Events

The Lime Street Gateway - Glen Howells Architects

Public realm award commendation 2011

Summary

Lime Street Station is an important gateway to Liverpool. The area in front of the station did not reflect its importance and had long been neglected and misused. The creation of the gateway, its skilful design and its multi-purpose use is impressive. It is an important addition to the public realm in Liverpool achieved in partnership with the Homes and Community Agency and Network Rail.

Background

The area in front of the entrance to Lime Street Station is important as it is the first impression of the city for many people. It also occupies an important position in a conservation area and in its relationship with a number of important listed buildings in the area. The area in front of the station did not reflect its importance and had long been neglected and misused. It had all the appearances of an unloved area. Inappropriate buildings masked the station which is impressive in its own right and which is listed. The creation of a gateway into the city was identified in 2002 in the strategic regeneration framework.

Project description

The scheme is designed to create an area of public realm which reflects the importance of its position and, at the same time to create an impressive gateway into Liverpool for those arriving by train. In order to achieve this it was necessary to create an area large enough for it to be used as a multi-purpose space. This was achieved through the compulsory purchase of existing buildings. It was also necessary to make best use of the change in levels between the station entrance and the adjoining road. The area is being well used for events and is now a space enjoyed by people simply for sitting out, resting and eating.

Planning achievement

The scheme set out to achieve a simple uncluttered space responding to desire lines to main routes and providing views of important buildings;
The use of a pedestrian road following the facade of the station building has achieved easy movement into and out of the station. Two buildings have been incorporated into the scheme, a lift and an electricity substation both of which have been designed to impact as little as possible on the overall scheme. The substation has been designed to enable it to be used as plinth for sculptures;
Paving materials and colours have been chosen with care to reflect the materials on adjoining buildings and for their durability. All parts of the area are accessible by ramped walkways which are supplemented by steps;
The creation of the gateway, its skilful design and its multi-purpose use is impressive. It is an important addition to the public realm in Liverpool achieved in partnership with the Homes and Community Agency and Network Rail.