P U B L I C A R T - London Borough of Croydon · P U B L I C A R T Supplementary ... (p. 103, Urban Design Compendium, 2000) ... landscape architects, urban designers, engineers,

Adopted 11th January 2005 1

LONDON BOROUGH OF CROYDON

P U B L I C A R T

Supplementary Planning Guidance No.19 Advice, design considerations and criteria on how and where to locate art features

2 Adopted 11th January 2005


Contents Page 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of the Guidance -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 1.2 Who is it for--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 1.3 Policy context for the SPG---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 2 What is public art? 2.1 Definitions of public art ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 2.2 Collaboration-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 2.3 Value to developers -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 2.4 Contribution to sustainable development --------------------------------------------------------------------2 3 Design considerations 3.1 Statement of intent ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 3.2 Key locations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 3.3 Commissions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 3.4 Quality ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 3.5 Audience ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 3.6 Themes --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 3.7 Materials -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 3.8 Selection-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 4 Applying the policy guidance 4.1 Policy criteria -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 4.2 What kind of contribution ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 4.3 Planning tools available -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 4.4 Amount of contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 4.5 Percent for Art-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 4.6 Other considerations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 5 Applying the procedures 5.1 Benefits of early negotiation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 5.2 Planning permission -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 5.3 Key stages -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 5.4 Stand alone projects-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 5.5 Roles in the process-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Appendices 1. Checklist for planning officers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 2. Submission requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 3. Guidance on related issues ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 4. Contact list -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Public Art Supplementary Planning Guidance No.19


This guidance is non-statutory planning guidance and is supplementary to the Croydon Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which sets out the policies and proposals for the use of land in the Borough. The UDP was adopted on the 30th January 1997 and includes relevant policies BE15, BE23, IM1-3, IMP1 and IMP3. The Second Deposit Draft Replacement Unitary Development Plan (the Croydon Plan) was published on the 30th October 2003. This Supplementary Planning Guidance advice note supplements Urban Design policy UD16: Public Art. It also supplements policies on design quality (UD1, UD2), environmental improvements (IM1, IM2, IM3) and planning obligations (IMP1). The SPG was subject to a Council Resolution on the 11th January 2005.


1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this guidance Public art can improve the quality of buildings and public realm, and is a part of the development process that should therefore be encouraged. There are comparatively few examples of public art within Croydon, particularly when account is taken of the borough's size.

Its importance to Croydon’s environment is recognised in the Croydon Plan which states the Council’s intention to “require the creative incorporation of public art within new development proposals, where appropriate, either as part of the detailed design of a building itself, or incorporated into the public space around a development”. It reiterates and updates UDP policy BE15 (1997) which encourages the provision of public art as part of major developments and where it would be well exposed to public view.

1.2 Who is it for This SPG is intended to be a resource for:

• Council officers who have a responsibility and interest in improving the public realm and quality of the built environment.

• Private developers who come forward with planning applications and masterplans. • Any person or organisation that wish to fund or develop proposals for public artwork in

Croydon. 1.3 Policy context for this SPG

London Boroughs should “encourage Percent for Art schemes and encourage arts and cultural facilities in major mixed-use developments”. (Policy 3D.4, London Plan, 2004)

“Public Art can make a major contribution to giving a place character and identity, bringing people into and through places. An extra layer of quality can be obtained for a small proportion of the total project budget”. (p. 103, Urban Design Compendium, 2000)

“The arts have a major contribution to make in enlivening the public realm. Works of art engage people in interpreting and understanding their environment and contribute to an attractive and stimulating streetscene. Incorporation of public art is a major opportunity to achieve a local dimension to otherwise ubiquitous developments.” (p. 32, SPG11: Central Croydon/Vision 2020) “Areas are regenerated through creating good quality, innovative and expressive art works. Public art can help foster a positive image of Croydon and celebrate the borough’s unique identity and diversity.” (Draft Public Art Strategy, 2004)

Seating and planting brightens up a street Sculptures help create a sense of place


2.2 Collaboration Public art is also about collaboration and the integration of ideas between artists, architects, landscape architects, urban designers, engineers, planners and the public. Whatever approach is adopted, the aim is to produce artworks that give a sense of identity and meaning to a project and enrich the quality of the environment as a whole.

2.3 Value to developers

A commitment to public art does not have to be limited to large scale developments but can foster community involvement and support for high profile and smaller schemes. Public art provides an marketing tool and distinctive focus for a development. It can add prestige to office and residential developments and also form creative signage for developments such as retail schemes.

If costs are incorporated into the design budget at an early stage of the development project, public art can be an inexpensive way of adding value to a scheme and helping to lever in grant aid or further investment.

2.4 Contribution to sustainable development

Public art can contribute to economic, social and environmental objectives for the Borough. It has a part to play in regenerating Croydon through: • Improving the image of Croydon and public enjoyment of the Borough • Expressing cultural identity, diversity and sense of pride and ownership • Promoting appreciation for Croydon’s historic and contemporary assets • Contributing to environmental improvements across Croydon and creating a sense of place • Utilising local talent and providing employment

2 What is public art?

2.1 Definitions of public art

Public art is not solely concerned with commemorative statues: “Public art is the integration of artists' ideas and works into the built and natural environment and can incorporate sculpture, mosaics, tapestries, etched and stained glass, wall reliefs, railings and gates designed and made by artists.” (Croydon Plan, 2003)

The Government and Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) have defined public art as “permanent or temporary physical works of art visible to the general public, whether part of the building or free standing; can include sculpture, lighting effects, street furniture, paving, railings and signs.” (p.92, By Design - urban design in the planning system: towards better practice, 2000) There are numerous ways of interpreting public art but it should be:

• created by, or with the assistance of, professional artists and craft workers;

• visible to the public; • sited within the public realm (such as a

street or park) or incorporated into the design of a building or space.

Adding to the activity and interest of a place


3 Design considerations

3.1 Statement of intent The Council is committed to the highest standard of work and craftsmanship in all design proposals. It will encourage this commitment from both developers and artists who wish to install public art within Croydon. The Council’s preference is for public art that is fully integrated into development proposals, as part of Council area-based strategies and regeneration schemes, and in locations identified below.

3.2 Key locations

In addition to the guidance set out in Section 4.1 (Policy Criteria), locations should be accessible and well exposed to significant numbers of people to secure maximum benefit but avoid street clutter. These can include:

Gateways and entry points as first impressions of a place are important, such as the Borough boundary, key routes, town centres, railway stations/bridges, and may be enhanced through forms of public art, relevant to the locality. Landmarks and nodes (junctions) are places where public art will aid orientation, mark key corner sites and create a sense of place. Vertical building elements such as towers are prominent in the Borough, for example the Clocktowers in Croydon, Thornton Heath and South Norwood. A number of local landmarks and views have been designated of borough importance. Architectural elements such as canopies, entrances and signs can also become public art focal points. Central Croydon and Town/District centres have regeneration strategies and policies to improve the environment and are areas of retail activity where public art is particularly appropriate. Lighting of architectural features or projected images and installations help transform buildings and spaces and is an accessible form of public art. Croydon is a leader in artistic lighting through the Skyline Millennium Scheme and any major development within Central Croydon should include lighting proposals and contributions to the running costs of the scheme. Parks/open spaces for example the Queen’s Gardens, South Norwood Country Park and Wandle Park represent an ideal opportunity to enjoy and contemplate artworks and events and public art would provide focal points and interest for the community. Schools and other civic buildings are community points of activity and should always contain some form of artwork within public areas. Transport related projects such as road improvements, cycle/bus priority measures and public transport schemes (e.g. Croydon Tramlink) represent opportunities to incorporate creativity into their design and to promote local distinctiveness. Integral art work as part of newly designed buildings and spaces can include interior/exterior features, entrances, paving, windows, roofs and signs.

Focal points and landmarks

Lighting can transform buildings

Community projects

Sculptural signs add character


3.3 Commissions The project sponsor (e.g. developer) may decide to: • Commission a single artist when there are considerations of time and specialisation • Shortlist artists to tender a proposal • Advertise an open competition • Offer a residency during the development/construction period • Consider employing an art agency/consultancy for advice and project management

3.4 Quality The artistic quality and integrity of the commissioned work needs to be ensured by employing recognised artists and craftspeople whose selection is based on requirements set out in a brief. The design objectives of the Croydon Plan and the Public Art Strategy will need to be met.

3.5 Audience

To create a sense of ownership and pride, public artworks should engage with the local community but avoid weak/unimaginative work resulting from compromise. Consultation is an integral part of an art commission as well as the planning process.

3.6 Themes

Public art in new development or works to the public realm should be based on relevant themes relating to the use and form of the building, local activity or local heritage and must take account of Council wide initiatives and other planning designations. The Council may encourage particular themes or forms of art in line with its Cultural Strategy, Public Art Strategy or Croydon Plan.

3.7 Materials

The robustness of materials used for public art needs to be considered by the developer, architect and artist. The use of appropriate media should be determined by requirements of the project. Sustainable or recycled material should be adopted. Unsustainable material is not acceptable.

3.8 Selection

It may be necessary to set up an advisory group with regard to Borough-wide strategies. On major developments, it may be appropriate for an art consultant to be appointed by the developer or for a commissioning panel (to include the developer and Council representatives) to be set up to advise on the selection of an artist or artwork. A code of practice will be made available from the Arts Development Team, see Appendix 4.

Using natural materials

Small scale mosaic detail adds colour to buildings and spaces

Larger scale public art structures might provide shelter as well as become attractions for locals and visitors

Specialist craftwork can be integrated into the design of streets


4.1 Policy criteria As a guide, the following projects (major development as defined by the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995) will be eligible to contribute to the provision of public art: • Development of more than 10 dwellings • Residential development of 0.5ha or more • Development of 1,000m² or more • Development on a site of 1ha or more

All development (as defined by the criteria above) in Use Class D1 or D2 such as libraries, schools, hospitals, health and community centres should include public art within a new scheme, reflecting the public/community nature of the building. This also applies to any development falling within an area of strategic regeneration/improvement such as Central Croydon, a Town/District/Local Centre, or near a designated open space/park.

Other sites in prominent locations should be considered eligible such as those identified previously in Section 3.2 (Key locations).

The Council will also ensure the above criteria are adopted in its own building schemes.

4.2 What kind of contribution

A number of options could be considered.

Option 1. To employ an artist or craftsperson as a consultant to the development team. a) To work with an architect on the design of the building and/or b) To work with a landscape architect on the design and masterplanning of the site and external spaces.

Option 2. To commission specific artworks as part of a space or building. In circumstances where sufficient reasoning has been provided, or where the amount of money allocated within a development budget will not be adequate for a finished artwork, then: Option 3. To make a financial contribution towards public art as part of an area-based regeneration strategy such as Vision 2020 (Central Croydon) and Town/District Centres, or contribute to other Council-led arts initiatives in line with the Croydon Plan and Public Art Strategy.

Or a combination of these options. 4.3 Planning tools available

Using both planning conditions and legal agreements (such as Section 106 obligations), the Council is in a position to require some form of contribution to its public art policy from a range of developments. The requirement for public art should also be included in Planning Briefs and Regeneration Strategies.

Both Options 1 and 2, when identified early in the process as an integral part of an application, should be secured by condition or an amount of money via a legal agreement. When Option 3 is the preferred route (on a site-by-site basis) the financial contribution will be secured by a legal agreement.

4 Applying the policy guidance


4.4 Amount of contribution The Council encourages developers to adopt the Arts Council backed “Percent for Art” scheme or a calculation based on gross internal floor area will be applied. The level of contribution will be determined on a site-by-site basis.

4.5 Percent for Art

The best way for developers to contribute to public art activity is through “Percent for Art” where an element of the project budget is identified specifically for a commission from a professional artist or craftsperson. This is particularly useful in Options 1 and 2. Usually 1% of the building cost should be set aside for public art. On occasion, it may be more manageable to set a provisional sum, dependent on the extent of the public art that can be realised from existing components of the development. In circumstances where sufficient reasoning has been given to suggest a “Percent for Art” scheme will not be possible, a calculation will be applied, using a rate of £2/m² of gross internal floor area (gifa). For example, a medium height office scheme of 32,000m² gifa would set aside around £65,000 towards public art within the development budget.

4.6 Further considerations

Factors which may be taken into consideration when negotiating a contribution to public art include: • Location, scale and type of the development • Appropriateness to public use and design context of the development • Whether the art will be an integral part of the building structure or in a public space nearby • Whether the artist has been commissioned as part of the development team • Ongoing maintenance costs, responsibilities and liabilities

Dependent on the above, where necessary the Council will be willing to enter into agreements which allow funds to be pooled. The money will be held in a special reserve account and timetabled for future expenditure. This will be used at the discretion of the Council to administer Borough-wide public art opportunities, other area based initiatives and/or maintain public art commissions. The developer will be notified of how the money is spent and credited where appropriate.

5.1 Benefits of early negotiation It is important public art is discussed between the developer and the Council at the earliest possible opportunity to be worthwhile for all those involved. The earlier artists are involved, the more effectively they can contribute to a development.

Public art should be raised in pre-application discussions so an art consultant or artist can be commissioned while the development is being designed and the public artwork forms an integral part of the design. It should always be raised as a policy requirement when a planning application is submitted.

5.2 Planning permission Advice should be sought as to whether the public art proposal constitutes development and whether planning permission is required. As the statutory Local Planning and Highway Authority, the Council can erect and install forms of public art under Part 12 Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).

5 Applying the procedures


Public art proposals will, in general, be dealt with by the Council as a material consideration in determining planning applications. The discharge of planning conditions and signing of legal agreements will be used to secure the installation of public art and/or a financial contribution.

5.3 Key stages

The earlier a commitment to public art is sought, the more scope for including proposals prior to planning permission, the quicker and more cost effective the process for all those involved. The procedures for planning officers and developers are set out in the following flow diagrams.

Pre-application inquiry

SPG raised Criteria applied

Advice sought from officers

Options 1, 2, 3 discussed

Public Art agreed in principle

Application submitted

SPG raised and Criteria applied

Advice sought from officers. Option 1 or 2 appropriate?

Advice sought from officers. Option 2 or 3 appropriate?

Budget set aside Financial contribution

agreed Preliminary proposals part of

development scheme Design Statement

revised

Permission granted subject to

all other considerations

Permission granted subject to all other planning considerations

S106 agreement signed (or) Conditions attached

S106 agreement signed

S106 agreement signed

Artist proposals finalised

Condition discharged.

Artwork installed during construction

Council allocates contribution to

area-based strategy initiative

(i.e. Option 3)

Future installation of (stand alone)

artwork

Commission agreed as close to development site as possible

Advice sought from officers

Selection process to

commission and install artwork

Option 1. Employing an artist as a consultant to the development team. Option 2. Commissioning specific artworks as part of a space or building. Option 3. Making a financial contribution towards public art as part of a area-based regeneration strategy. Or a combination of these options


To be used by Planning officers when assessing applications: tick if Applicable on a project-by-project basis satisfied

Appendix 1: Checklist for planning officers

How can the scheme offer opportunities for public art provision on or off-site? Have these been identified within the Council and with the developer or prospective artist? (Option 1 or Option 2)

Has a design approach or brief been agreed between the Council and developer/artist?

If an artist is part of the development team, or a commitment to provide public art has been proposed within a scheme, has it been fully explained in the Design Statement?

Has sufficient graphic information been submitted to fully outline the visual impact of the proposals?

Does the development proposal/public art address design objectives and policy aims of the Council?

Will the amount of money negotiated be sufficient to ensure a quality public art scheme? If not, will the contribution be allocated into a pot for area-based initiatives and environmental improvement schemes? (Option 3)

Is an artist in line to be appointed once planning permission is granted? Does a plan-ning condition need to be attached to the permission notice?

Where necessary, will a legal agreement be entered into to secure a financial commit-ment to public art and to commission an artist?

5.4 Stand-alone proposals Where proposals come forward that are not part of a development (or option 3 is used) and the freestanding artwork requires a separate planning application, it should be assessed based on the guidance set out in this SPG. This is to ensure proper siting, quality, impact, design, commissioning best practice and whether the location is suitable. The views of Arts Development officers should be sought as to the appropriateness of the proposal. It may be necessary to seek approval at Planning Committee for stand-alone projects.

Advice sought from

officers

Stand alone proposal

Planning permission required?

Comply with

SPG?

Advisory group or

other

Committee approval

Conditions attached

5.5 Roles in the process It is the responsibility of Council officers to raise the requirement for public art, negotiate a contribution and advise on location, quality and selection. See Appendix 4 for contact details. All those involved in a public art project should take on board this guidance and produce work which is not seen as add-on clutter. Assessment must be made of the suitability of the work and impact on the environment.


Appendix 2: Submission requirements

Appendix 3: Guidance on related issues

Appendix 4: Contact List Council contacts: Planning & Transportation Taberner House Park Lane Croydon CR9 1JT Tel: 020 8686 4433 Fax: 020 8760 5406 www.croydon.gov.uk Or in person at Taberner House One Stop, Planning and Building Control Desk.

At outline application stage, or where an artist is part of a development team the following details are required: • Outline of proposal and involvement of artist, • Demonstration of how scheme will

contribute to quality of environment, development and community (as part of a Design Statement),

• Evidence of complying with this SPG, • Any intended selection process, • Budget allocation, • Maintenance requirements.

At full application stage, or reserved matters, the following details are required: • Detailed proposals for incorporating public

art into a development, building or space, • Demonstration of how scheme will

contribute to quality of environment, development and community (as part of a Design Statement),

• Description of commission or selection process,

• Evidence of complying with this SPG, • Budget and funding details, • Details of future care and maintenance.

For a first point of call for advice and discussion on how and where public art could be included in a development or public space, contact the Urban Design Team ext. 62251

For practical advice on commissioning/ selecting public art and artists, contact Arts Development Team ext. 61383

For advice on what is required for planning permission, contact Planning Control Team ext. 65404 (South) or ext. 65403 (North).

For further advice on getting artists and agencies involved, and applying for grant funding contact the Arts Council London on 020 7608 4172 or via www.artscouncil.org.uk A list of artists might also be available.

For general advice on the benefits of public art, funding for public art, and best practice examples, refer to the website www.publicartonline.org.uk

Advice on the design of signage and adverts. SPG 1: Shopfronts and Signs

Advice on lighting strategies, pollution, security, adverts. SPG 4: Lighting

Advice on curbing graffiti and high level adverts/murals. SPG 8: Advertisement hoardings and other advertisements

Advice on designing entrances, steps, street furniture. SPG 10: Designing for Accessibility

Advice on development within Croydon’s town centre and on public art, signage, paving, street furniture.

SPG 11: Central Croydon

Advice on landscape design and external spaces. SPG 12: Landscape Design

Documents

P U B L I C A R T - London Borough of Croydon · P U B L I C A R T Supplementary ... (p. 103, Urban Design Compendium, 2000) ... landscape architects, urban designers, engineers,