Stratford residents have until the end of the month to offer their thoughts on three proposals for the new look of Market Square.
At the heart of the city’s downtown, the space currently serves as a bus hub and parking lot.
The city has landed funding from Walmart and several other organizations to redevelop the square.
A design process received 20 responses, three of which are now up for public discussion and review.
GSP Group’s proposed master plan for Market Square. (GSP Group)
GSP Group says it sees Market Square “as an enticing open space that embraces residents and visitors as they move through the downtown.”
Their proposal for the space calls for a tree canopy along the street, a number of benches, large steel columns and other features
The urban design firm touts their design’s flexibility, saying it allows the square to have different setups for concerts and plays in the summer, dining events and art galleries in the fall, and festivals in the winter – potentially including a skating rink.
GSP’s proposal keeps 29 parking spaces in the area, with the potential to remove more in the future.
MMM Group’s proposed master plan for Market Square. (MMM Group)
MMM Group says their proposal for Market Square “brings focus back to the residents, visitors, and businesses who collectively make downtown Stratford a vibrant, regional destination.”
Their plan calls for a “shared street” at the south end of the square, making that section more pedestrian-friendly and encouraging sidewalk sales and outdoor cafés.
It also includes room for a fountain in the summer, an ice rink in the winter, and connections for cyclists. It would move the space away from being a hub for the city’s bus network.
MMM says their plan would start with a complete overhaul of the existing parking area between Market Square Street and City Hall, with subsequent phases moving further out.
Janet Rosenborg and Studio’s proposed master plan for Market Square. (Janet Rosenburg and Studio)
The design from Janet Rosenborg and Studio calls for Market Square to expand across its streets, which it says fits with the historic use of the area.
Designers from that group say their focus was on making the square appealing from all angles, as was the thought behind the design of City Hall.
Their design envisions the space being open for vehicles most of the time, but with the ability to close it off to traffic during special events.
Other proposed features include a water feature, most of the current parking spaces, and “innumerable seating opportunities.”
More information on each proposal is available on the city’s website, as is a feedback form.
http://www.stratfordcanada.ca/en/insidecityhall/market-square.asp
