Hopkins Architects. University of Nottingham. University Park Campus Masterplan Strategy. 13 th February 2009

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1 University of Nottingham University Park Campus Masterplan Strategy 13 th February 2009

2 Purpose of this Document The purpose of this document is to set out a new masterplan strategy for University Park Campus that addresses key pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes. Through the analysis of existing traffic flows across the site, this document proposes ways of reducing the impact of vehicular traffic whilst placing a greater emphasis on cyclist and pedestrian priority. This site wide review also identifies potential development sites across the campus, for either new buildings or additional car parking. Finally landscaping strategies are proposed for the central campus zone, (the area behind Trent and Portland Buildings) and also the central area of Science and Engineering. This report presumes that Lenton House and grounds fall under the ownership of the University of Nottingham and also the ISG carpark has been developed. Jubilee Avenue i

3 Summary This report demonstrates that it is possible to successfully pedestrianise central academic areas, whilst retaining most of the existing car parks. The creation of new pedestrian priority boulevards along the central section of and the central area within Science and Engineering improves pedestrian experience, whilst the new cycle path network offers dedicated routes across the campus. New and remodelled vehicle routes maintain accessibility to the Trent Building, however the link between East Drive and Jubilee Avenue will be removed. The direction of traffic along Jubilee Avenue is therefore reversed and a new road up to the Western section of Cut Through Lane is proposed to make a loop. Also Keighton Hill becomes two directional and includes a cycle path to complete the connection between North and South entrances. The re-organised traffic flows present new development opportunities for buildings or car parks, especially in and around the central campus zone. The open area of land to the West of the Trent Building would help balance development about it. Hallward Library Car Park These proposals set out a long term vision for University Park Campus, which reaffirms the core design principles that have shaped campus development. Highfield House Re-landscape site of demolished building New Landscape Portland Building Car Park Trent Building Car Park Jubilee Avenue East Drive Pedestrian Desire Lines Vehicle Routes Service Access Permitted Central Campus Zone Landscape Strategy ii

4 Contents Introduction 1 Brief 2 University Park Campus Core Design Principles 3 Site Analysis - Issues to be addressed 4 Concept Development 5 Emerging Masterplan Strategy 6 Establishing Designated Pedestrian Routes 7 Proposed Vehicle Strategy 8 Proposed Bus Routes 9 Proposed Cycle Strategy 10 Development Opportunities 13 Central Campus Zone - Landscape Strategy 14 Science & Engineering - Landscape Strategy 15 Conclusion 16 iii

5 Introduction In September 2008 HAL were commissioned by the University of Nottingham to produce concept ideas for a new masterplanning strategy for University Park Campus. The University has identified a need to improve pedestrian experience, to improve cyclist safety and finally to reduce impact of cars and car parking in sensitive areas around the campus. This masterplan looks to learn and build upon the key campus design principles that have informed University Park Campus development. Aerial of campus 1

6 Brief To create a masterplan for the University Park Campus, with focus on the following; To review pedestrian, cycle and vehicular routes across the campus. To re-organise the different traffic flows, with emphasis on pedestrians and cyclists. Propose a landscape strategy for the central campus area behind the Trent and Portland Buildings. Consideration to be given to removing Cut Through Lane as a vehicular route. NORTH Look at ways of increasing the pedestrianised central campus area. Retain the number of car park spaces (any lost must be replaced). THE DOWNS Lenton Hall Drive Lenton House & Grounds Hallward Library Library Road Visitor Car Park ISG SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CENTRAL CAMPUS ZONE Keighton Hill TO WEST Highfield House Trent Portland Portland Hill Jubilee Avenue East Drive TO SOUTH N University Park Campus 2

7 University Park Campus Core Design Principles The development of University Park Campus has been shaped by a number of key moves, building on Morley Horder s decision to site the University College Building (Now Trent Building) to set up a dramatic contrast to the informal landscape of the Highfields Estate. The most notable of these is the way in which different building types are grouped together. Academic buildings are clustered around the Trent building, while the halls of residence wrap around the edge of the Downs. The halls of residence inside, and the academic buildings are generally well connected by dedicated pedestrian routes A later development was the positioning of Science and Engineering to the North East of the Campus. Pedestrian links connecting this area rely on paths adjacent to heavily trafficked vehicle routes. Campus Masterplan 1949 Campus Masterplan 1955 The Downs Science and Engineering Trent Portland Halls of Residence Academic and other University support facilities Primary Campus Buildings N Campus Masterplan circa 1960 Current Campus Layout 3

8 Site Analysis Issues to be addressed Cars and Car Parking Vehicle routes and especially car parking dominate the campus environment, most notably around: Science and Engineering Trent Building is the main thoroughfare linking the North and West entrances runs around the perimeter of the campus linking the North and West entrances. Most of the halls or residence are accessed via. The approach to the Trent Building by car is only possible along East Drive. East Drive and Jubilee Avenue are linked via the service route cut into the landscape behind the Trent Building. Car Parking pervades the central academic areas, such as the centre of Science and Engineering. Cut through lane connects West and North entrances. It is the most direct vehicle route accross the campus and is frequently used by non University related traffic Public Transport The campus is served by a number of public bus routes linking the University with the city. The majority of buses enter the campus via the North entrance. The long straight section of East drive beneath Kneighton Hill is used as the main bus stop. ISG Hopper bus services linking the University s 3 main campuses all run along the length of cut through lane. Cyclists Dedicated pedestrian paths are laid out across the campus, but they are disparate and unconnected The city of Nottingham has a number of cycle routes close to university park. However, few dedicated cycle paths are provided within University Park Campus. The majority of cycle parking is located close to each building, generally accessed via pavements. Very few cycle paths are provided across the campus The Humanities Building and administrative block under consideration for demolition The long straight section of road along East Drive can accommodate a number of bus stops Pedestrians Pedestrian access across the campus is generally good except for routes between Science and Engineering, the Central Campus Zone and the Westgate Lodges. Connections appear disjointed, relying on paths adjacent to heavily trafficked vehicle routes Existing cycle paths Existing vehicle routes Routes taken by students across landscaped areas Public / Hopper Bus Stop Main Car Parks N Existing main pedestrian only routes Extension to ISG Building 4

9 Concept Development 5

10 Emerging Masterplan Strategy Our emerging masterplan strategy involves removing cars from central academic areas and establishing a pedestrian friendly environment. New routes connecting Westgate Lodges and Science and Engineering will pick up the existing network of paths as well as re-use a car free section of. These routes will open up potential development sites, which could help to balance the campus around the Trent Building, for example. Perimeter Vehicle Link Vehicles The Downs Vehicles Vehicles Concept Diagram Central Campus Zone Science and Engineering Academic and other University support facilities Halls of Residence Primary Campus Buildings Pedestrian Links Conceptual Approach 6

11 Establishing Designated Pedestrian Routes One of the primary aims of this masterplan strategy is to establish car free zones within central academic areas. Across the campus pedestrianised routes are created linking science and engineering, through the central campus zone and on to the halls of residence beyond the West Gate Lodges. New pedestrian routes will connect existing paths to form continuous thoroughfares. Two main pedestrian routes through the central campus area are proposed: The newly pedestrianised Route Along Cut Through Lane, Portland Hill and Library Road This new shared surface facilitates easy transition along the primary routes linking academic facilities with Halls of Residence. In the future it would be possible to make a new link through Lenton House and grounds providing easy access to Cavendish and Willoughby Halls. Along the rear of Portland and Trent buildings THE DOWNS Lenton Hall Drive NORTH to improving this route is to continue the route to the west of Trent linking into the path running parallel with. A more direct route across Keighton Hill is also suggested. This will enhance pedestrian safety for students heading to and from Biology and Science & Engineering. Hallward Library Library Road ISG SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Highfield House CENTRAL CAMPUS ZONE Portland Hill Keighton Hill TO WEST Trent Portland Jubilee Avenue East Drive University Park Campus TO SOUTH N Primary Routes Shared Surface (Cars permitted) Secondary Routes Extension to ISG Building Potential New Routes Pedestrian Boulevard Pedestrian Routes 7

12 Proposed Vehicle Strategy Proposed Pedestrianisation of Central Academic Areas The proposed pedestrainisation of the central section of and Portland Hill will significantly improve pedestrian safety as well as enhancing the peaceful landscaped environment that chacterises University Park Campus. Vehicle access will not be permitted through this area except for service vehicles and buses. The central area within Science and Enigineering will also exclude vehicle access and parking (currently around the Chemistry and Tower building). Breaking the link between East Drive and Jubilee Avenue The Trent Building will once again become a destination, rather than a through route. However service access around the rear of the Trent building will be permitted. THE DOWNS Lenton Hall Drive NORTH As a consequence the traffic direction along Jubilee Avenue will be changed so that vehicles approach the Trent Building re-affirming its primacy. Maintaining Routes around the perimeter of the Campus Lenton House & Grounds Hallward Library Library Road Visitor Car Park Consideration should be given to transforming Keighton Hill onto a 2 way route for vehicles. This will become the only link between the North and South Entrances. will remain as the only link between West and North Entrances. As the main route accross the campus, consideration should be given to traffic calming measures. TO WEST Highfield House Trent CENTRAL CAMPUS ZONE Portland Portland Hill Keighton Hall SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Car Parking Jubilee Avenue East Drive The proposed pedestrianisation of the central academic areas will result in some loss of spaces; Between the LSS building and Hallward Library. Around the chemistry and Tower buildings The 2 way portion of Jubilee avenue University Park Campus TO SOUTH N These lost spaces will have to be found else where a campus. Access to the car park opposite the Hallward Library is now from Library road, which is a shared surface with pedestrian priority. Proposed Vehicle Routes Direction of Traffic Service Access Permitted Shared Surface (Cars permitted) Main Car Parks Existing Buildings to be removed Car Parks to be Removed Pedestrian Boulevard Extension to ISG Building Proposed Vehicle Routes 8

13 Proposed Bus Routes Hopper Bus Service The Hopper bus service is a vital link between the University of Nottingham s 4 campuses. It is therefore important to maintain ease of access and use for the student body. and Portland Hill are to remain accessible to the Hopper buses. Public Bus Service Currently public buses are allowed through the campus, connecting the University with the City of Nottingham. The main bus stop along East Drive works well allowing numerous buses to pick up at the same time. It is therefore necessary to allow buses to travel down Portland Hill. THE DOWNS Lenton Hall Drive NORTH Hallward Library Library Road SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Keighton Hall Highfield House Portland Hill TO WEST CENTRAL CAMPUS ZONE Trent Portland Jubilee Avenue East Drive University Park Campus TO SOUTH N Public Bus Service (No.34 & L12) Public / Hopper Bus Stop Shared Surface (Cars permitted) Hopper Bus Service Public Bus Stop Extension to ISG Building Pedestrian Boulevard Hopper Bus Stop Proposed Bus Routes 9

14 Proposed Cycle Strategy Clearly defined cycle routes are proposed throughout the campus. These routes connect to the wider cycle path networks providing easy access to and from the city. A new shared surface along the central section of will form the primary route across the campus. All other cycle routes will feed into it. Encorporating cycle routes along the trafficked parts of, Lenton Hall Drive and Library Road is considered in more detail on the following pages. Portland Hill and Keighton Hill As Portland Hill remains a one way bus route down the hill, cyclists can follow the same path. To complete the link between North and South Entrances cyclists must be permitted to travel up Keighton Hill. Lenton Hall Drive THE DOWNS Lenton Hall Drive NORTH New cycle / pedestrian paths either side of the road should be considered. Across the Downs A new route across the edge of the downs will better connect the Halls of Residence with the central academic facilities. Hallward Library Library Road SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A new dedicated route linking North and West Entrances is proposed to pick up the main routes across the Downs. TO WEST Jubilee Avenue Highfield House CENTRAL CAMPUS ZONE Trent Portland East Drive Portland Hill Keighton Hall Lenton House and Grounds To complete the radial connections across the campus a new route through Lenton House Grounds, along the drive, should be considered in the future. University Park Campus TO SOUTH N Proposed Cycle Route Shared Surface (Cars permitted) Future Cycle Route Extension to ISG Building Cycle Entrance Points Existing cycle paths Pedestrian Boulevard Proposed Cycle Routes 10

15 Road Pavement Road Pavement Pavement Road Existing - Cars and cyclists share the same routes. Existing - Cars and cyclists share the same routes. Separate pavements either side. Existing - Cars and cyclists share the same routes. Pavement on one side only. Cycle Lane Cycle Lane One Way Road Shared Surface Pavement Road Cycle Lane Buses and cyclists in central area only Suggested alternative - One way traffic permits dedicated cycle paths. Section AA Suggested alternative - Shared surface with pedestrian priority. Buses and cyclists are permitted to use the central section only. Section BB Suggested alternative - New cycle paths cut into hill. Section CC New cycle path adjacent to road C Boulevard Cycle path sharing road with one way traffic A New cycle path through trees B : Cycle Path Design Suggestions Proposed Route Pedestrian Boulevard Considering the implications of a designated cycle route along 11

16 Library Road Hopkins Architects Road Pavement Existing - Cars and cyclists share the same routes. Pavement on one side only. Shared Surface Lenton Hall Drive E Suggested alternative - Shared surface permitting car access. Section DD Road Pavement D Hallward Library Existing - Cars and cyclists share the same routes. Pavement on one side only. Pavement One Way Cycle Path Road One Way Cycle Path Pavement Suggested alternative - Separate cycle and pedestrian routs ither side of road. Section EE Proposed Route Shared Surface (Cars permitted) Lenton Hall Drive and Library Road: Cycle Path Design Suggestions Considering the implications of designated cycle routes along Lenton Hall Drive and Library Road 12

17 Development Opportunities Our analysis of the Campus has identified a number of development opportunities, which could be considered for new buildings or as sites for additional car parking. In line with the core masterplan design principles, the development sites close to the central academic areas should be considered for academic or administrative functions. The sites along at the bottom of the Downs are more suited for halls of residence of car parks. THE DOWNS Lenton Hall Drive NORTH Hallward Library Library Road SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING TO WEST Highfield House CENTRAL CAMPUS ZONE Trent Portland Portland Hill Keighton Hall Jubilee Avenue East Drive University Park Campus TO SOUTH N Development Sites for either new buildings or additional carparking Extension to ISG Building Pedestrianised Boulevard Shared Surface (Cars permitted) Development Opportunities 13

18 Hallward Library Car Park Boulevard Re-landscape site of demolished building New Landscape Keighton Hill Highfield House Portland Hill Viewing Terrace Portland Building Car Park Trent Building Car Park Jubilee Avenue East Drive Existing bus route Pedestrian Route Pedestrianised Boulevard (Cars permitted) Landscaping Existing Building to be Removed Central Campus Zone Landscape Strategy Cars are no longer permitted in the central campus zone creating a more pedestrian friendly environment. Car access to the Trent Building remains. Both Jubilee Avenue and East Drive approach the University s most important building making it a destination in its own right. back to the Boulevard via the pedestrianised Portland Hill and a new path from the Trent Building around Highfields House upper terrace. Other perpendicular routes are employed to complete intermediate links, which also provide connections to the wider campus facilities. A new route across Keighton Hill also provides an easier and safer route from the Portland Building towards Biology and Science and Engineering. Vehicle Routes Pedestrian Desire Lines Desire Lines The space behind the Trent Building is opened up, with the removal of the Administration and Classics Buildings, re-establishing a green heart within the central academic facilities. The two main pedestrian routes are along boulevard and paths connecting the Portland and Trent buildings. This second route connects The steep slope behind the Portland building should be re-landscaped, making it more accessible to the student body, linking the vibrant colonnade with the boulevard above. The natural rake of this new landscaped space could make for an interesting external performance space. A simple water feature would also benefit from the level changes. Landscape Strategy 14

19 Routes / Desire Lines Science and Engineering - Landscape Strategy A new landscaped boulevard linking the Library and the Tower Building will help orientate students within the centre of Science and Engineering. Consider a new PV covered canopy that would run the length of the boulevard under which cycle parking and seating areas would be located. New signage and lighting would also help improve way finding within the central zone. The boulevard would help enclose the 4 th side of the quadrangle, raising its status as a more formal green space. Location Plan Showing Routes In / Out 15

20 Conclusion Pedestrianising central academic areas, whilst retaining the majority of existing car parking spaces is possible. New and improved routes across the campus will promote greater connectivity between core academic facilities for pedestrians. Central to this is the creation of new pedestrian boulevards along the central section of and the central area within Science and Engineering. The new cycle path network offers dedicate routes across the campus providing clear delineation between cyclists, pedestrians and cars. All bus routes and service vehicle access are unaffected by the proposals. Unlike cars they are permitted to use pedestrianised areas, but speed will be restricted. Traffic flows are significantly altered and for vehicle routes to work new and remodelled links are required. The direction of traffic along Jubilee Avenue needs to be reversed and a new road will be constructed to link Jubilee Avenue with the Western section of Cut Through Lane. Also Keighton Hill requires substantial modification. Two way traffic and a cycle path are required to complete vehicle connections between the North and South entrances. We have suggested that the only route cars and pedestrians share is the upper section of Library Road. This shared surface will permit car access to the Library Road car park, which has been identified as a potential development site. If in the future the car park is developed then the whole of Library road could become pedestrian only. The revised road network does open up other possibilities for development especially in and around the central campus zone which would help balance academic facilities about the Trent Building. It is important to note that these proposals can be divided into separate independent elements, facilitating phased development. University Park Campus can therefore continue to develop organically, incorporating or adapting to suit future building development proposals. 16