First look at proposals for Lancaster City Centre

Major new proposals to revitalise historic Lancaster city centre have been unveiled at a public consultation today.

Lancaster City Council, with funding from the Northwest Development Agency and Lancashire County Council, has commissioned a set of detailed design proposals for a number of public streets in the city centre.

The project, known as Lancaster Square Routes, aims to create a centre which capitalises on the history and heritage of the city whilst still maintaining a modern outlook. Landscape architect Gillespies in conjunction with public artists Amenity Space have designed the proposals, which include the creation of a new city park, the revamp of Market Square, Horseshoe Corner, Sun Square, and other major linkages.

Market Square is at the heart of Lancaster, accommodating diverse activities and people of all ages. Once the life and soul of the City, a place to trade, gather, meet and celebrate, the square currently lacks a sense of place and purpose. The proposals aim to create a classic, timeless public square of the highest quality which respects the architecture of the surrounding buildings and embraces city life - a place for markets, special events and informal gatherings.

Sun Square offers a contrast to market square and is a space away from the hustle and bustle of the city - a hidden gem at the heart of the cultural quarter. Today, the square has a neglected feel with buildings having turned their backs to it. The proposals would see the square embraced as a vibrant garden that creates a magical setting to the grand Music Room building. Ornate planting, topiary, raised lawns, water, lighting and a flowering green wall evoke the traditional Georgian walled garden.

The proposals to create a city park include Vicarage Fields and Quay Meadow – one of the city’s underused urban green spaces. Located on the edge of the city centre, the spaces are an invaluable but underused resource that link the quayside and surrounding communities with the city centre. Gillespies proposals would see the creation of a city park that was a showpiece for sustainable living and historic interpretation. The community-led scheme would provide allotment gardens, play, sport and leisure facilities, a new ‘eco hub’ and educational opportunities.