Public Realm
A Square Given Back
The reordering of a market square: fewer cars, more trees, and a surface worth walking across.
- Scope
- Public realm design, consultation, delivery
- Trees
- 12 semi-mature, in SuDS pits
- Access
- Level surface throughout
The story
Scottish Borders · 2023
The square had become a car park with a monument in it.
We removed sixty per cent of the parking, laid a single large-format whinstone surface with no kerbs, planted twelve semi-mature limes, and put in seating that faces the town rather than the road.
Public realm design is an argument about who a place belongs to. This one was settled in favour of people on foot.
Design process
How the work was made.
01
Engagement
Eleven public sessions, including traders, school groups and disability advocates.
02
Concept
Level surface, generous planting, and one clear civic gesture rather than many small ones.
03
Technical
SuDS tree pits, tactile wayfinding, and adoptable construction detailing.
04
Delivery
Phased to keep every business trading throughout.
Outcome
Footfall up, vacancy down, and a square that hosts a market again.