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Station Place

Dandara Living Developments Ltd / Luton, United Kingdom

In 2021, McGregor Coxall, in collaboration with Hodder & Partners, secured a Full Planning Application for Dandara’s 500-unit development in Luton, a pivotal part of the High Town regeneration area.

The landscape proposal meticulously addresses the medium-density residential structures and aligns with the requisites outlined in the Luton Borough Council Masterplan and Delivery Strategy. It delves into the intricate interaction between public streets and spaces, placing a significant emphasis on environmental climate resilience initiatives and fostering residential well-being.

Defined by an existing public plaza on High Street, the landscape seamlessly transitions into urban greening through a tow green and an adventure playground. The site incorporates a series of linear pedestrian streets, versatile courtyards, and residential gardens, all enveloped within a biodiverse-rich canopy of trees and plants. The overarching goal of the design is to enhance the area’s permeability and fortify north-to-south connections to the train station.

Recognising the vital role of neighbourhood play for children of all ages, the integration of play into the landscape was a pivotal consideration. “Play on the Way” is facilitated through a sinuous walkway play feature, weaving through the site’s central street’s naturalistic planting beds and glacial boulders, offering climbing elements for children. Additionally, two dedicated destination play spaces equipped with natural adventure play elements cater to different age groups, ensuring safe and engaging play. Adjacent seating allows parents to comfortably supervise their children.

 

images courtesy of Virtual Resolution.

Year

2021

Site Area

1.5 ha

Services

  • Community Engagement
  • Heritage
  • Play Space
  • Landscape Master Plan
  • Public Realm Planning and Design
  • Regeneration

Scope

  • Open Space

Collaborators

  • Hodder & Partners
  • Westlakes Engineering
  • Turley
  • PJA
  • CJCT
  • Project Four Safety
  • Jensen Hughes
A woman with curly hair stands against a plain background. She wears a loose-fitting, dark-colored dress with puffed sleeves. Her right hand is on her hip, and she looks slightly to the side with a contemplative expression. The photo of Úna Breathnach-Hifearnáin is in black and white.
Talk to Úna Breathnach-Hifearnáin about Station Place
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A bustling modern courtyard, much like a lively station, is surrounded by tall brick apartment buildings. People engage in various activities, including walking, talking, and tending to a garden. Trees and greenery line the pathway, creating an inviting urban place full of energy.
A modern urban pathway, known as Station Place, lined with multi-story brick buildings featuring large windows and balconies. People walk along the path, including a woman holding a child's hand. Trees and greenery adorn the area, and the sky is bright with scattered clouds.
View of Hightown Square featuring modern residential buildings, shops, and a central plaza with people interacting, children playing, and greenery including trees. Public seating and art installations are visible under a clear sky with a few clouds and birds flying, making it the perfect place to unwind.
A quiet urban street with several shops and buildings lining the left side, creating a charming place to explore. A tall, modern apartment building rises in the background. The street is mostly empty, with a few parked cars and trees showcasing early autumn foliage. The sky is clear and sunny.
A modern apartment complex with several stories featuring brick exteriors, balconies, and large windows. Trees and shrubs are planted along a cobblestone walkway where residents are walking, sitting, and interacting. A sign indicating the "Pet Station" is visible on the right, making it a welcoming place for pet owners.
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A cityscape featuring modern apartment buildings with a mix of architectural styles, centered around Station Place. A busy parking lot filled with cars is in the foreground, while the background shows additional urban buildings, green hills, and a partly cloudy sky.

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