Philippa Hammersley, strategic business development manager at Balfour Beatty Living Places describes how the redevelopment of the Station Quarter of Southampton has made it more people friendly:

When you walked out of Central Station two years ago, it was quite muddled and confusing, with no sense of purpose. Commuters jostled their way out of the station, negotiating the traffic to reach their destination. Visitors stood trying to get their bearings looking for guidance on how to get to the city centre or the Mayflower Theatre. As the Gateway to the City, it hardly did it justice.

Now there is a sense of arrival at Station Quarter North, and a sense of purpose. There is space to breathe and visitors and commuters alike can move more easily around the area. This is not by chance, this is urban design in action.

This development is part of a wider regeneration programme, with the Cultural Quarter and West Quay Watermark springing up, the city is being transformed into the South Coast’s prime destination. The Urban Design Team from infrastructure company, Balfour Beatty, commissioned by Southampton City Council, spent three months analysing the space to understand people’s movements and what might encourage them to dwell for longer.

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They identified the 'desire lines', a term used to describe the paths most frequently taken between two points, a bit like a well-trodden footpath across a field. Using effective urban design they formalised these lines in the design, helping to connect the dots.

Clear signing and new pedestrian zones create a sense of space and openness that welcomes you to the city, while supporting access for buses and taxis. There are places to dwell, to pass your lunch hour or watch outdoor theatre – all designed to encourage you to spend time and enjoy the area.

These features have been carefully developed with our Champions Group, a group of people from local businesses and transport providers. It has been their entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking which has enabled us to create a place for the community that will support economic development and further investment in the City.

Marco Bertacchini, from Caffexpresso Bar, and Station Quarter Champion said: “The investment has been hugely important in ensuring the viability of the area for our business. The well-designed wide open space has transformed the area, not only improving security but also providing a venue for events to attract more customers.”

Balfour Beatty and Southampton City Council have been working together for the past five years to design and deliver VIP projects as part of the City’s Masterplan. The council is constantly thinking about how to create a City that you want to spend time in, what else a space could be and what greater benefits it can provide.

Daily Echo: New city council leader Cllr Jacqui RaymentCllr Jacqui Rayment

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said: “The revitalised Station Quarter has transformed this part of the city and I’m sure it will make a really positive impression on residents and visitors. This is another great example of Southampton City Council investing in infrastructure and working with our partners to make a real difference to public spaces and create a city we can all be proud of.”

So when you next walk out of the stationand make your way to work or the shops, take a quick moment to view the changes and enjoy the new place that has been created.