Town Centre, Stevenage, UK

Michael Grubb Studio were appointed by MACE to provide strategy and lighting design works for the Stevenage Town Centre, located 19 minutes by train from central London.

Michael Grubb Studio worked in collaboration with the local authority and LDA Design to develop an innovative Lighting Design that celebrates the unique qualities of the Town Square – the first ‘New Town’ to be developed following the Second World War.

The proposed lighting scheme looks to reinstate many of the original 1950’s features, whilst enhancing and preserving others. This includes the reproductions of the original street lanterns and the main central chandelier. The majority of the lighting will be incorporated within the surrounding canopy structure, with a combination of architectural and amenity lighting used to frame the square. The old town clock and associated water feature will remain the centre piece of the Square.

Over the years architectural design transforms, whilst people’s living and social habits change.  Therefore, many towns now lack the same desirability that they were once famed for.  The new plans for a high-quality mixed-use development across 14 acres of public sector land holds huge potential to once again transform the historic town of Stevenage, attracting new people and commercial investment creating new homes, shops, bars and restaurants.

When complete the community will also benefit from an integrated public services hub comprising new state-of-the-art health centre, library, registry office, exhibition space and council offices all under one roof, as well as attractive new streets, squares and Public Realm, improving pedestrian and cycle connections across the town.