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Arches Local Driver Fountain Luton Arches, Chatham

Initial Sketch proposals/ opportunities for improvements

Luton Arches railway Bridge.-In need of cleaning, some repair andrestoration. Historic photos show thedecorative Ironwork and inlaid brick arches.(Network Rail)

Pedestrian Access to the eastis via controlled traffic light crossing.-This area is currently dominated by streetclutter including metal railings,control boxes/brick planter walls/ traffic signage andbillboards.-Consider work to de-clutter this area to improvepedestrian access and experience.

Magpie Hall Road Chatham Hill/ Luton Roadwould

benefit from improved pedestrianaccess to this area.

Businesses on these roads

Pedestrian Access to the west of theintersectionis via raised pedestrian footbridge.-Footbridge is not used by all people- manypedestrians jump road-side barriers to crossdirectly. This creates a dangerous conflict withvehicles.-Consider long term highway re-design strategyto remodel pedestrian access around the entireintersection to improve pedestrian and reducevehicle speeds.-Opportunity to create improved public realm orgreen spaces to roadsides.-Consider long term plans for removal offootbridge and railings.(note: This will requiresdetailed highway and local authority/engineering input)

Pedestrian access and space to the south westto be improved and rationalised.-Remove /cut back & crown lift pioneer non-nativevegetation (Sycamore) to allow more light andvisual access to the space.-Access across Magpie Hall Road,and below bridgeneeds cleaning. Opportunities for lighting/ painting/ artworks.

Roundabout-De-clutter:-Signage and control boxes to be rationalised.Opportunity for planting up roundabout,-Possible installation of new gateway feature/

sculpture relating to the sites history/ culture/context.

Shops and businesses on High Streetwould benefit from improved public realm/

streetscape including pedestrian access.Consider necessity of barrier railings.

Open space to High Street Corner-Could be greatly improved. Paving and walls aredamaged and in need of repair and re-design.Possible location (Option 2) for siting of Driver Fountain.-Change in level to roadside could be accommodated togive greater space to an improved publicrealm/ Green space here.

-Felling / cutting back of mature vegetation to thiscorner would open up and brighten this publicspace.

Open space to front of Arches:-Historically the site of bath house and Driver Fountain.-Possible location (Option 1) for siting of Driver Fountain.-Remove large Sycamore trees (most likely self-seeded)-Clean up and restore railway bridge (Network Rail).-Consider re-planting of Poplar trees. (5 no. as can be seen inhistoric photograph/ postcard images).-Drainage issues arising from historic bathhouse in thislocation to be dealt with (smell from drains encompasses thisarea)-Opportunity for new planting of flowering plants/ perrennialmeadow to encourage biodiversity within the area.-Opportunity for new interpretation/ artwork or gatewayfeature to sit alongside the Driver Fountain. (Inspiration couldbe drawn from historic images- people and horses drinking atfountain/ local business etc...)

Option 2

Option 1

Option 1 site: Open Speace to front of arches

Option 2 site: High Street Corner

Pedestrian crossing east of arches intersectionPedestrian access below bridge.Roundabout

Pedestrian Footbridge crossing A2 (New Road).

High Street

The Luton Arches intersection and Public Realm needs a strong vision forimprovement, the catalyst for this will be the relocation of the Driver fountain as aback to this, its original site, as a focal feature. However, further improvementsare required to aid pedestrian and access and movement around the whole ofthe intersection, as well as public realm/ space and street-scapeworks, to open up, de-clutter and clean up the space.

7/24/2019 Arches Local Luton Arches Draft Drawings

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Open space to front of Arches:-Historically the site of bath house and Driver Fountain.-Possible location (Option 1) for siting of Driver Fountain.-Remove large Sycamore trees (most likely self-seeded)-Clean up and restore railway bridge (Network Rail).-Consider re-planting of Poplar trees. (5 no. as can be seen inhistoric photograph/ postcard images).-Drainage issues arising from historic bathhouse in thislocation to be dealt with (smell from drains encompasses thisarea)-Opportunity for new planting of flowering plants/ perrennialmeadow to encourage biodiversity within the area.-Opportunity for new interpretation/ artwork or gatewayfeature to sit alongside the Driver Fountain. (Inspiration couldbe drawn from historic images- people and horses drinking atfountain/ local business etc...)

Arches Local Driver Fountain Luton Arches, Chatham

Initial Sketch proposals/ opportunities for improvements.

Current Condition (Option 1 )

Artist Impression of Option 1: Re-siting of the Driver Fountain- Open space to the front of the Arches.

7/24/2019 Arches Local Luton Arches Draft Drawings

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Open space to High Street Corner-Could be greatly improved. Paving and walls aredamaged and in need of repair and re-design.Possible location (Option 2) for siting of Driver Fountain.-Change in level to roadside could be accommodated togive greater space to an improved publicrealm/ Green space here.-Felling / cutting back of mature vegetation to thiscorner would open up and brighten this publicspace.-Opportunity for planting- seating, lighting, etc.

Arches Local Driver Fountain Luton Arches, Chatham

Initial Sketch proposals/ opportunities for improvements.

Current Condition (Option 2 ) Re-siting of Fountain to High Street Corner.

Artists Impression (Option 2 ) Re-siting of Fountain to High Street Corner, with public realm improvements.