PROJECTS   >   STREETS

Liverpool CBD Streets

Location: Liverpool CBD
Client: Liverpool City Council
Project dates: 2016

Liverpool CBD Streets is a public domain strategy for Liverpool CBD. The team developed a streetscape and street tree planting strategy that adopts an integrated approach to the public domain and built form. Streetscape conditions were assessed in tandem with existing and future built form proposals. This innovative methodology anticipates and designs for a rapidly changing urban context and provides a comprehensive viable streetscape improvements that leverage optimum outcomes for improved amenity and livability in the CBD centre. 

Tree canopy cover within public streets is often compromised by a range of issues - underground (inadequate space for tree zones, services) and above ground (such as awning locations, overshadowing and vehicular access). Standard street tree plans and policies often focus on existing conditions with limited reference to the surrounding built form, or future access and built form conditions. The plan developed a methodology which assesses streetscape opportunities through rigorous exploration of existing conditions in tandem with existing and future built form proposals.  The team modelled the future built form context including setbacks and heights to determine the future shadowing, microclimate and streetscape character. This approach enabled the team to develop design options that respond to the changed solar access and leverages the optimum benefits from future street setbacks. The streetscape improvements are anchored in an in-depth understanding of the existing and future town centre context.

The team also identified new opportunities through carefully considered streetscape modifications. Carriageway space was reclaimed as pedestrian space where possible. This approach required collaboration with a range of stakeholders including council’s traffic engineering team. Expanded pedestrian footpath zones and tree plantings were provided in locations where there are narrow footpaths, fine grain retail tenancies with awnings and limited capacity for future setbacks through redevelopment.