Arches Local Driver Fountain

Luton Arches, Chatham

Initial Sketch proposals/ opportunities for improvements

The Luton Arches intersection and Public Realm needs a strong vision for
improvement, the catalyst for this will be the relocation of the Driver fountain as a
back to this, its original site, as a focal feature. However, further improvements
are required to aid pedestrian and access and movement around the whole of
the intersection, as well as public realm/ space and street-scape
works, to open up, de-clutter and clean up the space.

Pedestrian Access to the west of the

intersection is via raised pedestrian footbridge.
-Footbridge is not used by all people- many
pedestrians jump road-side barriers to cross
directly. This creates a dangerous conflict with
vehicles.
-Consider long term highway re-design strategy
to remodel pedestrian access around the entire
intersection to improve pedestrian and reduce
vehicle speeds.
-Opportunity to create improved public realm or
green spaces to roadsides.
-Consider long term plans for removal of
footbridge and railings.
(note: This will requires
detailed highway and local authority/
engineering input)

Shops and businesses on High Street

would benefit from improved public realm/
streetscape including pedestrian access.
Consider necessity of barrier railings.

Open space to High Street Corner

-Could be greatly improved. Paving and walls are
damaged and in need of repair and re-design.
Possible location (Option 2) for siting of Driver Fountain.
-Change in level to roadside could be accommodated to
give greater space to an improved public
realm/ Green space here.
-Felling / cutting back of mature vegetation to this
corner would open up and brighten this public
space.

Option 1 site: Open Speace to front of arches

Option 2

Option 1

High Street

Open space to front of Arches:

-Historically the site of bath house and Driver Fountain.
-Possible location (Option 1) for siting of Driver Fountain.
-Remove large Sycamore trees (most likely self-seeded)
-Clean up and restore railway bridge (Network Rail).
-Consider re-planting of Poplar trees. (5 no. as can be seen in
historic photograph/ postcard images).
-Drainage issues arising from historic bathhouse in this
location to be dealt with (smell from drains encompasses this
area)
-Opportunity for new planting of flowering plants/ perrennial
meadow to encourage biodiversity within the area.
-Opportunity for new interpretation/ artwork or gateway
feature to sit alongside the Driver Fountain. (Inspiration could
be drawn from historic images- people and horses drinking at
fountain/ local business etc...)
Pedestrian Access to the east
is via controlled traffic light crossing.
-This area is currently dominated by street
clutter including metal railings,control boxes/
brick planter walls/ traffic signage and
billboards.
-Consider work to de-clutter this area to improve
pedestrian access and experience.

Pedestrian Footbridge crossing A2 (New Road).

Roundabout-De-clutter:
-Signage and control boxes to be rationalised.
Opportunity for planting up roundabout,
-Possible installation of new gateway feature/
sculpture relating to the sites history/ culture/
context.

Option 2 site: High Street Corner

Pedestrian access and space to the south west

to be improved and rationalised.
-Remove /cut back & crown lift pioneer non-native
vegetation (Sycamore) to allow more light and
visual access to the space.
-Access across Magpie Hall Road,and below bridge
needs cleaning. Opportunities for lighting/ painting/ artworks.

Roundabout

Luton Arches railway Bridge.

-In need of cleaning, some repair and
restoration. Historic photos show the
decorative Ironwork and inlaid brick arches.
(Network Rail)

Pedestrian access below bridge.

Magpie Hall Road Chatham Hill/ Luton Road

Businesses on these roads would
benefit from improved pedestrian
access to this area.

Pedestrian crossing east of arches intersection

Arches Local Driver Fountain

Luton Arches, Chatham

Initial Sketch proposals/ opportunities for improvements.

Open space to front of Arches:

-Historically the site of bath house and Driver Fountain.
-Possible location (Option 1) for siting of Driver Fountain.
-Remove large Sycamore trees (most likely self-seeded)
-Clean up and restore railway bridge (Network Rail).
-Consider re-planting of Poplar trees. (5 no. as can be seen in
historic photograph/ postcard images).
-Drainage issues arising from historic bathhouse in this
location to be dealt with (smell from drains encompasses this
area)
-Opportunity for new planting of flowering plants/ perrennial
meadow to encourage biodiversity within the area.
-Opportunity for new interpretation/ artwork or gateway
feature to sit alongside the Driver Fountain. (Inspiration could
be drawn from historic images- people and horses drinking at
fountain/ local business etc...)
Current Condition (Option 1 )

Artist Impression of Option 1: Re-siting of the Driver Fountain- Open space to the front of the Arches.

Arches Local Driver Fountain

Luton Arches, Chatham

Initial Sketch proposals/ opportunities for improvements.

Open space to High Street Corner

-Could be greatly improved. Paving and walls are
damaged and in need of repair and re-design.
Possible location (Option 2) for siting of Driver Fountain.
-Change in level to roadside could be accommodated to
give greater space to an improved public
realm/ Green space here.
-Felling / cutting back of mature vegetation to this
corner would open up and brighten this public
space.
-Opportunity for planting- seating, lighting, etc.
Current Condition (Option 2 ) Re-siting of Fountain to High Street Corner.

Artists Impression (Option 2 ) Re-siting of Fountain to High Street Corner, with public realm improvements.