Humberstone Gate and Clocktower

Location: Leicester
Client: Leicester City Council
Value: £1.4 million

The removal of both vehicular traffic and aseries of bus stops from Humberstone Gate enables the creation of two contrasting pedestrian spaces, a new urban square in Humberstone Gate and a quiet area around the existing Clocktower, a key civic monument at the centre of the city.

Humberstone Gate is transformed by the insertion of a ‘hippodrome’ space articulated along its length by multi-functional bronze elements: ‘pylons’. The ‘pylons’ incorporate street lighting, benches and provide the support for roof canopies and banners which can be erected for cultural events and festivals. The distinctive identity and scale of the new event space is emphasised by the grand scale of the paving pattern which distorts at the bases of the pylons. The floor surfaces are carefully selected to facilitate service vehicle access. Disabled access is provided to all areas.