Extracts from Gateshead Quays Masterplan

Extracts from
Gateshead Quays Masterplan
Important note
To support previous development proposals a masterplan for the
whole of the Gateshead Quays area was prepared by 1NG (the then
NewcastleGateshead City Development Company) in partnership
with the Council.
In January 2011 The Council’s Cabinet received the plan, and
endorsed the vision and spatial development principles of the
masterplan as a framework for guiding the Council’s approach to the
ongoing regeneration of Gateshead Quays.
Although the detailed masterplan proposals relate to a particular
scheme which was not pursued as an option, the site context,
analysis, design and development principles are still valid in setting
out an approach to the area which the Council supports, particularly
in terms of place making and will be helpful in developing future
masterplans for the site.
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Gateshead Quays - Masterplan Summary RMJM 3
Gateshead Quays
Masterplan Summary
Contents
1.
1.2
Introduction ......................................... 6
The Vision.................................................
8
2.
Policy Context....................................
3.
Site & Context ...................................
3.1
Overview............................................
3.2
Ownership..........................................
3.3
Site History.........................................
3.4
Adjacent Land Uses...........................
3.5
Focal Points and Activity....................
3.6
Heritage and Conservation................
3.7
Key Spaces........................................
3.8
Scale and Character..........................
3.9 Constraints.........................................
3.10 Opportunities ....................................
4.
June 2011
12
12
12
14
16
16
17
17
18
20
22
Design Principles............................... 24
5.
Development Strategy........................
6.
Masterplan Proposals........................
6.1
Introduction.........................................
6.2
Re-Unite.............................................
6.3
Urban Realm......................................
6.4
Development Content........................
6.5
Massing..............................................
6.6
Transport and Sustainability...............
6.7
Development Content........................
6.8
Deliverability.......................................
6.9
Phasing..............................................
7. 10
25
26
26
28
32
38
40
41
44
46
47
Conclusion......................................... 48
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Figure 1.01 - River Tyne
June 2011
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1.0 Introduction
1.0.1 The context offered by this masterplan site
is outstanding (see Figure 1.01); our proposals
have striven to be just as unique. Our aim is to
create a new neighbourhood that embeds the
iconic location with ambition, sensitivity, and
vision.
1.0.2 Gateshead Quays have been subject to
continual change from its earliest beginnings up
until the present day. The arrival of the Gateshead
Millennium Bridge, the conversion of the former
Baltic Flour Mill and the building of The Sage
Gateshead have transformed the area once
again creating a stunning physical and cultural
environment (see Figure 1.02).
1.0.3 The process of regeneration has some
distance to travel, with substantial areas of
vacant land and underutilised buildings, providing
an opportunity to continue and consolidate the
regeneration process (see Figure 1.03).
1.0.4 The development of Gateshead Quays
affords an opportunity to create a new urban
environment, the quality and scale of which will
be capable of making a significant contribution
to the future prosperity of Gateshead as a whole.
This masterplan will help to meet the needs of
NewcastleGateshead’s population, with improved
employment, retail, leisure, recreational and
residential facilities.
1.0.5 This masterplan summary provides an
explanation of the proposed regeneration at
Gateshead Quays. The supporting documentation
provides an analysis of the area, its context and its
capacity for change.
Figure 1.02 - Gateshead Millennium Bridge
June 2011
1.0.6 1NG have established an overarching
economic masterplan for NewcastleGateshead
(the 1PLAN) within which a small number of
strategically important development projects were
identified, one of which is Gateshead Quays.
1.0.7 NewcastleGateshead is the key economic
driver behind the North East economy. The
decision taken by the two councils and the regional
development agency to create 1NG helps to
develop and deliver projects that consolidate and
enhance that role. 1NG’s objective is to deliver
projects which are not only important locally but
add to the overall economic contribution and
reputation that NewcastleGateshead can have on
a national and international stage.
1.0.8 1NG recognised the need to establish a
strategic approach to the long-term regeneration of
the Quays. This is demonstrated through the time
that has been invested to date in assessing the
case for regeneration, its potential physical form
and the economic benefits of the development at
Gateshead Quays.
1.0.9 Throughout the development of these
masterplan proposals 1NG have worked in
partnership with key stakeholders including
Gateshead Council, consultation with the
surrounding community has also influenced the
development of these proposals.
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‘The great success to date of the continuing regeneration of Gateshead
Quays and the transformed profile this has given Gateshead, now
synonymous with culture, creativity and sport, is testament to the
capacity of the people of Gateshead to embrace and deliver change.’
(Fit for a City, pg 5)
Figure 1.03 - Gateshead Quays
June 2011
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1.1 The Vision
1.1.1
The Partners’ vision for the area is:
“Gateshead Quays will be a place of international standing, providing a legacy
that the people of NewcastleGateshead will be proud of and that will benefit
all of those visiting, living and working there. New developments are, and will
continue to be, exemplars of high quality design and regeneration. It will be
distinctive, inclusive, accessible, attractive and useful. The area will provide
for business and family-friendly activities structured around human scale built
form and unique public spaces (lanes, stairs, streets and squares) creating a
strong sense of place as part of a vibrant waterside community. The area will
create essential links, drawing together Gateshead’s cultural and business
quarters, its Town Centre and Newcastle Quayside, becoming an integral
part of all of those places, whilst retaining its own unique identity”.
1.1.2 The regeneration of Gateshead Quays is
a strategic priority for 1NG, Gateshead Council
and their stakeholders, standing at the very heart
of NewcastleGateshead. The regeneration will be
catalysed by the development of an International
Conference and Exhibition Centre (ICEC). Detailed
studys have been undertaken into the feasibility of
such a facility.
Figure 1.04 - ICEC at night
June 2011
1.1.3 The delivery of the proposals contained
within this Gateshead Quays masterplan will
consolidate the position of the site as a global
brand which has become synonymous with arts
and culture, underpinned by a mixed, sustainable
and stable community (see Figures 1.04 & 1.05).
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Figure 1.05 - Baltic Place
June 2011
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2 Policy Context
2.1
The masterplan has been progressed
within the context of planning policy, guidance and
other strategies relating to the Gateshead Quays
site (see Figure 2.01).
2.2
Adopted Policy - UDP
The Regional Spatial Strategy for the North East
has effectively been withdrawn by the Coalition
Government and so the Gateshead Unitary
Development Plan contains the only adopted plan
policy.
2.3
The UDP identifies the following land use
designations in relation to the GQ masterplan
area:
•
•
•
•
•
Three mixed use sites (MU7, 8 & 9);
A wildlife corridor;
Within the River Tyne Corridor runs along the
northern boundary of the site;
Green corridor;
Partially within the Bridges Conservation
Area.
Figure 2.01A - 1PLAN
2.4
There are a number of listed and locally
listed buildings located within the masterplan
boundary. Statutory listed buildings include St.
Mary’s Church and the Maiden’s Walk Coal Drops.
Locally listed buildings include the BALTIC Centre
for Contemporary Art, Kent House, retaining walls
of former Brandling Junction and the railway
station at Oakwellgate. UDP policy is particularly
protective of the statutory listed buildings and their
setting.
Figure 2.01B - Vision 2030
Figure 2.01C - Fit for a City
June 2011
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2.5
Other Documents, Briefs & Strategies
There are a number of other documents with specific
policies for development that the masterplan has
taken account of. Of note are the South Shore
Road / Hawks Road (MU9 Site) (see Figure 2.02)
Development Brief which embodies an Urban
Design Strategy. Also the Urban Landscape Study
of The Tyne Gorge, parts of which formed the IPA
4 policy document ‘Tyne Gorge Study’ is important
is townscape terms.
•
The 1PLAN provides an economic and spatial
strategy for the NewcastleGateshead area,
and as such comprises an important piece
of supporting information as regards the
progression of the GQ masterplan site.
•
Vision 2030 represents the strategy of the
people of Gateshead for delivering a healthy,
equal, safe, prosperous and sustainable
Gateshead.
•
Fit for a City sets out a vision for the new
city of Gateshead and contains ten guiding
principles. It says that “…. Gateshead will
have a city centre that everyone aspires to
feel part of; whether to live, work, invest or
spend time in.”
2.6
Emerging Policy
The One Core Strategy is the key document in the
Local Development Framework (LDF). Gateshead
and Newcastle are currently preparing a joint
Core Strategy that will set out what outcomes
are wanted for NewcastleGateshead, the broad
approach to the future distribution of development
and how these will be delivered. The Draft Strategy
will be consulted upon in the New Year. A series
of Topic Papers have been published on such
subjects as housing, retail, leisure and tourism,
economy, transport and infrastructure that will
underpin the Core Strategy. These are reinforcing
the role both Gateshead and Newcastle will play
in the economic prosperity of both authorities. The
proposals for Gateshead Quays relate well to the
content and identified need in the Topic Papers.
.
2.7
The Urban Core Area Action Plan will
assist in the delivery of change in Gateshead
and Newcastle City centre. The Plan will allocate
development sites that will support the Gateshead
Quays Masterplan. The Area Action Plan will also
identify specific controls that are required over
development and facilitate compulsory purchase
orders. Gateshead and Newcastle are working
towards a joint Area Action Plan with a view to
consulting on a Preferred Options in early 2011.
Baltic
Baltic Place
Baltic Quay Apartments
Hillgate, Gateshead Quays Riverside (MU8)
MU9 Site
The Sage Gateshead
St Mary's Church
Baltic Business Quarter
Tyne Bridge Tower (MU7)
Gateshead College
Hudson St/Half Moon Lane
Figure 1.03 - Use and Policy areas
Curzon Place
June 2011
The Point
Key
Newcastle City Centre Boundary
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3 Site & Context
3.1 Overview
3.2 Ownership
3.1.1 The land within the Gateshead Quays
masterplan site extends to 15.35 hectares
(37.93 acres), as illustrated in Figure 3.02. The
site extends east from the Swing Bridge beyond
the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to include the
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, and The
Sage Gateshead. The masterplan area is bounded
by major transport routes with a railway line to the
south, Hawks Road/Mill Road to the east and High
Street to the west.
3.2.1 The masterplan area is predominantly in
the ownership of Gateshead Council, however
there are a number of sites in private ownership.
ONE North East, on behalf of 1NG, have secured
Tyne Bridge Tower which is located within
Gateshead Quays.
3.1.2 The steep topography of the Tyne Gorge
considerably influences the character of the
area, providing opportunities for dramatic views
of landmark structures and the urban core of
NewcastleGateshead (see Figure 3.01).
3.1.3 To the south and west of Gateshead
Quays lies Gateshead Centre characterised by
a disjointed physical environment and largely
detached from the Quayside.
Figure 3.01 - Tyne Gorge
June 2011
3.2.2 Other land owners or occupiers across
the masterplan site include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
HMS Calliope,
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art,
The New Tyne Bridge,
A vacant site adjacent to the Swing Bridge with
planning consent for hotel and leisure use;
The Sage Gateshead,
Gateshead Heritage @ St Mary’s,
Baltic Quay Apartments.
Other businesses/occupiers are located in the
Tyne Bridge Tower area (site MU7).
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EXISTING SITE AREA
Total Land
15.35 ha
‘from a Roman defensive site to visionary twenty-first century
architecture, the richness of the built environment… tells an important
story of the birth and growth of one of the major settlements of the
north east region. Evolution and technological advance are the area’s
common threads as change has been layered upon change, often
creating a confident and striking local scene in its place’
(Bridges Conservation Area Character Appraisal 2006, 39).
Figure 3.02 - Gateshead Quays masterplan site
Figure 1.02
June 2011
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3.3 Site History
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Hutton’s map of 1770
3.3.1 Throughout Gateshead’s history the Quays
have played a significant role in the development
of the town. The River Tyne, the topography of the
Tyne Gorge, the development of infrastructure,
trade and industry have provided the town with its
raison d’etre.
3.3.2 A crossing point over the River Tyne
has existed on the site since at least the Roman
period. The character of this settlement remains
unclear, however the Roman road from Durham to
Newcastle is thought to have followed the course
of the existing Bottle Bank.
Figure 3.03 A
1898 OS
3.3.3 The earliest settlements in the area
were clustered around St Mary’s Church (Figure
3.04) the bridge and Bottle Bank. Tightly packed
development and narrow medieval alleys with
a range of activities including salmon fisheries,
watermills, bake-houses, shipbuilding, dyeing,
and coal all contributed the success of the area.
3.3.4 Industrial change heavily influenced the
development of the area, for example the Rectory
to St Mary’s was sold to the Brandling Junction
Railway Company in 1837, forming Oakwellgate
Station and the terminus of the Brandling Junction
Railway (see Figure 3.03).
Figure 3.03 B
1919 OS
3.3.5 Toward the end of the nineteenth century
further industrial developments, particularly the
construction of the High Level Bridge directed
traffic away from the quayside, which may have
contributed to the decline of riverbank industries
from the late 19th century.
3.3.6 Rapid population growth related to
industrial expansion resulted in the spread of
local workers’ housing, eventually becoming
overcrowded slums. During the construction of
the new Tyne Bridge, a large section of the nearby
slum housing was cleared. Later developments
along Cannon Street created its current form with
the Tyne Bridge Tower, Kent House, the former
GPO Sorting Office (now HMS Calliope), being
erected.
3.3.7 During the mid 20th Century Gateshead
Quays became increasingly neglected, however
since the 1990’s there have been concerted efforts
to regenerate Gateshead Quays.
June 2011
Figure 3.03 C
1939 OS
Figure 3.03 D
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Figure 3.04 - St Mary’s from Church Street
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3.4 Adjacent Land Uses
Licence Note
Light Industrial /
Commercial
Office
Hotel
Arts
Food/Drink/Entertainment
Retail
Residential
&Accomodation
Activity
Accomodation
Education
Office Accomodation
3.4.1 Gateshead Quays is bounded by the urban
grain of Gateshead to the south. Land uses in the
existing area of Gateshead Quays are predominantly
mixed use, with a range of residential, commercial,
industrial, educational, and retail uses in close
proximity (see Figure 3.05). These functions are
accommodated in a range of building types reflecting
their functions and the periods in which they were
developed.
Hotel Accomodation
Food/Dntertainment
Arts & Education
Light Industrial /
Commercial
Licence Note
Residential
Light Industrial /
Commercial
Office
Hotel
Arts
Food/Drink/Entertainment
Retail
Residential
&Accomodation
Activity
Accomodation
Education
Historic
Office Accomodation
Hotel Accomodation
Food/Dntertainment
Arts & Education
3.4.2 To the South East of Gateshead Quays,
the Baltic Business Quarter represents an area of
significant future development with approximately
150,000m2 of business and education accommodation
proposed. Other uses surround the Gateshead quays
site include recent or planned developments at
Curzon Place, Ochre Yards, Baltic Place, The Central,
the NewcastleGateshead Hilton and The Point (see
Figure 3.06).
Rev.
Light Industrial /
Commercial
Date
Description
Drn. Chkd. Appd.
Issue Status
Project Title
Gateshead Quays
Residential
Drawing Title
Existing Site Plan
Scale at A1
1:2500
Historic
Figure 3.05 - Land Uses
N
0
100
Date
Description
Drawn
8848
Checked
Approved
23/02/2010
RMJM ¦ Edinburgh
10 Bells Brae
Edinburgh EH4 3BJ
United Kingdom
30
0
300
Job No.
Rev.
Date
Drawing No.
T +44 (0)131 225 2532
F +44 (0)131 226 5117
E [email protected]
W www.rmjm.com
8848(MP)2001
Rev.
Drn. Chkd. Appd.
Issue Status
Project Title
Gateshead Quays
Drawing Title
Existing Site Plan
Scale at A1
1:2500
Date
Drawn
Checked
Approved
23/02/2010
Figure 3.06A - Baltic Business Quarter
RMJM ¦ Edinburgh
10 Bells Brae
Edinburgh EH4 3BJ
United Kingdom
Job No.
8848
Drawing No.
Figure 3.06B - The Point
Figure 3.06C - Baltic appartments
T +44 (0)131 225 2532
F +44 (0)131 226 5117
E [email protected]
W www.rmjm.com
8848(MP)2001
Rev.
3.5 Focal Points and Activity
3.5.1 The
Gateshead
quayside
lacks
permanent ‘community’ and true permeability
from the quayside into the centre of Gateshead.
Topography and infrastructure present the main
barriers to connectivity.
3.5.2 Existing activity hubs within the Gateshead
Quays site include a series of destinations
such as: Gateshead Heritage @ St Mary’s, the
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Baltic
Square, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Sage
Gateshead and associated public spaces (see
Figure 3.07).
Figure 3.07 - Focal Points
June 2011
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3.6 Heritage and Conservation
3.6.1 The western part of the Gateshead Quays
site falls within the Bridges Conservation Area.
The Conservation Area covers the Tyne riverbank
and gorge slopes which form the setting for the
historic central group of Bridges and also includes
the historic core of Gateshead south of the Gorge.
In addition there are a number of nationally and
locally important sites for nature conservation,
along the north and south banks of the Tyne (see
Figures 3.08 and 3.09B).
Figure 3.08 - Heritage and Conservation
Figure 3.09A - Performance Square
Figure 3.09B - Tyne Bridge
3.7 Key spaces
3.7.1 The urban pattern of streets and spaces
includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Baltic Square;
Former St Mary’s Churchyard;
Performance Square; (Figure 3.09A)
St Mary’s Square;
Oakwellgate, Mill Road and Hillgate Car
parks;
Brandling Street;
Maidens Walk.
The range of spatial types is illustrated in Figure
3.10.
Figure 3.10 - Key Spaces
June 2011
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3.8 Scale and Character
3.8.1 The topography of the Tyne Gorge provides
dramatic character, open expanse and far reaching
panoramas. These views and the composition
of major landmark have become nationally
recognised symbols for NewcastleGateshead.
3.8.2 Character Areas
The Tyne Gorge Study (March 2006) establishes
specific character areas throughout the Tyne
Gorge area (see Figure 3.11). The Gateshead
Quays masterplan site straddles three character
areas, these are:
•
Figure 3.11 - Character Areas
•
•
Historic Waterfronts – 1c Historic Gateshead
Waterfront;
Gorge Slopes – 3e South Shore Road;
Settled Hills – 5e Central Gateshead & 5f
Saltmeadows.
3.8.3 Landmarks
A number of buildings and landmark structures
were recorded as part of the ‘Tyne Gorge Study’
primary landmarks are illustrated in Figure
3.12 and 3.14 A to J. These form key features
punctuating the surrounding urban landscape of
NewcastleGateshead.
Figure 3.12 - Landmarks (Tyne Gorge Study)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Gateshead Heritage @ St Mary’s and associated graveyard;
The Sage Gateshead;
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art;
New Tyne Bridge and approach;
Gateshead Millennium Bridge;
Swing Bridge;
Maiden’s Walk Coal Drops;
Kent House;
Former public conveniences;
Brandling Street Railway viaduct and arches;
3.8.4 Views & Vistas
The masterplan site is captured by number of the
strategic views identified in the Tyne Gorge study
(see Figure 3.13).
Figure 3.13 - Views (Tyne Gorge Study)
June 2011
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Gateshead Quays - Masterplan Summary RMJM 19
Figure 3.14 A - Gateshead Heritage @ St Mary’s
Figure 3.14 F - Swing Bridge
Figure 3.14 B - The Sage Gateshead
Figure 3.14 G - Maidens Walk
Figure 3.14 C - BALTIC Centre foe Contemporary Art
Figure 3.14 H - Kent House
Figure 3.14 D - Tyne Bridge
Figure 3.14 I - Former Public Conveniences
Figure 3.14 E - Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Figure 3.14 J - Brandling Street
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3.9 Constraints
3.9.1 The Gateshead Quays presents a number
of barriers to access and future development (see
Figure 3.15), the key issues are:
•
•
•
Figure 3.15 - Constraints
June 2011
The Quays are disconnected from Gateshead’s
Centre;
Transportation infrastructure creates barriers
to access;
HMS Calliope occupies a significant location
and a barrier to the public use of the
Quayside;
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•
•
•
•
June 2011
Gateshead Quays - Masterplan Summary RMJM 21
There are sensitivities surrounding the skyline
and historic / landmark structures;
There is a lack of coherence across the site.
Proximity to the River Tyne presents a potential
flood risk.
Lack of permeability caused by the Oakwellgate
car park and Maidens Walk Coal Drops
•
Topographical barriers on the southern side of
South Shore Road, adjacent to Gateshead @
St Marys, and to the south of the Mill Road
car park.
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3.10 Opportunities
3.10.1 The Gateshead Quays site offers a
unique opportunity in the evolution of Gateshead
to take a holistic approach to the delivery of future
development in the area. The key opportunities
are illustrated in Figure 3.16, and include:
Figure 3.16 - Opportunities
June 2011
•
•
•
The Quays as an area capable of
accommodating further change;
Re-unite Gateshead with its riverfront and
make the best use of the quayside edges;
Deliver well planned high quality development
which can become a great place;
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•
•
•
June 2011
Gateshead Quays - Masterplan Summary RMJM 23
Connecting the masterplan area to its
context;
Make the most of views provided by the Tyne
Gorge;
Promote economic growth;
•
•
Provide a range of residential, hotel, office
accommodation, conference facility, retail,
leisure and tourist facilities;
Create a sustainable development in terms of
location, content, access, and building types.
24 RMJM Gateshead Quays - Masterplan Summary
4. Design Principles
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
These principles represent the first level of the design intention for Gateshead
Quays, to ensure the development of a successful masterplan that can become
a great place, and have been developed as a direct result of the project partners
vision for the area.
Urban Realm Principles
4A.1
4A.2
4A.3
4A.4
4A.5
4A.6
4A.7
4A.8
4A.9
Establish a framework within which a great place can be built;
Re-unite Gateshead with its riverfront and make the best use of the quayside
edges;
Provide a visual relationship with surrounding landmarks;
Create a defined public realm network, with a legible and permeable urban grain,
which clearly defines public and private space;
Provide a mixed use, walkable neighbourhood with safe and active streets, where
appropriate provide ground floor active frontages, at key locations;
Establish a variety of development heights that provide variety and texture to the
urban grain;
Ensure accessibility for a range of transport modes, with quality pedestrian, cycle
and public transport links;
Ensure streetscape will be attractive to pedestrians by reducing the need for on
street parking.
Create a sustainable development in terms of location, content, access, and building types;
Development Content Principles
4B.1
4B.2
June 2011
Promote economic growth.
Define a range and mix of uses, to create a mixed and balanced sustainable new
neighbourhood;
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5. Development Strategy
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The design principles have been expanded into a series of Development Strategies
below. These provide a greater degree of detail upon which our masterplan
proposals are developed.
Urban Realm Strategy
5A.1.1
5A.2.1
5A.2.2
5A.3.1
5A.4.1
5A.4.2
5A.5.1
5A.5.2
5A.6.1
5A.7.1
5A.8.1
5A.9.1
5A.9.2
Utilise the place making opportunities inherent in the existing context of
Gateshead Quays.
Provide the opportunity to create new forms of riverside activity, including new interest, and business and leisure opportunities, considering and mitigating flood risk where appropriate.
Address the challenges inherent in the topography of the site and allow greater
permeability between the ‘Riverside’, ‘Parkland’ and ‘Urban Edge’ .
Identify routes views and landmarks at key locations in the proposed urban grain.
Provide enhanced permeability through the masterplan area using Gateshead
Council’s strategy of ‘Streets, Squares, Lanes and Stairs’. Spatial ambiguity will
be avoided through clear definition of public and private external space.
Clearly define a strategy for soft and hard landscaping reflecting the
proposed use of the public realm.
Provide safe and welcoming spaces within the masterplan, uses will allow for the
possibility of passive management of public spaces.
Focus activities and ground floor active frontages on primary streets and at the
quayside.
Provide a range of development heights defining the proposed urban grain and
relate proposed development to the existing context.
Provide enhanced permeability for a range of transport modes as alternative
modes of transport to the private car.
Minimise the impact of car parking on streetscape and open space, undercroft
parking will be encouraged.
Create a mixed and balanced new neighbourhood, providing opportunities to
live and work within the area.
Meet the targets and aspirations of Gateshead Council with respect to
sustainable design.
Development Content Strategy
5B.1.1
5B.2.1
5B.2.2
June 2011
Establish an environment that allows for an appropriate range of businesses
to be located within the masterplan.
New development will complement the existing mixed use nature of Gateshead,
including; small businesses, ateliers, hotel, retail, residential, cultural
and leisure uses.
Provide a mix of uses which will allow the area to become a sustainable,
integrated community. Flexibility in the Masterplan is central to enabling future
demand to be addressed without undermining the overall objectives.
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6.2 Re-unite
6.2.1 The topography of the site (see Figure
6.03) provides inherent opportunities to create
identifiable site zones. Three principle site
zones are distinguished. The key strategies for
overcoming the topographical challenges and
maximising the benefits of their adjacencies,
effectively turn what were barriers into positive
edges, as illustrated in Figure 6.07. The three
zones are:
• The ‘Riverside’
• The ‘Parkland’
• The ‘Urban Edge
+7m
+10m
+22m
+32m
Figure 6.03 - Topography
6.2.2 The ‘Riverside’; is readily identifiable
and provides one of the most significant landmark
locations in the UK. The integration of public and
leisure facilities alongside key areas of public
realm provides a range of leisure and retail
opportunities, whilst recognising the significance
of the Tyne Gorge (see Figure 6.04).
6.2.3 The ‘Parkland’; will overcome the
topographical challenges of the site, generating
opportunities for large scale public functions, and
the extension of the existing parkland setting. The
parkland area incorporates the existing facilities
of Gateshead Heritage @ St. Mary’s and The
Sage Gateshead. (see Figure 6.05).
Figure 6.04 - Riverside
Figure 6.05 - Parkland
June 2011
Revision 11
Gateshead Quays - Masterplan Summary RMJM 29
Figure 6.07 - Connection between Gateshead Centre and the Quays
6.2.4 The ‘Urban Edge’; offers the opportunity
to form a coherent boundary to the urban centre
of Gateshead, overcoming some of the barriers
presented by the existing context. The new urban
grain provides permeability and completes the
urban centre of Gateshead. (see Figure 6.06).
Figure 6.06 - Urban Edge
June 2011