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The Square, Barnstaple

Devon County Council

Prior to November 2007 a busy roundabout formed the central feature of an area known as The Square in Barnstaple. The roundabout effectively formed a barrier between the town centre and its attractive waterfront, as well as degrading the setting of the listed North Devon Museum and other important monuments. The construction of a bypass, which reduced traffic in the town centre, provided an opportunity to redesign this area for the benefit of the wider community, in line with a local desire for an events space for the people of the town.

A new public area was designed enabling the museum to form the centrepiece of The Square and opening up views towards the river and the Strand.

Overview

Location

Location 

Devon

Category

Townscape

Landscape Architect

Devon County Council

Client

Brief

Creation of a new town centre space for pedestrians and events

Awards

Devon

Details

Project Team

Local planning authority or government body

Devon County Council

Year Completed

Project Size

Technical's

Planting

Cypress oak trees were chosen to reflect the scale of the historic clock tower and the open spaces. Their tapering form addresses safety concerns, by allowing clear views for CCTV cameras, while separating pedestrian space from traffic.

Materials

In order to accommodate increased visitor numbers, new seating was introduced using a design robust enough to withstand the local microclimate associated with the riverside location and general wear and tear – minimising the longer term maintenance costs.

The need for flexible but durable paving was addressed with the use of granite slabs laid on sand, facilitating easy replacement whilst accommodating the vehicle loadings required by the increasing number of public events.

Contractors 

Devon County Council

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Location

Devon

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