Pre-planning consultion, July 12 2019
5. Public square and bridge
Posted - Jul 23, 2019
The public square sits at the heart of the development. Throughout the design process the development and enhancement of the space has been key to the success of the scheme.
Winding Hole
The winding hole has been created to allow boat access into the docks as well as creating a form and edge to the square on the canal. This has been carefully sized and positioned to maximise retained land while ensuring the Canal and River Trust regulations for turning and moving boats are met.
Public Artwork
To further emphasize the sense of place the proposal incorporates a public artwork in the centre of the square, to be designed by an artist. Throughout the scheme there is careful design use of paving to denote pedestrian pathways and shared surfaces. This area takes this a step further and creates a central point of reference as well as fun and intriguing patterns to draw the eye.
Access to St Barnabas Church
We are working to ensure any works abutting the Grade II listed church are approached sensitively and appropriately. We believe this combination of a stepped and ramped access will create a better access route for the church as well as acting as a seating area and active part of the public square. By guiding users through this space it will remain animated and encourage integration between the church, community centre and residents.
Bridge
It is proposed to provide a bridge over the canal to be connected directly to the new square. This position will help bring a large footfall through the square, making it a vibrant place and an integral part of the community.
The location of the bridge is constrained by certain criteria. To avoid accidents a lifting bridge has to be located 40m from the winding hole. In addition to catering for prospective users needs, there are also aesthetic and ecological issues that need to be considered.
Additional consideration must be made for horse drawn barges, should this be a factor in the future. Oxford City Council, in their supplementary planning document, recognise the potentially divergent views, stating some compromise may be needed. There is need for some flexibility to ensure that the bridge design is appropriate for tis location. Variations on a theme of a fixed bridge are shown below.
All options for the bridge incorporate a bike channel along the centre of the stepped access. Accessible crossing of the bridge for wheelchair and mobility scooter users is provided by two stairlifts which run over the stepped route when in use. These allow for a fixed bridge while ensuring the piazza is accessible to all.
Plan and elevation of the piazza at the heart of the scheme
Option 01: Timber louvres to the external of the bridge, reflecting the design of the community centre, and glass rail to minimise impact on canal view.
Option 02: Bridge curve accentuated by the traditional structure and a reflection of the ISIS lock bridge
Plan from previous planning application in 2014 The 2014 Planning Application incorporated a flat lifting bridge at the southern end of the site, linking with Little Clarendon Street. Regulations stipulate that for safety reasons a lifting bridge has to be located 40m away from a winding hole. Concerns were expressed that a bridge in this location would divert people away from the new Piazza, rendering it lifeless. A bridge linking into the Piazza is seen as an important contributor to the attraction of the Piazza and the community facilities The other issue that has to date not been possible to resolve, is finding a statutory organisation that is prepared to take on the responsibility for long term maintenance 5 Plan from previous planning application in 2014 it will embody. of a lifting bridge.
Consultation boards
Pre-planning consultation 
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1. Background 
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2. What is changing? 
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3. Arrangement on Site 
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4. Community Centre proposal 
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5. Public square and bridge
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6. Residential Buildings 
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7. Materials and Inspiration 
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8. Overview
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