The Regeneration Renewal & Connection of The Lower Don Valley
Lsc236 Landscape Planning Binghui Gong 140207204
Content 1.0
Introduction....................................................................................................................1
2.0
The Site Analyzes...........................................................................................................2
3.0 Sustainable Transformation..........................................................................................4 3.1 Relevant Policies and Actions................................................................................4 3.2 Strategy Themes, Aims & Objectives.....................................................................5 3.3 A Sustainable Future for Lower Don Valley.........................................................10 4.0
Consultation & Conclusion.........................................................................................11
5.0
Reference......................................................................................................................12
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1.0 Introduction y wa or ot
Valley Centertainment
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Tinsley
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Attercliffe
Key features of the Study Area include: Meadowhall Shopping Centre (main shopping destination) Valley Centertainment (main leisure destination) Sports facilities Portion of River Don Several green land fragments Warehouses and derelict industry factories M1 Motorway Railway stations and bus stations (quite convenient transportation) This study seeks to show some sustainable regeneration measures of the chosen area based on reviewing the existing situation. The report is divided into 3 parts. The first part will analyze the current site by using SWOT term. The second apart will then go on to relevant policies and development strategies. In the end, a direction for future development will be shown.
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The Study Area is identified in Figure 1.1. The area is located between the M1 Motorway and Attercliffe. Meanwhile, it encompasses Darnall and part of Tinsley.
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The Lower Don Valley, which is located on the River Don and contains the areas of Wincobank, Tinsley, Attercliffe, Darnall and Brightside. It was the main industrial northeast fields of Sheffield between the 19th and 20th century. However, as in the end of the industrial revolution and the substantial progress of technology, it went into recession (Development Services, Sheffield City Council, 2007). Consequently, lots of abandoned factories and spaces have been left.
Meadowhall Shopping Centre
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As known for the centre of the British industry, especially prominent for the iron and steel production in the 19th and 20th century, Sheffield has attracted thousands of employees from all over the world. Most of the works were from the poor districts like East Europe and South East Asian. Gradually, it has built its comparatively stable economic foundation. Furthermore, Sheffield has become the fourth largest city in England and the largest city in the Yorkshire and Humber region (Beanland, 2015).
Darnall
Figure 1.1 The Study Area of Lower Don Valley
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2.0 The Site Analyzes - Strengths
- Weaknesses
1. The transportation is quite convenient due to railway stations and bus stops around the Meadowhall shopping centre.
1. Environment pollution with rubbish everywhere, dirty water fields and abandoned plants‌ The M1 Motorway not only causes noise pollution but also increases the air pollution over the city.
2. The site includes several green spaces and waterways, where a great deal of different types of wildlife exists (Figures beblow show some important species) (Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Partnership, 2014). Meanwhile, they could let people close to the nature. 3. The area is well serviced by existing facilities like primary schools, health centres, shopping and leisure centres. 4. Meadowhall, the Valley Centertainment and other surrounding industries offer lots of job opportunities.
Figure 2.1 Interactive Services Map (OpenStreetMap)
2.3
2.5 Important Species Exist Figure 2.3 Water Voles
3. Waste of open spaces, meadows and abandoned buildings. 4. Lack of higher education places. 5. Crime statistics, uneducated proportions among the poorest in the country and unemployment rates are higher than national average of 6.9%, 5% and 3.4% respectively (Beanland, 2015).
2.4 2.6
Figure 2.2 Green Spaces and Waterways
2. Lack of links between several green ecological fragments.
Figure 2.8 & 2.9 above show the water pollution and ground pollution near the canal. Figure 2.11 on the left shows the M1 Motorway over the water and riverside walk. Figure 2.12 & 2.13 below show the waste open spaces in the Carbrook and near the Next store.
Figure 2.4 Cryfish Figure 2.5 Bullhead Fish Figure 2.6 White Letter Hairstreak Butterfly Figure 2.7 Otters
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- Opportunities
- Threats
1. The green spaces and the waterway have great ecological potential value that could attract more species here and they need to be protected.
1. Although Meadowhall areas are more completely and better for shopping and leisure, people living miles away would not go to if they could find a place to instead in the city centre particularly old people. Furthermore, The green spaces and the riverside walk are easily ignored, and people rarely care about the ecological environment here. Due to this, most pedestrians go to the site only for shopping and entertainment. Therefore, the biodiversity potential will be lost and less people will pay attention to this area.
2. The open spaces and abandoned buildings could be reused and redeveloped for other multi functional facilities or sustainable constructions. 3. More outside activities could be organized for not only the people living nearby but also for the communities living far away. 4. Sufficient Labor force could be use for new employment (Beanland, 2015).
2. Water impoundment in catchment area will probably cause flooding issues. 3. The fragile and fragmented habitat will decrease the biodiversity of this area.
Figure 2.14 The Wildlife On The Water
Figure 2.15 The Existing Meadow and Open spaces
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3.0 Sustainable Transformation 3.1 Relevant Policy and Actions - Policy SLD1 Around Meadowhall, employment will be the main land use, which includes both office development and non-office business. Housing might be incorporated as a feature of a mixed-use advancement that offers acceptable environment conditions and air quality. The shopping centre will remain at around its present size. Largescale leisure utilizes that cannot be situated in the city center might likewise be built adjacent the Interchange. All new growth or formation around the Meadowhall Centre needs to be coherent with the existing development (Development Services, Sheffield City Council, 2007). - Policy SLD5 was composed of 3 objectives of Transform South Yorkshire (TSY). A mix of land uses would diversify the neighbourhoods and help create a vibrant new area in Darnall; expand the range of housing available in Darnall, and, bring new and high-quality housing (Beanland, 2015). - Policy SS1 The Meadowhall Shopping Centre will not expand its size and major non-nourishment retail would not intervene outside the Core Retail Area and District Centre and their edges (Development Services, Sheffield City Council, 2007). - Policy PPS6 The housing in out-of-centre mixed-use advancements encourage introducing extra floor spaces for primary town centre utilizes. This is reflected in the relevant clause for shopping and housing at Meadowhall (Development Services, Sheffield City Council, 2007). From the Policy SLD1, SLD5, SS1 and PPS6 and above, mixed-use housing and large-scale outdoor leisure facilities need to be introduced to the study area except the Meadowhall Centre. The diverse use of housing could not only promote economic growth by office and non-office use, but also provide more living spaces for new and existing residents. Meanwhile, more education facilities and opportunities could be given to the poorest. Furthermore, the new leisure spaces could be based in existing sport areas, meadows and riverside.
- Sheffield City Council is preparing a supplementary designing paper on waterside development. It as a major portion of the pending She¬ffield Development Framework, which guarantees all future waterside advancements will incorporate sustainable flood moderation measures. For instance, the paper will include SUDS (practical urban waste frameworks), green rooftops and other efficient methods that could protect and improve the river corridors as wildlife habitats (Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Partnership, 2014). - Sheffield Waterways Strategy Group was established in 2003 to build up a strategy for the reconstruction of Sheffi¬eld’s waterways as portion of the city’s more extensive policy plan. Their final report, entitled Sheffi¬eld: City of Rivers was distributed in 2008. Also, actions are being taken to complete the strategy (Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Partnership, 2014). The waterways in the study area are quite valuable because they have lots of species include otters, water voles, white-clawed crayfish, bullhead, white letter hairstreak butterflies and a wide variety of birds. Meanwhile, the healthy fish populations might provide people with food and fishing experience (Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Partnership, 2014). However, sustainable flood moderation measures should also be emphasized. - Policy HS2 To support sustainable development in the UK, the motivation of the HS2 is making a world-class high-speed rail network (Trafford et al., 2016). It will change people’s modes of transportation between cities and revive the rail network. Meanwhile, it would improve economy, create job opportunities, and decrease carbon emissions. Furthermore, it would give people reliable traveling experiences in a changing climate from the present to the future. According to Wheeler’s news on BBC political news page in July 8th 2014, the government proposed to set up a 60mph speed limit for a 32-mile stretch of the M1 between junction 28 and junction 35a, in a bid to cut the air and noise pollution (Wheeler, 2014). In addition to the speed limit, the noise elimination needs more efficient methods for both the people walking on the beneath riverside walk and the nearby residents.
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3.2 Strategy Themes, Aims & Objectives Vision
Regeneration
Renewal
Connection
Figure 3.2.1 Transformation of Copenhagen Square
Figure 3.2.2 Portobello market in London
Figure 3.2.3 New York Riverside Park
Figure 3.2.4 Qunli Stormwater Wetland Park
Figure 3.2.5 New Earswick
Figure 3.2.6 New Earswick
Throughout the following a quarter of a century, the Lower Don Valley will achieve urban renewal and be regenerated to an attractive, safe and sustainable place to live, work and visit. Office and non-office business, retail, leisure and enhanced natural spaces will be in harmony with a growing residential population. Based on the relevant polices and several actions the government decided, sustainable housing and conservation & protection are the main tools to accomplish the vision.
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Purple: New Residence Area
Rose: New Higher Education Sustainable Housing: Aims: Achieve a more balanced housing market restoration; adapt population prediction and family unit growth. In addition, be of sufficient critical mass to support the provision of additional or enhanced services like nearby education places. - Strategy 1: Introduce a high-quality mix of uses (housing/services/ local employment) to be developed in the Lower Don Valley mainly located around the canal at Attercliffe and between Attercliffe and Darnall. Strengths of this strategy are: 1. The vacant and unused spaces that left for a number of years could be reused, which could create diversified new land uses and bring investment into this area. 2. It would connect the separated lands and make a safer and more attractive housing environment. Meanwhile, it would contribute the long-term supply of housing in the city. 3. More job opportunities would be created and with a number of new employees coming, public transport and security will be promoted. 4. More schools would be built and let more people have a place to accept higher education.
Small Orange: New Retail Spaces
Connections of Retail From Darnall
Large Orange: New Retail & Office Business Area
Figure 3.2.7 The New Housing Area Plan
Figure 3.2.8 On the Left. Gables Oglethorpe, a mixed-use luxury apartment community at the corner of Peachtree Road and Hermance Drive in Brookhaven (Gables Residential, 2014). These practical buildings could combine functions of retail business and living, which could save the land use.
- Strategy 2: Expand and develop the small and dull Darnall centre (Development Services, Sheffield City Council, 2007) for an attractive centre mainly offer shopping services. Meanwhile, connect the town centres together with the Meadowhall centre to be a large coherent multifunctional area. Strengths of this strategy are: 1. It would create more job opportunities with the growth of retail especially for the unemployed residents. 2. It would increase economic profit by expanding the shopping market to attract a wider range of shoppers. 3. Routes for shopping, work and other business could be linked and promote the development of transportation.
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- Strategy 3: Create large-scale leisure facilities based on the original sports pitches and open lands. (See as Figure 3.2.9) Strengths of this strategy are: 1. It would make more people participate and pay attention to this space. 2. It would revive and link the existing sports pitches, such as Mortorpoint Arena and Tinsley Park Golf Course. It could also introduce other activities that are limited in the city centre. 3. It would make the whole area more diversified and introduce more activities that suitable for the people in all age groups. - Strategy 4: Improve the Environmental Performance of Existing Buildings. (See as Figure 3.2.10 & 3.2.11) Strengths of this strategy are: 1. Sustainable high quality building could minimum waste and pollution by using recycle material, reducing releases into water and the atmosphere‌
Yellow: New Outside Leisure Spaces
Green: New Green Spaces
Orange: New Retail & Office Business Area
Purple: New Residence Area
Leisure Facility Connection Business Connection
2. It would reduce the energy use like heating, cooling and electric power. Figure 3.2.9 The New Facilities Near The Meadowhall
Figure 3.2.10 The Ultimate Guide to A Sustainable Home (archh.com, 2014)
Figure 3.2.11 solar roof tiles
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Rotherham City Centre Concord Park Conservation & Protection: Aims: Create a rubust ecological habitat network within the study area and link to the surrounding green spaces link people and wildlife.
Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park
- Strategy 1: Protect the existing green spaces including the meadows and species-rich by mowing regularly, removing cuttings and introducing more species into the site. Meanwhile, conserve and manage the waterways including water quality and the wetlands. Strengths of this strategy are: 1. The green spaces could not only provide rich biodiversity, but also offer people natural experiences.
Earl Marshal Recreation Ground
2. Rivers give wildlife with “corridors� that they could use to move between other habitats. 3. Waterways and reedbeds could support many species in the site including the endangered crayfish and bullhead. Meanwhile, wetlands are important sources for food, fresh water and building materials, and also provide valuable services such as water purification, flood defence and erosion control (Sheffield wildlife trust). Tinsley Park Golf Course
Sheffield City Centre
Figure 3.2.12
Green Habitat Connection
- Strategy 2: Try to use Green Street form and river corridor as links to connect each green fragment. Strengths of this strategy are: 1. A robust green network would give wildlife a wider, safe and diversified habitat.
Waterway
Existing Green Spaces
2. The connected green spaces would not only provide residents a more healthy and sustainable natural environment, but also attract pedestrians exploring and paying attention to these ecological resource.
Figure 3.2.12 shows the connections of green habitats within the study area and the links to wider spaces. Figure 3.2.13 from CAT information service shows the construction of reedbed. Figure 3.2.14 shows the well-managed reedbeds. Figure 3.2.13 (CAT information service)
Figure 3.2.14
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- Strategy 3: Build highway traffic noise barriers along both sides of the M1 Motorway; use the same material beneath the motorway where above the riverside walk and other residence area and agree with the speed-limit objective. Meanwhile, support the Speed-Limit suggestion. Strength of this strategy is: 1. Reduce noise and air pollution. Strategy 4: Windows and doors on commercial properties near the river will be replaced with flood-resistant units. Furthermore, construct a new raised wall along the riverbank near the catchment area around meadowhall way.
Figure3.2.15 The Sound Tube in Melbourne, Australia
Figure 3.2.16 Noise Barrier in Bonville
Strengths of this strategy are: 1. Reduce flood risk to constructions and natural resources in the area. 2. Create a stable long-termed space to let this area become safer and more suitable for living.
Waterway The Boundry of The Study Area
New Raised Wall
Figure3.2.17 shows the main flood protected catchment area in the study
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A sustainable future for Lower Don Valley Strategic direction
Actions
1. Sustainable development 1.1 Keep improving the existing building for a more sustainable Renewal and Design direction.
Timing Next 5 years
1.2 Maintain and promote the area for sports based leisure uses Next 10 years (Development Services, Sheffield City Council, 2007). 1.3 Expand housing area and city centre area in Darnall by introducing more high quality building.
Next 20 years and as developments come forward
1.4 Define and enhance city streets, parks and other open spaces. Improve their role for people and in public life.
Ongoing and reviewed
2. Ecological green habitats 2.1 Keep improving the existing green spaces and river. connection
Ongoing and reviewed
2.2 Enhance the green connections between each ecological Next 10 years and as developments come fragment by improving green streets, conserving waterways and forward developing transportation. 2.3 Monitor and improve the measures for flood control.
Ongoing and reviewed
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Consultation & Conclusion
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Public Consultation
Conclusion
Why: Good consultation and communications are important to the management process and receive critical opinions when modify in the work practice and procedures (Employee communications and consultation, 2005).
The report has followed the order of content to illustrate and it focused on the development objectives of the study area in Lower Don Valley.
Where: Due to the convenient transportation to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, the consultation can be held in the hall where in the middle of the shopping mall, or in an empty shop. Who: Councilors; landowners; leaders of nearby community groups; key residents living adjacent and vocal students (15 -18years old). When: Half of a workday because of the weekend time is valuable for some employees.
After took these actions, I hope the chosen region could perform what we expect in the vision: regeneration, renewal and connection. Furthermore, I hope these sustainable transformation methods could affect the wider area to build a coherent long-tern social environment together.
What: Firstly, let the participants have a thorough understanding of our plans by using an interactive exhibition. Secondly, provide them with coffee and several communication spaces. It could let them discuss or argue about the project each other. In the end, visitors need to fill out a piece of short questionnaire. Meanwhile, they could express what they think about the development by writing on the paper or talking to the staff. How: Firstly, an official website could be one of the propaganda techniques to make people aware of our transformation and the held of consultation. Meanwhile, the regular updates and result of the consultation would be posted on the website. Secondly, hand out leaflets in the related areas and people. This method is aimed at older people who are not familiar with computer using.
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Reference
Figure2.1: OpenStreetMap (no date) Available at: https://www.streetcheck.co.uk/postcode/s91ep (Accessed: 24 May 2016). Figure2.3: http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/52298000/ jpg/_52298206_sn_life_of_water_vole17.jpg Figure2.4: http://www.swanireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/6093365240_b07c727e1c_b.jpg Figure2.5: http://catsandcarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Yellow-Bullhead.jpg Figure2.6: http://butterfly-conservation.org/scaleImage.ashx?MaxSize=625&file=/files/white-letter-hairstreak-underwing1-peter-eeles-web.jpg Figure2.7: http://41.media.tumblr.com/44a5d6acc11c52363af0a242c5f4c2f3/tumblr_mufijaVII91spd0jso1_1280.jpg Figure3.2.1: http://c8.alamy.com/comp/DK8860/stroget-street-the-main-pedestrian-shopping-street-copenhagen-denmark-DK8860.jpg Figure3.2.2: http://www.ebookers.com/travel-blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Portobello-Road.jpg Figure3.2.3: http://riversideparknyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ RPS-Photos-2.jpg Figure3.2.4: http://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5279/9d67/ e8e4/4ef0/0400/009e/large_jpg/Qunli06.jpg?1383701845 Figure3.2.8: Gables Residential (2014) Gables residential, Oglethorpe building mixed-use community - Atlanta business chronicle Available at: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2014/09/03/ gables-residential-oglethorpe-building-mixed-use.html?ana=twt#i1 (Accessed: 24 May 2016). Figure3.2.10: The ultimate guide to a sustainable home - Blogs (2012) Available at: http://www.archh.com/blogs/129/the-ultimateguide-to-a-sustainable-home/ (Accessed: 24 May 2016). Figure3.2.11: https://johnlyle.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/solar_ panels_on-a-domestic-roof-hardly_gorgeous_are_they.jpg Figure3.2.13: CAT information service (no date) Available at: http:// info.cat.org.uk/questions/water-and-sewage/what-are-reed-beds (Accessed: 24 May 2016). Figure3.2.14: http://groups.tcv.org.uk/fomm/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/ files/potteric-carr-march-2011/reed-bed.jpg Figure3.2.15:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/ TullamarineFwy.jpg Figure3.2.16: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/images/projects/keybuildprogram/pacific-highway/noise-barriers-1.jpg
Reference
Beanland, A. (2015) Lower Don Valley master plan. Available at: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/planning-and-city-development/planning-documents/masterplans/beyond-city-centre/lower-don-valley-masterplan.html (Accessed: 20 May 2016). Development Services, Sheffield City Council (2007) Sheffield Development Framework, Lower Don Valley Background Report. Howden House, Sheffield. Employee communications and consultation - why are communications and consultation important? (2005) Available at: http://www. acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=665 (Accessed: 23 May 2016). Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Partnership (2014) The River Don and The SheÂŹeld & South Yorkshire Navigation Canals Spatial Biodiversity Action Plan. Available at: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/ out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/ecology-unit/biodiversity-conservation-in-sheffield/sheffield-local-biodiversity-action-plan. html (Accessed: 20 May 2016). Sheffield wildlife trust (no date) Available at: http://www.wildsheffield. com/wildlife/habitats/wetlands-and-rivers (Accessed: 22 May 2016). Trafford, B.W. of, Goodwill, R., Taskforce, Hs.G., team, H. speed rail, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Department for Transport and The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin (2016) HS2: High speed rail. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/hs2-high-speed-rail (Accessed: 25 May 2016). Wheeler, B. (2014) 60mph motorway speed limit plan shelved. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28210416 (Accessed: 21 May 2016). 2010 to 2015 government policy: Community integration (2015) Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-community-integration/2010-to-2015-government-policy-community-integration (Accessed: 15 November 2015).
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Binghui Gong 140207204