Clarendon Street Derby: Philosophy of Design

The objectives of the Clarendon Street Town Centre enhancement are to:

• define the Clarendon Town Centre;
• activate the social and retail environment of the Centre; and
• derive a unique character for the Town Centre.

The philosophy of approach focused on developing strategiesto increase transactions amongst all users of the town centre. The strategies comprise: Diversity, Intensity, Employment and Accessibility. Increased transactions add value, increase vitality and accommodate growth.

Pedestrian movement between convenience retail uses helps identify the focus of a Town Centre. Convenience uses generate the greatest movement of people along and across the street. Vibrancy of town centre space is improved by promoting transactions or activity through increased concentration of uses both convenience and non-retail.

Active space and streetscapes improve retail exposure. Improved retail exposure inturn improves vibrancy and security of space. The more people transact in Town Centre space, the safer and more secure the space becomes helping to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Safe places encourage use and movement, confidence and growth in retail expenditure improving returns to the Town Centre. Visitors to town are more likely to extend their stay if they feel comfortable in the environment. Accordingly, people places need to be created at people scale: an environment that makes people feel comfortable and more inclined to stay longer and undertake more transactions of all kinds.