Discover what residents and visitors had to say about Hay Hill in our recent consultation. From how often people pass through the space to what they loveand dislikeabout it, these insights helped shape the plans for its future.
Number of free text responses: 29
Overall a very low proportion of respondents answered this free text question, although this is likely because a high proportion of respondents said that they visited Hay Hill specifically on an infrequent basis, selecting once per month or less, and with a majority spending less than 5 minutes in the space. The most common reason for visiting Hay Hill specifically was to buy and eat food. McDonalds was specifically mentioned. Skateboarding came second to this followed by waiting for partners/other shoppers who were shopping in adjacent retail outlets.
There are high numbers of people using and passing through the area on a frequent basis, however Hay Hill itself is little used or seen as a destination. Very few people use the space, the following part of the survey seeks to understand why.
54% (236) of respondents answered ‘yes’ it was easy to move through the site while 46% (204) responded ‘no’.
Of those who answered ‘no’:
Number of free text responses: 95
Some of those who stated that they found it easy to move through the space identified in their free text answers that it was easy to move through but they had to be careful of trip hazards like the sculptures, they also felt that people with mobility issues or aids would find the space difficult to navigate, or that the level of difficulty for them depended on how busy the space was.
The most common reason people cited as restricting their movement through the space, was the placement of the sculptures. The second most common answer being that it was difficult to move through the space due to other people also trying to move through the space, and third most common answer that there was no clear route through.
Other answers to this question followed in a similar theme identifying the following in their answers:
Number of free text responses: 131
The most common feature respondents stated they liked was the presence of trees. The second most common answer was the statue of Thomas Browne, and the third was that it is an open space in the centre of the city.
A number of respondents stated they liked all the sculptures or specifically the Homage to Thomas Browne, although most acknowledged the latter is in the way and do not feel it can be appreciated properly in its current location.
A number of people also saw potential for high quality public space and stated that Hay Hill is a good location for meeting, eating and socialising but do not use it in that way because they find it uninviting. Some have said that since the modern sculptures were installed it has limited the use of the space and it has become less vibrant.
People also liked the setting of Hay Hill alongside St Peter Mancroft church.
A few respondents stated that they liked the skateboarding scene, although this
Number of free text responses: 398
Responses referring to the area being unwelcoming with a use of negative descriptive language were most common, using words to describe the space, such as:
The dislike of the Homage to Thomas Browne sculptures was very common in responses, in addition to this, a notable number of responses liked the sculptures but disliked their positioning on Hay Hill, with a lot of respondents feeling that they were obstacles.
Cleanliness of the space with specific reference to guano (bird poo), and litter and spills from McDonalds were commonly cited in responses. With many respondents feeling that the space is cluttered, messy, low quality and lacking in a sense of identity and pride. The existing number, arrangement and detailing of the steps was also cited in this context.
Overall people like elements of the space however are generally dissatisfied with the overall space and what it offers, as there were shortcomings identified in each of these respects i.e. functionality of the space with the sculptures and levels, not enough seating etc.
There were a greater number of respondents to question 7 which could be interpreted as people feeling more passionately about, or more aware of the underperforming elements of the space, and justification for why they do not use the public space at Hay Hill.
Number of free text responses: 238
Those who responded yes were overwhelmingly in the favour of ice cream provision at Hay Hill. With many requesting an increased range of ice cream to be available, particularly vegan, gelato and locally produced.
It was also a common view that the stall should be replaced and modernised with a slightly larger unit, which could enable two servers and greater product offer. Many people also wished for the offer at the same stall to be expanded to include (non-alcoholic) drinks and small amount of confectionary. Seasonal offer for this stall was also considered by a number of respondents, identifying that ice cream could be the primary product for the summer and hot drinks / snacks over the winter.
Pop-up / rotational provision, local arts and crafts were also mentioned by a number of respondents. The main consensus was that opportunities should be for local trades, charities and craftspeople as opposed to a larger chain and commercial concessions.
A number of respondents felt that the kiosk should be moved to one side as not to be in the way of the space, and to prevent any queues from blocking routes through. The design of the stall was also favoured to be more natural in appearance, with green credentials, and to be in keeping with the look and feel of the overall space. There was suggestion by some that it should provide tourist information since the closure of the tourist information centre in the Forum.
Those who answered no and gave a free text answer mainly felt that the concession should be removed entirely or that the existing structure and provision should be retained as they like it as it is.
There are currently 11 mature trees on Hay Hill. The concept scheme presented in the following section does not require removal of any trees. However, removal of between one and four trees will likely be required as part of on-going management of the tree stock within the city centre. This is required to:
Number of free text responses: 243
Those who responded on Hay Hill, locally, or a combination of the two, primarily cited some form of environmental concern associated with removal of trees, with many stating that trees provide valuable shade in the city centre. Similarly, a large proportion of responses felt that replacement should not result in any net loss in the number of trees in the city centre, and ideally should result in a net gain on the basis of at least a 2:1 ratio for replanting.
Many felt that trees should be retained wherever possible and professional opinions sought prior to any action being taken.
Biodiversity and sustainable planting, including low level and other planting was favoured by a number of respondents, as was the retention of a similar level of canopy cover or slight thinning out to maintain cover but make the area lighter.
A few respondents referenced Thomas Browne’s work and suggested that tree or soft planting should reflect his work. Others also felt that native and edible planting should be considered.
Locations identified as desirable by respondents for tree planting were:
Those who did not respond or responded neutrally felt that trees should not be removed and that more trees are required generally, citing that trees are not a health and safety issue. Others felt that the council should continue with the approach set out in the question, managing the city centre’s tree stock as urban tree management and planting involves a number of considerations.
Those who responded that no replacement planting should be provided felt that Hay Hill is too shady now and trees need thinning out, there is not enough room for more trees on site and that trees are not well maintained in the city. Others cited similar reasons as neutral and positive respondents.
