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Chapter 3 – Part four: A central metropolitan block

The need for redevelopment in large sections: 353

 Novermber 1963    The Buchanan Report    Chapter 3iv  
Contents • Chapter 3iv • The need for redevelopment in large sections

If sites are small and scattered, a most inconvenient interim stage occurs with old and new buildings at different levels.

  • Fig. 201 Fitzroy Square. The square and the surrounding buildings form a valuable group worthy of preservation.
    Fig. 201 Fitzroy Square. The square and the surrounding buildings form a valuable group worthy of preservation.

The need for redevelopment in large sections

353

These are the main stages. For the actual process of redevelopment the area could be divided into about thirteen groups of consolidated sites which could be undertaken by different owners or syndicates, These sites would vary in size from 5 to 14 acres (Figure 202). Big sites are absolutely essential for the following reasons:

  1. To allow construction of the new local distribution system. This partly makes use of existing roads, and partly relies on new roads being constructed as redevelopment occurs. If sites are too small the new roads could be built only in small sections at a time, and the insertion of new access roads, necessary to allow existing roads to be used as distributors, is impracticable.
  2. To facilitate the creation of the new pedestrian level. If sites are small and scattered, a most inconvenient interim stage occurs with old and new buildings (and therefore pedestrian circulation) at different levels.
  3. To make possible the large scale re-arrangement of uses that major road works on such a scale would necessitate. For instance, the building of the primary distributors would displace a large number of shops and businesses. Large new sites are needed to re-accommodate them in a way that will fit in with the ultimate plan.
Fig. 202 The separate consolidated groups of individual sites which could be redeveloped by different owners or syndicates.
Fig. 202 The separate consolidated groups of individual sites which could be redeveloped by different owners or syndicates.
Fig. 203 The scheme for partial redevelopment as it might be in the vicinity of Fitzroy Square, looking north. The square is mainly converted to pedestrian use. In the foreground the pedestrian level rises to the upper levels predominant through much of the scheme. The lower pedestrian bridge in the foreground has a reduced clearance since the road it spans gives access to a car parking area only. This is a departure from normal practice which would require careful consideration, but there is no doubt that economies would result if clearance heights could be reduced on occasion. In the United States the general clearance height is 14' 0
Fig. 203 The scheme for partial redevelopment as it might be in the vicinity of Fitzroy Square, looking north. The square is mainly converted to pedestrian use. In the foreground the pedestrian level rises to the upper levels predominant through much of the scheme. The lower pedestrian bridge in the foreground has a reduced clearance since the road it spans gives access to a car parking area only. This is a departure from normal practice which would require careful consideration, but there is no doubt that economies would result if clearance heights could be reduced on occasion. In the United States the general clearance height is 14' 0" compared with our standard of 16' 6".
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