St Martin’s Square is the principal civic space within Basildon and boasts several features of exceptional quality, including the 29m high free-standing St Martin’s Bell Tower, which was the first all glass bell tower in the world. The square is owned by a range of stakeholders, which was clearly reflected in the previous somewhat fragmented design which lacked a unified civic vision.

Liz Lake Associates were asked to look at St Martin’s Square by Basildon Borough Council and BTCM and worked closely with them and other stakeholders to formulate a cohesive public realm strategy for the square. We prepared landscape proposals for the new market as landscape consultants with Haskoll Architects & Designers and created exciting proposals for the rest of the square, including the gardens, open spaces for events and Church frontage. These proposals successfully received planning approval in May 2014.

Liz Lake Associates were novated on the construction of phase 2, the largest phase of the project. Our involvement through the construction stage assisted the main contractor, Thomas Sinden, to implement the proposals through production of detailed construction drawings, provision of product specifications and consultancy which helped navigate difficult on-site decisions.

St Martin’s Square is a vibrant and versatile space serving the people of Basildon. Historical features, the sundial and war memorial, have been retained and renovated and are integral elements of the square. Furthermore, barriers that once segregated the site into small spaces have been removed giving the site an openness reminiscent of the site’s original 1960’s design.