Macgregor Smith were asked by B&NES Council to develop a series of concept design options to reanimate the streets and squares in the heart of Bath.
Working with local artists, we developed ideas for a range of creative pieces to exhibit local artists’ work within the public realm, helping to bring a new lease of life to the central area of the city.
In summer 2023 temporary artworks were installed on and above Milsom Street and Kingsmead Square, designed by artist Zoe Power. The artworks draw on some of the historic and current uses and characteristics of both Milsom Street and Kingsmead Square.
At Keynsham we worked as lead designer to revitalise and restore Temple Street to create economic growth, improve quality of life and maintain the status of the Conservation Area.
Situated at the southern end of Keynsham’s High Street, Temple Street has been chosen as one of 68 High Streets in the UK to receive government funding as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.
Significant stakeholder engagement was undertaken with local businesses and community groups. Our proposals for Temple Street focus on enhancing the setting of the historic shopfronts along the western side of the street with the aspiration of encouraging and supporting independent traders to reinvigorate this end of the High Street once more.
A number of parklets were proposed along Keynsham High Street, extending the pavements and bringing opportunities for dwell, colour and planting along the route. Installed by Meristem, with the help of enthusiastic members of the local community, the parklets feature artwork depicting local historic references, with the colours, designs and layouts developed collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Vibrant colours contrast with natural timber seating elements and verdant planting, with seating designs and layouts accommodating a diverse variety of preferences and needs as well as cycle parking provision. Interpretation panels further foster engagement, and it has been brilliant to see how popular the parklets have proven to be within the town.
The design process has been positive and collaborative and Macgregor Smith have worked exceptionally well with local stakeholders and heritage experts to develop concept designs to re-imagine Temple Street.
Cleo Newcombe Jones
High Streets Renewal Lead
B&NES
