St. Peter's Square, Stockport [A PLACEMAKING THREAD] Stockport's largest pedestrian square had a makeover over a decade ago but never lived up to expectations. Instead of being packed, you'll be lucky to find more than 3 or 4 people there. Why? and what can we do about it? 1/ 
Back in the day the square sat at the western end of Stockport's busiest shopping area with the market at the other end (though normally quieter than this Royal visit). When Merseyway opened in the early '70s the shopping centre shifted and now runs along the river /2
Stockport town centre has a very challenging level change. If you're shopping at the lower level, it's a big effort to get up to the top. You need a good reason and St Peter's Square doesn't currently offer one. /3
So those are the problems, but there are lots of positives too. The layout of the square is pretty good now: greenery, benches, interesting views, a well-lit path through the middle, a fountain and event space. /4
There's a quiet road along one side of the square and a nice cafe too. Thousands of people now live or work within 5 minutes' walk of the square and there's a primary school and two theatres just round the corner. /5
Let's look at the layout in a bit more detail. The square is about 50m x 70m so not too large. The edges aren't as strong as they could be, but you certainly aren't stranded in the middle. There are 9 benches seating up to 90 people, 4 bins, 30 trees and a fountain /6
The surrounding buildings are mostly mid-height - there's a sense of place without feeling hemmed-in. It's not Siena and there's probably a little too much open space East-West but it's perfectly good. It's easy to traverse in any direction. 7/
The square is also very close to Stockport's central library and on a sensible walking route from the station to the town centre. It could do with more cycle parking, but apart from that it really feels that it ought to be working. So why isn't it? /8
A smaller, more intimate space would have started looking busy when the first few people showed up, but even with 20 or 30 lunchtime office workers St Peter's Square still feels empty. As the local population has grown, the square hasn't filled up /9
In once sense it's a good problem to have. The square doesn't need a big makeover. There's no need for millions to be spent on a big refurbishment or remodelling - it's good as it is. The space just needs to be activated - and that's much cheaper /10
My proposal is a year-long programme of community-led events. Events can be at different times of day, week and year. Some can be small, others larger. Some will engage residents, others office workers, shoppers or school children. This is Bryant Park, New York. /11
A similar approach worked for Bryant Park and St. Peter's Square is used as an events space, just not very often. This is Roughley's Bike Show, which has been held in St Peter's Square some years /12
In true placemaking style, we need to try things and see what works. Some events will flop - that's OK. Others will take off, and that's great. The Council will need to support the events programme and data will be needed to properly evaluate the outcomes /13
What happens after that depends entirely on the results of the trial. Hopefully we can see what works and use that to plan any further investment into the space. Does it need a stage? Awnings? Colourful artwork? Concession stands? More permanent uses? We'll find out /14
With a bit of money and a lot of imagination and energy, a space that's underperformed for decades can be brought back to life, generating more local businesses in a virtuous circle and benefiting the whole town /END
@threadreaderapp rollup
