Mill Lane and The Gateway Public Realm Project, Leicester

Small Non-Residential Scheme of the Year Award 2017 Winner

The pedestrianised area of Mill Lane, running from the city centre end of the campus down to the riverside, has been transformed into a striking public pathway, complete with rain gardens which capture excess rainwater to feed trees and plants.

The scheme also includes seating areas, flower beds and the same stone which was used to give Cathedral Square its own makeover.

Decorative granite ‘bookends’ create low-level dividers and direct pedestrians along a meandering flow – echoing that the thoroughfare ultimately leads to the river.

Floor lighting and contemporary LED lighting columns gently bathe the area in light after dark.