Proposals - St Mary's Churchyard

Existing Condition & Challenges

The church and churchyard provides a unique respite within the town centre. It is the only green space in the centre and provides an active travel route between the High Street and Exchange Road. The church building is of historic significance.

The green space is currently not used to its full potential and could be a great focal space within the town centre.

Aspirations & Potential 

The churchyard green space offers a unique public space within the town centre and has the potential to become a more significant public space by enhancing the orientation and programme of the green space. Orienting the northern portion of the green space towards the High Street and including more formal landscaping with seating space; and enhancing the southern end of the green space to be more organic and park-like. The dominance of Church Street and the perpendicular parking should be reduced to integrate the eastern and western sides of the green, creating a larger green public space.This connection should relate better to the High Street encouraging activity.

Precedents

Fidelity Heart Zone

• Positive context for heritage
• Careful planting to create attractive spaces to dwell
• Pedestrian routes through the park
  
  

Stevenage Town Centre Gardens

• Mix of natural planting and recreational space
• Cycling routes through the park