Place Making: Palmers Cross

The junction of the drive into the grounds of Palmers Cross off Pluscarden Road has for many years given rise to access problems. Positioned between a bridge over the main Aberdeen to Inverness railway line and a bridge over the River Lossie modifications were required to improve the main access to the Estate. Access is required by a number of properties including Palmers Cross House itself, old properties down by the banks of the River Lossie and a number of chalets to the east of the main house.

With the potential of further housing development within Palmers Cross the opportunity was taken by the developer to create an impressive entrance to the area while also ensuring the necessary technical requirements of a new road junction were considered.

The design solution therefore had to take account of the necessary visibility splays, retaining the existing mature trees and allowing suitable pedestrian access which would tie in to a future phase of the development.

The design of stone columns with associated stone walling and pedestrian arched openings provided an elegant solution and created a generous new space between the constrictions of the river and railway bridges.

While the entrance forms a delightful access to the Palmers Cross estate, it adds considerably to the arterian route from the Miltonduff/Pluscarden areas into the town centre.