A Strategy for Waymarking and Signage
The quality and quantity of signage in and around the City has been commented on throughout the Vision. The need to reduce signage clutter from the streets and vennels is a theme that has been repeated. A recommendation of the Vision is that Durham needs a signage strategy to manage the reduction of clutter on the streets but also to reduce confusion for visitors trying to find their way around.
However, it is hoped that the signage strategy will do more than simply point people in the right direction. Signage can be used to unfold the story of the City and should contribute to the overall visitor experience. The signage strategy should be derived from a comprehensive review of way marking, both in terms of signage and of the marking of particular walking routes by symbols.
The strategy should be designed to facilitate access for residents and visitors to essential services, the proposed retail circuit, visitor attractions, public transport nodes and safe, secure parking facilities; in particular it should also update and provide cohesion between road signage and pedestrian signage with a view to enhancing the visitor experience in and around the World Heritage Site.
The signage strategy should cover the same geographic area as the seven city centre ‘Quarters’ identified in the Durham City Vision.
The strategy should include a comprehensive implementation plan which will provide guidance for making the City more legible in the short, medium and long term. It will also be important to demonstrate how the designs are informed and how the proposals and products selected are fit for purpose.
