The publication of Creating Inspirational Spaces: A Guide for Quality Public Realm in the Northwest was the first step towards raising aspirations for creating the highest quality external environments in the Northwest.

Accompanying the publication, a series of linked events in towns and cities around the region have been held to desseminate its findings, with the aim of inspiring a holistic approach to design and management of the public realm.

Each event picked up on the major themes of the publication, incorporating a range of different topics that have relevance for how we use and enjoy the public spaces in the region. A relevant case study was also explored.

The case study site for this event was the linear space in front of the town library and Civic Hall at the junction of Scotch Street and Lowther Street in Whitehaven. Whitehaven is a Georgian town built on a tight grid pattern. The spaces in the town tend to be quite well enclosed by buildings, and even the space around the parish church of St Nicholas is walled and continues the grid iron effect.

Download the post-event report here...