Responding to the Setting

Responding to the landscape

click image for a larger view

The proposed eco-town has natural boundaries formed by rolling countryside, stream valleys and the existing urban edge of Oadby, which set limits to the town’s growth and prevents encroachment into the proposed Great Park or towards the historic villages.  Houghton on the Hill, Little Stretton, Great Glen and Stoughton are within or adjoin the overall site with intervening, protected, landscape acting as a natural break.   

 

Optimising the use of existing developed land

click image for a larger view

The eco-town is centred on the site of Leicester Airport.  Concentrating the eco-town on previously developed land minimises the impact on the surrounding countryside.  The three runways of the airport will form the grid of the town’s three main streets, with the defined central space fulfilling the role of a Town Square.

 

Three primary districts

click image for a larger view

The town’s three main districts meet at the town centre. There will be a central town park with 500 metre frontages on each side.  The edges of the eco-town will provide residents with ready access to both the Great Park and the countryside in general.

 

 

 

How the town connects

click image for a larger view

A rapid transit system will serve the town and connect to Leicester.  Residential areas will be designed in proximity to transport, schools, open spaces and local centres.  Employment, civic and retail areas will all be centrally located.  There will be a network of open spaces within and around the town.

 

Placemaking

click image for a larger view

Each of the three districts span from the edge of town into the central town park.  Each will contain neighbourhoods focused on local centres, schools, play spaces, parks and main streets.  The shape and layout of the districts responds to the presence of natural and man-made features such as tree lines, views, contours and historic routes.  The eco-town respects these elements and, is in effect, framed by them.

 

The Great Park

click image for a larger view

The eco-town proposal includes the designation of a major countryside area for public access and amenity.  The Great Park will contain a range of countryside activities including farming and food production.  Within the park’s boundaries it will be easy to walk, ride or cycle between Leicester City, Oadby & Wigston, the eco-town and the surrounding villages.