Colquhoun Square is attractive in a Victorian "Keep Off The Grass" sort of way.
It doesn't add much to the amentities of the
town.
Consider the potential if the space was paved and could be used for street markets, musical performances,
craft fairs, extended outdoor cafe or bar space.
All three of the cafes on Colquhoun Square have outdoor tables and these are
very popular during any spell of decent weather.
In November and December 2005, BBC 2 had a series on a Garden School run by Diarmuid Gavin, the Irish landscape gardener. One of the
eight pupils was Lee Bestall and he has prepared three concept studies of how the South East Quadrant of the Square could look if properly
landscaped after paving.
The design brief was for horticultural and structural features that could be easily removed by fork lift to allow maximum flexible
use of the space, that would promote casual interaction between people using the space, and would provide a comfortable and inviting
environment.
The three designs are described in detail on separate
pages:-
The South East Quadrant of Colquhoun Square could be paved by the end of May ready for a summer of entertainment and productive use.
This public space within the pedestrian core of the town would compliment a Community Centre close by in the former Quorum store.
Lee Bestall
Lee Bestall is a garden designer from Sheffield in Yorkshire, England.
After recently spending 6 months living at the Royal Horticultural Society’s
garden in Wisley, Surrey and training with TV Garden Designer Diarmuid
Gavin, he has embarked on a remarkable career change. Originally a graduate
of Hospitality Management, Lee decided to follow his long practised flair
for horticulture and his passion for good design and became a professional
Garden Designer. He is currently working on several projects ranging from a
large country plot to small urban gardens and after the groups recent
success at the Tatton Park flower show, he has put forward an application
for his own show garden at this years Gardeners’ World Live and is looking
for sponsorship for his efforts. Although the past year has been a roller coaster
ride, he says “When it comes to design, I always keep my feet firmly planted
on the ground!” His real passion is creating usable and manageable spaces for
people to relax and enjoy.
