Background
Radcliffe
Road consists of a small pocket of early 20th century terraced
housing on the east side of the city centre. The
street has recently become a cul-de-sac due to highway improvements to
enhance the environment. The
street lies in close proximity to a busy artery into the city and to the
football stadium, so suffers from a high proportion of on street parking. It is intended that a design philosophy of “Harmony through
Heritage” which has been already developed in surrounding areas be
adopted in this locality to include the difference cultures of the local
community. It is hoped that
the local buildings of faith would play a role in the development of the
Home Zone design.
Scheme Objectives
 | Reduce
accidents and driving speeds
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| Shift
the balance of control from the driver to the pedestrian
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| Introduce
new uses and facilities for the carriageway and adjacent public spaces
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| Improve
the appearance of the area
|
| Enhance
sense of community
|
| Improve
integration of non-residential organisations concerned with the
community
|
| Provide
an exemplar project
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| To
build capacity within the community
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Impacts
Residents
are pleased with the environmental improvements the Home Zone has brought
such as the 'greening' of the area and the distinctive character of
lighting and art features. Children
now play in the new park and streets due to the reduction of traffic
speeds. This increase in use
of the outdoor environment for children's play is likely to be of benefit
to their physical health and social skills.
The
redevelopment of the car park, the reduced traffic speeds and limits to
vehicular access on the road has stopped the prostitution and drug dealing
that took place there. A
local housing association has acquired land for the development of 31
housing units. This includes a new build Home Zone designed by the project
team in conjunction with the developer as an extension to the Home Zone
Challenge retrofit.
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Progress
- March 2005
Planting has now been carried out. Most lighting columns are in
place. Installation of some has been delayed because of problems with
service ducts. This problem has been addressed and the balance of columns
will be installed soon. This work will be funded outside the DfT
allocation. The Home Zone art features have been fabricated and will be
erected around the end of February. The Doorstep Green park contract
(largely funded outside the DfT grant) is due to be completed by the end
of February although this will be delayed if the current freezing weather
continues. Apart from these elements the Home Zone is complete bar a few
minor snags. Phase 2 will take place as planned in around 12 months time.
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