The next phase of the Quayside reimagining project is underway, with world leading architects in urban design collaborating with a cross-section of Newcastle's key stake-holders.
Gehl Architects have been commissioned by NE1 to lead the program of improvements to the public space, hoping to build on the Quayside's reputation as an enjoyable environment for both visitors and residents alike.
Key themes and principles for the development were teased out during collaborative workshops on Wednesday and Thursday, before more public consultation commences.
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The workshop was held to help understand the place as it is now, including what people like and dislike about the Quayside, exploring the public’s aspirations for the area and visioning for the future.
The findings were shaped by an online engagement survey, which gathered information from over 900 local residents, employees, employers and visitors giving insights into how the Quayside is used and places that people like and dislike.
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1, said that it's clear from public surveys that people have "passion and pride" for the Quayside, but that they want to "see this reflected in its maintenance".
He pointed out that there are many "quick wins" that would help accentuate what is already there, namely the repainting of the Tyne Bridge.
He continued: “It is a mark of ambition and aspiration that we appointed Gehl to work alongside some of the city’s finest architects and landscape designers to help us define a collective vision for the future.
"The work is about understanding what is precious, what needs to be maintained and celebrated, as well as identifying the opportunities for maximising the commercial and social benefits for businesses, residents and visitors who flock to this area of the city.
"We are excited to tap into their collective expertise and are enthusiastic about what can be achieved. It is an exciting time for the Quayside, and it is essential that we lay the foundations now for how this world-class waterfront will evolve in the future.”
Stephen also highlighted 'protecting heritage', 'blending the boundary of land and water' and 'greening' as important aims during the survey and subsequent workshops.
He said that some of the less dramatic developments, such as softening the boundary between the Quayside and the River Tyne with vegetation, could be seen as early as Summer 2022.
It will take longer for more large-scale improvements to the public realm to come into play, as plans need to be drawn up, approved by the council and investment needs to be secured from central government.
The team leading the improvement is headed up by Ewa Westermark from Gehl Architects, who has an impressive international track record of working with other cities to transform global public spaces and waterfronts, including in New York, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Oslo and Sydney.
Asked what makes a great public space she highlighted safety, enjoyment, accessibility and sustainability as some of the stand-out points.
Some of her ideas for sprucing up the Quayside include pedestrianising the central strip, creating a clearer path between the city centre and the Quayside and introducing activities that can be changed depending on the season and time of day.
She continued: “The team at Gehl is grateful to have been chosen to be part of the Quayside reimagining programme and are super excited to be working collaboratively with NE1, the people of Newcastle, local architects and landscape designers.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Newcastle to get actively involved in shaping the city’s future and championing a renaissance for the Quayside, its iconic waterfront, heritage, and its incredible natural assets.
“Using Gehl’s methods and experience, gained from working on projects around the world, we will help facilitate the workshops and explore big picture ideas based around the survey’s themes and findings.
“We are proud to be helping to shape the Quayside with the goal of creating a liveable, healthy waterfront that future generations can enjoy and be proud of.”
The Quayside reimagining project is a different scheme to the contentious plans to build hundreds of new flats on the Quayside, which is going to be probed in an upcoming planning inquiry.
The next step in the reimagining project is for the workshop findings to be shared with the people of Newcastle through a second survey, which will be issued in mid-March.
People will be encouraged to have their say and help shape a shared vision and new future for the Quayside. Gehl will report its full findings at the beginning of April.
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