Paving the High Street - Trust Annual Report 1974
Controversy has arisen recently about the proposal to pave the pedestrian precinct in the High Street. The Trust has looked at the proposed scheme with great interest, but is not in a position to consider the cost nor whether the work should be done now, or when the nation's finances are in better repair. These are decisions for the elected representatives, and we look at the proposition solely as a desirable objective both in the long term and relative to European Architectural Heritage Year.
Surely it is time to do something for the pedestrian, that is to say everybody, instead of the minority who are motorists? Good paving is something which Europeans and the Italians in particular have understood better than we have, and it is treated by them as part of the architectural setting ; we can learn from them the value of using materials of high quality and how much this contributes to the pleasure of those on foot.
In Winchester the paving and kerbs are a comparatively recent innovation, and maintaining the line of the footpaths is not essential. However, they do add an interesting line to the street scene so that if the present kerbs were retained level with the new paving, the historical importance of the High Street as a through road would survive, and at no additional expense. The effect would be improved if the kerbs by the High Cross could be moved inwards so that the "street- Width remained constant through a generally paved area, rather than widening to no purpose at this point.
We like to think of processions using the High Street, such as military occasions and events like 5th November. The Trust always regretted that the Westgate was not suitably paved to show the line of the old road through the arch, instead of accentuating its present isolation on a peninsular of concrete slabs. There is plainly a desire to avoid such insensitive treatment in this scheme for the precinct, which is most encouraging.
Turning to practical considerations it must be recognised that kerbs and gutters have an important function in channelling surface water where it will cause least nuisance. This has always been a problem in Winchester on account of the steep slope from the Westgate. It might be worth retaining dished channels alongside the flush kerbs, or in recognition of the new function of the street, constructing the area over the old road with a concave paved surface draining to a central line of gratings, which would carry the water away from the shop-fronts and the foot of the buildings. These would cease to have the protection afforded by the present kerbstones and gutters if the levels were made uniform.
Another difficulty which can be foreseen is the repeated digging of trenches when maintenance and renewal of services becomes necessary. How can we be sure that the materials selected now will be available in the years to come? It goes without saying that it will be necessary to have a paving material which does not break under the weight of a fire engine, but a possible change of policy allowing the unloading of lorries in the precinct during restricted hours should also be taken into account.
Pleasant as the buff paving may be, it will be vulnerable to oil stains and a darker or less uniform colour might be advisable.
The tentative scheme drawn up in the Council Offices, is admirable in many ways on account of its simplicity. We like the removal of the temporary sinuous kerbs intended to discourage traffic at either end of the precinct. The use of different coloured materials seems adequate for this purpose and has also been well used to emphasise the buildings and create a minor piazza between the High Cross and the bank, though we feel that if this concept is adopted much more should be made of it by bolder use of the change in paving.
The clear views up and down the High Street should have no obstruction due to the planting of trees, so that we are pleased that none has been included even if the omission is actually due to the number of underground services. We are not in favour of any kind of planting scheme or garden effect, as these would be contrary to the nature of this street scene; the Cathedral Close is available for anyone preferring grass and trees as a resting place.
Seats however, could be provided at suitable intervals as included in the scheme, but not forgetting that where generally they would be most popular in the sun, there are occasions when people prefer shade. If inconspicuous bicycle stands can be provided so much the better, but we are dubious about placing these in the centre of the precinct when space is so limited. Litter bins must not be too inconspicuous, but should be of a simple design complimentary to the street scene.
There is abundant interest in the varied buildings and curves of the High Street standing against St. Giles's Hill in one direction and the Westgate in the other. In this situation, simplicity is the keynote of good design. Unnecessary incidents of street furniture and planting schemes would only produce an effect of clutter in the confined space, apart from limiting the many possibilities the area could provide for functions such as occasional specialised markets, open air meetings and so forth.