Crescent Quay Public Realm

We provided multi-disciplinary services for public realm upgrades to Crescent Quay, Henrietta Street and the Waterfront area within Wexford Town Centre. We delivered a  Part 8 planning design, developed detailed designs, and procured and managed a contractor.

The project is located within the heart of Wexford Town Centre, around the historic quays and harbour promenade, with a live unfenced railway line running through the scheme.

Challenge

Located in a busy town centre dominated by vehicular traffic and parked cars, our client wanted a redesigned quayside area within the town centre that was pedestrian friendly with new civic spaces for events, meetings and gatherings.

The town centre also lacked tree planting and biodiversity. Its visual appearance was also impacted by overhead utilities and the live railway line, which posed potential safety issues.

Solution

We successfully delivered all project stages within a tight timeframe. We enhanced the urban and pedestrian environment and the visual quality and experience, delivering a number of benefits, including:

• An attractive public realm and a more pleasant environment, designed in accordance with Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMUR) at the Quayside
• Improved connectivity from the Main Street and Wexford Town Centre to Crescent Quay via Henrietta Street
• An improved waterfront area to promote tourism 
• A safer environment for vulnerable road users supported by a narrowed carriageway
• Shortened road crossing time for pedestrians as the carriageway width was reduced
• New and enhanced pedestrian crossing points developed at Henrietta Street and the Paul Quay Car Park entrance to increase pedestrian safety
• Pavement upgrades, street furniture and a newly paved area along the waterfront quay
• A new, shared surface area along the narrow Henrietta St to create a comfortable environment for disabled users and shoppers
• A bus stop and access for delivery vehicles to promote sustainable transport and ensure businesses aren't affected 
• An upgrade of surface materials to reflect the cultural, historical and strategic importance of the Crescent to the town
• New planting of appropriate tree species to boost biodiversity
• Utilities works, diversions, a new plant and works around protected structures
• New public LED lighting to promote safety
• New road marking and signage layout for traffic calming and management
• The creation of an off-road cycleway along the waterfront using buff coloured resin bound material to boost its aesthetic