ST. MICHAEL’S PLACE, HUYTON
Supporting Genr8 Kajima and Knowsley Council to transform the centre of Huyton, bringing forward a new Council HQ, Hotel and over 400 homes set around a new Village Green and transformed public realm.
We have supported Knowsley Council and Genr8 Kajima, leading the masteplanning and landscape design for the regeneration of Huyton Town Centre.
The historic village of Huyton grew rapidly during the 19th and early 20th centuries but, in common with many high streets around the country, has seen a recent decline in retail activity. Design decisions that prioritised car access have left physical and functional gaps in the town centre whilst the civic estate has become increasingly inefficient.
Knowsley appointed Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd as their preferred development partner to bring forward a dramatic transformation that shapes a new civic heart to the wider borough and brings residents back into centre.
Vision diagram for St.Michael’s Place
The masterplan looks to make more productive use of a series of surface car parks, replacing underutilised civic buildings with a purpose built Council HQ building and, opening up new public green spaces ad attractive walking routes through the centre. It is shaped to complement the existing retail and leisure uses along the historic high street of Derby Road as well as connecting to the nearby train and bus stations.
Lucid acted as masterplanner and landscape architect as well as coordinating the Design & Access Statement and Design Code for a hybrid planning application.
3d illustration of Village Green
Design Principles
Our approach to St Michael’s Place public realm design follows a number of guiding design principles which aim to create a destination place in Huyton which is sustainable, inclusive, connected, and characterful.
A place that promotes active, healthy lifestyles, helps foster a sense of community, and provides access to nature within an urban setting.
Creating a Green Destination
Active & Playful
Safe & Inclusive
Supporting Connectivity
Fostering Stewardship & Community
Where Town Meets Village
Embedding Natural Processes & Promoting Biodiversity
Detailed Design
Alongside our role as masterplanner we also acted as Landscape Architect, designing the public realm for Phase 1 of the development in detail.
This includes delivery of the Village Green and interface with the early building plots, liaising closely with three separate Architects as they developed detailed designs for the new Council HQ, Hotel and and affordable housing plot.
Illustrative Masterplan for St.Michael’s Place
Indicative section of public realm at entrance to Council HQ
Retained trees and lush planting create a series of tranquil spaces within the town centre
Wayfinding, informal routes, SuDS and play elements create an animated edge to the Village Green
Site Section showing relationship to St.Michael’s Church and high street uses along Derby Road
Aerial View of Masterplan
View of Village Green with repositioned Cenotaph at entrance to new Council HQ
Client: Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd.
Services: Landscape Architecture & Masterplanning
Collaborators: 5 Plus, KKA Architects, Buro Happold, Astute