Local schools invited to help design the next underpass artworks in Stevenage

Local schools invited to help design the next underpass artworks in Stevenage

Primary and secondary school pupils in Stevenage are invited to showcase their creative and design skills with bold colourful designs for a brand new urban design competition “Colour in the Underpass”.  Winning entries will feature in a large school urban artwork display in a Stevenage underpass to be unveiled in Spring 2025.

Pupils are invited to create bold designs in predominantly one colour shade.  The competition provides opportunities for local children to get involved with what’s happening in their town and learn more about Stevenage’s unique New Town history and unique pedestrian and cycle network.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “The urban artworks recently unveiled in the town highlight just some of the things that are great about Stevenage, from our much loved green spaces through to internationally renowned businesses. There are so many opportunities here for young people, and it has always been our vision to allow everyone to help to shape the future of the town. We are now asking for help from local schools in shaping the next underpass artworks in the town, based on bold, bright colours and designs. We look forward to seeing the entries!”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Our public art projects are about making the town more vibrant, showcasing the talents of our local community and highlighting their contributions to Stevenage. Young people have so much to offer and we are so excited to be launching this competition to showcase a new set of artworks as part of this programme. We hope that projects like this will also encourage younger people and families to use our pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, not just for leisure but for walking and cycling to school too.”

The competition closes on Friday 15 November when entries will be judged by a panel of judges.

The underpass project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s towns fund of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021, and will be the latest artwork to be installed as part of a programme of underpass improvement works by Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “Involving the young people of Stevenage in framing their own future is a cornerstone of the regeneration project and it’s clear that these are the people who will shape what tomorrow looks like.

“Creating a competition in which schools are able to design the next underpass artwork using the theme of colour is the perfect way to include the next generation in town development.

“With our focus on STEM and the desire to make Stevenage a great place to live and work, it is my firm belief that engaging young people through education to choose how their home will look is the perfect outcome.

“I’m also delighted that we have chosen colour as our next subject matter and have given a clear nod to the original developers of the town who, among other remarkable acts of foresight, colour coded Stevenage and its areas for ease of access.”

For more information about the competition, please email regeneration@stevenage.gov.uk.

Sish Lane Underpass transformed

The underpass at Sish Lane, part of a key travel route between Stevenage Old Town and Stevenage Town Centre, has been transformed with the introduction of a new piece of urban artwork.

The community were asked to share their memories to form part of this latest feature. The artwork depicts scenes from both the Old Town and New Town, alongside these memories from the past and iconic features of the present. This underpass is the latest to be improved as part of a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Stevenage Old Town is just as important as the New Town and has a wealth of heritage that deserves to be celebrated. Not only does this artwork provide a warm welcome to those travelling by foot or bike to or from the Old Town, but it also connects our past and present through a series of images that celebrate Stevenage as a whole. We are delighted with how all of the urban artworks across the town have been received and we look forward to the programme continuing throughout the borough”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Connectivity is a key focus of this programme of underpass artworks, linking different areas throughout the borough with fun and expressive artworks that encourage people to use our underpass network. As this latest unveiling depicts, we have so much history in the town to be celebrated and this has been perfectly captured in this latest mural. We hope that everyone enjoys the scenes and that this brightens up journeys as the underpass is used”.

The project has been funded by the Stevenage Development Board through the UK Government Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021. Part of the funding is allocated to improving cycling and pedestrian connectivity, and artworks to the underpasses and cycleways throughout the town are a key part of this.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “We are delighted with the latest urban artwork which has been created at the important Sish Lane underpass travel route. It has always been a key part of the joining of Stevenage Old Town and Stevenage town centre and its design and completion has been made possible by both the joint working of Stevenage Borough Council and Herts County Council and the input of the Stevenage Development Board.

“Such collaborative working, which has also included the Towns Fund, shows that all parties are working together for the best interests of Stevenage in this regeneration.”

Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “This is another example of Hertfordshire County Council working in partnership to brighten up some of our subways. I am delighted with the result here, and hope it will encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle, contributing to our vision for a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. My sincere thanks goes out to all that helped bring this project together.”

Hertfordshire-based street artists MurWalls have designed and painted the underpass.

Market Square improvements set to continue

Earlier this year two large scale urban artworks were installed at Market Square as part of a programme of public realm improvements to the area.  These artworks introduced colour and vibrancy to the area, welcoming visitors and acting as a focal point for this area of the town.

The council is making changes to Market Square to make the space more attractive, safer for pedestrians who use this route, and offer greater visibility to the surrounding area.

The next stage of works are set to begin on Monday 9 September, and will take place in phases to minimise disruption.

  • 9 September – 6 October. Works will be taking place on Market Square (southern side) and therefore this entrance to the Indoor Market will be closed. Visitors should use the northern entrances accessible from Park Place. The road will remain open and those using St George’s Way Car Park will be directed to alternative pedestrian access points. Signage will be in place.
  • 7 – 27 October. The northern entrances to the Indoor Market will be closed whilst works take place, and the road will remain open. People visiting the Indoor Market will need to use the southern entrances off Market Place. Those using St George’s Way Car Park will be directed to alternative pedestrian access points. Signage will be in place.
  • 28 October – 10 November. During this period of time the pedestrian footpath outside Mulberry House (Park Place) will remain open but will have a reduced width. However, the footpath and the road remain fully open.
  • 11 – 24 November. There will be reduced pedestrian access to Market Square from Market Place. Entrances to the Indoor Market will remain unaffected.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Market Place sees a high level of footfall and is a key space to serve businesses within the town. Although changes have already started with the introduction of two fantastic pieces of artworks, there is more to do in terms of accessibility and providing a warm, welcoming feel to those visiting Stevenage.  The works beginning later this month will upgrade the space for pedestrians, introduce colour and greenery, and deliver improvements for those who are less mobile. We apologise for any disruption caused but when the works are finished, travelling through this area will be a safer, more pleasant experience”.

The council is installing a new and improved footpath with a raised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting and introducing greenery, which will improve and brighten the area, creating a safer and visually improved crossing, whilst still providing designated loading bays for businesses who require deliveries and collections. Pedestrian safety is a priority and these works will create easy pedestrian movement and aid those with mobility issues. Two loading bays will be relocated, and there will be no loss of blue badge parking.

The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “Market Place has always been a key area in the town in terms of its relevance to our community and the impact which it has on local business. For that reason it is vital that we make it both safer and also more attractive for pedestrians and when this work is completed after a carefully phased schedule, we will have an area which the whole town can truly be proud of and which will fit in with the vibrant approach we are seeing across the entire regeneration programme delivered by the Stevenage Development Board and Stevenage Borough Council, which is now gathering pace.”

Local artist commissioned to transform Stevenage Bus Interchange

23 July 2024

Stevenage’s Bus Interchange is set to be transformed by local artist Donna Reeves.

Stevenage Borough Council and Junction 7 Creatives (J7C) will commission Donna Reeves to create a new, permanent piece of public art for the Bus Interchange, a major hub and part of the town’s extensive £1bn regeneration programme. The new artwork will be situated outside the main entrance to the Interchange – a highly prominent location where it will be seen and experienced by hundreds of people every day as part of their journeys through the town.

The council and J7C had over 30 applicants from artists for the commission. Of those applicants, five were shortlisted and gave presentations of their developed proposal to a panel consisting of council officers, J7C, and Councillor Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing.

Donna’s artwork will be a mosaic sculpture directly in front of the entrance to the Stevenage Bus Interchange, bordered by two public thoroughfares running north towards Six Hills Way and east towards the Railway Station. As part of the commission, Donna will carry out workshops and sessions with the community to shape this project with the people of the town.

Donna Reeves comments: “I couldn’t be more excited to have been chosen to create this ambitious piece of community art for the Stevenage Bus Interchange. Stevenage has been a destination in the lives of my family for almost 70 years and has real significance for me and my family. I imagine the station as a crucible of personal stories and experiences that meld and reform, creating a striking structure and beautiful artwork comprised of multiple narratives. This sculpture needs the people of Stevenage to participate and contribute to the design, and I want local communities to feel a sense of ownership and really welcome the artwork”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added: “Art is for everyone and we wanted to commission a piece to reflect that.   Donna impressed us with her vision, understanding of Stevenage and her commitment to working with our local communities to produce a sculpture that can be owned by the town. I can’t wait to see her finished sculpture – it’ll be yet another reason to be proud of Stevenage.”

The commission forms part of the UK government’s Towns Fund grant to Stevenage, through the Stevenage Development Board. Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “I am delighted that this project, which is supported by the Towns Fund, will be able to create and unveil one of the newest pieces of public art in Stevenage for a number of years.

“This mosaic sculpture will be situated outside the main entrance of our new Bus Interchange and will also be included within the forthcoming Arts and Heritage Trail. As with all our work, we will engage with the community in order to shape exactly what this will look like and in order to gain these views we will run a number of workshops and sessions.

“The newly commissioned work will add to the rich heritage that we already have in Stevenage for expressing the development and growth of our community through arts and culture.”

Winning artist Donna is a trained primary and secondary school teacher and will continue to host and run her hugely popular art workshops for all ages and abilities in her studio and retail space, “& by Donna Reeves” in Ware, Herts.

You can read more from Donna on her website: Home | & by Donna Reeves (andbydonnareeves.com)

The Stevenage Bus Interchange commission is intended as a pilot for a wider series of public art commissions to follow.

Latest urban artworks unveiled in Stevenage

12 July 2024

Those travelling by foot or bicycle in Stevenage may have noticed three new pieces of underpass artworks at the Monkswood Way and Six Hills Way roundabout.

Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council are working together to improve a number of underpasses throughout Stevenage, improving these for pedestrians and cyclists and celebrating everything that the town has to offer.

These newest artworks feature three themes that were voted for by the local community earlier this year. The first theme is ‘Stevenage on Wheels’ and focuses on sustainable active travel such as cycling and roller skating. Imagery from Hampson Skatepark, Cycling UK Stevenage, and Herts Roller Speed Team has been used as part of the mural design. The unveiling also coincides with the ‘Stevenage on Wheels’ exhibition at Stevenage Museum, on until 31 August. Find out more about the exhibition and other Museum events here: https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/stevenage-museum.

The Town Centre Gardens artwork celebrates the Green Space Volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to keeping the Town Centre Gardens, amongst others, as beautiful as they are for everyone to enjoy. The gardens feature ornamental landscapes, the pond with the ‘Women and Doves’ fountain, alongside a sensory garden and commemorative and memorial trees. Further information on the work of a Green Space Volunteer, and how to become a Volunteer can be found here: https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/leisure-culture-and-wellbeing/parks-and-open-spaces/green-space-volunteers.

The final underpass showcases a collection of images taken by Stevenage Photographers, submitted by local amateur photographers, and selected as part of a competition launched earlier this year. The photos depict a variety of interest points taken from across the town. The winning entries have been fixed to the underpass brickwork, and feature contributions from the following:

Andy Shackell

Bluebells at Box Wood

Stag at Knebworth House

Brendan Falvey

Autumn at Fairlands Valley Park

Fireworks at Fairlands Valley Park

Joyride on Towns Square

C.W.S Mural on Towns Square

Colin Munford

Lavender at the Town Centre Gardens

Katie Walker

Walking through Monks Wood

Robin on the bridge

Lee Hardy

Misty morning in Great Ashby Woodland

Autumn at Fairlands Valley Park

Flowers in bloom at the War Memorial

 Rebecca Stuart

Fox in Shephall Green

The Towers on Southgate

Congratulations to all our winners.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Stevenage is a town with a rich history, a strong sense of community pride, and talented artists and photographers that is all celebrated through these urban artworks. Our work with Hertfordshire County Council to improve the underpasses by highlighting the assets of the town serves as a reminder of the unique place that Stevenage is. I would like to thank all of those who voted for their favourite themes and to the amateur photographers for submitting their imagery – the results are truly incredible and I look forward to the programme continuing throughout the borough”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Street art is a fun and expressive way to not only improve the local environment for residents, businesses and visitors, but also to recognise our achievements and encourage people to use the assets we have in Stevenage. The artists and local photographers have done an incredible job and captured the essence of Stevenage perfectly”.

The project has been funded by the Stevenage Development Board through the UK Government Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021. Part of the funding is allocated to improving cycling and pedestrian connectivity, and artworks to the underpasses and cycleways throughout the town are a key part of this.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The murals have proved to be a remarkable project as they not only improve our environment but they have also engaged the people of Stevenage.

“They have helped to highlight the heritage we have in the town and also the achievements which are taking place and the remarkable future which is ahead.”

Hertfordshire-based street artists MurWalls have designed and painted the walls of two underpasses, commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council. The third underpass featuring photos taken by local amateur photographers have been printed onto panels, supplied and installed by Banana Media UK.

Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways & Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “I am delighted that Hertfordshire County Council continues to partner Stevenage Borough Council in brightening up the town’s subways. These are the latest subway improvements using art to enhance the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. As a local member and the Executive Member for Highways, improvements to encourage active travel are very important to me and helps to achieve our vision of cleaner, greener and healthier Hertfordshire”.

Anti-graffiti protection has been added to the top of the artworks to prevent vandalism, and Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council ask that this is respected so the artwork is not damaged, and that residents and visitors can enjoy the scenes.

Elsewhere, the painting of two large scale urban artworks is underway as part of wider improvements to Market Square. These will add colour and vibrancy to the area, and in keeping with the urban artworks in underpasses within the town, are being painted by MurWalls.

Improvements to Market Square to begin in the Summer

As part of a series of public realm improvement works will begin later this year on Market Square in Stevenage town centre.

The council is making changes to Market Square to make this area more attractive, safer for pedestrians who use this route, and offer greater visibility to the entrances of the Market and St George’s Car Park.

The council will be installing a new and improved footpath with a raised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting and introducing greenery, which will improve and brighten the area, creating a safer and visually improved crossing, whilst still providing designated loading bays for businesses who require deliveries and collections. Pedestrian safety is a priority and these works will create easy pedestrian movement and aid those with mobility issues. Two loading bays will be relocated, and there will be no loss of blue badge parking.

In addition, and in keeping with underpass artworks already displayed or underway within the town, two large scale urban artworks will be introduced to add colour and vibrancy to the area. Hertfordshire based artists MurWalls are working on designs to reflect the area.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “This area is frequently used by pedestrians, including those visiting our much loved Indoor Market.  The space needs an upgrade, and by delivering these changes, we are ensuring that it remains safe, more easily accessible and ties into the fabric of the surrounding areas with bright, colourful artworks. We have worked closely with surrounding businesses, including within the Indoor Market, and will continue to work in collaboration whilst these works are delivered”.

The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The Stevenage Development Board with its successful Towns Fund bid is working to strategically improve facilities for the public and businesses in the town and ensuring that the Government funding is fully utilised in the most appropriate areas to provide maximum benefit for all parties.”

A new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage: Your Feedback

Stevenage Borough Council recently asked local communities to share their views on a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage. The proposed new facility will bring together all under one roof the sports and swimming facilities, currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre.

We asked residents, businesses and visitors to complete a short survey to help us better understand what’s important. Over 400 responses were received and this feedback, of which the headlines can be found below, will help us to begin to shape a new state of the art building for Stevenage, promoting healthy living and wellbeing for residents.

Most of you told us that a modern building with sports, wellbeing and swimming under one roof would encourage you to use the facilities, which you would like to see in an accessible location with safe access for pedestrians. There needs to be adequate parking, including blue badge spaces, alongside cycle parking and cycle storage.

There should be improved changing facilities and a café provided. Spaces for groups and classes is a must, as is the need for spaces for indoor sports and leisure. There needs to be a schedule of events and activities for people of all ages and abilities.

The swimming pool should allow space for lane swimming alongside lessons and swimming clubs. The water should be deep with provision for interactive water play and a spectator area for the pool. Wellbeing is a key focus of this proposed upgraded offering for the town, and some of you asked for a spa alongside provision for mental health and mindfulness activities.

Many of you have further questions around the facility. This is a facility for the local community and this survey is the start of a process to work together on a building with something for everyone. We will now work with a design team on the next stages and will share further information in due course, including around the future opportunities for the community to comment.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “My thanks go to everyone who completed our recent survey. Feedback is invaluable as we work with our communities on this proposed new facility and continue to deliver the best for Stevenage. We know how well-used the current facilities are and this new building will increase the user experience, future proofing these services for increased usage and modern living. Our teams are working hard to meet as many of your needs as possible, and we look forward to providing an update in due course”.

The project will be partially funded through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m in March 2021, and a proportion of this will be used for this new facility.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “We have been delighted that more than 400 people have taken the time and the trouble to take part in our recent survey which centred on providing a new Sports and Leisure Centre for Stevenage.

“The insight gained has of course proved invaluable, but just as importantly it has shown that the people of this town view our regeneration scheme as a key part not just of their futures but that of their children’s as well.

“The remarkable technology sector and our advances in STEM can only come to fruition if we are also able to underpin and develop our sporting heritage. Stevenage has become world famous for sporting men and women who have triumphed on the biggest stages and our commitment to a new Sports and Leisure facility shows that we take seriously all aspects of this development.”

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Information Technology, said: “We have a vision for this new facility for the town, and we are committed to working with our communities to realise this. Collaboration is key, both with our residents and project partners, and I would also like to thank Everyone Active and Morgan Sindall as we work together to provide the best in class. We won’t be able to deliver everything, but by understanding what is most important to you, we can further explore the art of the possible and sharing the next stages of this proposal. There will be further opportunities to comment and we encourage everyone to have their say at the next available opportunity.”

Allan Prescott, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “We’re thrilled to see such positive feedback from the local community regarding the proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage. These headline findings reflect a clear desire for modern, accessible facilities that cater to the diverse needs of our residents. We’re excited about the potential of this state-of-the-art building to promote healthy living and wellbeing for all, and we look forward to working closely with Stevenage Borough Council to bring this vision to life.”

FAQs

Q: What will happen to the Gordon Craig Theatre?

The proposed new facility is focused on bringing together the sports and swimming facilities currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre. The theatre will not be moving to the new facility, and it will continue to operate as normal during the development and after the delivery of the new Sports & Leisure Centre.

Stevenage has a history of celebrating arts and culture and we are proud of the theatre and what it offers, and the council is committed to retaining a theatre within Stevenage Town Centre.

Q: What will happen to Bowes Lyon and the skatepark?

In November 2023, the council asked people to share their views on what they would like to see in a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage. This survey marked the start of a process to work with the local community, and there will be plenty more opportunities for people to comment and have their say. Nothing has been approved – there is no planning application or decision – and the project is at a very early stage. No detailed design work has started.

Questions have been raised about a possible location for the proposed new facility, including the possible use of Bowes Lyon and the skatepark, both owned and managed by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC). Following discussions with HCC, we are now working up proposals that will not require the demolition of either of these facilities.

Community invited to vote on new urban artworks in Stevenage

In 2023, a partnership between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council saw three new pieces of urban artworks unveiled in Stevenage, at the underpass located by Stevenage FC and Wickes at the Broadhall Way roundabout.

As part of an ongoing programme of works, Stevenage Borough Council is asking the local community for their help as the next set of artworks – located at the Monkswood Way and Six Hills Way roundabout – enter their design phase.

Six themes, each with links to the town’s history and culture, have been identified. Yet only three can feature in the final designs, and help is needed to determine which of these will be used.

The council is asking the community and businesses to pick their three favourites through a survey which can be found https://forms.office.com/e/9ZiiWg7vzL.

The themes are:

1. Eric Claxton

An ode to the engineer who designed the 25-mile segregated cycle network in Stevenage in the 1960s and 70s.

2. Town Centre Gardens

Highlighting the nearby gardens that feature a pond, public art, a sensory garden, and ancient lane hedgerows.

3. William Mitchell

An ode to the world-renowned sculptor, artist and designer, whose art is already celebrated in Stevenage.

4. ‘Stevenage on wheels’

Promoting active travel through cycling, scooting, skating, and wheeling through Stevenage.

5. Stevenage Town Centre

Celebrating Stevenage becoming the first pedestrianised town centre in the UK in 1958.

6. Stevenage photographers

Sharing beautiful imagery of interest points in Stevenage taken by local amateur photographers.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “We were delighted with the reaction to the underpasses completed in 2023, and the sense of community pride that they have instilled. In collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council we want to make further improvements to the town’s underpasses and this next phase of works provides another opportunity to place our communities, achievements and assets in the centre of the town. This is a project for our communities and we encourage everyone to get involved to help us shape this next set of artworks for Stevenage!”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Information Technology at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “The artworks already in place, designed and painted by Hertfordshire-based street artists Murwalls, are a fantastic addition to Stevenage. Fresh, relevant and celebrating the town, they demonstrate how other underpasses in the town have the potential to look.  We want to work with our local communities to help shape the designs for this next set of artworks, and others in the future, and we are delighted to be able to announce this survey today. We look forward to seeing the results!”.

The survey closes at midday on Friday 8 March 2024.

The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The rich diversity of Stevenage in terms of technology, innovation, sport and history are clear to all in the town. I am delighted that the project to design uplifting murals in underpasses and other area have also been able to reflect this.

“Our town is undergoing a massive period of positive change and the opportunities for all are now tangible. Schemes such as the murals allow us all to visualise just what there is on offer in Stevenage and just what potential we have, not just in our town but also in our people.”

Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council are working together to improve a number of underpasses throughout Stevenage, improving these for pedestrians and cyclists and celebrating everything that the town has to offer.

Cllr Phil Bibby, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that Hertfordshire County Council continues to partner Stevenage Borough Council in brightening up the town’s subways. We are working with local schools, communities and artists on many subways across the County to make them much more inviting, encouraging walking and cycling. This supports the Council’s aim to make Hertfordshire cleaner, greener and healthier.”

Railway North Car Park wins award

Stevenage’s Railway North car park, adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station, has been jointly awarded ‘Best New Car Park’ in a town or city at this year’s British Parking Awards.

The award recognises outstanding design and construction techniques that turn car parks into landmark structures. The car park must deliver an excellent driving and parking experience, alongside creating an attractive, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment that displays green thinking.

Opened in May 2023 with 622 spaces, including spaces for electric vehicle charging and blue badge parking, driver experience is at the heart of the car park. This includes no columns for ease of manoeuvring. The facility benefits from solar panels to aid sustainability.

Delivered by contractor HUBER car park systems UK Ltd, the car park received funding from the Government’s Towns Fund. Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m, the second joint highest bid in the country. £1.1m was contributed as part of the multi-million pound Growth Deal funding secured by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership for Stevenage regeneration.

The exterior is distinguishable due to its unique façade. The bold design marks the entrance to the town from the Railway Station, celebrating the achievements of Stevenage in the fields of science and technology alongside recognising the communities of the town.

The Railway North car park has recently also been awarded the Park Mark Plus award, the first car park in Hertfordshire to receive this. Park Mark Plus is a comprehensive assessment demonstrating the highest quality of today’s modern car parks in services, operations, design and build. The award of Park Mark Plus demonstrates that its facility provides police-approved accredited parking and has reached the standards of the Disabled Parking Accreditation and a range of environmental, structural, operational and customer services criteria.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “Receiving two awards for the multi-storey car park demonstrates our commitment to providing the best. This facility has been judged as being best in class and through its bold design marks not only the scientific milestones that have come from the town but also creates a real welcome to Stevenage. We are meeting the expectations of consumers in the modern day and providing for the future with a car park with experience and useability at its heart, which includes dedicated secure cycle parking. Both of these accreditations are fantastic and set the standard for partnership working across the town and county”.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Stevenage Development Board and Chair of Hertfordshire LEP, commented: “Stevenage Development Board is delivering a visionary regeneration programme supported by a diverse range of stakeholders including the LEP, to transform the town into a vibrant and thriving STEM hub. We are raising the bar for town centre transformations by planning and delivering to the highest specification, and this award is a brilliant reflection of our shared commitment to excellence.”

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at Stevenage Borough Council commented: “This facility provides an enhanced user experience, contributing to a sustainable travel hub which offers people choices as to how they can travel. We are strengthening what the town has to offer, enhancing the welcome to visitors, encouraging businesses to expand and supporting communities across Hertfordshire. I hope that people enjoy using an award winning car park which is safe, accessible and well-maintained”.

Markus Lauble, Managing Director, HUBER car park systems UK Ltd, added: “Right from the start of this project, we enjoyed a positive, open and transparent working partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, and are delighted that the end product proved to be an award-winning mobility hub we can all be extremely proud of.”

Multi-Storey Car Park adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station opens

The new multi-storey car park adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station is open. The car park is operational 24 hours a day and is a long stay car park.

The new car park provides 622 spaces, an increase from the previous car park that had 339 spaces. There are 30 blue badge spaces, as well as 30 spaces that are available for electric vehicle charging. There is CCTV in the building and cashless pay machines.

In addition to vehicles, there is secure parking for 80 bicycles in a dedicated, covered space adjacent to the car park. There is also space for three larger cycles. This facility is being run by Spokesafe.

A series of Frequently Asked Questions will provide you with information on the facility, including the cycle storage. Please see these below.

Q: What is the tallest vehicle that can enter?

A: The car park has a height restriction of 2.2 m. Vehicles over this height can park in the Railway South car park.

Q: How many electric vehicle points are there?

A: 30 spaces will be immediately available for use by electric cars. There are further car parking spaces that have the necessary infrastructure to be converted to electric vehicle spaces as the demand increases.

Q: How do you pay for electric vehicle charging?

A: Payment is taken through the Blink Charging – EB Go! app, using the same provider as at St George’s multi-storey car park, The Forum car park and on-street on Swingate.

Q: Will the charging points charge all electric vehicles?

A: The charging points will give a charge at up to 7kW via a type 2 socket which is compatible with almost all EVs on the market.

Q: Where are the blue badge spaces located?

A: The blue badge spaces are split across different levels, with most of the spaces at ground level. The car park has two lifts to allow movement between floors. The spaces are located as close as possible to the lifts.

Q: What hours will the lifts be in operation?

A: The lifts are in operation during train running times.

Q: Are there columns throughout the car park?

A: No, the car park contains no columns. This design creates more unobstructed space for individual cars and to allow ease of parking and manoeuvring.

Q: Where is the entrance and exit?

A: The entrance and exit to the car park is on Lytton Way, as it was with the former surface level car park. There are two entrance barriers and two exit barriers.

Q: Does the car park use chip coins like the others in the town?

A: No. The car park uses licence plate registration. This system calculates how long a car has been in the car park without the need for chip coins.

Q: How much does it cost to park?

A: The parking costs are available here: Parking (stevenage.gov.uk). Parking charges are reviewed for all car parks annually.

Q: How do I purchase a season ticket?

A: Information about purchasing a season ticket can be found on our website: Car Park Season Tickets (stevenage.gov.uk)

Q: I have been using a season ticket in another car park. Will it transfer across?

A: As long as the appropriate details have been provided to our car parks team, this will transfer across to the new car park.

Q: Where do taxis collect people from?

A: The taxi rank remains in its usual location and pick-ups and drop offs are not affected. You cannot pick up and drop off in the new car park site.

Q: Are the two-tier cycle stands remaining?

A: The two-tier cycle stands within the taxi rank location remain as they are.

SPOKESAFE SECURE CYCLE STORAGE

Q: What is Stevenage Railway North Secure Cycle Parking?

A: Stevenage Railway North Secure Cycle Parking provides a safe place for bikes to be left, in a secure storage facility operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are 80 spaces available, along with 3 spaces for larger bikes. The facility is covered to protect bikes from the elements.

Specialist operator Spokesafe will manage the storage through its purpose-built app.

Spokesafe provide cyclists with access to a network of secure places to park. The Stevenage facility accepts bikes only, with three spaces for larger cycles.

There is a repair stand available next to the storage.

Stevenage Railway North Secure Cycle Parking (spokesafe.com)

Q: Where is it located?

A: The secure cycle parking is located at the pedestrian entrance of the new multi-storey car park, which is opposite the bottom of the stairs as you exit the railway station towards the taxi rank.

Q: When is it open?

A: The cycle parking is now open. It will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.

Q: How does it work?

A: Cyclists can gain access to the facility via the Spokesafe app, which you will need to sign up to. When you would like to park your bike, log into the app to request a code to gain entry to the building via a keypad. You should still bring a lock to secure your bike to the stand.

Q: What is the price?

A: Membership costs £10 a month or £1 per day for Pay As You Go bookings. Monthly memberships provide unlimited access to the facility.

Q: Where do you subscribe?

A: You can sign up at www.spokesafe.app. Please note this will require a form of photo ID to complete the registration. All members receive full access instructions once they have signed up.

Q: Do I get a reserved space?

A: Membership provides users with access to the facility and you are not allocated a reserved space. However, Spokesafe monitor usage levels closely and will pause taking on new members should the facility be regularly full.

Q: How long can I leave my bike in the facility for?

A: Bicycles can be left for up to 1 month. Bike dumping is something that Spokesafe monitor. When signing up you will add your bicycle to Spokesafe’s database, and the owners of any bikes which appear to be abandoned will be contacted. If Spokesafe do not hear back from you, the bike will be donated to charity.

Q: What happens if I need help accessing the facility?

A: For general enquiries & questions, please email hello@spokesafe.com.

Spokesafe operate a 24/7 emergency helpline where you can speak to a friendly member of their team straight away. The number is 020 3488 0060.