Preferred Development for the Market Place (click the image)
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The principal space, (the Market Place), has also been subject to a make over and in the process lost its critical identity, and instead inherited a function (car parking) which is alien to its true purpose.
In order to re-establish Ripley’s identity, a simple, clear and unambiguous image must be created from the moment of arrival in the town to that moment of departure. This can be achieved by reinforcing its main asset, the Market Place, which makes it distinct from surrounding settlements.
  
There are a number of measures which can be used to strengthen Ripley’s character and which will be subject further development as part of the next stages of project development:
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management of features that distract from the town’s character (dominance of traffic, streetscape clutter and inappropriate advertisements); |
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introduction of a shop frontage scheme in order to unify signage and the appearance of the town centre, Oxford Street in particular; |
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provision of quality streetscape which compliments the building form and
promotes a unified street scene; |
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provision of a signage, lighting and street furniture strategy that is unique
to Ripley; and |
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encouragement of speciality shops/ market stalls which will promote a new offer for the town.
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Market Place should provide the main focus for activity within Ripley town centre. It should be an attractive and well used space however, the inherent quality and usability of the space is currently underminded by its principal use as a car park.
There is a poor relationship between the square and the surrounding buildings because of the traffic routing along its northern and southern edges which prevent activities ‘spilling’ out and animating’ the space. Inappropriate street furniture, signage and lighting also gives rise to considerable visual clutter.
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The extent and quality of the space available for use by those visiting the
centre can be expanded by;
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increasing pedestrian permeability; |
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improving the relationship between public realm and adjacent buildings; |
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removing unattractive buildings in key locations and reconfiguring
or relocating facilities to more appropriate locations – the Co-op. The
Library |
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encouraging active frontages which relate to the use of the area and
define the space; |
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addressing the status of High Street as it enters the Market Place; |
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co-ordinating and rationalising street furniture, signage and other visual clutter |
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