Improving public realm for Charlotte Square

Challenge

SLR’s Place team was commissioned by Corran Properties Limited to develop proposals for the improvement of the public realm within Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. The improvements were associated with the regeneration and re-development of 26-31 Charlotte Square, as well as the future redevelopment of other properties elsewhere on the Square.

Charlotte Square is the most significant set-piece urban space within Edinburgh’s wider New Town, and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the world. It is of exacting dimensions and carefully planned proportion. Notwithstanding its importance, Charlotte Square has been eroded in recent years, disconnecting the architecture, gardens and streets and diluting its effect as a key space within the New Town. The proposals developed by SLR’s Place team looked to redress this, reconnecting each of these three elements through improvements to the public realm.

Solution

The sensitive yet forward looking design proposals enhanced the character of the Square, with appropriate high-quality materials proposed throughout. The scheme included the introduction of a new pedestrian space associated within the Square. A careful analysis and appraisal of vehicle movements revealed a new controlled solution, reducing the carriageway from four lanes to a single one-way route.

Impact

This redressed the balance in favour of the pedestrian, creating an enticing environment that encouraged people to explore, and promoted the safe movement of people on foot and bike. The improved public realm also created a new context for the historic gardens, providing an enhanced setting for events such as the International Book Festival which uses Charlotte Square as its annual base during August.

Subsequent to the development of public realm proposals, SLR's Place team was commissioned to review how the gardens could be designed to function as a true New Town garden space while also facilitating the improved hosting of events such as the International Book Festival.

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.