Located within Aylesbury’s Conservation Area, this landmark regeneration scheme (completed early 2005) was developed around an imaginative design feature - a spectacular water clock mechanism
The water column acts as a clock, marking the hours and minutes. The vortex sculpture marks the days of the week. Within the array of water fountains there is a single fountain which marks the month of the year while the rough pool denotes the year. The ‘time piece’ design concept and the design for the square itself was created by Design services of Aylesbury Vale District Council. In 2005 the Chair of the Regional Committee for CABE (the national Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) stated that Kingsbury Square was “one of the best they had seen”.
This development followed success in obtaining £1.7 million of ODPM funding for the town and enabled the creation of much needed public space in the heart of the town for people to meet, sit, relax, eat and enjoy the open air. The development also importantly retained access and parking for people with disabilities .
In 2005 plans were already underway to restrict the flow of traffic through Aylesbury town to maximise pedestrian access to public spaces. This enabled the removal of one road through Kingsbury Square, resulting in a wider paved area making the most of the available sunlight. This has helped to create an outdoor ‘café culture’ - a very family and child friendly environment. The square has also proved an ideal venue for popular community events like Italian and French street markets and with the increase in cafes and restaurants; footfall through the square has increased by 92% (pre 2003 figures compared to 2005).
The design included a small number of Plane trees to provide height in contrast to the sense of space.
The success of the design for Kingsbury Square was recognised in 2005 by The Association of Town Centre Management when Kingsbury Square won The prestigious South England Regional Award.