(a) Recap on Scheme Objectives
(b) Latest Plan Overview
(c) Themed discussion including:
· Junction treatments
· Footway/Pavement treatments
· Parking Spaces and Loading Bays
· Lighting
· Materials
· Furniture
· Alleyways
(d) Next stage of the Design Process
Minutes:
The East Key Stage Report Presentation was given by Mr Julian Lewis from East Architecture.
A brief overview of the presentation was provided to set the direction for the meeting; this consisted of:
1. Recap of the Scheme Objectives
2. Latest Plan Overview
3. Project Elements
· Key spaces treatments
· Footway/Pavement treatments
· Parking Spaces and Loading Bays
· Lighting
· Materials
· Furniture
· Alleyways
4. Next stage of the Design Process
Recap on Scheme Objectives:
The recap on the scheme objectives was sub divided into seven areas:
· Removing or reducing the level of HGV usage in the High Street. The Group had agreed that the Albemarle Junction should be redesigned.
· Improving the pedestrian experience of the High Street, with enhanced crossings and wider pavements. The Group commented that it should be borne in mind that room was still required for traffic. The plans would endeavour to create more space, improve the local economy, and the social aspect of the area.
· The improvement of parking and loading provision for visitors and businesses
· Improving the opportunities for regular street markets. The Group noted that Beckenham Green was commonly used for markets, and thought that more consideration should be given to see what could be provided in the High Street
· Improving the quality of the public realm, incorporating coordinated and harmonious design, reduction of street clutter, and the increased use of soft landscaping.
· Improving traffic flow at major interchanges, especially during rush hour
· The Working Group were in agreement that enhancing the public realm and pedestrian accessibility at the War Memorial was important, and that this was a good objective.
Latest Plan Overview:
The Working Group were informed that the Beckenham High Street Overview plans were supported by Urban Design London, and that the plans were currently at stage “C”. The next stage would be for the plans to be submitted to LBB Planning Department. East Architects were confident that a well-defined plan would be submitted.
Project Elements:
Key Space at Beckenham Junction Station and Albemarle Rd – High Street Traffic Lights
One of the project elements being considered was a new key space at Beckenham Junction Station which could incorporate a flower kiosk. Public Realm improvements at Beckenham Green would support events and social activity. Regarding the new key space between High Street and at Beckenham Green, the intention was to keep the trees, and to try and make the shops feel close to the Green; kerb alignments would change.
Canopy at Beckenham Green
The Working Group discussed the option for a canopy at Beckenham Green. It was suggested that a stage canopy be constructed using permanent columns, and demountable canopy material; the guys would be roped like a circus tent. It was suggested that when only the columns were visible, they would blend in with the trees. Some of the Group members expressed concern about possible traffic congestion in the vicinity of the Green, and debated if one or two road carriageways should be used. Chris Cole (LBB) stated that modelling would be undertaken to find the best plan, and that then the results of the modelling could be fed back to the Group.
It was noted that the canopy was still at a design stage, and that then precise technical details had yet to be confirmed. Some members of the Group expressed concerns with storage, and with mounting and demounting the canopy, and thought that it may be better to go for a permanent option.
Key Space at Thornton’s Corner.
The Group discussed proposals concerning the Key Space at Thornton’s Corner. Members expressed concern that there were parts of the High Street in this area that were difficult to cross, and that there was a disjointed feel to the buildings and alignment of the roads. Members felt that wider footways may be required, along with proper kerbing to help protect properties when occasional flooding occurs from the River Beck. The Chairman suggested the possible use of a mini roundabout.
Members of the Group were shown a photograph depicting what was termed an “example of how improving relationships between carriageway and footway can enhance quality and atmosphere of space”. A lively debate ensued concerning the issue of using kerbs, as opposed to utilising roads/pavements at the same level, but made of different materials. There seemed to be a lack of agreement concerning this matter.
East and some of the Working Group were comfortable with using same level pavements and road surfaces. They adopted the view that same level surfaces were being used widely anyway, and that it created a better town centre atmosphere.
Others in the Group expressed the opinion that standard kerbs and “crossover” ramps were required as these would be better for safety reasons. Some members of the Group expressed road safety concerns in that drivers may be tempted to cut corners in a way that they would not be able to do if proper kerbs were used. The representatives from Guide Dogs for the Blind, and from the Kent Association for the Blind expressed concern that blind people would not be able to differentiate between the road and the pavement where there was no kerb.
Key Space at Kelsey Square
Members of the Working Group proceeded to discuss the possibility of a new key space at Bromley Road. Suggestions made were to widen footways, improve current crossings, make a new crossing, and to remove guardrails. East Architects proposed a new southern pedestrian crossing. The Working Group were updated concerning proposals for Kelsey Square with additional seating, and materials reflecting the old red brick buildings—there would also be special lighting. The main concern revisited by members of the Working Group was the confusion over the pavement and roadway where there was a flat surface with no raised kerb. A diagram and a photograph were displayed to demonstrate how the footways and roadways around Kelsey Square could become better connected with a uniform surface, and the use of high quality materials.
Key Space at St George’s Church – High St/Bromley Road
Suggestions made were to widen footways, improve current crossings, make a new crossing, and to remove guardrails. East Architects proposed a new southern pedestrian crossing.
Proposed options for improving the War Memorial Roundabout and associated area
There were three options proposed by East Architects for traffic model testing:
· Option 1--wider footway at cinema side, wider crossing points, enhanced crossing east to west through roundabout
· Option 2--wider footways at all sides, especially at post office, wider crossing points, smaller roundabout
· Option 3—much wider footways at all sides for shoppers and visitors. Traffic light junction.
The Working Group were largely opposed to option 3, as it was felt that this would create traffic jams. Chris Cole informed the Group that TFL still wanted this model to be tested. TFL could give consideration to pass models as long as traffic along the strategic route network was not made worse.
The Chairman requested a show of hands concerning the War Memorial proposals:
· 4 members preferred option 1
· 8 members preferred option 2
· 0 votes for option 3
· 4 votes to leave things as they were
Photographs were shown to illustrate that existing footways in Beckenham High Street were too narrow; some felt that this created a feeling of clutter in the High Street. Other photographs were shown to the Working Group to provide examples of how new wider footways, with parking and loading incorporated into the footway can help improve access, capacity and the quality of the public environment.
Some members of the Working Group responded to these photographs by stating that they still had reservations concerning public safety; there were issues around a seemingly confused layout, issues with who had right of way in different scenarios, and the problems caused by Utilities digging up surfaces and relaying them in a different manner. Chris Cole stated that such schemes were being used all over London, and were subject to Safety Audits.
East appraised the Group regarding new footways and layby surfaces and informed that more parking spaces and loading bays were planned. A member of the Group asked if local traders would be consulted.
East referenced the different types of lighting that could be utilised:
· lighting on columns
· lighting fixed to buildings
· park lighting (Victorian Style).
· special lighting at passageways and yards
East referenced the different types of seating that could be utilised:
· informal seating
· park benches
· special perch seating
· special seating
East then updated members of the Working Group with details concerning proposed new cycle parking and signage.