Evaluation

The overall characteristic of the resurfacing is of great simplicity although the high quality detailing is in fact complex. A variety of natural materials have been used including Italian porphyry, York stone flags, York stone and granite setts and Staffordshire Blue clay pavers, which tone harmoniously with each other and complement materials used in the buildings abutting these areas, as well as concrete blocks in the road surfaces.

Meticulous detailing of the flag paving creates a cost-effective quality of finish that will age elegantly. Attention to detail is not restricted to the design of ground surfaces, and there is a carefully integrated approach to services and utilities.

Careful design of surfaces and levels ensures that pedestrians have priority but that vehicles pass freely but slowly along the main street. Restrictions for vehicles also apply in some of the connecting streets with subtle variations in colour, levels and materials indicating vehicular routes.

The visual quality of the scheme is further enhanced by the use of specially commissioned street furniture: benches, litter bins, lighting, signposts, artwork in the paving and ironwork protecting newly planted trees. The area is well-lit, lights fixed to buildings being supplemented by specially commissioned lights in the square which form part of the overall design concept. Evidence of the attention to detail and to creating a harmonious total effect, even in the CCTV camera, is apparent throughout.

Controversially, parking in the central area has had to be reduced in order to achieve the overall objectives, although there is plenty of parking provided within minutes of the centre. In spite of this, parking on pavements has not been completely eliminated, but there is no evidence of graffiti, dog fouling or much litter, and the area as a whole has the appearance of being well maintained and cared for.

Creating a context in which people would spend more time in the public space was an objective of the overall plan. That has certainly been achieved, although the square has the potential to do better on this point, in spite of its quiet atmosphere. Local people commented that it was livelier as a car parking area, but no doubt it is different on weekly market days and monthly Farmers' Market days.

Despite the aim to encourage people to linger longer in the public space, there are surprisingly no cafés, bars or food outlets on the ample pavement space, and while the use of commissioned art work and street furniture adds visual interest and enhances the sense of place and comfort, it does not engage or stimulate activity in a way that works incorporating different levels or water do. In design terms the strength of this scheme lies in the holistic approach and unified sense the resurfacing creates and in the high quality of its design detailing and installation.

According to the local authority the project has done much to assist in the economic and environmental regeneration of Fakenham, as well as improving business confidence.