26 June 2019

Urban Green Space Commended: Mitre Square, City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation was certainly ambitious with this scheme, setting out to enhance the public realm, improve accessibility, increase biodiversity and improve the function of other local streets all in one hit.

Mitre Square was previously an unattractive and unwelcoming space, which was dominated by cars and offered poor pedestrian connectivity.

Luckily the redevelopment of the commercial property to the north and west of the site provided the opportunity to create a new public space that could be enjoyed by a diverse range of local stakeholders.

During the design stage, it became apparent that the original Section 106 obligation would not deliver the level of enhancement wanted by the project’s working party. The City then worked with the developer to agree an additional Section 278 contribution that ensured the final project was of the highest quality.

The first phase of the project focused on the functional changes around the property development. This included an expansive pedestrian space outside the new building entrance and a raised granite sett carriageway adjacent to the development to allow a low number of servicing vehicles to access the area. New accessible footways and a shared cycle space were also included.

The second phase of the project focused on Mitre Square itself, delivering a new pedestrianised public space centred around two large planter beds formed of flamed granite. Areas of tree and shrub planting were incorporated, with a lawn that is accessible from the main pedestrian routes.

The raised planters also serve as extensive seating in the space. A mixture of slatted wooden inserts and armrests provide a mix of seating and reduce the likelihood of damage and disturbance from skateboarding.

Mitre Square is now a popular green space, used by a variety of local people as well as becoming an important connecting route to the nearby Aldgate Square.

Submitted by: Tom Noble, Group Manager, City of London Corporation

Design: Townshend Landscape Architects
Sub-contractors: Fountaineers, Bruns Nursery, Stone Restoration Services and BBS

You can visit the Street Design Awards website for further details about the competition.

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner