Market Place

Durham County

Redesign of the market place. Designed by MacGregor Smith.

We are pleased to review this interesting project at the heart of Durham’s medieval city in the immediate environs of a World Heritage Site. In principle, we support the improvement of the Market Place and commend the ambition to create a public space which provides a platform for a range of activities and events. While the proposed reorganisation of the site is potentially of some merit, we think that the current scheme has not yet achieved the high design quality required for this important site. We feel that this proposal could evolve further and develop a stronger design rationale which responds better to the special character of Durham. We are also disappointed that the current planning application does not provide more information about the detailed design of the scheme.

Holistic approach

We feel that this project offers the opportunity to develop a broader strategy for the Market Place and the area around it and we would encourage the design team and the local authority to widen the scope of this proposal. The market is the key junction for Durham and enhancing the entry points into the site, for example from the Vennels, Claypath Bridge and Saddler Street, would help improve the whole city and particularly the access to the World Heritage Site. We do not think, however, that the proposed glass screens on Claypath Bridge are an appropriate way to establish a relationship with the Market Place.

Layout of the Market Place

In principle, the rearrangement of the square appears sound, but giving more attention to the entry points and movement patterns across the square would help develop a more meaningful layout for this space. We think that the statues could relate more confidently to the square and the routes across it. At present, the proposed scheme is vague and, for example, does little to explain the relationship between the statues and the buildings adjacent to them. Overall, the proposed layout based on the new location of the statues and the curved steps across the square appears fragmented and could do more to redefine and improve the Market Place.

Level difference

We believe that a calmer and simpler design would allow the widest range of uses on the Market Place. While using the topography of the site is a clever way of integrating seats we feel that levelling the square and creating the steps disrupts the gentle slope which gives the exiting square a specific character. This move is also likely to limit the range of activities possible on the square. We question the proposed solution and wonder whether a more flexible and adaptable design could be achieved which responds better to the particular qualities of the Durham Market Place.

Detailing

On a more detailed level, we also feel that a calmer approach with fewer, simpler elements would be more successful; the square still appears cluttered. Well designed benches and seating which respect the character of the site and offer a welcoming place to relax should be part of the landscape design. Consideration of materials and details combined with high quality workmanship in installation will influence the quality of the outcome and will be critical to achieve the standard required for this site. Our detailed comments are limited due to the little information we received and the lack of drawings, for example information regarding the way the benches frame the steps.

Conclusion

To conclude, while we think that the proposed design could work we would encourage the design team and Durham County Council to develop their scheme further, particularly regarding the details, in order to create the vibrant, flexible space they are aiming for. We feel that a proposal for Durham Market Square should aim for calm simplicity formed from the highest quality materials and details and we would like to remind the planning authority of the national significance of this space.