Providing Space for Community and Cultural Events in Cullompton
Public realm improvements in Cullompton have restored the Higher Bullring, enhanced the heritage setting of the war memorial, and created an attractive and welcoming space for use by the community for cultural activities, events and markets.
The ambition
The overarching aim of the project was to enhance the setting of the Higher Bullring and war memorial, to provide an extended space for community events and cultural activities, while providing a focus for civic pride.
The existing public realm at the Higher Bullring had inconsistent poor-quality paving, cluttered and un-coordinated street furniture and the war memorial was compromised by car parking and a bus stop.
The enhancement was to create an open space that would respect and reference the historical use and former importance of the site. By removing the car parking along its length, the perimeter and views out would no longer be obstructed.
The design principles were:
- Improve the function of the space, making it larger and less cluttered
- Create a new square, framing the war memorial
- Add green landscaping, with low maintenance planting
- Create a pleasant space with seating, for people to enjoy
- Use high quality materials, appropriate to the heritage setting
By creating a more pleasant environment and re-establishing this area of the High Street as a key focal point of the town centre, the project hoped to bring people to the area and support renewed economic growth.
Who made it happen
The work was part of the Cullompton High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), a partnership scheme led by Mid Devon District Council and supported by Historic England.
The Town Centre Regeneration Partnership was set up to steer the project. This included representatives from:
- Mid Devon District Council, the project lead
- Devon County Council designed and managed the project on behalf of Mid Devon District Council
- Cullompton Town Council
- Business community representatives
- Local community representatives
The main contractor was Cormac Contracting.
These case study details were provided by Mid Devon District Council.
Funding sources
The overall project cost was £1.23 million, funded by:
- Historic England: £706,000
- Mid Devon District Council: £309,000
- Devon County Council: £191,000
- Cullompton Town Council: £25,000
The results
The completed space surpasses the original project requirements and vision. Residents and visitors are enjoying using the space, with people often sitting on the new benches talking to each other. The adjacent cafe has installed outside seating that would have not been possible previously.
The extended space secures the ongoing future of the local markets (a weekly Wednesday market and bi-monthly Saturday Farmers market). Early indication is that the markets are expanding and sourcing more stalls which will support the town centre's economy. The market allows local suppliers and producers to sell their goods locally which aligns well with local initiatives such as Field to Fork.
The war memorial is now the focus of the space, with the square providing a community asset and source of civic pride. The space will allow events and festivals to expand ensuring more people are able to attend, which was seen during the Armistice Day celebrations and Christmas light switch on. The public realm is attracting more people into the town which will support renewed economic growth.
Mid Devon District Council are encouraged that recent vacancy rates within Cullompton have reduced, and there are early signs that this intervention has improved the amenity of the town centre and is encouraging investment.
Lessons learnt
What worked really well on this project:
- Engaging and listening to the community to understand what they want from the new space
- Developing a clear vision for the space, informed by the stakeholder requirements
- Holding regular updates with stakeholders, taking them on a journey through the stages of the project
- Appointing an experienced design team and contractor
Looking ahead
The new public realm provides a great space for cultural events and festivals in the heart of the town centre. Mid Devon County Council hopes to build on the success of the HSHAZ cultural programme and continue to support this type of event to celebrate Cullompton and attract visitors to the town.
They also hope to continue to promote newly forged relationships, where working together with other partners will achieve greater reach and improved outcomes.
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