The proposed new development site consists of a ten metre high rock face. Onto this site the city authority has designated a ‘Red Box’, a three-dimensional envelope to limit the extent of new development both outwards and upwards. The site is further constrained by issues of overlooking by the apartments opposite. JTP was commissioned in recognition of the difficult nature of the site and to provide an innovative participatory approach to developing its design solution.
Project Delivery
– Meetings with community groups including church leaders, the Young Eagles Play Group and local resident associations to develop an understanding of each groups’ activities and priorities, and to encourage attendance at the Community Planning Weekend event.
– Facilitation of a Community Planning Event to arrive at a design solution that met the needs of the local authority, developers and the local community.
– Development of a vision and design concept site that reflected the concerns and aspirations expressed at the event.
– Reorganisation of existing and new building elements to preserve and create views of the park and the church spires.
– Innovative design to maximise sunlight to the new apartments and enable a high quality living environment.
– Itemisation of measures to improve access to and enjoyment of Högalids Park.
– Inclusion of a new set of steps to encourage movement between the street and the park, and to provide a new positive local landmark.
– Mediation of a land swap agreement between local enterprise Wasted Space and developers Veidekke enabling the demolition of part of the Bunker and its transformation into a thriving local centre with a roof garden, rooftop restaurant and lift access to the park.
– Provision for mixed-use at ground level to generate activity and make the street less isolated and therefore feel safer.
