Public Realm, Wakefield

Public Realm, Wakefield

Richard was the Public Realm Manager for Wakefield Council, responsible for the development and adoption of the public realm strategy for the Council as well as the direct delivery of a series of major public realm schemes in the centre of the city. These schemes established standards and approaches to project management that the Council adopted in future schemes within the city. 

​As part of the development of the strategy two key sites (Crown Court Yard and The Bull Ring) were identified by the Council as exemplars for public realm schemes. 

Richard King Consultancy Public Realm Project Management Crown Court Yard

Crown Court Yard was the first scheme completed, with a budget of £400,000. Richard was responsible for delivering the design that had been developed by landscape architects. He led the Council delivery team that included highways engineers, landscape design, procurement, greenspace management, an artist and others to deliver the project on time and under budget. This was a tight, urban site, surrounded by a range of business. Richard liaised with the surrounding occupiers to consult with them on the design and keep them updated on progress, dealing with any issues they had. As project lead he liaised with the contractors resolving any issues that arose on site, identifying alternative solutions, as needed. This role involved both ensuring the design and workmanship was to the highest standard but also that the delivered scheme could be maintained in the future, within existing resources. 

Richard King Consultancy Public Realm Wakefield

Richard then continued with the same role on the redevelopment of the Bull Ring, in the heart of the city centre. The Bull Ring’s condition did not befit its status as a significant public space at a junction of key roads, in the shadow of Wakefield Cathedral. The refurbishment of the area was seen as a key piece of the regeneration of the City Centre, acting as a catalyst for future development. The scheme not only involved the improvement of the Bull Ring area, but also a re-orientation of traffic through the area to prioritise pedestrian movement, linking parts of the city centre together. Richard commissioned the landscape architects, Estell Warren, to produce a comprehensive scheme. The aim was to enhance the quality of the public realm, both by reducing the impact of traffic and with the construction of a major, new fountain at the heart of the scheme, making the area more attractive both by day and night. He co-ordinated the relocation of a listed civic sculpture from the area to a new site. The scheme took the approach or removing all kerbs, so that movement across the area was all “at level”, Richard ensured that whilst this innovative approach was taken existing highways regulations were met.  

​Richard led on the:

  • Public consultation of the scheme
  • Design development
  • Budget management
  • Adoption and approval of the scheme
  • Co-ordination of the procurement of main contractors and fountain contractors
  • Public liaison and communication, in particular with regard to local businesses
  • Management of cost savings
  • Contractor liaison
  • Planning permissions and listed building consents. 

The scheme was delivered on budget and on time and has had a significant impact on the regeneration of Wakefield. 

Richard King Consultancy Public Realm Project Management Bull Ring Wakefield

This role demonstrated Richard’s experience in:

  • Project management
  • Financial monitoring 
  • Working with contractors
  • Working with landscape architects
  • Working with highways engineers
  • Public consultation and engagement
  • Risk management
  • Problem solving and identifying alternative solutions
  • Awareness of urban design issues
  • Working with artists