frome town centre | remodelling feasibility study

Frome Town Centre

Remodelling Feasibility Study

October 2012

LP409.D501

REV.

-

DATE

2012-10-31

STATUS

DRAFT

BY

GH

INFORMATION

FIRST ISSUE

CHECK

NCS

DRAFT

Prepared by

Landscape Projects

31 Blackfriars Road

Salford

Manchester

M3 7AQ

Frome Town Centre | Remodelling Feasibility Study 3

Contents

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.0 VISION FOR FROME

3.0 WHY IS FROME THE WAY IT IS?

4.0 TOWN CENTRE PUBLIC REALM DESCRIPTION

5.0 WIDER TOWN CENTRE PROPOSALS

6.0 MARKET PLACE TRAFFIC CALMING

7.0 CONCLUSION

Appendix

A COSTS

B CONSULTATION PROCESS

C OWNERSHIP

D HISTORICAL MAPS

E HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS

F FROMETODAY PHOTOGRAPHS


1.0 Executive summary


Executive summary 1.0This feasibility study examines the potential for remodelling the Public Realm of the Town Centre of Frome to make it a more welcoming, people-friendly place, and reinforce the economic, cultural and social vitality of the town.

The commission grows out of the Vision 4 Frome community consultation document, which recognises that the town centre is dominated by traffic which adversely affects peoples ability to move across the town centre.

The study, carried out by Landscape Projects, Landscape Architects in summer/ autumn 2012, examined the potential for a wide range of improvements across the town centre, with a special focus on the Market Place.

An evidence-base of data describing the public realm of the town centre was assembled, through desktop study, archive research, site observations, stakeholder workshops and interviews. The findings show that:

Fromes public realm has been shaped by its topography. The steep sloping streets of the south and west contrast with the open, level spaces of the riverside and Market Place. Frome town centre is generally easily accessible from conveniently placed car parks in the lower part of town. vehicles dominate the town centre streets particularly the Market Place, Bath Street and The Bridge causing a severing effect on people movement. people activity in the public realm is primarily associated with necessary activities such as shopping; there are few places to stay and linger. evening and nighttime activity is low; people seem reluctant to make use of the town centre, perhaps due to lingering perceptions of anti-social behaviour

The feasibility study developed proposals which will: enhance the historic assetts and places of the town centre make a more distinctive and integrated lower town make better connections between lower and upper town, by reducing the severing effect of the road through traffic calming make more attractive places for staying, with increased seating and shelter support activity into the evening through lighting improvements create a greener and more sustainable town centre through tree planting and use of robust, sustainable materials.

The feasibility study identified options for making it easier for people to cross over Market Place. It recommends that: traffic is slowed throughout the town centre, through traffic calming measures which include entrance gateways, streetscape design, surfacing, narrowing and tables. drivers are made aware, through street design measures including paving and lowered kerbs, that they are driving within a pedestrian priority area as they enter Market Place. car parking, street furniture and other obstacles to pedestrian movement within the Market Place are removed, allowing pedestrians more freedom to cross in places which suit them. public realm improvements, including the provision of seats, shelters and other features, reinforce the perception that Market Place is a pedestrian priority area.

The feasibility study identified the core costs of the recommended improvements, which amount to approximately XXX. It was not part of the study remit to identify sources of funding.

The feasibility study outlines a delivery plan.


Introduction

Feasibility and Vision for Frome

The brief

Methodology2


This feasibility study document describes the emerging options for remodelling the town centre of Frome. This project grows out of the Vision for Frome which Identified the need to improve pedestrian crossings in the town centre. The following pages show how our team of landscape architects and engineers is developing ideas for traffic calming, pedestrian crossings and streetscape improvements which will make Frome Town Centre a better place for people.

The challenge is to create a people friendly town centre in Frome which accepts that vehicle access (by buses and taxis as well as cars and delivery lorries) is part of the life of the town centre.

The process involved :

Undertaking a survey of the shared space Study Area

Consultation with relevant organisations including Somerset County Council and traffic engineers

Preparing options for a shared space including:Costing Phasing Timing

Lead the consultation process by organising:Community consultation events Meetings Public exhibition

Evaluation:Evaluate options against responses received from consultation Recommend preferred design option with costing

2.0 Introduction

1

2

3

4

5


Vision for Frome : 2.1Recommendations from Community Plan

A. Economy

2. Business Support Centre8. Attract national clothes retailers and family friendly retaurants9/10. Improve car parking11. Enhance town profile12. Input into local devlopment plan

B. Getting around

20. Provide official crossings where pedestrians routinely cross roads: Market Place 1 (George to Boyles Cross) Market Place 2 (Bath Street Bath Street (Palmer Street to Church yard) Bath Street (Bath Street - Christchurch Street junction)21. Introduce 20mph zone from Butts Hill to Welshmill Road22. Introduce shared space in Market Place, Stony Street, King Street23. Make better us of the Market Place e.g. close on saturday

Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

32

Kingsway Centre

9

CHRISTCHURCH STREET EAST

10

Garage

Club

1

WESLEY SLO

PE

50

PH

14

Yard

2

The

Malt

ings Gen

tle S

treet

3

8

Posts

15

9 to 10

47

Cottage

3

30

28

26

Rathlin

Plumber's Barton

18

House

6

22

Stokes Orchard

33

32

20

14

55

6

Hall

Car Park

LB

5

12

58

El Sub Sta

Chantry

Park

1

House

3

11

8

7

2a

3

9

Car

10

9a

30

23

PCs

Posts

EAGLE LANE

Church

Rook Lane

20

Works

21

9

The Hermitage

3

Rook Lane

Sub

Steps

El

Stone

Wagon And Horses

11

2 to 4

15

20a

2

CHURCH STREET

Rook

Chur

ch S

teps

2a

16-18

The

62

10

15

19

8

56A

War

7

11 to 12

to 3

2

5

Monument

57A

9c

TCB

Posts

14

GORE

HEDG

E

Post

Sta

45

1 to 3

Memorial

1a

Issues13

25

10

9b

57

10

VICARAGE STREET

1a

Hall

25

Portway

23

PHM

ERCH

ANTS

' BAR

TON

13 2

Methodist

PALMER

The Park

8

12

2

El

1

Baptist Church

PCs

St John

Wesley

4

2

56

1

Stokes Croft

1

15

1

Lane

24

1 to 12

4

17

Hall

1

LANE

Car Park

2

BATH

STRE

ET

Blin

dhou

se

28

14

Posts

Club

40

1 to

5

18

6

26

2

Apple Alley

Sub Sta

16 to

24

3

54

SAXO

NVAL

E

7

Pillar

6 to

8

Lane

Wesley Villas

ROO

K

Posts

12

PH

Ps

2

WES

LEY

CLOS

E

STREET

28a

7

251

19

Rooms

Club

26

Assembly

The Old School Room

13

11

4

16

8

24

12

Works

SOUTH

PARA

DE7A

3

Works

2

Stable Cottage15

Hall

13

1

Car Park

6

1a

SHEPPAR

D'S BARTO

N

5

Bank

2

12

3

33b10

6

1

Cather

ine Hou

se

23

3

George Hotel

Weir

3b

24

10

Court House

1

Posts

Sta

Hall

Hall

PH

SM

23

8

2

The

33a

Westw

ay

Castle

Coach H

ouse

PH

8

WILLOW VALE

SM

El

SM

THE B

RIDG

E

Sub Sta

3

25

2

Exchange

2022

9

20 21

18

Bank

Apple Alley

SM

7

SM

River Frome

The Trees

8

The Old Bakery

16

25

11

1 to 2

Bank

The Coach

4

13

11

Telephone

7

Post

2

Cross

17

7

SM

SM

9

Cheese and Grain

SM

9

9

House

SM

FROME

CATHERINE HILL

14

1

3

15

PCs

8

Bank

8

16

House

23

11

24

28

El Sub Sta

21

MARK

ET PL

ACE

2

SM

WELSHMILL ROAD

SM

2

17

18

23a

Weir

16

10

1

5

13

PH

23

SM

Tourist

Monmouth

14

PAUL STREET

SM NORT

H PA

RADE

Court

1 to 3

SCOTT ROAD

SM

SM

22

House

26

33

25

Car Park

5 to 9

Info

21a

3

6

Ken House

Sub

The Blue House 11

BRID

GE S

TREE

T

24

14

5

21

Centr

e

The Nursery

2

WATE

RLOO

El

9

Library

CHEAP STREET

JUSTICE LANE

CORK STREET

7

7

Weir

21

5

Iron Gates

The Beeches

The

6

25

Bridge

2416

Car Park

9

1

18

STONY

STREET

APPL

E LAN

E

1

19

El Sub Sta

KING STREET

6a

8

The Malthouse

SM

4

WEST END

1a

12

Terrace

West Hill

55

2 to 3

1

10

Vallis

4

6

21

54

15

21a

The Coach

The Old Chapel

Apex House

21

House

46

22

Church

Sun Street

Conv

ent50

School

24

Hall

Hall

27

9 24

16

2

6

139

11

House

El

WH

ITTOX LANE

Chapel

3

Conigre

1921

1

48

53

Sub Sta

House

13

Hall

Cotta

ge

4

Conven

t

1a1

SUN

49

Cha

pel B

arto

n

3

1

The Old

5916 1

STREET

FOUN

DRY B

ARTO

N

17

1

11

15

2

21

26

14

7

23

8

2

29

38

40

1

41

HENL

EY W

AY

HEN

LEY

WAY

27

20

12

HouseCourt

5

8

The Mill

1 to 4

WEST

END

Mill

6

Market House

Dyers

1 to 4

The Wool House

20

1 to 2

12

Vicarage

2

St Johns House

4

4

1

1

St Johns

18 18A

Vica

rage

Clo

se

Eastgate Buildings

3

Mendip YMCA16

1a

Post

1

6

Knoll House

The

Old

Polic

e Ho

use

The Old Brewery

1

10

9

CombepyneWinklebury

Skateboard Park

Abovetown

Museum

Playground

Charlcott

Mayflower

Ashgate

The Coachouse

Oakridge

1

3228

6

1 to

25

14

4

6

ESSKnoll

View

1 to 6

The Coach House

Northover Mews

Crosslands

1

147-12

1-6

Club

PCs

The Old Presbytery

7

4

Goucester House

Zion Court

1 to 6

Westend Court

2

3

6

Rawlings Mill

1

7

3

The Old Kiln

Millstream Coach House

5

PO

St John's C of EVoluntary Aided

First School

St Louis Catholic

Primary School

SLIPPS CLOSE

88

1 to 2

5

98

1 to 12

The OldCourt House

Victoria Cottage

The Silk Mill

The Engine Room

37

Und

Def

ED Bdy

Und

FW

CR

FW

ED Bdy

CR

Und

FW FW

CC

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21 to

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1

7

Frome Town Centre

All information contained within this document remains copyright of Landscape Projects Ltd. and shall not be reproduced without prior consent.

(1) Do not scale from drawings - use written dimensions only. (2) All dimensions are in millimeters unless noted. (3) All dimensions shall be verified on site before proceeding with the work. (4) Landscape Projects shall be notified of any discrepancies. (5) Engineer to specify all sub-bases. Any below ground construction is indicative.

Drawing Title

Revision

Project Title

Drawn Date Drawn Checked

Scale Status Drawing No.

FROME TOWN CENTRE REMODELLING

Frome Town CentreStudy Area Plan

409 . 001

2012-09-04 JB NCS

1:500 @ A1 For Information -

N

A

B


2.2 The BriefObjective

To create a town centre environment that encourages increased pedestrian movement and enjoyment whilst maintaining vehicular access and flow in a manner that is pedestrian friendly and enhances its appearance and improves its appeal to local residents, visitors and shoppers.

Physical extent of the study

The primary area of greatest concern is the Market Place extending from the junction of Bath Street/Stony Street/Cork Street in the south, to the junction of Scott Road and The Bridge in the north. To this primary area King Street is added to the east, including Church Steps and Bath Street as far south as the junction with Palmer Street, Palmer Street, Stony Street, Eagle Lane and Church Street. Of secondary concern and providing entrances to the above area is the remainder of Bath Street to its junction with Christchurch Street East and Christchurch Street West and on the north side of Market Place, The Bridge and North Parade as far as its junction with Welshmill Road. The primary and secondary areas are shown on the adjacent plan.

stony

street

cork street

bath

str

eet

mar

ket p

lace

the

brid

ge

palmer street

eagle lane kin

g s

tree

t

bath

str

eet

north

par

ade


Aconceptthatreflectsquality,simplicityandclarity

Aconceptthatcanbeimplementedwithouttoomuchdisruption

Resolvetheconflictbetweenthepedestrianuserandvehiculartraffic

EliminateparkingaroundTheBoyleCross

RenovateTheBoyleCrosswiththepossiblereintroductionofwaterintothebasin

CreateapavedsharedspaceatthefarendofCheapStreetatthefootofStJohnsChurchstepsbythenaturalspring

Toremodelthebusstopsandtheprovisionofnewbusshelters

Provisionofseatinginstrategicandsunnylocations

Planttreesinasmanysuitablelocationsaspossible

Providepublicart,texturedorcolouredmaterials

Providenewsignage,waymarkers,informationpanels

Considernewstreetorimprovedstreetlighting

Considertheneedtoprovidespecialfacilitiesforevents,activitiesandmarketstalls

The Brief 2.3

1Design Aims


2.4 MethodologyOur approach to this feasibility study follows thesequence outlined in the brief and specificallyaddressesthefollowing:

Market Place | Local centre : this area is an important place for transaction and social interaction. We carefully accessed the relationship between people movement, footfall and staying activity, the existing public realm quality and business activity. Our proposals will examine ways in which streetscape improvement can enhance Frome as a local centre.Market Place as a through route : we assess traffic and pedestrian flows through Market Place and compare findings with similar locations to test ideas of traffic calming, unified surface design and public realm design features which will modify driver behaviour. Through this we develop options for change which are reviewed by our experienced engineering colleagues.Conservation area : development proposals are drawn up which reflect the special historic character of this sensitive areaPedestrian and cycle friendly : the Market Place should become once again a place where pedestrians feel comfortable and welcome. Using our evidence base and streetscape audit we examine the potential to rebalance the environment for pedestrians and cyclistsConcensus | consultation : our proposals build on the preceding consultations already carried out, through a short series of targeted workshops which will focus on drawing out, and then testing option for change. Allowance has been made throughout for consultation and approval by the Steering Group.Focused improvements which target budgets and funding to create imaginative, creative and distictive solutions. Deliverable, practical, cost effective and robust proposals which provide a sustainable basis for further investment and which can be implemented in phases

Best practice : our proposals draw on our extensive national and international experience of public realm to develop excellent examples of streetscape design which develop best practice whilst at the same time reflecting the unique character of FromeCo-ordinated Design and Maintenance : our proposals are carefully co-ordinated to ensure that selection and placement of streetscape elements, surfaces and features is considered in relation to universal access and ease of maintnance Risk Management : All public realm projects are complex; we are experienced in managing projects so that stakeholder expectations are met with a fully deliverable scheme.

3 stage process.....

1. 2. 3.

+ +DO

CUME

NT RE

VIEW

SKET

CH PR

OPOS

ALS

DOCU

MENT

PROD

UCTIO

N


Methodology 2.5

3 stage process.....

ince

ptio

n m

eeti

ng

Pro

ject

tea

m m

eeti

ng 1

:R

evie

w b

asel

ine

data

Pro

ject

tea

m m

eeti

ng 2

:

Rev

iew

fee

dbac

k

Agr

ee p

refe

rred

sch

eme

Pro

ject

tea

m m

eeti

ng 3

:

Pro

gres

s re

view

Fr

ome

Tow

n C

ounc

il R

evie

w

Ste

erin

g gr

oup

pres

enta

tion

Com

plet

ion

Stage 1 | Survey Consultation

Site survey | document review

Stage 2 | Outline Options

Sketch proposals : preferred option and 2 alternatives

Stage 3 | Outline Proposal | Costing

Early commencement of outline drawings | specification

Meet with Steering group

Meet with Somerset CC Traffic

Engineers

Steering group workshop

SCC | Mendip officers

workshop and feedback

Complete information

review

Prepare Vision Document

Exhibition for steering group

Feasibility Report Production

Finalise proposals

risk

rev

iew

1C

osti

ngs

revi

ew

Ris

k re

view

2

Integrate feedback from Steering group

Finalise proposals


Why is Frome the way it is?

Frome overview

Historic development

Identity3


This section examines the unique character of Frome Town Centre, which is at the heart of a thriving town of over 24,000 people.

3.0 Frome Overview

Google


After the setts and bollards were removed it became possible for cars to park in the Market Place..........

and today the Market Place is very busy and dominated by traffic..........except on market days..........

In Frome in 1865 the Market Place had a more imposing character. The area of setts in the foreground was where the produce market was held. The setts were removed in the 1890s..........

The Market Place in Frome has always been a busy place..........

In Frome today on market days the road is closed to through traffic and people again throng the Market Place........

Frome Overview 3.1


Town centre map 1813 with the market hall straddling Lower and Upper Market Place

Ludlow : did Frome once look like this ?

Frome can trace its origins to its growth alongside an abbey, located on the banks of the River Frome. Constrained by the steep slopes of the river valley, the medieval town grew as a linear market place next to the bridge, with steep winding lanes traversing the slopes out of town to the south and west.

Frome grew considerably in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to its extensive cloth making industry; the town centre, focussed on the Market Place, was congested, and heavily laden traffic struggled up the narrow streets, such as Stony Street.

Thomas Bunn, a local benefactor and visionary, inspired by the improvements made to the City of Bath, 13 miles north of Frome, developed proposals to remodel the town centre.

1831 Dawson Map 18th century Frome 18th century Frome with Bath Street and Crescent overlay

3.2 Historic development


Caption needed

Of these proposals, the Market Place and the new road were completed. Named Bath Street (after the Marquis), the street was modelled on the recently completed Union Street, in Bath, by Baldwin. All that can be seen of Bunns ambitious creascent are two columns located on St Catherines St, marking the approximate extent of the building had it been built.

Bunns proposals would involve: sweeping away the Market Hall, and unifying Market Place. cutting a new street with an even gradient from Market Place to Butts Hill. plans for a crescent of houses overlooking the town from the south

As a result of these foresighted changes, Frome has a fragment of planned streetscape, which connects the enlarged Market Place, up a sweeping curved frontage to the Churchyard, which is marked by a stone screen designed by Wyatville.

The Market Place became an accessible place on the route through Frome, and has remained so ever since.

Bunns column, St Catherine Street. Union Street, Bath

Union Street, Bath

Market Place, Frome 1924-42, National Archive

Bath Street, Frome

Historic development 3.3


Frome has inherited an attractive range of buildings,spaces and landmarks which contribute to make it a memorable and distinctive place; careful and sensitive conversions and insertions, such as Trinity, combined with a coordinated approach through initiatives such as Townscape Heritage Initiative, have reinforced a strong sense of identity.

Blue House : Lower Market Street

Market Place, Frome

3.4 Frome Identity


Stone passageway to green courtyard

Catherine Hill : reclaimed pennant slabs and setts Stony Street : reclaimed pennant slabs and setts Cheap Street : with rare water channel Whittox Lane : Forest Limestone Paving

Steps to Merchants Barton Wall-mounted fountain on Church Street Church Steps Church Steps : cluttered with cars

Frome Identity 3.5


Thefollowingchapterdescribesthestreets and other publically accessible outdoorplaceswithinthetowncentreof Frome

Town Centre public realm description

Frome today

Different users and use patterns

Arrival points

Activity

Shopping plan

Pedestrian movement

Staying in the town centre

Universal access

Issues

Recommendations

Summary

4


Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

32

Kingsway Centre

9

10

PH

2

3

8

Posts

15

9 to 10

18

6

22

33

14

6

Car Park

5

Park

1

3

11

8

2a

9

CarEAGLE LANE

Rook Lane

203

2

CHURCH STREET

Chur

ch S

teps

2a

16-18

10

19

8

War

7

11 to 12

5

Monument

1 to 3

Memorial

1a

Issues1310 10

PH

MER

CHAN

TS' B

ARTO

N

13 2

PALMER

The Park

8

12

2

1

Baptist Church

PCs

St John

4

1

1

15

24

17

Hall

LANE

Car Park

2

BATH

STRE

ET

14

Club

18

2

Apple Alley

3

SAXO

NVAL

E

ROO

K

12

Ps

STREET

Bank

2

12

3

33b10

6

1

Cather

ine Hou

se

23

3

George Hotel

Weir

3b

24

10

Court House

Posts

Hall

Hall

PH

SM

23

8

2

The

33a

Westw

ay

Castle

PH

SM

SM

THE B

RIDG

E

Sub Sta

3

25

2

2022

20 21

18

Bank

Apple Alley

7

River Frome

The Old Bakery

16

25

11

1 to 2

Bank

4

13

11

7

Post

2

Cross

17

SM

SM

9

Cheese and Grain

9

House

SM

FROME

CATHERINE HILL

14

1

3

15

PCs

8

Bank

8

16

House

23

11

24

28

El Sub Sta

21

MARK

ET PL

ACE

2

SM

2

17

18

23a

Weir

16

1

5

13

PH

23

SM

Tourist

Monmouth

14

PAUL STREET

Court

1 to 3

SCOTT ROAD

SM

SM

22

26

33

25

Car Park

5 to 9

Info

21a

3

6

Ken House

The Blue House

BRID

GE S

TREE

T

24

14

5

21

Centr

e

2

WATE

RLOO

El

9

Library

CHEAP STREET

JUSTICE LANE

CORK STREET

7

7

Weir21

5

Iron Gates

The

25

Bridge

24

16

Car Park

9

1

18

STONY

STREET

APPL

E LAN

E

1

19

KING STREET

6a

8

The Malthouse

4

1a

FOUN

DRY B

ARTO

N

17

11

21

26

14

7

23

29

38

HENL

EY W

AY

27

20

HouseCourt

The Mill

1 to 4

WEST

END

Mill

6

Market House

1 to 4

The Wool House

20

1 to 2

12

St Johns House

Mendip YMCA16

1a

Post

1

6

1

10

Abovetown

Museum

Playground

Charlcott

Mayflower

Ashgate

The Coachouse

14

4

The Coach House

1

PCs

7

Goucester House

Zion Court

1 to 6


5

PO

1 to 12

The OldCourt House

The Silk Mill

The Engine RoomUn

d

Def

ED Bdy

Und

FW

CR

FW

ED Bdy

CR

Und

FW FW

CC

ED Bd

y

FW

Und

FW

FW

Def

FW

Def

FW

Def

ED Bdy

CW

Cinema

Frome Town Centre

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The Bridge and Market Pl;ace on Supermarket day, September 2012

4.0 Frome today


Wide carriageway - designed as a trunk road

13800 vehicle movements through Market Place on a busy weekend .........

1200 per hour during daytime.............

Downhill approx 20 - 24mph

Uphill approx 24 - 26mph

Different uses and use patterns 4.1


Frome town centre is compact; residents frequently walk into town from nearby residential areas, and cycling, particularly in the lower areas of town, occurs frequently. The town has a railway station, located to the east of the town centre, with services between Bristol and Weymouth.

For people arriving by vehicle, including private car, taxi and public transport such as buses, the town centre is provided with well located arrival points, as follows: car parks : there are three pay-and-display car parks, located within 5 minutes walk of the town centre. taxi : there is a busy taxi rank on Cork Street bus : there are two bus stops in Market Place, which provide a centrally located drop off and waiting location. Services circulate from here around the town centre, and to destinations in nearby towns. Coaches and buses use the Cork Street car park as a place for waiting.

Although the arrival points are conveniently located, they lack a sense of arrival, destination signage and as a result detract from the quality of the town centre.

It is recommended that the quality of these important environments is increased, to improve first impressions and perceptions of Frome as a high quality location..

Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

Frome Town Centre

Market / Justice Lane Car Park

Cork StreetCar Park

SaxonvaleCar Park

Bus stops

?

Lack of signage when approaching the town

centre

Uninteresting arrival points

P

Pedestrian bridge

Bus stop Market Stop

Town centre car parks

4.2 Arrival points


Plant stalls in car park

Market stalls next to Boyle Cross

Scott Road and the Westway Centre Bath Street after dark : public realm activity in Frome quickly reduces after the shops shut

Market Place on Super-Market day, road closed to through traffic

Frome town centre is the focus of many (but not all) of the events and activities which shape the life of the town. Most important among these is shopping, which is regularly augmented by markets held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Super-market: Through the summer of 2012, these markets were combined with the Frome Flea and Frome Artisans markets to create the Super-Market during which the Market Place was closed to through traffic, and street stalls extended almost continuously from the former Cattle Market, to the top of Catherine Hill. They were very popular, despite poor weather, showing that Frome has an important role to play in the locality.

Other events which take place in the town centre include the annual Carnival (a smaller version of the famous Carnivals which visit other nearby towns) and the Frome Festival.

The public realm in the town centre tends to be either narrow, lively streets, or traffic dominated highways or car parks, which provide little opportunity for events and activities.

Nightime activity in the town centre is sporadic; there is a cinema on Cork Street, and several popular restaurants, pubs and hotels in locations through the town centre. The Cheese and Grain provides a popular venue for live bands, on the fringe of the town centre (although it is perceived as detached from the town centre due to the car park and river)

In the past the town has gained a reputation for friday night drinking and accompanying anti-social behaviour. Although this has diminished of late, there is a lingering perception that Frome is not a safe place for an evening visit.

It is recommended that events such as the supermarket continue to be programmed throughout the town centre, and that the evening offer is coordinated with it , so that the awareness of the town centre as an attractive, sociable place is increased.

Activity 4.3


BankHSBC

Public House

Archangel

RetailShoe Zone

Hairdresser

Melanie Giles

WinesJacksons Wines

Sandwiches

Subway/In touch

records

empty shop

ClothesCC Clothes Store

Foodstore

Iceland

Public House

Blue Boar

Sheltered AccomBlue House

Gift Shop

The Card Factory

Charity ShopAge UK

BankHalifax

Estate Agent

Swallows

empty

former solicitors

Estate AgentSwallows

Coffee BarNo 7

Restaurant

Balti Delight

Estate Agent

Allen and Harris

HobbyPipe Shop

Estate / ValuerMcAllister

Estate Agent

Holden and HeapPharmacy

Boots

Coffee Shop

CostaPharmacy

Superdrug

Bank / Bldg soc

Nationwide

Charity Shop

Oxfam

Public House

The Crown

Hotel

George Hotel

Bank

NatWest

BankLloyds

Bank

Barclays

Bank

/ Bldg

soc

Coven

try BS

Opticians

Eye TechInsurance

Emery Little

empty

unit

Cafe

Marke

t Cros

s Cafe

Bettin

g Shop

Creed

Barber

Barber

s Shop

Financ

ial

Clive

Lewis F

P

Barbe

r

Bosto

n Barb

er

Estate A

gents

Rogers

Public H

ouse

Wheatsh

eaf

Solicitors

FDC Law

Barber

The Chop Sho

p

Take

away

From

e Ke

bab

Jewl

rOs

win

Wor

ksho

pPr

int S

tudio

InsuranceSwinton

BarberThe Barber

Costume Hire

Absolutely Fab

General Store

Original Factory Shop

Restaurant (over)

Italian / Chinese

MusicSound of

Frome

Art ShopStudio Prints

TakeawayUK Kebab

LightingFiat Lux

Workshop

Print Studio

Solicitor

GauntArtshop

CookshopLa Strada

Public HouseThree Swans

Restaurant

La Strada

Gift Stor

e

Amica

Baker

y

Old Ba

kery H

o

Resta

urant

La Str

ada

Restau

rant

Settle

Hairdr

esser

Coiffu

re

Sweet

shop

Gift sh

op

Phone

repai

r

Shop

Music

Shop

Music

Heave

n

Delica

tesse

n

Frome

Deli

emptye

mptye

mpty

Trave

l Age

nt

Trave

l store

Haird

resse

r

Yoco

Hair

Optici

ans

Boots

Jewe

ller

Vintag

e Cloth

es

Jewelle

r

March

bank

Hair / B

eauty

Elaines

Foodsh

op

Frome

Wholef

oods

Booksh

op

Hunting

Raven

IT

Biznu

s Solt

ns

Electr

onic

good

s

Telef

ringe

Resta

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tre

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Haird

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rt 2

Clothe

s

Coco

s

Interi

ors

Prive

lege

Pet S

hop

Frome

Pet a

nd

Aqua

tic

Food

store

Marks

and S

penc

er

Betting Shop

Ladbrokes

Charity Shop

Dorothy House

empty

Take

away

Resta

urant

Fish B

ar

Resta

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r 11

Publi

c Hou

se

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ath A

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Haird

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are

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elles

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ent

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nel 5

Gift S

hop

Sunflower

Coun

cil

From

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Haird

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r

Curls

on To

p

Empty

Hairdressing

Alex Scott

Genera

l Store

Pounds

tretche

r

Clothe

s

Round

about

Sweet

shop

BonB

ons

Clothe

s

Ba Ba

Boo

Charity Shop

Bath Cats and

Dogs Home

Cafe

Stardust

Solicitors

Harris and Harris

Computers

MicroBlitz

Nail ShopShoes

The Gallery

Computers

games

exchange

Tattoos

Pierced Skin

Amusem

ent

Arcade

Clothes

Mulberry Bush

StationersElite

Gift Shop

Golden Goose

Cafe

The Garden Cafe

Photo Centre

Frome Photo

Centre

Estate A

gentsLG

Florist

Lesleys

Westway

Cinema

Cycle S

hop

32

Kingsway Centre

9

10

PH

2

3

8

Posts

15

9 to 10

18

6

22

33

14

6

Car Park

5

Park

1

3

11

8

2a

9

CarEAGLE LANE

Rook Lane

203

2

CHURCH STREET

Chur

ch S

teps

2a

16-18

10

19

8

War

7

11 to 12

5

Monument

1 to 3

Memorial

1a

Issues1310 10

PH

MER

CHAN

TS' B

ARTO

N

13 2

PALMER

The Park

8

12

2

1

Baptist Church

PCs

St John

4

1

1

15

24

17

Hall

LANE

Car Park

2

BATH

STRE

ET

14

Club

18

2

Apple Alley

3

SAXO

NVAL

E

ROO

K

12

Ps

STREET

Bank

2

12

3

33b10

6

1

Cather

ine Hou

se23

3

George Hotel

Weir

3b

24

10

Court House

Posts

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Hall

PH

SM

23

8

2

The

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Westw

ay

Castle

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Bank

Apple Alley

7

River Frome

The Old Bakery

16

25

11

1 to 2

Bank

4

13

11

7

Post

2

Cross

17

SM

SM

9

Cheese and Grain

9

House

SM

FROME

CATHERINE HILL

14

1

3

15

PCs

8

Bank

8

16

House

23

11

24

28

El Sub Sta

21

MARK

ET PL

ACE

2

SM

2

17

18

23a

Weir

16

1

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13

PH

23

SM

Tourist

Monmouth

14

PAUL STREET

Court

1 to 3

SCOTT ROAD

SM

SM

22

26

33

25

Car Park

5 to 9

Info

21a

3

6

Ken House

The Blue House

BRID

GE S

TREE

T

24

14

5

21

Centr

e

2

WATE

RLOO

El

9

Library

CHEAP STREET

JUSTICE LANE

CORK STREET

7

7

Weir

21

5

Iron Gates

The

25

Bridge

24

16

Car Park

9

1

18

STONY

STREET

APPL

E LAN

E

1

19

KING STREET

6a

8

The Malthouse

4

1a

FOUN

DRY B

ARTO

N

17

11

21

26

14

7

23

29

38

HENL

EY W

AY

27

20

HouseCourt

The Mill

1 to 4

WEST

END

Mill

6

Market House

1 to 4

The Wool House

20

1 to 2

12

St Johns House

Mendip YMCA16

1a

Post

1

6

1

10

Abovetown

Museum

Playground

Charlcott

Mayflower

Ashgate

The Coachouse

14

4

The Coach House

1

PCs

7

Goucester House

Zion Court

1 to 6


5

PO

1 to 12

The OldCourt House

The Silk Mill

The Engine Room

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Def

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CR

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Cinema

Frome Town CentreRetail

Retail - Foodstore

Services

Bank / Building Soc

Public House / Restaurant

Cafe / Takeaway

Hairdresser / Optician etc

Frome has been a market town since it was founded, and retail activity is the lifeblood of the town centre. The map of shopping / retail activity in the town centre reveals some interesting patterns: There is a wide variety of independent small scale shops. These are located in the narrow side streets off Market Place, including Cheap Street, King Street, Stoney Street and Palmer Street Larger chain stores and supermarkets are located on Lower Market Place and in the Westway Shopping Centre. Upper Market Place and The Bridge are dominated by commercial, financial, banking and professional services such as estate agency and solicitors. Although important, their shopfronts are inward-looking, displaying few signs of activity, and as a result contribute little to the vibrancy of the town, particularly in Upper Market Place.

The impact of retail / commercial activity on the life of the public realm can be summarised as follows: Overall the lively mix of independent shops make a major contribution to the attractiveness of the town. The quality of the shopfronts is variable, and some in prominent locations on Market Place are poorly designed. A-boards proliferate, causing clutter, and detracting from the charming quality of streets such as Cheap and Stony Street. It is recommended that a shopfront / A-board campaign, aimed at encouraging improvement, is instigated.

s h o p s i g nn

Some shop fronts are tired and worn

A-boards clutter the streets

?

?

Cheap Street with A board clutter

Shops in Market Place

Market Place shops

Market Place shops

4.4 Shopping plan


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Footfall pattern throughout a weekday

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Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

Frome Town Centre

7540

40

20

20

2030

We looked closely at what people do and where they walk in the town centre. We noticed that most people arrive in the well located car parks and then walk across the Market Place. We noticed that most people use the crossing outside Iceland but just as many cross the Market Place to get to Stony Street where there is no crossing.

Cork StreetCar Park

Market / Justice Lane Car Park

Market Place controlled crossing

People crossing the Market Place to get to Cheap Street

People walk around the guardrails to get to Stony Street

Scott Road isprovides an important link

SaxonvaleCar Park

Upper Market Place is as busy as lower Market Place..........

Pedestrian movement 4.5


Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

Frome Town Centre

We looked closely at where people can stay in the town centre on benches and seats. There are very few in fact. Frome town centre is unwelcoming to people who want to stay longer and enjoy the surroundings.

Lack of seating and places to stay

Seats

Informal seats Cafe seats

Informal seats

4.6 Staying in the town centre


Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

Frome Town Centre

Scott Road

Scott Road Lower Market Place

Market Place crossing

Cork Street

Bath Street

King / Cheap Street

The principle of universal access for all members of society should apply where possible throughout the town centre of Frome. In discussions with local access groups, and with national bodies such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, it is clear that : Frome has accessible arrival points, such as the local car parks, and the bus stops on Market Place. Disabled car parking spaces are provided centrally including in Market Place where they are located at the southern end outside the George Hotel. Steep sloping streets such as Stoney Street and Catherine Hill discourage some people from using and accessing the south west of the town centre. The busy traffic route of Market Place is crossed by only one signal controlled crossing, located at Scott Road. This is a considerable distance from the disabled car park spaces. There is a lack of convenient crossing points for people to cross at the southern end of Market Place. Frome town centre is not universally accessible.

Disabled people are not provided with convenient walking routes...............

Walking routes are inaccessible to disabled

peopleLack of safe pedestrian crossings mean people cross between cars

Disable people are forced to walk a consid-erable distance to a safe crossing point

Disable people are forced to walk a consid-erable distance to a safe crossing point

Steps in the public realm

Lack

of co

nven

ient c

ross

ing po

ints

Inconvenient crossing points mean people cross in front of cars

Universal access 4.7


In our experience and that of similar public realm designers across the country it is possible to achieve a balance between vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists in places like Market Place if we can create low traffic speeds (around 11mph) and redesign the street so that it looks like a pedestrian place and not just another conventional road for cars to dominate.

Solicitor

Cycle S

hop

32

Kingsway Centre

9

53

CHRISTCHURCH STREET EAST

10

Club

Hall

1

WESLEY SLO

PE

50

PH

14

Yard

2

The

Malt

ings Gen

tle S

treet

3

8

Posts

15

9 to 10

47

Cottage

3

26

Rathlin

18

11

House

6

22

33

20

14

55

6

Hall

Car Park

LB

5

14

12

58

15

Chantry

Park

1

House

3

11

RANDOLPH ROAD

8

11

7

2a

3

9

Car

Tower

10

9a

30

23

14

27

PCs

Posts

EAGLE LANE

Church

Rook Lane

20

Works

21

9

The Hermitage

14

3

24

Rook Lane

SubEl

Stone

Wagon And Horses

49

2 to 4

15

20a

2

CHURCH STREET

Rook

7

Chur

ch S

teps

2a

16-18

The

62

Court

Knights

10

15

19

8

56A

War

7

47

11 to 12

1

to 3

2

5

12

Monument

57A

46

Hurd's Buildings

9c

13

TCB

16

Posts

14

51

GORE

HEDG

E

Fire Station

Sta

1

45

1 to 3

Memorial

1a

Issues

KEYFORD

13

25

10

BUTT

S HILL

9b

57

10

KEYFORD COTTAGES

1a

Hall

25

23

PH

MER

CHAN

TS' B

ARTO

N

13 2

Methodist

PALMER

The Park

23

8

12

2

1

9

Baptist Church

PCs

St John

Wesley

4

19

2

56

1

Stokes Croft

28

1

15

1

Lane

24

1

1 to 12

4

17

Hall

LANE

Car Park

2

BATH

STRE

ET

Blin

dhou

se

28

Keyford Place

14

Posts

12

Club

1 to

5

18

2

Apple Alley

16 to

24

3

54

SAXO

NVAL

E

78

7

Pillar

6 to

8

Lane

Wesley Villas

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K

Posts

1220

PH

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Ps

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WES

LEY

CLOS

E

STREET

Museu

m

16

7

25

15

1

19

CHRISTCHURCH

Rooms

Council

44

Club

26

STREET WEST

Assembly

The Old School

The Old School Room

13

16

42

2

1

Hall

11

PARK

ROA

D

40

4

27

of St Catharine

Offices

Presbytery

Greenways

16

1 to 8

Christ Church

8

3

24

Hall

12

Works

Catholic Church

SOUTH

PARA

DE7A

3

Works

2

Behindtown

17

Stable Cottage

22

15Hall

4

13

17

21

9

19

1

Club

Car Park

6

WINE S

TREE

T

22

Works

1a

SHEPPAR

D'S BARTO

N

41

3

39

Longleat Court

5

14

1 to 4

8

19

1

20

20

County

Bank

2

12

3

33b10

6

1

Cather

ine Hou

se

23

3

George Hotel

Weir

3b

24

10

Court House

Posts

Hall

PH

SM

23

8

2

The

33a

Westw

ay

Castle

PH

SM

THE B

RIDG

E

Sub Sta

3

25

2

2022

20 21

18

Bank

Apple Alley

7

River Frome

The Old Bakery

16

25

11

1 to 2

Bank

4

13

7

Post

2

Cross

17

SM

SM

9

9

House

SM

FROME

CATHERINE HILL

14

1

3

PCs

8

Bank

8

16

House

23

11

24

28

El Sub Sta

21

MARK

ET PL

ACE

2

SM

2

17

18

23a

Weir

16

1

5

13

PH

23

SM

Tourist

Monmouth

14

PAUL STREET

Court

1 to 3

SCOTT ROAD

SM

SM

22

26

33

25

Car Park

5 to 9

Info

21a

3

6

Ken House

The Blue House

BRID

GE S

TREE

T

24

14

21

Centr

e

2

WATE

RLOO

El

9

Library

CHEAP STREET

JUSTICE LANE

CORK STREET

7

7

21

5

Iron Gates

The

25

Bridge

24

16

Car Park

9

1

18

STONY

STREET

APPL

E LAN

E

1

19

KING STREET

6a

8

The Malthouse

41a

12

7b

Club

60 62

CATHERINE

68 70

54

17

4

PH

55

2 to 3

1

14

50

10

Vallis

4

HIGH STREET

6

23

2157

54

29

15

21a

PH

The Old Chapel

Apex House

49

30

21

49

13

7a

51

46

6

22

Church

Sun Street

37

Conv

ent

El Sub Sta

50

26

School

50

58

Posts

24

25

24

First

8

2

Hall

1

13

Hall

27

71

9

St Catherine's

24

16

42A

2

6

1

1

5

59

39

62

25

11

48

House

2

El

WH

ITTOX LANE

Chapel

Conigre

52

60

5

1921

2754

19

48

6

22

53

16

32

TRINITY WALK

1 to 11

Sub Sta

58

5

13

Cotta

ge

STREET

55

39

8

42

4

1

2

43

Court

61

1a1

9 11 1

5

SUN

49

MILK STREET

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pel B

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42B

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STREET

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HENL

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The Mill

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Market House

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The Wool House

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1 to 2

Vicarage

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St Johns House

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St Johns

18 18A

Vica

rage

Clo

se

Eastgate Buildings

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Mendip YMCA16

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Post

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Knoll House

The

Old

Polic

e Ho

use

The Old Brewery

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109

CombepyneWinklebury

Abovetown

Museum

Playground

Charlcott

Mayflower

Ashgate

The Coachouse

Oakridge

1

3228

6

1 to

25

14

4

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ESSKnoll

View

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The Coach House

1

PCs

The Old Presbytery

7

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Goucester House

Zion Court

1 to 6

Westend Court

2

3

6

Rawlings Mill

1

7

3

The Gate House

1 to 7

8 to 14

Selwood Court


5

PO

St John's C of EVoluntary Aided

First School

The Old Church Hall

110

SLIPPS CLOSE

60 to

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27

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1 to 2

5

98

54

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The OldCourt House

Victoria Cottage

5

1 to 3

Mews

CatherineStreet

48

12

The Silk Mill

The Engine Room

37

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Keyford Heights

People want to cross on desire lines...............

People walk fast between cars........................300 pedestrians cross Upper Market Place per hour during daytime

but we noticed that when traffic speads are low, people walk safely between cars which stop to let them cross

uphill speed 24-26mph

downhill speed 20-24mph

Poor sightlines and relatively high vehicle speeds make negotiating Market Place difficult for pedestrians

4.8 Issues


When traffic slows cars stop for people.........but this is not always the true..........slow traffic speeds bring pedestrians / cyclists and vehicles into balance

Very difficult crossings.............Bath Street crossing, poor sight lines

Many people ignor the guardrails.............. and walk around them to cross the road..........

In the Market Place : Traffic is given priority in what should be a pedestrian friendly space road signage and lining give the Market Place the appearance of a trunk road carriageway widths prioritise vehicles, and imply that they own the Market Place footways are narrow and constrained by obstacles pedestrian barriers force pedestrians off their desire-line...but many choose to ignore the barriers. cars manouevring to access car park spaces deter pedestrians from walking across market Place.

But.... when traffic speeds are low, car drivers routinely stop to allow pedestrians to cross the Market Place.

?

The area is planned prioritising motorists over pedestrians and

cyclists

The streetscape is cluttered with obstacles

to movement

?

Issues 4.9


Car Parking in the Market Place is a long-established use. 15 spaces are marked for short term parking providing convenient access for short visits to cash machines, banks and shops. Frequently, additional cars are double-parked. Vehicles reverse into or out of the carpark spaces, into the flow of traffic in Market Place.

Parked vehicles dominate the Market Place; not only in parking spaces, but through the complex manouvres which discourage pedestrians from walking between and behind the cars to cross whre they find it most

15 car parking spaces dominate the market place..........

Potential for parking on Bath Street...........

4.10 Market Place : Car Parkingconvenient. As a result, car parking squeezes pedestrians into the sides and corners of Market Place.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, market stalls are placed in the car park spaces; the reduction in car parking capacity is accepted, and drivers make other arrangements. This demonstrates that car parking reduction is possible; parking could be relocated to nearby Bath Street.


The Boyle Cross is barely visible.............obscured by the parked cars in the Market Place..............

Market Place : Boyles Cross 4.11

PRO

BLEM

PRO

BLEM

The distinctive landmark is set within a poor quality surface and

in need of restoration

Refurbish the cross and add special street furniture, feature lighting and quality

paving materials

SOLU

TION

The Boyles Cross is lost amongst the parked

vehicles

Create a focal point within a vehicle free setting

SOLU

TION

Boyles Cross is an important and well-loved monument, erected in 1871 to the memory of the Reverend Boyle. The structure, comprising a stone cross and octagonal basin should mark the Market Place, but is frequently obscured by parked cars and other vehicles.

The Cross provides one of the few locations where people can sit in the Town Centre

The setting of Boyles Cross should be improved, to make it more widely visible, and to provide additional places for people to sit in the Market Place


4.12 Town Centre : Paving

Frome Town Centre



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The public realm of Frome is paved in a variety of paving materials.Historic materials, such as the local Forest Marble are occasionally still in place, for example on Whittox Lane and Gentle Street, where stone setts are closely jointed to form a footwayElsewhere, the predominant pre-20th century paving material is Pennant Stone, a hard sandstone, laid as coursed slabs, in a characteristic greyish brown tone. Examples include Merchants Barton and Cheap Street, where it is laid up to the central channel.

Pennant stone : Merchants Barton Pennant stone : Cheap St

Forest Marble : Whittox Lane


Town Centre : Paving 4.13

In-situ : Bitmac car park / carriageway

Paving materials which date from the 20th century include : Reclaimed Pennant Stone, a hard sandstone, laid as coursed slabs and setts, in the Townscape Heritage refurbishment areas of Stony Street and Catherine Hill In-situ bitmac and bitmac with resin bonded finish concrete blocks buff toned laid close-butted, throughout lower Market Place, bath St and Scott Road

In-situ : resin bonded gravel over bitmac

Pre-cast Concrete Blocks and kerbs : The Bridge

Pre-cast Concrete Blocks The Market Car park

Pre-cast Concrete Blocks with reclaimed stone kerb

Market Place

Reclaimed Pennant Stone slabs and setts, Catherine Hill


Solution........

Problem........

?

Lack of signage when approaching the town

centre


P

Welcome signage

welcome to

frome

Tree planting to arrival points

Obtrusive glare but little lighting of ground level

PRO

BLEM

More low level lights that illuminate the ground

surface

SOLU

TION

Improve access along the Riverside from Saxonvale car park to Market Place

SOLU

TION

Access issues to Riverside

PRO

BLEM

PRO

BLEM

Uninviting riverside spaces lack accessibility and quality

SOLU

TION

Create inviting and lively riverside spaces

Illuminate the church steps and stone carvings

to enhance the public realm around the church

PRO

BLEM

Lack of lighting along the church steps at

night

Parked cars obstruct access to the church

steps

PRO

BLEM

Traffic calming and special street furniture to

deter car parkingSO

LU

TION

4.14 Recommendations : Overall town centre


Lack of seating and places to stay

Lots of seating and staying opportunities

Solution........

Problem........

Recommendations : Market Place 4.15

s h o p s i g nn



?

?

Walking routes are inaccessible to disabled

people

Improve access for disabled users

Inconvenient crossing points mean people cross in front of cars

The area is planned prioritising motorists over pedestrians and

cyclists

?

The streetscape is cluttered with obstacles

to movement

?

People come first over vehicles

Remove obstacles to pedestrian movement

Traffic calming and convenient crossings

Declutter streetsShop front improvement programme

s h o p s i g n


PRO

BLEM

The distinctive landmark is set within a poor quality surface and

in need of restoration

PRO

BLEM

The Boyles Cross is lost amongst the parked

vehicles

Create a focal point within a vehicle free

setting

SOLU

TION

Refurbish the cross and add special street

furniture and quality paving materials

SOLU

TION

PRO

BLEM

At night The Boyle Cross is barely visible

Add feature lights to illuminate The Boyle Cross

at night

SOLU

TION

4.16 Recommendations : The Boyle Cross

Solution........

Problem........


Make The Boyle Cross the focalpointoftheMarketPlacebyremovingcarparking places

Repave the area around the crosswith quality paving materials and addspecial street furniture design by local artists

Renovate the cross with thepossibility or reintroducing water backinto the basin

Add feature lighting to illuminatethe cross at night

Createaplacewherepeoplecomefirst over cars through traffic calming measures, introducing convenientcrossing points and removing obstacles to pedestrian movement

Setupaprogrammeworkingwithbusinessesandshopownerstoupgradeshop fronts

Declutter streets to enhance theaccessibility of the public realm

Increase the amount of seatingwithintheMarketandcreateopportunityfor staying

Improveaccessfordisabledpeopleinthetown

Recommendations : Summary 4.17

Overall Town Centre Market Place The Boyle Cross

Tree planting to arrival points,specifically Market Car Park and CorkStreet Car Park

Welcome signage to Bath StreetandNorthParade,signagewillannouncetraffic calmed zone

Programme of improvements tolightingaroundthetowncentre

Enhance the public realm aroundthe Church through traffic calming measures, special street furniture andnewlightingtothesteps

ImproveaccessalongtheriversidefromSaxonvalecarparktoMarketPlace

Create inviting and lively riversidespaces


Thefollowingchaptershowsourproposals to improve the public realm acrossthetowncentre.

Theproposalsarelistedbelow:

Town centre remodelling proposals

Introduction

Remodelling ideas

Lighting

Tree planting to car parks

Shop fronts and signage

Riverside access improvements

Improvements to Church Steps

5


Frome Town Centre



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Improve or upgrade the existing lighting with low level lights that illuminate the ground surface

Provide destination signage at arrival points

Discourage A-boards and remove obstacles to movement


Traffic calming and special street furniture to deter car parking

Improved lighting scheme to enhance public realm

Improve access to the riverside by constructing pedestrian walkway

Pedestrianise the area around the Church Steps

Propose new way finding signage startegy

Clear obstacles to movement with the public realm

improvements to lighting

decluttered streets

welcome to

frome

welcome signage

5.2 Remodelling Ideas : Pedestrian friendly environment

SOLU

TION

traffic calming at church steps

improved access to riverside

SOLU

TION

1

2

3

4

5


Frome Town Centre



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Enhance arrival points through tree planting to create a warmer welcome

Improvements to shop fronts


Illuminate the church steps and stone carvings to enhance the public realm around the church

Tree planting to car parks

Create a feature of the stone carvings at the Church Steps with new lighting

Commission local crafts people to design street furniture and art work

Give shop fronts a face lift Enhance the riverside environment

improved riverside environment

tree planting

s h o p s i g n

improved shop fronts

P

improve church steps

Distinctive place 5.3

SOLU

TION

1

2

3

4


The Town Centre is currently unevenly lit at night. Its ambience and attractiveness for pedestrians will be improved by : repositioning lighting lower, and at closer spacings, so that lower light levels are possible, thereby reducing glare. making use of warm-toned low energy light fittings such as LEDs ideally fixed to buildings, so that light gently reflects off the warm toned masonry typical of Frome. creating an evenly lit, low-level of backdrop lighting through the town centre, which lets the distinctive shopfronts and building interiors shine out.

PRO

BLEM

At night The Boyle Cross is barely visible

Add feature lights to illuminate The Boyle Cross

at night

SOLU

TION

Obtrusive glare but little lighting of ground level

More low level white lights that illuminate the ground surface

PRO

BLEM

SOLU

TION

5.4 Lighting

develop lighting strategy


PROBLEMS....... Dark areas throughout the Market Place as building mounted lighting is too infrequent The high level lights produce a large amount of glare but do little at ground level

Existing types of lighting

SOLUTIONS....... Position building mounted lighting closer together to light Market Place Low level but more frequent lights illuminate the ground surface better

SOLUTIONS....... Illuminate The Boyle Cross and Market Place

Lighting 5.5


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Feasibility Option 3Low Kerbs / Courtesy crossings

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K I N G S T R E E T

P A L M E R S T R E E T

E A G L E S T R E E T

C H U R C H S T R E E T

C H U R C H

C H E A P S T R E E T

B A T H S T R E E T

S T O N

Y S T

R E E T

C O R K S T R E E T

M A

R K E

T P

L A C

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T H E

B R

I D G

E

S C O T T R O A D

The Cork Street and Justice Lane car parks are well-used but present a bland, poor quality first impression of Frome. Welcoming signage should be introduced, together with a bold grid of trees would diminish the impact of the car parking, while providing greenery, shelter and shade in the summer. It would also retain the views through the car park, for security, as well as to the front of the Cheese and Grain. The car park improvements should aim to draw this important cultural building into the day to day life of the town.

Tree planting in Market car park

Tree planting in Cork Street car park


Make the arrival points more welcoming and

attractive

PRO

BLEM

P SOLU

TION

P

confusing arrival Destination signage at arrival points

PRO

BLEM

SOLU

TION

fromewelcome to

?

5.6 Tree planting to car parks


Precedent : Stalls in car park

SOLUTIONS....... Create more attractive and softer arrival points with tree planting to car parks

PROBLEMS....... Uninteresting arrival points, need to create better first impression on visitors Lack of distinctive features

EXCEPT....... On market day arrival points are animated The town is more vibrant and first impressions are better

Tree planting to car parks 5.7


Frome is building a reputation for a lively independent shopping offer. The shops which line the Market Place and Bath Street provide the first impression of the town for people passing through; the quality of the shopfronts in these locations is variable, and is let down by some very poor examples. Overall, this leads to poor impression, and discourages further exploration of the town. A - boards proliferate throughout the town centre; these clutter the streets, and with so many competing for attention, people rarely read them. A programme of informative best practice should be introduced, perhaps by the Chamber of Commerce, encouraging shop owners to improve their frontages, and do their bit for the town

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K I N G S T R E E T




C H U R C H


B A T H S T R E E T

S T O N

Y S T

R E E T

C O R K S T R E E T

M A

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L A C

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T H E

B R

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S C O T T R O A D

Impr

ovem

ents

to sh

op

front

s



Improvements to shop fronts

Discourage A-boards and remove obstacles to movement

PRO

BLEM

PRO

BLEM

SOLU

TION

SOLU

TION

s h o p s i g nn s h o p s i g n

?

?

5.8 Shop fronts and signage


PROBLEMS....... Brash shop fronts Shop signs need repair

SOLUTIONS....... Building mounted signage Building mounted lighting

SOLUTIONS....... Unobstructed public realm Quality materials

PROBLEMS....... A-boards clutter streets Lack of seating

Shop fronts and signage 5.9


SOLU

TION

PRO

BLEM

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K I N G S T R E E T




C H U R C H


B A T H S T R E E T

S T O N

Y S T

R E E T

C O R K S T R E E T

M A

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T P

L A C

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T H E

B R

I D G

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S C O T T R O A D

Frome does not benefit from a town centre park. Instead, the river has the potential to provide a green and pleasant setting for relaxed sitting and walking. However, access to the riverside is constrained; it would be highly beneficial to provide access along the river to create a continuous riverside walk.

Access issues to Riverside


PRO

BLEM

SOLU

TION

SaxonvaleCar Park

Uninviting riverside spaces lack accessibility and quality


Riverside access improvements

5.10 Riverside access improvements Riverside access improvements


SOLUTIONS....... Make the cross the focal point of the Market Place Clean and restore the market cross

PROBLEMS....... The Boyle Cross lacks prominence within the Market Place The cross is in need of a facelift

Riverside access improvements 5.11


SOLU

TION

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C H U R C H


B A T H S T R E E T

S T O N

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C O R K S T R E E T

M A

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S C O T T R O A D

Church steps deserves to be a highlight of a visit to Frome, with its magnificent carved stone Via Crucis, and wall mounted fountain. Instead, it is frequently crowded with parked cars. Improvements to this space would see a unified street surface, connecting it with Cheap Street, and carefully placed features to reduce traffic speed and car parking, lighting and interpretation.

PRO

BLEM

Lack of lighting along the church steps at

night

Illuminate the church steps and stone carvings to

enhance the public realm around the church

Parked cars obstruct access to the church

steps

Traffic calming and special street furniture to deter car

parking

PRO

BLEM

Enhanced church steps

5.12 Improvements to Church Steps


PROBLEMS....... Vehicles parking in front of the church The steps are not illuminated at night

SOLUTIONS....... Create a traffic calmed space at the foot of the church steps Feature lighting to the steps at night

Improvements to Church Steps 5.13


Many countries in Europe have sought to make more pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods and town centres by introducing traffic calming measures which rebalance the street, putting peoples needs before those of vehicles.

In Holland, people like the late Hans Monderman pioneered the concept of the Woonerf and the Shared Street, where the conventional appearance of the street designed for vehicles is replaced by a streetscape for people...in which all signage, lines and traffic barriers are eliminated. In these conditions,drivers are shown to drive more carefully, and therefore slowly, in the knowledge that they share the space with pedestrians, buggies, wheelchairs and cyclists.

They are very successful.

Street features in the centre, low kerbs and differently textured surfaces

Laar town centre : Uncluttered public space with formal seating and differently toned surface

Differently toned surfaces to reinforce low driver speeds Henley town centre : Generous footway with high quality stone paving Uttoxeter town centre : Market Cross within vehicle free area paved with setts

Pedetrisn crossings on desire lines and raised surface throughout

Laar town centre : Narrow carriageway Chigney town centre : Extende

frome town centre | remodelling feasibility study

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