Aerated spray taps, with worktop constructed from recycled yoghurt pots
New buildings and spaces should be of the highest quality and have a strong local and regional identity – Project Taunton will not accept the creation of a new anonymous “anytown” urban environment.
Strong local character will add great value to the unique Taunton offer, engender civic pride and buy-in for the existing and new communities.
New buildings must be sensitively designed with an appropriate sense of scale and sit appropriately in the surrounding natural and built environment.
Maximum effort is to be used to ensure that local materials are incorporated into the buildings and the public realm.
Particular attention is to be paid to the long term maintenance of the buildings and public realm treatments; materials that need high levels of maintenance are to be avoided.
Public space and access to them is to be maximised, and should include natural and convenient through routes.
Such areas are to be encouraged and should be designed to create clear and rational links, particularly from the main transport hub through to the town centre.
These new public areas must not produce enclaves of development divorced from the existing town.
Public art should be an integral part of the public realm and whenever possible local artists should be commissioned to carry out the work. Project Taunton expects a minimum contribution towards public art of 0.5% of construction costs.
Design consultation must also include the involvement of the police via their Secured by Design initiative which aims to 'design out' crime.
Pedestrian and cycle access throughout all areas must be maximised.
Provision of WCs and disabled / infant changing facilities within core areas (incorporating PAMIS / “Changing Places” type facilities) within each development zone should be included.
To encourage active use of public realm areas, children's play facilities should be included wherever possible.
Development content and design should also promote safe active uses of areas throughout the day and night.
Project Taunton have entered into an agreement with the Bristol based South West Design Review Panel who have undertaken to provide a peer review service* throughout the design process, particularly on the larger projects. This will ensure the high aspirations of Project Taunton are met.
* This service is provided free, and will comprise a programme of review sessions with the developer’s design team.
