Existing River Course
Annual River Flooding
Anna Egerton-King 170182979 Newark, believed to have been founded by the Romans, lies at the intersection of two significant Roman roads, the Great North Road and Fosse Way. Newark’s name dates from this era, meaning literally ‘new fortification’. Fuelled by transport and trade and the confluence of intercultural exchange, the town grew first around a wooden and then stone fort, a large market was established, the community grew as travellers stayed and for centuries the town prospered. New Fort Park challenges, educates and empowers communities, providing compelling space for cultures that overlap and interact whilst hosting the European Biennial Manifesta 2024. The park reflects elements of Newark castle and history, creating a strong identity and embracing diversity, overcoming perceived barriers. Bands of defence, areas of sacrificial land and intervention have been designed to showcase the relationship between static permanence and resilient dynamism. It brings the impact of climate change to front of mind and encourages pro-environmental behaviours. Its focus is on what brings us together; what draws people in and how that can be protected, how space is temporal and why it will endure.
Street trees along the Great North Road create a shaded streetscape as well as catch surface water runoff.
Main threshold into park. Access from town centre, Newark Castle, train station and wider pedestrian footpaths.
Fastigiate Species
The mound provides an advantage point with extensive views. A1
Boardwalk platform provides an observation point.
Park designed to accommodate flooding which will become more frequent with climate change. Sacrificial land divided by 1m bands create depth and change of space.
A large open greenspace to keep existing function of the park and allow festivals such as the Manifesta to take place.
Temporary Bridge, implemented during the Biennial Manifesta, connecting Newark’s cultures and encourage river passengers to disembark.
Regimented, formal area of vegetation obstruct and create views.
A2
Woodland trail provides an alternative route through the park for visitors to explore whilst screening the railway. The woodland creates a green corridor and glades which benefit biodiversity.
Storytelling Building – visitors learn about the impacts of climate change and the environment.
Workshop Building – to be used for visitors to develop or learn new skills. The building also has a café area and to host Manifesta activities.
Wetland Area – observe and learn about the natural environment and how it changes.
Local Offices – the interface between building and landscape creates a relief from working environment.
Drawbridge – connecting the three permanent buildings and extending geometry to the Corn Exchange across the river.
All buildings sit on a raised elevation to replicate the motte and bailey defence formation that Newark Castle once deployed.
Interaction with water – areas of boardwalk extend into the river to enhance visitor experience. Sound and sight of rushing water draw people towards the river edge. Temporary Building and outdoor space –to be used as an extension of the Workshop Building to host activities in an outdoor environment.
Resilient and adaptable vegetation species used to withstand future climate impacts.
1 in 1000 Year Flood