A public space design evaluation of the Sidgwick Site in Cambridge was commissioned both in support of the design team and the development client, the University of Cambridge. In the first stage of evaluation we used visibility analysis software to identify ‘desire lines’ for pedestrian movement and natural surveillance characteristics of the site in order to pinpoint ways in which the development enhance the functional use of the site by pedestrians and cyclists. In the second stage we undertook study of cycle and pedestrian flows on site to provide evidence on user requirements for planning purposes.