicycle, would make it an inaccessible space. The space had been clearly designed to send a signal that it was not for people to cycle through. A Member asked for consideration to be given to ensuring that Grand Axial Route did not look like a throughway to bicycles.

Members were informed that the existing cycle docking station would be relocated to enable two-way traffic on Newgate Street. TfL had stated it had to be reprovided close by and the proposed location was the only suitable location for a docking station of that size.

A Member commented positively on the scheme having been amended following previous comments about the design.

A Member asked about the content in relation to the pavement telling a story. An Officer stated that Historic England had asked to be involved.

The Chairman asked for reassurance that the design of the plant borders would not attract skateboarders. An Officer stated that the whole space was being designed to deter skateboarders.

In response to a question about the permeable paving, an Officer stated that in certain areas, there would be a full depth construction to the sub-base to allow water to percolate through the layers.

A Member enquired as to why the conditioned foliage on 81 Newgate Street was not shown on the CGI. The Member stated he would raise this with Planning Officers.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Sub-Committee:

1.        Approve the recommended RIBA Stage 3 developed design for the Greyfriars Square new public space, subject to the area between the play area and Newgate Street being made impermeable, and authorise officers to commence the RIBA Stage 4 detailed design;

2.        Approve an additional budget of £110,000 from the agreed capital allocation (OSPR) to reach Gateway 5 (as outlined in section 3 of the Officer report); and

3.        Note the revised total proposed project budget of £5,454,622 (including risk) is required to reach Gateway 5.