Case studies

Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets

Revitalising Public Spaces: Kingsmead Square, Bath Parklets and Cycle Racks
Client
Bath North East Somerset Council
Location

Project overview

Meristem Design contributed to the transformation of Kingsmead Square in Bath by installing two parklets and new cycle racks, with an additional two placed on Milsom Street. This initiative, led by Bath & North East Somerset Council, aims to enhance the evening economy and create a cleaner, greener public space.

Image

Goal

To repurpose former car parking bays into welcoming public seating areas, encouraging pedestrian-friendly spaces that support local businesses and sustainable transport. The project also supports the council’s vision of reducing vehicle dominance in Kingsmead Square.

Scope

The project involved designing and installing parklets with integrated seating, cycle racks and gates. The addition of planting also helps to enhance the streetscape with greenery to create a more inviting atmosphere.

Image

Solutions

Working closely with the council and local stakeholders, the parklet incorporate seating, planting and cycle storage to maximise public benefit. Using durable, eco-friendly material to ensure longevity and minimise environmental impact.

Outside the hours of 10am – 10pm, all vehicles are allowed as usual, enabling access to flats, shops and cafes for loading, servicing and refuse collection.

Image

Impact

The parklets, which incorporate gates, seating and planting, have been positioned by Bath North East Somerset Council in former car parking bays. This project demonstrates how urban greening can revitalise city spaces, supporting both environmental goals and local economies.

Enhanced Public Realm

A more attractive, pedestrian-friendly space that encourages social interaction.

Boost to Local Economy

Businesses, including cafés, have seen increased footfall due to improved outdoor seating areas.

Sustainable Transport Promotion

The integration of cycle racks encourages cycling as an alternative to car use.

Community Support

Positive feedback from residents and businesses highlights the success of the initiative.
Image

Before

Image

After

Image

Testimonials

It has been a long-held ambition of residents and businesses in Kingsmead Square to reduce the dominance of vehicles and reclaim the roadway as public space and we’ve been working with the local community on the project for the past two years.

The new parklets look great and fit well into the vibrant square where a European style, socially distanced, café culture is now blossoming in the traffic-free environment.

So far the feedback we’ve received has been really positive and we’ll be consulting on a permanent vehicle access restriction for Kingsmead Square in the coming months.

Councillor Joanna Wright
Joint Cabinet Member for Transport

We are absolutely delighted with the incredible support we have received from Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Not only have they pedestrianised the entire square, they have now installed these beautifully designed seating areas and bike parks.

This was all underway pre-Covid and we thought it might all get delayed but the team at Bath & North East Somerset Council have swung into action and made it all happen. It’s brilliant!

Jane Campbell-Howard
Company Director of Society Cafe
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets
Kingsmead Sq, Bath Parklets

Get in touch

If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.

"*" indicates required fields

By contacting us, you consent to our use of your data in accordance with our terms and conditions.