The city of Stratford is taking a renewed look at revitalizing downtown Market Square with several options currently on the table — including implementation of a 2006 design competition-winning scheme by Toronto’s PLANT Architect Inc.
“City council has to decide whether it is going to go with the PLANT design, a modified PLANT design or whether to issue a request for proposals to retain a new architect,” said chief administrative officer Ron Shaw.
A date has not been set for a decision on the project, which has been a number of years in the making. Wal-Mart has announced a donation of $1.25 million for above-ground works. But funding still must be secured for the remainder of the project.
The development, however, sits at the top of the city’s list of unfunded projects.
It has also been identified as a possible 2017 Sesquicentennial project. Total overall costs, including infrastructure, are roughly pegged at $9 to $11 million.
“What we want to do is get the project ready, so that if we do secure funding, we are able to proceed and not have to delay it as we plan what it is going to look like,” Shaw said.
PLANT’s competition winning design would replace the current asphalt surface with fresh paving brick. Part of the square would be planted with large Sycamore trees to provide shelter and shade.
Seating would be provided at the base of each tree.
On the east side, there are low steps for informal presentations or sitting. On the south side is space for an overflow from a sidewalk café. A good portion of the square would be open for multiple uses.
“The PLANT design has all of the elements required to deliver a revitalized Market Square, and it can be amended to address emerging needs,” said the citizen-led committee which sponsored the design competition.
“It would deliver green space, outdoor seating and a high standard of architectural design.”
The committee has recommended adoption of the existing or a slightly modified version of the original PLANT design.
One issue, however, that has to be addressed is parking, the committee acknowledged in a recent opinion piece submitted to local media. The PLANT design calls for the removal of parking on the site.
Design aside, Shaw said there are certain infrastructure issues that must be addressed before a start can be made on the project.
In a report to the city’s Finance sub-committee, he said water, sanitary, storm, road and sidewalk infrastructure must be installed and/or upgraded at Downie Street, Wellington Street and Market Place. In addition, the transit terminal currently on the site would have to be relocated.
Mayor Dan Mathieson said interest in redeveloping the site remains high in the community. A public meeting in late May attracted a standing room crowd. An open house and public meeting was scheduled for early July.
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