Your town, your say - St George's Square Revival

• St George's Square Revival: Consultation Results (PDF 497kb)

Chosen layout of St George's Square - July 2005

View larger image of chosen layout

Design consultation for St George's Square - September 2006

Option 1

Option 1 has been developed in response to the strong architectural character of this part of Huddersfield. The fine historic buildings surrounding the square, with the train station in centre stage, have driven a classical design which is contemporary in detailing and style. The space created is flexible, accommodating many uses - from outdoor events, spaces for people watching and seasonal activities to just allowing easy movement through the space for pedestrians, taxis and buses. Seating areas will be located next to buildings. A new kiosk at the entrance to the station will provide tourist information as well as selling tickets to events, providing travel information etc. Huddersfield train station will be enhanced by a new fountain at the front, changing at different times of the day. Harold Wilson's statue will be moved south and given pride of place in the centre of the square, making it more visible from the centre of town. Below this, the square will be softened by four planted terraces, with seasonal planting. The terraces will act as a natural amphitheatre, where events can be viewed on a big screen.

View larger image of option 1 View larger aerial view of option 1

Option 2

St George's Square links the train station with the town and connects travellers with other modes of transport. Option 2, called Pennine Arrival, takes this idea of connection to create strong lines of paving and movement through the square. The paving pattern symbolises bands of coal, shale and gritstone, with fountains bubbling up from the ground. This reflects the local geology and the natural resources that helped the town grow during its early years. At night the square changes into a ring of light formed by the uplit facades of surrounding buildings. The centre of the square is gently illuminated and crossed with lines of LED ground lights that highlight pedestrian routes. The ends of these routes are marked by a digital display board at John William Street and a series of 'glowing' bus stops at Westgate. Space is provided for events and festivals. Wide surrounding pavements create room for seats and café terraces, bringing daytime and evening life into the square. From the station the visitor will be guided forward by dramatic lines of paving and lights, surrounded by the uninterrupted and magnificent backdrop of grand buildings.

View larger image of option 2 View larger aerial view of option 2

Option 3

Option 3 is designed to promote the use of the square as a contemporary venue for a range of events - at all times of the year. By removing the Italianate fountain - which has long since stopped working - a new flexible events area is created that will also feel comfortable when empty of people. The space will also provide spill out areas for the hotel and the adjacent buildings. A pavement café could also be accommodated - operated from the adjacent buildings. An easily maintained, dramatic new water feature - visible from John William Street - will minimise the noise and impact of the passing traffic. The introduction of contemporary, high quality seating and the removal of clutter will enhance the view of the square's magnificent buildings. Groups of semi mature trees will reinforce the key arrival points and routes to the station. They will also minimise the impact of taxis and buses accessing the square and provide shelter. Routes round the square will be well-signed, encouraging a free flow of movement. The vitality of the station building will be improved by a new sunny terrace across the front.

View larger image of option 3 View larger aerial view of option 3

• Your town, your say - St George's Square Revival (PDF 336kb)

Further information