The project to temporarily pedestrianise Union Street during the Covid-19 Pandemic was considered to be such a success that we are delighted to have now been asked to propose a permanent design.
In 2020 we implemented a project which created more space for people to safely move around Union Street, it supported outside queuing and for trading outdoors. Many of these changes have been embraced by businesses and shoppers who are keen not just to return to normal.
Of course, we’ll be using the principles of co-design to create this proposal. We are encouraging the participation of everyone who has an interest in Union Street to help identify the challenges and the opportunities that a project like this offers.
What’s happening now at Union Street?
At the beginning of June 2022, we opened ‘Our Street Studio’, a community co-design studio in a shop on Union Street. This is the next phase of the pedestrianisation project.
Until the end of July this space will welcome businesses, residents, members of the public and anyone with an interest in the street to contribute their ideas for the future of Union Street.
Working with Gary Kennedy of KennedyTwaddle Architects and designer Linsey McIntosh the shop has become a co-design studio where visitors can interact with the questions, reflect on the issues on Union Street and suggest ideas for its future development.
When you come in to the space you can take part in three activities, the Think Tanks, the Streetscape Model and the Community Collage.
At Think Tanks you’ll be asked to dream big and share your aspirations for what you think Union Street could be. Add you picture to the wall and write in the speech bubble.
At the Streetscape you’ll share your local knowledge to identify challenges and opportunities. Then add them to the model for others to see and reflect on.
At the Community Collage you’ll be inspired by images from all around the world. Select your favourites, share why it inspires you and describe how the idea can work at Union Street.
In October, the team will prepare a proposal which will seeks to present an attractive and innovative street design which supports residents an local businesses to make the most of the street’s potential to be a key focus for hospitality and independent retail in the city centre.
