This suggestion shows a sequence of crossings on Bell Street at Dukes Mill, La Parisienne and Cornmarket, all designed to reduce traffic speeds. Without kerbs, and using distinctive surfacing, they remind the driver to proceed cautiously.

The intention would be to increase the current level of parking.

The junction of Bell Street and Cornmarket, looking towards Market Place. Note the wide carriageway in relation to the narrow pavements.

Here is Ben Hamilton-Baillie's initial concept for this crossing.

Distinctive paving steers pedestrians alongside and across the road. The paving could well encompass the entire width of Bell Street for greater effect. Note that there are no kerbs, and only a cobbled centre line. Traffic can use this space, but does not feel 'at home' here

Ben Hamilton-Baillie's ideas retain existing through traffic, parking and deliveries, but offer a basis for improving all of these.

He suggests that the whole area be levelled, making it more suitable for public events and pedestrians (especially the elderly and disabled) while retaining the historic Market Place format.

Market Place now

Its problems have been considered earlier in this display but to summarise:
It is dominated by moving and parked vehicles and is neither cyclist-friendly nor pedestrian-friendly.
Traffic speeds are sometimes excessive and the uneven pavements cause falls.
Additionally, it is dominated by unattractive black tarmac.

• No kerbs or uneven sufaces
• Attractive and high-quality materials, giving guidance to cars and pedestrians.
• Distinctive space around the statue for markets and other events
• Parking and deliveries to continue as at present

An important note for you to read!

Ben Hamilton-Baillie is a world-renowned urban street designer. The Society invited him to consider how the town centre might be improved.

What we have done in this exhibition is to present his initial outline suggestions. This is not to say that the Society is advocating these particular ideas, although hey have demonstrated improved safety in other towns and would certainly improve the appearance of Romsey town centre

Neither are we promoting Ben Hamilton-Baillie. We are simply presenting one possible solution for the town centre, in the hope that it will stimulate discussion and perhaps lead to a consensus view of what Romsey people would like

Thank you for your taking time to look at this Exhibition. We are most grateful for your interest.

The Romsey and District Society would like to express its thanks to the following for their help in preparing this display:

• Barbara Burbridge LTVAS (Lower Test Valley Archaeological Study Group)
• Charles Burnett (LTVAS)
• Rob Johnson (Freelance artist)
• Chris Williams - Recently retired from Hampshire County Council
• Ben and Chantelle at The Studio, Dukes Mill.

The question put to the people who attended the Exhibition:

"Do you think that this approach would be right for improving Market Place, Church Street and Bell Street?"

You are also invited to make your ideas known via Romseynet. All 4 Exhibition pages are the same exhibition, but are divided to make it a lighter weight for Internet viewing.

Do you like the suggestions made?
If you do not think the suggested ideas were right, can you say what you would prefer?

Please send your reply here by email to: Romseynet.
Your response will be passed on to The Romsey and District Society

Thank you!

Exhibition page 1 | Exhibition page 2 | Exhibition page 3 | Exhibition page 4

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