Powerpoint presentations are available on UDLs Learning Space website (a link has been sent to attendees)
Around 60 people attended this event _ an attendance list is available from UDL if required.
Streets Network meeting:
- How TfL is decluttering the TLRN – Eddie Chambers, TfL (TBC)
Postponed till next meeting
- How LIP/ABS funding is working out – Anthony O’Keefe TfL
Anthony explained how the system works, explaining the difference between under and over £2mill funded schemes. He ran through the support available which includes Tfls new Design Reviews for over £2mill schemes and UDLs Design Surgeries for under £2mill schemes. Schemes on the TLRN which vary from TfLs Streetscape Guide should also go to TfLs Streetscape Review Group for exemptions approval.
- Tottenham High Road: The cheap Kensington High Street – Sam Wright, TfL
Sam explained this high quality but inexpensive transformation. The project uses many of the same forms and principles as Kensington High Street, but instead of costing around £5mill it cost £70,000 and utilised maintance and management funds within a coordinated approach. The schemes did not include pavement widening or central reservation cycle parking, but it did rationalise and legitimise police parking areas in the centre of the road, declutter, rationalise crossings etc. It appears to have had a very positive effect on businesses along the road and has improved the environment for users.
- TfL consultation on gray/black street furniture – Esther Kurland UDL and Edmund Bird DfL/TfL/English Heritage
Esther explained that TfL plan to consult on some aspects of its Streetscape Guide soon, in particular what it should say about the colour of street furniture in inner/outer London and the use of tactile paving. The Streetscape Guide sets out materials and details that TfL consider appropriate for the roads it manages – the TLRN.
Edmund explained that the issue of street furniture colour had been particularly poignant within the Brixton Town Centre scheme, where lamps etc were originally painted dove grey, but due to local complaints and campaigning had been changed to black.
It was mentioned that the fashion to paint furniture black might have originated from public morning for Prince Albert, and that in Georgian and earlier Victorian times a variety of colours might have been used including dark green, burgundy etc.
There was a feeling in the meeting that black looked ‘clasher’ than grey and when people were asked to show their support for black or grey by a show of hands there was strong but not unanimous support for black to be used in all areas. There was also a clear feeling that consistency was important, both aesthetically and in terms of efficient maintenance.
A key issue raised was the growing appetite for ‘locally distinctive’ furniture and signs to meet the appetite of community groups/councillors to highlight the individuality of neighbourhoods. So requests for red, green, blue furniture, bespoke seats etc are conflicting with the wish for a calm, consistent and ‘classy’ look and the idea in Better Streets that advocates a minimalist approach and suggests that the street should be the stage not the star.
A point on this item had been raised before the meeting by Evan Bennett, Bus Infrastructure, who could not attend. He suggested that some elements like legible London or bus stops where pan London systems and it was important that people recognised them and understood how to use them across the city. For this reason a consistent approach to their appearance in all areas was beneficial.
- How blind and partially sighted people navigate streets in general – Louise Duggan, CABE
CABE have been working on a new guidance note called Sight Lines. It is based on research into how those with sight impairments actually use roads and wayfinding clues such as surface material, sounds etc. The guide will be published in October but Louise gave us some tantalizing glimpses into its contents which could help us all develop a more sophisticated understanding of how to create band maintain inclusive streets.
We will try to secure the guides authoer and Louise to take us through it in detail at our next meeting.
Louise also explained about support CABE are offering for two decluttering proposals. More details can be found here http://www.cabe.org.uk/public-space/streets/direct-support
Next meeting will be at Palestra on 7th December
| Tottenham High Street scheme £70,000 Kensington High Street scheme cica £5million |
