Nisha Gandhi - Re-inventing Peterborough by Nisha

REINVENTING

PETERBOROUGH

A STRATEGY TO CONNECT THE CITY AND THE RIVER

MA PERSONAL FOCUS PROJECT NISHA GANDHI

Word Count: 22,140 Nisha Gandhi C3274344 LA702 Personal Focus Project MA Landscape Architecture Leeds Beckett University, UK

REINVENTING

PETERBOROUGH

A STRATEGY TO CONNECT THE CITY AND THE RIVER

PREFACE This document is a strategy focused on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Re-inventing Peterboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; through a series of regenerations along the waterfront. The purpose of this document is to inspire ideas as to how the city and river can improve their relationship to create better places for people.

PETERBOROUGH IN THE 1970s

Structure of this Document

Executive Summary

xii

BACKGROUND

EXPLORATION

SITE EXPLORATION

RESEARCH

Introduction

Introduction to Site

Introduction to Themes

Peterborough

Site Appraisal

Water

History

Constraints Plan

Placemaking

Development History

Opportunities Plan

Sustainability

River Nene

People

Flooding

Connectivity

Planning Context Summary

Current + Proposed Development

VISION

MASTERPLAN

REFERENCES

REFERENCES + APPENDICES

Vision

Masterplan

References

104

Concept

Access + Movement

Figures

106

Application of Concept

People + Destinations

Appendix 1: Case Studies

108

Interaction with Water

Appendix 2: Planning Context

122

Opportunity Areas

Application of Principles

Conclusion

100

PETERBOROUGH EMBANKMENT

“IMAGINE, FOR EXAMPLE, A CITY WHICH HAS CLEANED UP ITS RIVERS AND STREAMS, PROVIDES FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS ALONG THEM, LINKS THESE WITH LARGER OPEN SPACES SUCH AS PARKS AND SQUARES, INVESTS IN TREE PLANTING IN LARGE AND SMALL PUBLIC SPACES AND STREETS, DEVELOPS COMMUNITY GARDENS, HAS AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME THAT ENCOURAGES HARD TO REACH GROUPS TO BE MORE ACTIVE, AND IS COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SUDS). THAT CITY’S URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT AND FLOOD RISK WILL REDUCE; THERE WILL BE INCREASES IN AIR AND WATER QUALITY, ACTIVE TRAVEL, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WALKING, RUNNING AND CYCLING FOR FUN, AND GROWING THEIR OWN FOOD; THERE WILL ALSO BE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION FOCUSED ON ENHANCED WILDLIFE. ALL THESE CHANGES WILL HAVE POSITIVE IMPACTS ON PEOPLE’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.” (LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE, 2015)

STRUCTURE OF THIS DOCUMENT RESEARCH Evaluating and analysing relevant case studies, policies and key drivers related to the study area

BACKGROUND Background information to set the scene for the study and give context to Peterborough city and the River Nene

SITE EXPLORATION Exploring and determining the study area through appraisal and analysis of the landscape

MASTERPLAN Masterplan of the overall vision for the study area, reviewing against the overall aims

VISION Setting out the overall vision and aims for the study area, based on site exploration and research

REFERENCES + APPENDICES List of all references and appendices, which include detailed case studies and planning context

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Summary

Recommendations

This report provides background, analysis and a strategic landscape proposal for re-inventing Peterborough’s relationship with the River Nene.

Recommendations concluded from this report are based around five key themes: water, placemaking, sustainability, people and connectivity. The following recommendations describe how to re-invent the waterfront in Peterborough:

Methodology The background and analysis sections in this document deliver a thorough insight into the history of the city and the current conditions of the waterfront. Relevant research undertaken as part of this study is used to explore the future vision for a new waterfront in the city, and how to strengthen the relationship with the river. This strategic landscape proposal has been produced to identify key challenges and explore opportunities to enhance the waterfront by improving connectivity towards the river, and proposing a range of development opportunities and destinations for residents of Peterborough to engage with and enjoy.

xii

–– Water - Enhancing the quality of water and associated habitats improves the offer of the river to visitors –– Placemaking - Creating a sense of place and a series of attractive destinations along the waterfront will enhance the popularity of the river –– Sustainability - Focusing on the three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental can contribute to creating a strong, responsive, vibrant and healthy landscape –– People - Engaging the user in the design process and responding to their needs, vibrant and attractive places can be created for people to use and take ownership of

The study is structured around the concept of using themes to organise information and guide the reader easily through the proposals that have been made.

–– Connectivity - Key attributes to creating a successful proposal is by providing a well-connected, inclusive and accessible network of transportation

Findings

Next Steps

This study explores how connecting the city to the river enhances the wider context and opens up developable opportunities for interventions along the waterfront.

The strategic landscape masterplan shown in this document is a potential solution to re-inventing the waterfront in response to the challenges and opportunities displayed in this study.

Research undertaken in this study proves how regenerating the waterfront can structurally and visually alter cities by engaging with local stakeholders to re-establish links to the waterfront to address social, environmental and economic challenges.

Further research could be undertaken to explore the ‘Smart Cities’ initiative, and also how to engage the community and important stakeholders invested in making Peterborough a better place to live and work.

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BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION

“IN CITIES THAT LIE ON A RIVER, THE RIVER AND IT’S EMBANKMENTS SHALL BE ONE OF THE MAIN ARTERIES AND ARCHITECTURAL AXES OF THE CITY.” (SIXTEEN PRINCIPLES OF URBAN DESIGN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, 1950)

Is the world running out of space? Data collection from the Global Rural Urban Mapping Project (GRUMP) shows that roughly 3% of the Earth’s land surface is occupied by urban areas (Watts, 2010). Forecasts in a population growth study produced by the United Nations, show that the “population is projected to increase by more than one billion people within the next 15 years, reaching 8.5 billion in 2030… 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100.” (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2015) These population and urbanisation studies shows that “globally, more people live in urban areas than in rural areas (54%),” with the forecast rising to 66% by 2050. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2014)

So why are cities expanding? A comprehensive study into urban growth and sprawl by Bhatta (2010), and other findings, suggest that cities expand for a variety of reasons. These include longer life expectancy, better social, economic and employment opportunities, lack of younger generations investing in property, more births than deaths, better services and higher quality lifestyles.

So what does this mean for the future of space? The UK Government’s Foresight Future of Cities Project (2013) comprehensively studied how our cities currently work, and how we would need to adapt to embrace and overcome future opportunities and challenges in the next 50 years. One of their studies in particular, explored patterns between green infrastructure and health. This one study alone expands positively on the value of space, relating specifically to green infrastructure. Research by the Landscape Institute on Cities, Green Infrastructure and Health (2015) express that, despite the on-going debate for supporting an increase in investment for green infrastructure, “opportunities do still exist, and will be enhanced through a more creative, collaborative approach to the planning, design and management of our towns and cities.”

Section One Background

What does a river provide for us? In the simplest of terms, a river is a “course of water that originates in the mountains and flows downwards until it reaches the sea.” (UNESCO, 2012) The UK has over 30 major rivers spanning hundreds of miles that provide us with more benefits than we notice. They provide an ecological function to “carry water and nutrients to areas all around the earth [creating] excellent habitats and food for many of the earth’s organisms.” (Barrow, 2013) They offer themselves as a vessel of transportation, an energy source, a drainage supply, a playground for recreation, leverage for increased land value, and most importantly, it provides a “positive enhancement to peoples health and well-being.” (ECRR, 2013)

So why is developing the riverside the key to improving the city? Although there are a lot of factors that influence the improvement of a city (such as the demographic, investment, population, policy, etc.), urban history studies show that “nearly all our cities and urban cultural spaces grew up on riverbanks” (Prominski et al., 2012), implying that rivers played a major role in the establishment of cities. Prominksi (et al) states that prosperity of inhabitants relied significantly on the development of transport routes along rivers for trade and industry. However, as the

industrial era evolved over time, trade and industrial-related activities moved out of cities leaving a ‘detachment’ and ‘decline’, as shown and described in the illustrations below by Timur (2013). Following this particular theory of development, we are now rediscovering the waterfront, recovering an “intimate connection between the city and its waterfront.” (Prominski et al., 2012)

Purpose of this Study This study I plan to pursue builds upon analysis and research previously explored during my Major Design Project on Peterborough Southbank. Whilst researching the city, I discovered the lack of connectivity between the north and south sides of the river, and how under-utilised and abandoned the riverside is. In response to the research above and previous research undertaken, I will explore methods to enhance the relationship between the city and river in Peterborough.

(ADAPTED FROM URBAN LAND INSTITUTE, 2004) Background Section One

BACKGROUND PETERBOROUGH

Peterborough is a small city located in Cambridgeshire, in the East of England. It is situated 75 miles north of London, and 30 miles from the east coast. In 2016, the Centre for Cities (2016) awarded Peterborough as “one of the fastest growing cities in the UK.” In 1992, Peterborough was designated as one of four UK Environment Cities, meaning the city will work towards delivering sustainable growth, to create a cleaner, greener, healthier, and vibrant Peterborough (PECT, 2012).

GL ASGOW

PETERBOROUGH

2 16 1

17 5 8

6 9

3 7

15 13 11

10 CITY CENTRE

L EEDS

M ANC HESTER 19

P ETERBOROUGH WARD MAP 1 BARNACK 2 NORTHBOROUGH 3 GLINTON + WITTERING 4 WERRINGTON NORTH 5 WERRINGTON SOUTH 6 BRETTON NORTH 7 BRETTON SOUTH 8 WALTON

9 RAVENSTHORPE 10 WEST 11 CENTRAL 12 PARK 13 NORTH 14 DOGSTHORPE 15 PASTON 16 NEWBOROUGH

17 EYE + THORNEY 18 STANGROUND CENTRAL 19 STANGROUND EAST 20 HAMPTON 21 ORTON LONGUEVILLE 22 ORTON WATERVILLE

NORWIC H B IRM INGHAM CAM B RIDGE

CARDIFF

OXFORD

LONDON

Section One Background

LEEDS (117 miles)

CENTRAL PARK

NORWICH (76.8 miles)

STANLEY RECREATION GROUND

LEICESTER (41.6 miles) QUEENSGATE SHOPPING CENTRE RAILWAY STATION BUS STATION

CATHEDRAL

LIDO

MUSEUM

ROWING LAKE

KEY THEATRE

R I V E R

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY GREEN BACK YARD

CINEMA GREYHOUNDS

EMBANKMENT

STUDY AREA

FERRY MEADOWS

RECREATION GROUNDS

SOUTH BANK ABAX STADIUM

BRITISH SUGAR

CAMBRIDGE (34.2 miles)

NENE WASH

BACKGROUND HISTORY

Peterborough, originally named ‘Medehamstede’, has a Saxon origin. The settlement was relatively unknown until the 16th Century when the Abbey Church was made into a Cathedral, despite the city only having a population of 1,500. Peterborough started to grow rapidly in the 18th Century as prosperity grew, and a governing body called the ‘Improvement Commissioners’ were established to manage the paving, cleaning and lighting of the streets (Lambert, 2016).

Construction of Frank Perkins Parkway

PETERBOROUGH 1610

Section One Background

G oo gle

rth

Imag e

In the 19th Century, the city gained railway infrastructure and new industries such as elastic webbing and brick-making. With investment and accessibility to the city, Peterborough saw a large population increase. In the 1960s, Peterborough was designated as one of the thirty-two ‘New Towns’, a status given to towns or cities recognised as an ideal location for planned urban expansion. This expansion aspired to double Peterborough’s population to 160,000 by creating townships in areas now known as Bretton, Orton, Castor, and Paston/Werrington (PDC, 2013).

PETERBOROUGH 1901

The ‘New Town’ programme grew out of the pre-1945 garden city movement, and was designed with the aim to create newly built, fully planned and self-sufficient towns (DLCG, 2016).

1988, overtaken by the Peterborough Development Agency, and most recently - the Peterborough Investment Partnership – whom continue to encourage more business and investment into the city.

Similar to the ‘Improvement Commissioners’ of the 18th century, the Peterborough Development Corporation (PDC) were in charge of urban development for the city. They drafted many masterplans for the city in a bid to transform Peterborough into a great town to live and work in.

In the present day, Peterborough has a population of over 190,000 (PUA, 2016) and still continues to grow.

Their achievements include developing Queensgate Shopping Centre, Ferry Meadows, the parkways (main highways around the city), and attracting large businesses from London, Europe and USA. The PDC disbanded in

STUDY AREA

Background Section One

BACKGROUND DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

The diagrams below show the expansion of the city over a thousand-year period. The illustrations show the city expanded primarily around the Cathedral (Abbey) up to the boundary of the River Nene (south) and the railways (west). Diagrams adapted from Creasey and Osbourne (1981).

1000 A.D.

1200 A.D.

1850

1900

1981

The orientation and strong axis of the Cathedral played a considerable role in the planning and layout of the city. Gorden Cullen, an influential Architect and Urban Designer, recognised two key structuring elements in the city – the ‘Stone Axis’ and the ‘Green Axis’. This concept shows the powerful unity between significant destinations and features in the city. The ‘Green Axis’ extends north-south from Central Park and the suburbs towards the river, and the ‘Stone Axis’ east-west from the Cathedral towards the station, highlighting some of the cities most impressive stone buildings (LDA Design, 2008).

1 ST EDITION MAP

Section One Background

After applying this concept to how the city is currently being developed, I drew the following conclusions: –– The ‘Stone Axis’ is very prominent and strong, not only in plan view, but through public realm, architecture and the materials used along this corridor. –– The ‘Green Axis’ however, is inconsistent and broken up through the city centre, arriving at the River Nene with no feature or destination being offered. This analysis addresses an opportunity to strengthen the north-south axis, with the potential to bridge the gap between the city and the river.

Background Section One

BACKGROUND RIVER NENE

The River Nene is the tenth longest river in the UK, roughly 88 miles / 142km in length, running north-east from Northampton to The Wash (IWA, 2013).

the area. This strategy aims to increase the connectivity between the towns and the river by improving access, investing in waterways, and creating destinations.

The river passes through many historic market towns, listed heritage sites, archaeological sites, and iconic features. There is currently a strategy plan for the Nene Valley, which identifies the recreational and tourist offer for

An emphasis will be put on the orientation, accessibility, and the unique characters the river has, and how these features will influence development on the riverfront of Peterborough.

Journey along the Nene

WASH NATURE RESERVE THRAPSTON

PETERBOROUGH FOTHERINGHAY

ISLIP

Section One Background

THE WASH

WANSFORD

WISBECH STUDY AREA

E L

OUNDLE

PETERBOROUGH

THRAPSTON

NORTHAMPTON N

WELLINGBOROUGH

10 miles 0

BACKGROUND FLOODING

The River Nene carries a flow of about 150m3/s (cubic metre per second) in a 1 in 100 year event through Peterborough. The river drains a natural catchment of 1711km2 to Peterborough and a further catchment of 556km2, giving a total catchment of 2267km2 to the Wash (Peterborough City Council, 2008). The tidal flow is now mitigated at the Dog-in-a-Doublet sluice built in 1936, 8km east of the site. Prior to this, the river was tidal adjacent to the site.

Causes of Flooding (Peterborough City Council, 2008) The possible causes of flooding within Peterborough City include: –– Overflow of watercourses and existing flood defences including water retention facilities such as flood storage reservoirs/washlands and storm water balancing ponds; –– Breaching of flood defences (including flood storage areas); –– Mechanical, structural or operational failure (including due to blockages) of hydraulic structures, pumps etc;

Significant Historic Floods

–– Localised surface water flooding (including sewer flooding, highway drainage flooding and overland flooding); and

1947 Peterborough City Source of flood: River Nene

–– Groundwater flooding.

1998 Thorpe Meadows Source of flood: River Nene

Image: Result of an annual flood from the River Nene (August 1912)

Image: Result of the 1998 flood ROWING LAKE

TOWN BRIDGE

Section One Background

HISTORIC FLOODING EVENTS

C A

LEGEND Peterborough District River Nene Flood Zone 2 (0.1% - 1.0%) Flood Zone 3 (1.0%<) A

Woodston (sewers)

Lea Gardens (sewers)

Thorpe Meadows (1998)

Peterborough City (1947)

Background Section One

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INTRODUCTION TO SITE RAILWAY STATION

RAILWORLD COMMUNITY GARDENS THORPE MEADOWS

THORPE HALL BOAT HOUSE

WOODSTON PONDS THORPE ROAD

BOARDWALKS NATURE RESERVE

SCULPTURE PARK ROWING LAKE

NENE PARK

WOODSTON REACH

NENE PARKWAY

CITY CENTRE

CATHEDRAL

REGIONAL FITNESS CENTRE

LIDO RIVERGATE

NENE WASH

EMBANKMENT KEY THEATRE

FLETTON QUAYS RAILWORLD

FRANK PERKINS PARKWAY

GREEN BACK YARD PLEASURE FAIR MEADOW CAR PARK

GOOGLE AERIAL VIEW OF STUDY AREA

EXPLORATION SITE APPRAISAL

In present day, the riverfront in Peterborough is currently unattractive and under-used.

KEY THEATRE

Within the city centre bounds, the interface with the river is very minimal and under-whelming. There are no recent developments along the riverside aside from the Key Theatre building, situated on the Embankment (built in 1973). Any built development in the area does not orientate towards the river, even in the case of the Key Theatre.

CITY CENTRE

BOARDWALK NATURE RESERVE

THORPE MEADOWS

EMBANKMENT

RIVERGATE

FENGATE SOUTH

KEY THEATRE

RAILWORLD WOODSTON PONDS SOUTHBANK

NENE WASHES

WOODSTON REACH

ORTON MERE

Section Two Site Exploration

RAILWAY BRIDGES OVER THE RIVER

Access and Movement Within the study area (roughly 4.5km long), the river is accessible across at 11 locations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; three for railway use, three as dual carriageways, two footpath and cycle bridges, two for private use, and one route accessible in only good conditions near Thorpe Meadows. See the numbered plan opposite for locations. Paths alongside the river is quite sparse and unappealing, with no continuous routes and no destinations or break out spaces for visitors to gather.

Green Wheel

The edge treatment along the river is quite disappointing. From the diagram across, you can see the treatment is a mix of unattractive hard edges, and un-maintained soft treatment which acts as a barrier to the rivers edge from adjacent footpaths. The current edge treatment used offers very little opportunity for human interaction with the water. When combining this with a lack of gathering spaces, it contributes to making the riverside an unpleasant place to be. At various locations along the south soft edges, vernacular routes have been created to access the waters edge for fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an activity which is only catered for closer to Ferry Meadows Country Park.

The Green Wheel is a Sustrans initiative, providing a network of over 45 miles of cycle routes around the city of Peterborough. A cycle route runs across the north side of the study along the river, joining the rowing lake at Thorpe Meadows to the city. The condition of this route becomes poor in a few areas, with signs of little to no maintenance. Closer to the city centre, the route gets broken by development, leading cyclists away from the river into the city centre, to get across to the Embankment. There are no clear signs of continuation of this route in terms of materials or visual queues, making it potentially difficult for visitors to navigate around the area.

Hard boundary treatment Soft boundary treatment

River Edge Treatment 34

Section Two Site Exploration

Railway bridge

Dual carriageway

Footpath and cycle access

Private use (Railworld)

Private use (farming access)

Footbridge

A A

F D

B E

Site Exploration

Section Two

“THE RIVER NENE IS ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS BUT IT CURRENTLY FAILS TO MAXIMISE ITS POTENTIAL FOR LEISURE AND IS POORLY CONNECTED TO OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY CENTRE.” (PETERBOROUGH CITY COUNCIL, LOCAL PLAN, 2016)

FRANK PERKINS WAY UNDERPASS

Topography Much of Peterborough is low-lying and flat, with some areas sitting below sea level. Holme Fen, located 9 miles south of the city, is the lowest recorded point on land at 2.75m below sea level.

C:\USERS\NISHA\ICLOUDDRIVE\702_PERSONAL_FOCUS\7CAD\XREF\702_STUDY_AREA.DWG

Within the study area (below) the land shows very little variation in topography. Where possible, areas of elevation should be taken advantage of to create vistas and views from. There is scope to increase landform in areas to achieve interest and views in the landscape. A constraint to consider is the parkways which sit at the most elevated points and break up views across the study area.

LEGEND

Source: LiDAR

25m

20m

15m

10m

Site Exploration REV.

Section Two DESCRIPTION

37 APP. DATE

Recreation and Art Other than fishing activity, the river is popular amongst canal boat users and rowers. To the west of the study area in Orton Mere, there is an area designated for rafting and kayaking activities. The Peterborough Rowing Club is also situated west in Thorpe Meadows, relocated in 1983 due to the construction of the Frank Perkins Parkway further east. Thorpe Meadows also hosts a display of iconic sculptural art, as part of a sculpture trail beginning in Ferry Meadows Country Park. Some sculptures are a permanent feature whereas others have been relocated or moved into storage. The trail somewhat disperses when reaching Thorpe Meadows and could benefit from a stronger route with more sculptures leading towards the city centre. SCULPTURE BY MILES DAVIS

A popular visitor attraction in Peterborough is Railworld, located on the south edge of the river near the city centre. Railworld focuses on promoting and educating visitors in local habitat creation and sustainable transport. There is private access over the river to an area called the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wildlife Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on what was a former coal storage site. The wildlife haven is managed and maintained by Railworld with the help of volunteers. The first station on the Nene Valley railway line is accessed via Railworld, which runs steam trains from Peterborough through to Orton Mere, Ferry Meadows, Wansford and a recent extension to Yarwell. The Nene Valley Railway Museum is a popular destination on this route.

RAILWORLD

Section Two Site Exploration

Rivergate Rivergate covers a large area between the river and the city centre. The area mainly consists of retail and business, with a strip of apartments facing the waterfront. Although these apartments are ideally situated, the interface with the river is considered quite bleak and the architectural style is not visually stimulating. Frontages are privately enclosed with large railings in some areas, which makes the adjacent public route to the river un-welcoming. The retail offer is currently in decline as most businesses are moving further north to the central part of the city. Much of this area is dated and could be considered an area of opportunity for re-development.

Open and Amenity Space Embankment The Embankment is a valuable open green space in the city centre adjacent to the river. It functions as an open space for annual events and live concerts and hosts frequent amusements and fun fairs during the summer months. It is well known for CAMRAs annual beer festival. When not in use, the Embankment is not heavily used and is vacant for most of the year.

Site Exploration

Section Two

Fengate South Opposite the Nene Washes is an area called Fengate South, a former landfill site. The north edge of the site has recently been developed into housing, whilst the south has remained vacant. The car park, accessed via Potters Way, is used infrequently for access during regattas. The construction of Frank Perkins Parkway has created a barrier between Fengate South and the Embankment, isolating it from the city centre. To the eastern edge of the site is a bridge over the river which is locked and used only for private access.

Thorpe Meadows Thorpe Meadows sits in the north west side of the study area covering the rowing lake to the city centre. There are a series of pasture and meadow fields along the banks of the river, managed by Peterborough City Council. The area also has an inlet for flood storage, with a range of natural wetland habitat communities and aquatic/marginal flora thriving there. The river supports nationally rare plants, such as Flat Stalked Pondweed, Great Podder and protected species such as the Kingfisher, Otters and Water Voles (Sismey, 2007).

Boardwalk Nature Reserve The Boardwalk Nature Reserve is tucked away between Thorpe Meadow and the river. It was declared as a local nature reserve in 1991, built up of boardwalks and ponds of varying size. The reserve is planted with marsh, tussocky grassland and different types of willow, creating a biodiversity haven and pleasant destination to visit. In recent years, the boardwalks have fallen into disrepair and overall management has declined. A conservation organisation Froglife have recently taken over maintenance for the reserve, and have began works repairing boardwalks and restoring the area.

Woodston Reach and Orton Mere Woodston Reach and Orton Mere sit on the west boundary of the study area, divided by the Nene Parkway. Woodston Reach is a popular route for cyclists and is accessible from the railway adjacent path, and through the rear of the Sugar Way and Botolph Green housing developments. 40

Section Two Site Exploration

This area is largely built up of woodland and water bodies, but unlike the Boardwalk and Woodston Nature Reserve, it has no boardwalks or areas to dwell. The footbridge on site is in poor condition, and is considered an un-safe route from dusk till dawn due to lack of lighting and passive surveillance. Orton Mere is similar in character, built up with areas of woodland and a pond. There is also a designated parking area and public facilities, mainly utilised by boat users on the other side of the lock.

Woodston Ponds The Woodston ponds sit south of the river, bordering the Sugar Way housing development (former British Sugar factory grounds). The ponds were previously managed by British Sugar, used as settling ponds that took the washings from sugar beet. The ponds are now under a Wildlife Trust Lease, and declared a designated nature reserve. The site is split into two halves, with access from a path running parallel to the railway line, and an internal boardwalk running around the pond. The area is a mixture of woodland, reedbeds, grassland, mature willows, open water and ponds creating wetland habitat for many species including the Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Great Crested Newts, Water Beetle and Grey Herons (Wildlife Trust, 2012).

Nene Washes The Nene Washes to the east of the city is a designated SSSI (Site of Specific Interest), SPA (Special Protection Area), SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and a RAMSAR site (wetland of international importance). The character of the Nene Washes relates closely to Fens: a flat, low-lying agricultural region further east. The landscape consists mainly of alluvial grassland and washland, providing a significantly high biodiversity value and natural habitat for breeding and wintering birds. The grassland is used for grazing and provides for seasonal flooding due to the areas low level topography (Sismey, 2007).

BRIDGE AT THORPE MEADOWS

THORPE MEADOW

BOARDWALK NATURE RESERVE

THORPE MEADOWS WETLAND

SCULPTURE TRAIL

NENE WASHES

CONSTRAINTS PLAN

The study area covers a large area in Peterborough, comprising of a number of opportunities and constraints within and connecting into the boundary shown. The exercise undertaken on this spread focuses on the large scale constraints affecting the site. The constraints range from examples of poor interfaces between development edges and the river, barriers between spaces, and poor areas of connectivity. The site is heavily constrained by the Parkways (dual carriageways) and other roads bridging over the river, which cut off continuous access along the waterfront. There are a number of spaces on the waterfront that are currently vacant of development or used as over-flow car parking. In the Southbank area, there are three listed buildings that propose a challenge when considering development. Areas of poor access (blue asterisks) have been identified along the boundary edge to highlight the poor transition into the site. These areas are the gateways to the river and should accentuate the importance of being an arrival space. As stated in the ‘Site Appraisal’ of this report, the Key Theatre, located on the Embankment, is poorly orientated towards a car park and does not sit well within its context. By enhancing the surrounding areas and providing better links and views from the city centre, the Key Theatre could become more popular to visitors. Mentioned in Peterborough’s Local Plan, is the aspiration to provide a University Campus as part of the city’s growth strategy. Currently, an Anglia Ruskin university building is situated in Woodston, where it is separated from the city and in need of regeneration. The Boardwalks Nature Reserve is one of the few valuable assets on the waterfront, but it is infrequently used due to inaccessibility in certain conditions, no signage and lack of wayfinding. It is perceived as being an unknown space unless accidentally stumbled upon.

OPPORTUNITIES PLAN

There are many opportunities for development and improvement across the study area. As identified in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Backgroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; section of this study, there are many barriers to connecting people to the river, such as lack of access and no destinations situated on the waterfront. Indicative opportunities to improve connectivity within and into the study area are shown using green arrows. By creating better access and gateways into the study area, it will become open and permeable to visitors and local communities. The diagram also shows the opportunity for a continuous route along the river (blue arrow). There is also opportunity to frame views from the south of the river to the Cathedral, and from Bridge Street (city centre) towards the Embankment. These key views could enhance the visual connection between the city and river, thus making it more accessible. Potential opportunities to create destinations (purple asterisks) are highlighted in several locations along the waterfront. These areas are identified as having a high value due to their proximity to the river. The proposed improvements to connectivity on site correspond to creating a network of destinations. The current university building was identified in the constraints plan as lacking connectivity to the city centre. Influenced by the Local Plan, the east side of the Embankment could be a valuable space for a University Campus due to proximity to the city centre, connections to the train station, and links to the Regional Leisure Centre.

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RESEARCH RESEARCH

“IN A HISTORIC SENSE, WATERFRONT REGENERATION AS PART OF THE RE-BUILDING OF CITIES IS A TIMELESS ACTIVITY. THE GREEKS, ROMANS AND BYZANTINES ALL ENGAGED IN HARBOUR-BUILDING AND WATERFRONT RENEWAL IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND GEOLOGICAL CIRCUMSTANCES.” WATERFRONT REGENERATION (2012) BY HARRY SMITH AND MARIA SOLEDAD GARCIA FERRARI

Introduction to Themes Expanding on the themes presented at the beginning of this study, further research has been undertaken to re-inforce and strategize the approach to re-inventing the waterfront in Peterborough. During a literature review of the book Waterfront Regeneration by Smith and Ferrari (2012), three theories were identified as key approaches that should be achieved when considering waterfront redevelopment. The first theory in this book argues that “waterfront regeneration and development represents a unique opportunity to structurally and visually alter cities worldwide. The complexity of city-building includes the range of actors and organisations involved and how they interact, including involvement of local communities and the wider public in the city, both in the process and in benefiting from the resulting places developed” (Smith and Ferrari, 2012). The key theme to extract from this theory is that users and community engagement are vital to regeneration, during all processes of development. The second theory in this book assesses the regeneration process framework involved in place-making and “recognising that everything from decisions on strategic regional planning to decisions on detailed urban design will have a bearing on the quality of place created by regeneration.” (Smith and Ferrari, 2012). Examples of this theory include how places are created, who is involved in their creation, who benefits from the new waterfront, how to attract investment, and finally, what makes waterfronts socially and culturally attractive. The third theory in this book relates to applying research into practice. This research includes the pressure of land use, how that has led cities to rediscover their waterfront, and how it is “vital to create real communities and re-establish links between the waterfront and the wider urban fabric,” whilst addressing “new economic activity, employment and housing.” (Smith and Ferrari, 2012). The purpose of this literature review is to assist in identifying key themes to strategize the approach to this focus study. The following themes on the page opposite have been identified as part of this exercise.

Section Three Research

As the focus of the study is based on waterfront regeneration, the theme of using water is important. The following case studies highlight successful schemes that give opportunities for interaction with water.

PLACEMAKING Sense of place and land use is very important to creating a successful development. The following case studies highlight the creative methods used in create places for people.

SUSTAINABILITY There are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental (as highlighted in the NPPF). These three elements constribute to creating a strong, responsive, vibrant, healthy and enhanced landscape.

PEOPLE People, more specifically users, are central to all projects. By engaging the user in the process and responding to their needs, vibrant and attractive places can be created for people to use.

CONNECTIVITY Connectivity refers to direct link and physical density of connections in transport. The theory and case study chosen show an example of well-connected and accessible spaces.

HEME

WATER

Research

Section Three

RESEARCH WATER

WATERFRONT REGENERATION Although there are a lot of factors that influence the improvement of a city (such as the demographic, investment, population, policy, etc.), urban history studies show that “nearly all our cities and urban cultural spaces grew up on riverbanks” (Prominski et al., 2012), implying that rivers played a major role in the establishment of cities.

Pattern of Waterfront Development

However, as the industrial era evolved over time, trade and industrialrelated activities moved out of cities, leaving a ‘detachment’ and ‘decline’ as shown and described in the illustrations below by Timur (2013).

Seattl

Wate from the Urban Land Institute prescribing how to take PatternTenofprinciples Waterfront Development Seattle Open S

Prominksi (et al) states that prosperity of inhabitants relied significantly on the development of transport routes along rivers for trade and industry.

advantage of the opportunities afforded at water’s urban edge, and to succeed in new development are displayed in Appendix 1.

Waterfront T

Seattle Open Space 2100

Waterfront Typology

PATTERN WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT attern of OFWaterfront Development

Waterfront Development SETTLEMENT

nt Development

A PORT IS ESTABLISHED

SETTLEMENT

A PORT IS ESTBL

A port settlement is established in a The settlement become As shipping decreases, CITY DETACHES safe harbor; inhabitants have direct with a port authority; d or larger facilities are SETTLEMENT A PORT IS ESTBLISHED contact with the natural of stone and fill replace developed elsewhereshoreline. A port settlement is established inlarge a The settlement becomes a city to accommodate Redevelopment structures. modern ships, the original spearheaded by the safe harbor; inhabitants have direct with acity’s port authority; docks made shoreline is abandoned redevelopment contact with the natural shoreline. of stone and fillabout replace wood agency brings A port settlement is environmental clean up structures. SETTLEMENT A PORT IS ESTBLISHED CITY DETACHES established in a safe and reconnects the city to Port of S harbor; inhabitants have its waterfront A port settlement is established in a The settlement becomes a city As commerce and shipping expand The settlement becomes direct contact with the Waterwa ENT A PORT ISwith ESTBLISHED CITY afe harbor; inhabitants have direct a port authority; docks madeDETACHES and industrialize in nature, thePort dis- of Seattle a city with a port natural shoreline crane 2001 authority; docks made andaficity ent is established in a shoreline. The settlement As commercetance and shipping ontact with the natural of becomes stone ll replace wood between expand the shoreline and the stone and fill replace Waterway, Seattle sk Photo by nhabitants A have direct IS ESTBLISHED with aofport authority; docks made and nature, the dis-significantly. AsDETACHES commerce andindustrialize structures. city in center increases PORT CITY wood structure Port of Seattle2001 cranes, Duwamish shipping expand and he shoreline. stone and fill replaceAs wood tance between the shoreline and the ed natural in a The settlement of becomes a city commerce and shipping expand industrialise in nature Waterway, Seattle Septem Photoskyline, by Priscilla L structures. city the distance between direct with a port authority; docks made and industrialize in center nature,increases the dis- significantly. the shoreline and the 2001 eline. of stone and fill replace wood tance between the shoreline and DECLINE the city centre increases DECLINE REDISCOVERY Photo by Priscilla Long structures. city centersignificantly increases signifi cantly. As shipping decreases, or larger Redevelopment spearhe facilities are developed elsewhere to city’s redevelopment ag REDISCOVERY Source: Urban Land Institute DECLINEaccomodate large modern REDISCOVERY ships, the about environmental cle As shippingoriginal decreases, or larger Redevelopment spearheaded bytothe shoreline is abandoned. reconnects the city it 50 Section Three Research facilities are developed elsewhere to city’s redevelopment agency brings

LIVERPOOL SOUTH DOCKS 1.1 > Ambition of the Liverpool Waterspace Strategy (LWS) Over the last few decades, Liverpool has undergone a city-wide regeneration to re-invent the South Docks and create Liverpool One.

2.1 > Character Areas

British Waterways have identified that Liverpool’s South Docks are an under used asset. These docks comprise some of the most historic parts of this waterfront and are rich with Liverpool’s cultural heritage. Since Liverpool Mercantile City was inscribed with World Heritage status a number of new developments, notably, the extended Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the new Ferry Terminus at Pier Head, Liverpool Museum and further development at Mann Island have all helped to establish a cultural enclave at Liverpool’s Waterfront.

Based on a combination of heritage, current use and potential, several character areas have been identified for the South Docks CANNING HALf-TIDE Waterspace Strategy. These inform the use and zoning for the individual docks as indicated in the following section.

R V E R I

Liverpool South Docks was re-designed as part of a holistic waterspace strategy. The strategy offers a new approach for visitors to interact with the River Mersey through cultural, mixed-use and leisure related development. The Site

The Culture Zone The north area ofALBERT the SouthDOCK Docks contains the largest number of heritage assets with links through to Pier Head, home of the Three Graces and more recently the Museum of Liverpool. In 2004, Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of the city’s finest architectural and engineering heritage is concentrated in this area as well as DUKE’S DOCK being home to Tate Liverpool, Beatles Museum and the Museum of Slavery.

Liverpool City Centre

E R S M E

The site area for the Liverpool South Docks Waterspace Strategy (LWS), indicated in the plan opposite, extends from Canning Dock at Mann Island in the North to Brunswick Dock to the South. This area encompasses seven docks within Area 2 of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one dock in the Buffer Zone, two further historic docks and a small area of surrounding land.

South Docks

The Culture Zone is the cultural and historic heart of the South Docks. It comprises the docks, infrastructure and buildings of Albert, Salthouse, Canning and Canning half-tide Docks.

The waterspace strategy, prepared by BACA Architects, presents a detailed and comprehensive method to bring alive the long-term vision for the use of water in Liverpool South Docks. The site spans from Canning Dock to Brunswick Dock, encompassing ten docks in total, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The total site area of the South Docks is approximately 50 hectares of which 37 hectares consist of water.

Ambition

Objective

The ambition for this zone is to enhance the existing heritage, preserving space for boats of distinction and associated events, introducing new cultural activities, a terminus for the canal boats, improving the connection from Pier Head to Albert Dock via a new footbridge and establishing a visible shop front to the city at Salthouse and Canning Dock.

This waterspace strategy aims to establish a long-term vision for the use of the water in the Liverpool South Docks and the surrounding landscape. The strategy could help to overcome physical and perceived constraints to use of the waterspace and encourage activity through defined development opportunities The waterspace strategy establishes three Character Zones within the South Docks, activity/uses within various water areas, and guidance on the issues and objectives for each dock. It is intended that the waterspace strategy will aid potential investors and developers and the City of Liverpool to direct development and use within specific areas of the South Docks.

Overlap between culture and mixed-use True to the spirit of it’s past use Dukes Dock is somewhat of a maverick or anomaly in the South Docks system. It is part of the cultural heritage but resides between the main centre around Albert Dock and the filled Kings Dock, now the ACC Arena. Thus the ambition for Duke’s Dock is to create a connection between these two zones, which is more recreational, a zone for use by all of the family, for rest and play; and to complement the activities in Albert Dock and the ACC Arena in Kings Dock. The ambition is to provide a world class park area, with various activities, cafes and eateries.

The Leisure & Aquatecture Zone The southern docks are currently used by the Harbour side Marina which is located in Coburg and Brunswick Docks, the watersports centre, located in the Queen’s Branch and the Royal Navy, located in Brunswick Dock. A thriving and integrated marina is an important component in delivering a world-class waterfront. Thus if the marina COBURG DOCK can be nurtured and better integrated into the Liverpool Waterfront it could potentially contribute to a thriving South Docks. Equally the provision of additional residences on water could help to support this facility. The leisure and aquatecture zone is the recreational focus for the South Docks. It comprises Queen’s Dock and Queen’s Branch, Coburg Dock and Brunswick Dock.

BRUNSWICK DOCK

a Kalvebod W

“Creating activity and movement within the water is the most effective way to animate the waterspace. This could include watersports, pleasure boating and other events.”

N THE W TY I AT

TAKEAWAYS This is a relevant case that addresses physical and perceived constraints to connecting people to water. By characterising zones within the site and using recognised theory to encourage visitor activity, BACA have created a successful masterplan strategy which has brought investment and development to Liverpool South Docks.

“Access to water is vital to animating the waterspace. Terracing, floating walkways, undulating bridges and ramped piers can be used to bring people closer to the water level.”

AC n

E DOCK ED GE

TIV

“Historically, the dock edge (quayside) was the centre of activity... building frontages, boats, piers, pontoons and floating structures can all help to activate the dock edge and animate the water.”

O WATER ST LE

S CE

“Successful waterfronts have a unique sense of place, created through careful attention to the design and quality of the built environment.”

Further research about the Liverpool Waterspace Strategy can be found in Appendix 1.

E Bry Aker

E OF PLAC

Page 21

The ambition for this zone is to improve the commercial assets through the creation of waterside public realm, world class architecture at the waterfront and floating facilities, such as new office space, hotels and business suites. Key to unlocking this ambition is to provide improved connectivity with the waterspace and ensure that future land-based development enhances this potential. QUEEN’S DOCK

rud

O PR O M E N ET A

are

“Shared use of streets by both vehicles and pedestrians, helps to create generous paths and constant activity along the water’s edge.”

Ambition

Gro

e eD

gha

Wav

“Successful waterfronts include places to gather on the water or the water’s edge, making the most of the openness of the water.”

Nottin

The Mixed-used Zone is the modern face of the Liverpool Waterfront. It comprises the former King’s Dock, Wapping Dock and WAPPING DOCK overlaps into Queen’s Dock.

Source: Liverpool South Docks Waterspace (BACA Architects Ltd)

Page 20

Page 2

E TO GATH

The Mixed-Use Zone

The ambition for this zone is to enhance the leisure facilities, through expansion of the marina and mooring opportunities, redevelopment of the watersports centre, creation of a new floating neighbourhood and redevelopment of the marina building to form a befitting landmark.

As part of the strategy, research was undertaken into the anatomy of an international waterfront. During this research, six key characteristics were identified as the main contributors to both successful destinations and economic attractions, which also preserved the character and vibrancy of a historic setting.

SALTHOUSE DOCK

Ambition

Key Characteristics

Liverpool South Docks

CANNING DOCK

g Chica

iv oR

Research

Section Three

RESEARCH WATER

CHICAGO RIVERWALK The Chicago Riverwalk expansion set a precedent for the vision of the Chicago Rivers. Within the city bounds, the river has been transformed from an industrial zone into a successful waterfront through an initiative to reclaim the river for ecological, recreational and economic benefit. Sasaki Architects completed the riverfront vision, spanning six blocks, to provide pedestrian interaction along the river. The scheme is vibrant and allows users to integrate with the water at different scales through multifunctional activities.

Further research about Chicago and its rivers can be found in Appendix 1.

River Typologies

Source: Sasaki Architects

TAKEAWAYS This vision articulates a flexible and creative strategy which has inspired ideas for new projects and designs for buildings, public spaces, landscapes, habitats, policies and businesses. Inspiration can be drawn from the thorough research and participation by users, visitors and stakeholders, whom are invested in the rivers. The overall goals set out in the strategy show their attitude to the importance of re-inventing the rivers for people.

Section Three Research

KALLANG RIVER IN BISHAN PARK, SINGAPORE Kallang River restoration is a project based in Bishan Park, one of Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more popular destinations. The site originally accommodated a 2.7km long concrete drainage channel, which was restored in 2012 back to a natural sinuous river route that meanders through the park. The river restoration transformed the sixty-two-hectare park, creating new spaces for the community to enjoy, offering three playgrounds, restaurants, access bridges, look-out points, routes to connect adjacent neighbourhoods, and the opportunity for people to interact closely with water. The project is part of a programme called Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters), which is a long-term initiative to transform Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water bodies beyond drainage and water supply functions, and into vibrant spaces for recreation and community enjoyment. In addition to the generous open spaces and recreation/play areas, the park offers attractive soft planted river banks with stepping stones for people to get closer to the water. The concrete from the existing drainage channel has been recycled to form a walled look-out point for visitors in the park.

Further research about Bishan Park in Singapore and ABC Waters policy can be found in can be found in Appendix 1.

Restoration of the river meant natural elements such as rocks, pools and riffles were used to help slow down the velocity of the river to assist with fluctuating water levels. During heavy rainfall, the park is designed to be used as a conveyance channel to deal with excess water. The designers of the park, Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl, used an ecology-driven approach which created a variety of micro-habitats to increase biodiversity and maintain the resilience of existing species.

TAKEAWAYS Overall, this is a successful case study that contains valuable attributes to consider for river restoration projects. The ecology-driven approach, utilised within the need to address water supply and flood management, has definitely raised the standards for such projects, showing that places can be designed beyond limiting functions to holistically create destinations for visitors and communities to enjoy.

Research

Section Three

RESEARCH PLACEMAKING

SOCIAL BENEFITS OF RIVERS

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

“THE SOCIAL BENEFITS OF RIVER RESTORATION FOR A LOCAL COMMUNITY CAN BE NUMEROUS AND FAR REACHING, BUT ONLY IF LOCAL PEOPLE ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING THE AIMS OF THE PROJECT. URBAN RIVERS REPRESENT A VALUABLE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSET THAT SHOULD PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE DRIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN COMMUNITIES.”

Attractive, Accessible and Safe The physical improvements to a site provide people with a visually pleasing and easily accessible experience. Developing better and safer access to the site for groups such as the elderly, disabled and children, helps to open the area up to the socially excluded and more vulnerable groups in a community. The unique variety of habitats and wildlife associated with a natural river corridor make these environments particularly special for communities in highly urbanised areas who may have few opportunities for regular contact with nature.

Peace and Action A variety of accessible and attractive environments provide local people with a range of recreational and amenity opportunities. These opportunities include: walking, jogging, cycling, playing, dog walking, picnics, 54

Section Three Research

feeding the ducks and connecting with nature. Properly restored river corridors, redesigned with people in mind, can be safer than the concrete drainage channels that frequently pass for rivers in many urban locations.

Health and Happiness Providing an attractive and safe place to go away from traffic and fumes can encourage people to start exercising more. These areas also provide a natural sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, where people can relax, slow down and unwind.

PLACEMAKING PRINCIPLES Sustainable Transport New river environments can contribute to sustainable transport plans by providing safe walking and cycling routes to the town centre or between other popular places in the area.

The River as Teacher The improved natural environment and its wildlife can provide valuable opportunities for formal and informal learning, helping develop people’s appreciation of their local environment and raise their awareness of environmental issues. It can also help to lessen the cultural gap between town and country. Local schools can run field trips for students to learn about their local river and its associated pond and wetland environments.

Identity - Make innovation visible and public

Diversity - Mix innovation with a range of other uses

Continuity - Start with existing people and places

Sociability - Bring people together through places and programming

Proximity - Build things close together on the ground, not just on the map

Mobility - Connect to the broader city and region through multiple transportation modes

Flexibility - Experiment, observe, repeat

Unity - Govern with vision and holistic, inclusive strategies

Connecting People and the Community As more people use the site, it starts to be seen as a safe place to visit and this will encourage others. As this happens it begins to provide a focal point for local people and helps to promote a sense of community. If people develop appreciation for their river environment they will begin to protect and care for it. The creation of a more attractive river environment as part of an overall regeneration programme can help local economic development by attracting businesses into a new and invigorated area. There is an increasing demand for quality riverside developments in both the commercial and domestic sectors; the incorporation of river restoration within such developments provides an attractive and distinctive urban environment. Sustainable riverside development has become an integral part of many urban regeneration schemes throughout the country.

PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES

“CULTURE IS NOT ONLY BENEFICIAL TO CITIES, IN A DEEPER SENSE, IT’S WHAT CITIES ARE FOR.” REBECCA SOLNIT Research

Section Three

RESEARCH SUSTAINABILITY

PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPES The term ‘landscape’ is defined by the European Landscape Convention (2011) as: “an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of nature and/or human factors.” A ‘productive landscape’ is defined as being “capable of providing not just agricultural or forestry products, but a wide range of products and ecosystem services […] fulfilling the social, economic and environmental requirements and aspirations of present and future generations at a local, national and global level.” (ETFRN, 2014) An article published by ETFRN (2014) on productive landscapes, addresses the need for a clearer understanding of the term, and provides research-based holistic landscape approaches to producing landscapes, exemplifying case studies on a local, national and global scale.

Holistic Approach ETFRN (2014) emphasise that finding solutions requires “collaborative decision making, adequate representation of interests that need to be addressed in the landscape, a deep understanding of the landscape and relations between its various components, continuous learning and adaptation, and institutions that go beyond sectorial interests.” The following points below provide an overview of successful landscape approaches (Scherr, Shames and Friedman, 2013): –– Shared or agreed management for multiple objectives –– Field practices that provide multiple benefits –– Spatial arrangement of landscape features designed to maximise synergies –– Collaborative community-based decision making and action –– Policies and markets that incentivise synergies TAKEAWAYS The principles written in this article can assist in designing a holistic landscape-led approach to re-inventing the waterfront in Peterborough. It is noted that the approach should not only re-inforce analysing the potential functions and users for the site, but also how to

Section Three Research

integrate community-based efforts, stakeholder participation, continual learning and adaptive management in order create a well-integrated proposal accepted by all. The study area has been identified to contain a number of challenges that hold local, public and private interests. This article has been resourceful helping to define an approach to designing a holistic strategy.

Case Studies Middlesbrough Urban Farming Project Architects Bohn and Viljoen, developed a Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPULs) project, called “Opportunities for a Green And Edible Middlesbrough.” This strategy (below) is a comprehensive plan, recording suitable spaces for urban food production, existing and proposed allotments, residents who wanted to grow food, and finally, how these spaces can coherently work as part of a connected green network within the city. (Ryerson University, 2014)

Further research on CPUL case studies can be found in Appendix 1.

MAKING SUSTAINABLE PLACES Key Themes (Scottish Natural Heritage, 2009) –– People and communities are at the centre of sustainable places

PEOPLE

∞

PLACE

–– A good measure of a sustainable place is one that makes people healthy –– Place matters – including the quality of the natural heritage in the spaces between buildings and between places –– All of the different aspects of sustainable places are inextricably connected – “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything in the universe.” (John Muir) –– It is only possible to make sense of these connections at a human scale – and this should be the basis for designing, planning and managing our settlements –– Build social capital. It’s the interstices – the glue – where good things happen

Image: Barton Park, Oxford

(CABE, 2011)

Barton Park, Oxford Barton Park is a strategic sustainable proposal for a housing development in Oxford. The design incorporates initiatives such walkable neighbourhoods, multi-functional public open, low-energy housing with a focus on high levels of biodiversity. The development aims to deliver a large number of affordable and market homes as part of a pilot project for NHS Healthy New Towns. Research

Section Three

RESEARCH PEOPLE

USER EXPERIENCE As designers, what we produce is heavily based on users of the site. We curate our landscapes to be inclusive and accessible to all, alongside engaging with the community and stakeholders during the design phase. There are many methods that can be used to engage users with the site – some obvious interfaces such as viewing platforms, lookouts and play features, to silent markers such as the style of street furniture of paving design used. For example, the familiarity of a design element of language could make a subtle boundary when moving between different spaces on site, versus using physical boundaries such as walls, railings and fences.

Superkilen This is an interesting case study for a variety of reasons, but in terms of user experience and landscape cues, the overall transition through the journey of the site is defined well. The landscape is colour coded to reflect the different functions and uses on site, and most importantly, gives visual cues as to where the user is located without the need for visitor maps every 100m. Designing elements like this can help to influence the user’s engagement with the site and create a stronger narrative. A study into ‘Visual Landmarks Used in Giving Directions’ shows that landmarks and objects are a more successful measure of cognitive mapping than number orientated instruction (Michon and Denis, 2011). For example, if offering directions to a stranger who is looking for a specific destination, we rely heavily on visual landmarks i.e. after reaching the church, take a right and head towards the statue, versus: take a left, follow straight for 1.3 miles then take the third right. The latter creates little cognitive input to map in the stranger’s head. These visual cues are what we as designers create to help narrate our landscapes.

Further research on user experience in landscapes can be found in Appendix 1. 58

Section Three Research

Superkilen, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Garden of 10,000 Bridges This example shows a successful landscape scheme that has a strong emotive narrative. The Garden of 10,000 Bridges in Xian, China, is a landscape design by West8 which conceptualises the journey through life. Visitors follow an undulating path which weaves and overlaps itself, with several bridges that elevate the users view over a dense bamboo forest. On the ground level, users cannot see over the dense planting, evoking an emotional response of uncertainty over their location and making them unable to see the route ahead.

RESEARCH CONNECTIVITY

CONNECTIVITY AND PERMEABILITY Making a City: Urbanity, Vitality and Urban Design (1998) Journal of Urban Design. Vol. 3 Issue 1 - John Montgomery

Summary principles for achieving urbanity:

ACTIVITY

Generating pedestrian flows and vitality Seeking people attractors Achieving a diversity of primary and secondary uses Developing a density of population

Jan Gehl argues that the “horizontal field of vision means that when we are walking along the building facade, only the ground floor can offer us interest and intensity.” (Gehl, 2010) National Planning Policy Framework suggests that “building size and mass, and the scale of open spaces around and between them, will influence the character, functioning and efficiency of an area” and that, “the layout of areas, whether existing or new, should be considered in relation to adjoining buildings, streets and spaces; the topography; the general pattern of building heights in the area; and views, vistas and landmarks into and out of the development site.” (Paragraph 25 and 27 NPPF, 2012)

Varying opening hours and stimulating the evening economy Promoting street life and people-watching Growing a fine-grained economy

IMAGE MEANING

Legibility Imageability Symbolism and memory Psychological access Receptivity Knowledgeability

Achieving development intensity Zoning for mixed use

PHYSICAL SETTING

Building for a fine grain Adaptability of the built stock Scale City blocks and permeability Streets: contact, visibility and horizontal grain The public realm Movement Green space and water space Landmarks, visual stimulation and attention to detail Architectural style as image

“FIRST LIFE, THEN SPACES, THEN BUILDINGS – THE OTHER WAY AROUND NEVER WORKS.” JAN GEHL Research

Section Three

RESEARCH

PLANNING CONTEXT SUMMARY

Planning Background For the purpose of this study, relevant policy and key guidance has been researched in order to obtain a clearer image of the study area, by taking into consideration any current or future aspirations that may influence the site and it’s potential.

The following policy and guidance was taken into consideration during the production of this strategy:

The following pages show a summary of key findings from research on relevant planning policy and guidance related to Peterborough. Refer to Appendix 2 for further details on the documents summarised in this section.

–– Nene Park Trust (2020) – A 10 Year Vision and Strategic Plan

–– Nene Valley Strategy Plan (2010) –– Nature Improvement Areas –– UK / Cambridgeshire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) –– Wet Woodlands –– Green Grid Strategy – 20 Year Vision –– Peterborough Public Realm Strategy (2008) –– Peterborough Local Plan – Draft (2016)

Section Three Research

SECTION 7: A LIVING COUNTRySIDE

Oakham

Stamford

Nene Valley Strategy Plan (2010) Eastern on the Hill

The Nene Valley Strategy Plan is a detailed document outlining the innovative enhancement and management of the valley’s natural and cultural environment, in order to deliver a sustainable river corridor between Peterborough and Northampton.

COLLYWESTERN QUARRIES SOUTHEY WOOD

Wittering

SOUTHORPE MEADOW AND PADDOCK

COLLYWESTON GREAT WOOD & EASTON HORNSTOCKS NNR

Marholm

CASTOR HANGLANDS NNR

BEDFORD PURLIEUS NNR Wansford

Uppingham

WANSFORD PASTURE YARWELL DINGLE AND POND OLD SULEHAY Yarwell

FINESHADE WOOD WAKERLEY GREAT WOOD King’s Cliffe

STIBBINGTON

PETERBOROUGH

Stibbington

Caster

YARWELL STATION

THORPE WOOD WOODSTON PONDS

Water Newton

Nassington

Sutton

NEN E VA LLE Y RA ILW AY L INE Sibson

Apethorpe

Chesterton

The document proposed a wide scale initiate based upon five key themes: waterways, towns, countryside, connectivity and access, and cultural and natural attractions; to transform the river corridor into an iconic destination for people to enjoy.

Woodnewton

Fotheringhay

EAST CARLTON CP

CORBY

SHORT WOOD

Cotterstock

Oundle Ashton

BARNWELL CP

Stanion

GREAT OAKLEY MEADOW LNR

FERMYN WOODS CP Brigstock

THE PLENS

FERMYN WOODS

Barnwell Pilton A6

Wadenhoe

Geddington

Desborough

Achurch

TAILBY MEADOW LNR

BARFORD WOOD AND MEADOWS

Aldwinkle

Rothwell A14

Thorpe Waterville

TITCHMARSH LNR Islip

KETTERING

Thrapston

TYWELL HILLS AND DALES

The Nene Park Trust (2020)

Woodford Denford

SOUTHFIELD FARM MARSH

Ringstead

Burton Latimer

The Nene Park Trust, established in 1988, manage Ferry Meadows Country Park and adjacent land within the study area. Their overall aim is to provide a park for recreation that improves the quality of life for Peterborough residents and visitors.

STOKE WOOD END QUARTER

ROTHWELL GULLETT

A14

KINEWELL LAKE LNR

Great Addington

River - navigation route

Little Addington

Lake

Raunds Finedon

PITSFORD RESERVOIR

BRIXWORTH CP

Country Park

FINEDON CALLY BANKS

Stanwick

Irthlingborough

Hargrave

A43

Higham Ferrers

Pitsford Water

GLAMIS MEADOW & WOODLAND LNR

HIGHAM FERRERS PITS AND WILSON’S PITS DITCHFORD LAKES AND MEADOWS

WELLINGBOROUGH

Wildlife Trust SSSI Yelden

IRCHESTER CP

SYWELL CP

HARLESTONE HEATH

Wymington Earls Barton

LINGS LNR

SUMMER LEYS LNR

A45

KINGSTHORPE MEADOW

pSPA/pRamsar Woodlands with public access / recreation (over 20 hectares)

Irchester

Great Doddington

BRADLAUGH FIELDS

Local Nature Reserve National Nature Reserve

Chelveston

Rushden

By researching their proposals and recommendations, ideas and functions for some key locations within the study area could prove influential. With a proposition of the west side of the study area within the Trust’s management, it would be key to include their input and influence on how the waterfront could be re-invented.

Warmington

Tansor

GLAPTHORN COW PASTURES

KINGSWOOD LNR

The objectives in this document may influence the site in this study, and potentially help to support chosen principles on a regional scale.

Haddon

SOUTHWICK WOOD

) (M A1

F Rockingham

Their 2020 vision strategy is based on four key themes: landscape, community, recreation and promotion. Attached to the themes are specific aims and recommendations, including an action plan to assist in realising these aspirations. The recommendations also include how community groups, organisations and the local council can play a role.

Elton

Gretton Caldecott

Wollaston

Podington

SHARNBROOK SUMMIT AND WYMINGTON MEADOW

NORTHAMPTON STORTON’S PITS Cogenhoe AND DUSTON Little Houghton MILL MEADOW BARNES MEADOW Brafield-onthe-Green

A45

Bozeat Denton

FELMERSHAM GRAVEL PITS

Image: Nene Valley Strategy Plan Figure 4:

Envrionmentally Protected Areas plan

Research

Section Three

Nature Improvement Areas (2014)

12 NIAs: 1 Birmingham and the Black Country 2 Dark Peak 3 Dearne Valley Green Heart 4 Greater Thames Marshes 5 Humberhead Levels 6 Marlborough Downs

Nature Improvement Areas (NIA) are landscapes identified in the UK as areas for the opportunity to create a resilient ecological landscape network. The study area sits on the edge of the Nene Valley, which is identified in this document as an area with the opportunity to establish and improve the ecological environment, by enhancing and connecting existing wildlife and creating new habitats.

7 8 9 10 11 12

Meres and Moses Morecambe Bay Limestones and Wetlands Nene Valley Northern Devon South Downs Way Ahead Wild Purbeck

Using the recommendations in this document can help influence the objectives for sites within the study area, specifically relating to protected landscapes and sites containing sensitive wildlife and ecology.

UK and Cambridgeshire/Peterborough Biodiversity Action Plan

Rivers in the UK are identified as a habitat of international obligation in the Biodiversity Action Plan. This report reviews priority species and habitats based on a criteria of international importance, rapid decline, and high risk in order to rationalise actions to conserve or enhance biological diversity.

By reviewing the current aims and sensitivity related to the study area, proposals can be influenced as to how biodiversity could be enhanced or created.

STUDY AREA

Biodiversity related specifically to Peterborough is identified in the Local Plan under Policy LP27: Landscape and Biodiversity. Some objectives in the Local Plan include promoting and enhancing ecological networks, and protecting and managing priority habitats and land significantly important for biodiversity.

6 10

Section Three Research

11 12

P10

10 H

P12

P11

P6 P2

P13

P15

10 P2

P16

G P4

P9 P5

1a 11

P17

C 11 K

G5 District Boundary

Existing Sub-Regional corridor

Green parkways - P1

P18

Riverside Quarter Analysis 5

Proposed green infrastructure site

Strengths: –– The river is a great asset to the city as are the connections to the surrounding countryside along it A

Potential GI enhancement

County/Unitary Authority Boundary

Existing open space

–– Extensive green spaces along the embankment are Peterborough’s ‘green lungs’

*iÌiÀL À Õ} ½ÃÊ Àii Ê À `

Green Grid Strategy

Possible extensions to Green Wheel Proposed Sustrans National Route

Peterborough City Master Plan

Opportunities for PROW South Peterborough Green Parks

Existing green infrastructure site Green Wheel cycle network Published Routes (PROW)

Proposed RSPB Bronze Age Fens

1:50,000

River Nene Regional Park

Proposed urban GI corridor

Proposed footbridge

–– Remnant historic fabric (railway buildings, customs house, and lido) add character to the area and make it distinctively Peterborough

R38a

Great Fen

November 2006

Proposed Fens Waterways Link Proposed local GI corridor

Peterborough Public Realm Strategy (2008) This strategy highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the assets in Peterborough City Centre. Through this analysis, it suggests 10 bold principles to help achieve a well-connected network of beautiful streets and spaces (found in Appendix 2).

Key

The Green Grid Strategy is a document produced by The Landscape Partnership on behalf of Peterborough City Council, with the purpose to crate a strategic framework and action plan for the provision of green infrastructure in Peterborough. The document lists over twenty recommendations for the city and Grater Peterborough, many of which apply to the chosen study area. These recommendations reference enhancing and protecting biodiversity, and the creation of green corridors and linkages between existing and proposed open spaces.

P14

Green Grid Strategy (2007)

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Peterborough City Council. 100024236. 2006

Image: Green Grid Strategy Recommendations

R38 Peterborough City Master Plan

Refer to Appendix 2 for further details on the documents summarised in this section.

Weaknesses: –– Large scale commercial units and big sheds are inappropriate uses in such a key part of the city –– The area is fragmented and severed from the city centre by the surrounding road and infrastructure network –– There is a lack of connection to the rest of the city

Research

Section Three

Peterborough Local Plan (Peterbrough City Council)

Riverside Policy

The Peterborough Local Plan is an outline document proposing planning policies for the growth and regeneration of Peterborough and surrounding villages over the next 20 years.

The study area sits partially within the ‘Riverside South Policy Area’, which proposes the following: “...development will be supported, in principle, where it helps to secure the transformation of disused and underused land, in order to create an enhanced gateway into the city centre.

Objectives To achieve their vision (opposite), they have set out the following objectives: Zero Carbon

Zero Waste

Sustainable Water

Sustainable Transport

Land Use and Wildlife

Culture Heritage

–– Maximise the advantages of the riverside setting with a high-quality design solution;

Sustainable Materials

Equity and Local Economy

–– Deliver an attractive public riverside walk and cycle path with a new foot/cycle bridge across the river nene to the embankment;

Local and Sustainable Food

Health and Wellbeing

University Campus Throughout the Local Plan, the proposal for a University Campus is mentioned as part of policy relating to the spatial strategy for the city. The strategy aims to promote and develop the Peterborough economy by offering a wide range of employment opportunities with a particular emphasis on environmental, financial and manufacturing sectors. “In principle, development proposals which directly assist in creating a thriving independent, campus based university, with an undergraduate population of 12,500 students will be supported by 2035.”

Wherever appropriate, developments should help to improve pedestrian and cycle links between the area and rest of the city centre and adjacent areas, and provide pedestrian access along the river frontage.”

Section Three Research

Development should:

–– Incorporate and enhance the listed buildings (railway engine sheds and goods sheds) and building of local importance (the mill), with imaginative new uses; –– Incorporate appropriate flood risk mitigation measures, as identified through a site-specific flood risk assessment; –– Deliver opportunities to naturalise the river corridor and enhance biodiversity in ways that complement existing river functions and in line with the objectives of the nene valley nature improvement area.

“BY 2036 PETERBOROUGH WILL HAVE BECOME A DESTINATION OF CHOICE, A BIGGER AND BETTER CITY, GROWING IN THE RIGHT WAY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ITS GROWING POPULATION, AND PROVIDING A RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY ATTRACTIONS AND FACILITIES MAKING IT A DISTINCTIVE PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND VISIT. PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE, WITH ITS ICONIC CATHEDRAL AND HISTORIC CORE, WILL HAVE MAINTAINED AND STRENGTHENED ITS POSITION AS THE TOP RETAIL CENTRE IN THE AREA, DRAWING VISITORS FROM THE WIDER REGION TO ENJOY THE SHOPPING, LEISURE, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IT HAS TO OFFER, INCLUDING A REDEVELOPED RIVERFRONT AND ENHANCED CITY CORE, WITH A RANGE OF RESTAURANTS AND BARS SUPPORTING A SAFE AND VIBRANT NIGHT TIME ECONOMY. A WALKABLE, LIVEABLE CITY, WITH A NETWORK OF FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS, PROVIDING SAFE, EFFICIENT AND ENJOYABLE WAYS TO MOVE AROUND. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT OPTIONS WILL LINK ALL PARTS OF THE CITY, INCLUDING THE RAILWAY STATION AND THE RIVER NENE, TO THE WIDER REGIONS BEYOND.” (PCC, LOCAL PLAN, 2016)

RESEARCH

CURRENT + PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

An influencing factor regarding proposals for regenerating the River Nene is current and proposed development planned or approved in the immediate context.

The diagram below highlights several developments planned near the river. They range in status, from planning submissions to approved or constructed schemes. Acknowledging these proposed developments may influence proposals within the study area.

CITY CENTRE

2 2 3 5

North Westgate Currently in planning, the North Westgate proposal is a large-scale mixed use development that proposed to expand Peterboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail offer. The proposal offers a new regional leisure quarter featuring a plaza, multiplex, restaurants, shops, bars, apartments and office space. Proposals for North Westgate are currently on hold following a planning dispute with Queensgate Shopping Centre adjacent.

Section Three Research

Public Realm and Highways Improvements

There are currently several highways and public realm improvements happening around the city to improve cycleways, footpaths and roads. The Bishops Road proposal has improved pedestrian links from the city centre to the Embankment.

Connect21 Housing This development was approved in 2010 for over 200 homes to the east of the city centre. Although it is still in construction, the dwellings are all sold out. The development currently provides an informal link south to the river, popular with dog walkers and runners.

Fletton Quays

Ambitious plans for redevelopment on the south bank of Peterborough started constructed in early 2017. The proposal offers luxury apartments, restaurants, hotels and office spaces. This site has laid vacant for a long period prior to this proposal, which has also caused some controversy in terms of the suitability of development.

Railworld Access Although a small scheme, improving access to the Railworld visitor attraction from Oundle Road has helped to open up two currently vacant spaces on the waterfront. Research

Section Three

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MASTER P LAN

VISION VISION

The following pages show the vision and concept behind re-inventing Peterborough, influenced by the research showcased in this study and the Local Plan’s aspiration for the city. The five themes identified at the beginning of this study are the key ingredients based upon theories of waterfront regeneration. The ten principles expand on the themes to give overall directives for what the proposed site should achieve.

THEMES

WATER

PLACEMAKING

VISION STATEMENT

RE-INVENTING PETERBOROUGH’S WATERFRONT BY UNLOCKING

SUSTAINABILITY

ACCESS TO THE RIVER NENE AND ACTIVATING OPPORTUNITY AREAS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, RECREATION AND QUALITY GREEN

PEOPLE

INFRASTRUCTURE.

CONNECTIVITY

Section Four Vision

PRINCIPLES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Creative active opportunity for interaction with water

Create inspiring open and active spaces for local communities and users

Work with the existing constraints of the river to create areas for flood alleviation

Build upon the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinct heritage and public realm character

Create safe and accessible spaces to enjoy

Build upon the social, environmental and economic assets of the city to create sustainable development

Build upon the character of the river and existing topography to enhance its assets in the landscape

Create destinations along the river that are accessible and well-connected

Create opportunity for engagement and education in the landscape

Create multi-use development for the future local communities and the future economy to benefit from

Vision

Section Four

VISION CONCEPT

Existing Pattern of the City

Proposed Concept for the City

The proposed concept, shown opposite, builds upon the original pattern for the city. This pattern shows ‘green’ and ‘stone’ (or urban) axes presented in a ‘cross’ form over the city. The conclusion drawn from critiquing the pattern (below), shows that the stone/urban axis is strong and prominent, which is reflected in the architecture and public realm across this route. The green axis, however, appears to want to be strong, but lacks consistency and harmony within the green infrastructure on this route. Also this route appears to not lead to any destination, resulting in the pattern becoming weak.

The concept proposed for re-inventing the waterfront expands on the existing pattern of the city to create a network of opportunities. The key ‘green’ axes displayed north to south on the grid connect existing green infrastructure to areas surrounding the site. The urban axis, which runs east to west on the grid, repeats the identified existing pattern down towards the river to unlock development opportunities. The blue axis represents the river, which is used to bind the green and urban elements.

Source: Interpreted from Gorden Cullen’s masterplan for the city

Section Four Vision

Proposed Concept

Vision

Section Four

VISION

APPLICATION OF CONCEPT

Application of Concept (opposite)

Opportunity Areas (below)

The diagram opposite shows how the concept can be applied to the city to connect and create development opportunities. The green axes show opportunities for links across the river, with an aspiration to increase connectivity and activate areas of green space that are under-used. An example of this is Woodston Ponds, which sits on an axis of opportunity to create a link from the Sugar Way housing development, through the ponds, over the river to the Boardwalk Nature Reserve.

Through applying the concept to the site, parcels of opportunity areas have been identified to help break the site into developable areas that sit on the waterfront. These opportunity areas will be broken down further in the ‘Masterplan’ section of this study. Identified opportunity areas: Rowing Lake and leisure facilities - Recreation, trails and sculpture area

With the aspiration to expand the city for the future of Peterborough, an identified opportunity area straddles both sides of the river to create a ‘Culture Quarter’. This opportunity area would build on the city’s urban character, but will be heavily influenced by the valuable green and blue assets in the immediate context. The ‘Urban Waterfront’ carries the same principles, but has more of an emphasis on green infrastructure and leisure due to its immediate context.

Woodston Reach and Ponds - Ecologically-sensitive area and amenity space

Thorpe Meadows - Educational, amenity, recreation and productive landscape area

Culture Quarter - Urban mixed-use development area

City Park and University Sports Campus - Park, education, leisure and university area

Southbank - Extension of city park and urban development

Nene Wash - No opportunity for development here

CITY CENTRE

Section Four Vision

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MASTER P LAN

MASTERPLAN MASTERPLAN

IMPROVED FISHING PLATFORM FACILITIES COMMUNITY ORCHARDS

NEW ROWING CLUB + ASSOCIATED FACILITIES

OUTDOOR COMMUNITY + EVENTS SPACE

BIRCH WOODLANDS

SPORTS PITCHES, MUGA AND COMMUNITY BUILDING OPEN SPACE

NEW + IMPROVED BRIDGES BOARDWALKS NATURE RESERVE

OUTDOOR FITNESS + ARTS TRAIL

IMPROVED CYCLE ROUTE

VIEWING BLEACHERS

WETLAND AREA WITH BOARDWALKS AND VIEWING PLATFORM

WOODSTON PONDS

RIVERSIDE PAVILION IMPROVED LINKS FROM SUGAR WAY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

UNDERPASS ACTIVITY SPACE

WOODSTON REACH IMPROVED LINKS FROM BOTOLPH HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

NEW KAYAKING FACILITIES 78

Section Five Masterplan

NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SELF BUILD PLOTS INITIATIVE

UNIVERSITY SPORTS CAMPUS + REGIONAL FITNESS CENTRE

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION OF PUBLIC REALM TOWARDS RIVER

IMPROVED BUFFER TO PARKWAY

EXTENSION OF BISHOPS GARDEN

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION + OPEN SPACE LIDO IMPROVED ACCESS TO EXISTING RESIDENTIAL

CULTURE QUARTER

KEY THEATRE EMBANKMENT URBAN WATERFRONT

EXTENSION OF RAILWORLD FACILITIES CAFE + RESTAURANTS UNDER ARCH WAY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS BUILDINGS FOR WATER SPORTS

NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL, LINKING BETWEEN WOODSTON AND THE ROVER

RECREATION GROUNDS

NENE WASHES

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT WITH WATER FEATURE, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, ARTS CENTRE AND ICONIC BRIDGE

GREEN BACK YARD IMPROVED ACCESS FROM SOUTHBANK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

WET WOODLANDS + IMPROVED ACCESS TO STANGROUND

IMPROVED ACCESS ACROSS RIVER AND BIRD VIEWING PLATFORM

Masterplan

Section Five

FRAMEWORK ACCESS + MOVEMENT

CYCLE ROUTES

BRIDGE

BRIDGES

FITNESS TRAIL

NENE PARKWAY 80

Section Five Masterplan

GATEWAY / ACCESS

FRANK PERKINS PARKWAY

GATEWAY / ACCESS

BRIDGE BRIDGE

CONTINUOUS RIVER ROUTE

BRIDGE

GATEWAY / ACCESS

CONTINUOUS RIVER ROUTE

Masterplan

Section Five

FRAMEWORK PEOPLE + DESTINATIONS

ROWING CLUB

BOARDWALKS NATURE RESERVE

WETLANDS

ROWING LAKE

SCULPTURE TRAIL

SELF-BUILD PLOTS

ACTIVITY SPACE

WOODSTON REACH

KAYAKING CENTRE

ART FEATURES

Section Five Masterplan

FISHING PLATFORM

WOODSTON PONDS

COMMUNITY BUILDING, RECREATION + URBAN FARMING

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

LIDO SELF-BUILD PLOTS KEY THEATRE

CULTURE QUARTER

STUDENT VILLAGE EMBANKMENT

WETLANDS RAILWORLD

URBAN WATERFRONT

ARTS CENTRE

SPORT FACILITIES

NENE WASHES + VIEWING PLATFORM

Masterplan

Section Five

FRAMEWORK INTERACTION WITH WATER

FISHING PLATFORM

WATER FEATURES

BOARDWALKS

ROWING

PLATFORMS AND BOARDWALKS

VIEWING PLATFORM

WATER SPORTS

VIEWING PLATFORM VIEWING PLATFORM

KAYAKING

ATTENUATION PONDS

Section Five Masterplan

LIDO

WATER FEATURE ATTENUATION PONDS PLATFORMS AND BOARDWALKS

TERRACES AND VIEWING PLATFORM

WATER FEATURE

ATTENUATION PONDS

VIEWING PLATFORM

Masterplan

Section Five

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY AREA 1: ROWING LAKE + LEISURE CENTRE

Recreation, Trails and Sculpture Area A

This opportunity area focuses heavily on the recreational offer to Peterborough. The Rowing Club is a well-established group which is exceedingly popular for a range of users. However, the associated land shows opportunity for improvement. A fitness trail could be developed so users can gain an improved interaction within the immediate area surrounding the rowing lake, instead of the area being a through-route to other destinations.

Interest could be created using landform to the north, south and west sides to offer spaces for elevated views, viewing areas for regatta/ races, and vegetated areas to improve existing south-west wind mitigation. There is also an ideal opportunity to improve the Rowing Club facilities to cater towards their more current needs and spatial requirements. These facilities could also include outdoor timber bleachers for coaches to use during training sessions and for visitors during races.

The area also hosts a few sculptures which link to similar art displayed in Ferry Meadow Country Park. With a new trail proposed, there is scope to build on the existing art offer in this area to enhance views, interest and existing routes.

A B

D B

Section Five Masterplan

Further west towards the parkway is an opportunity for the community to engage in transforming the underpass into a destination. This area could contain outdoor fitness provision and organised art on the parkway structure. This would transform the area into a safer space to travel through.

Another opportunity to enhance the leisure offer in this area, would be to transform the area west of Woodston Reach to build upon the current kayaking offer. Leisure could be increased by providing purpose-built facilities for users to do kayaking and rafting, hopefully increasing the popularity of this area. Attached to this area, would be the improvement of access from Woodston Reach over the railway lines and River Nene, which is currently in need of improvement.

BOARDWALKS NATURE RESERVE

NEW ROWING CLUB SEATING ROWING LAKE RIVER

Masterplan

Section Five

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY AREA 2: WOODSTON REACH + PONDS

Ecologically-sensitive Area and Amenity Space A

B A

Section Five Masterplan

There is opportunity for small scale interventions that could offer a high value impact on the area. Some woodland planting could be cut back in specific area to open up views and increase passive surveillance. The network of paths has been reviewed, with the addition of gathering spaces to offer a destination for visitors to observe wildlife.

The ponds are a high value asset to the area and opportunity has been identified to enhance the native flora and wetland species to improve biodiversity.

After reviewing the cycle path route leading from the city centre, an opportunity has been identified to extend the route further along the railway line to meet the water sports facilities across the parkway. This would improve on the existing condition of the cycle path and become a popular route for commuters from the Ortons.

This opportunity area covers Woodston Reach and Woodston Ponds. Woodston Reach is heavily vegetated and holds areas of still water and a range of native species. Although paths through the site require improvement, the area is well-connected and accessible from the Botolph and Sugar Way housing developments.

The opportunity to increase connectivity from existing green spaces to destinations on the river is shown through improving the path network from Sugar Way, creating access into Woodston Ponds, and providing a footbridge over the river into the Boardwalks Nature Reserve. The materials on this path network would be a mixture of timber and gravel to reflect the natural character of the setting.

Increased provision for access is shown at Woodston Ponds to allow visitors to enter and enjoy the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildlife through viewing platforms and educational signage.

BOARDWALKS NATURE RESERVE BRIDGE OVER RIVER

WOODSTON PONDS VIEWING PLATFORMS

SUGAR WAY DEVELOPMENT GREEN LINK

IMPROVED ACCESS + CYCLE ROUTE RAILWAY

Masterplan

Section Five

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY AREA 3: THORPE MEADOWS

Educational, Amenity, Recreation and Productive Landscape Area This area sits adjacent to Thorpe Wood and the city centre. The main existing assets include a wetland area, birch woodland, the Boardwalks Nature Reserve, and a trail alongside the river. A weakness highlighted in the constraints section of this document, is the lack of safe and suitable fishing provision. There is a pier currently constructed in the east side of this opportunity that is quite popular with visitors, however, better facilities could be provided to make this area feel purpose-built by adding signage, seating and new boardwalks.

By providing better access from the city centre, this area could be transformed into a city park with an emphasis on recreation, education and productive landscapes to serve surrounding local communities. Improved links area proposed from Thorpe Wood, Longthorpe and Sugar Way to help connect these local communities as well as provide a continuous foot and cycle route through the area.

Section Five Masterplan

A community building is located in the heart of this space for local users to take advantage of, which could gain revenue from providing cafĂŠ facilities. Adjacent to the community building is a food growing area, accessible to all and potentially run through volunteer community groups.

Recreation facilities are proposed next to the community building with multi-use pitches for a range of sports and activities. This could be run in liaison with Vivacity, who manage Peterboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and fitness offer.

The existing wetlands could be improved by adding more native species to the biodiversity offer, alongside providing users with boardwalks, viewing platforms and educational signage so they can interact with the site.

Linking from the wetlands area is the Boardwalks Nature Reserve. This area has recently been regenerated by a local organisation called Froglife. Minor enhancements to this area would include signage for wayfinding and interactive information boards to enhance the users experience through the landscape.

As this opportunity area focuses heavily on community involvement, areas for community grown orchards could be proposed to enhance the visual amenity in the area and provide local participants with a sense of ownership. The existing fishing platform is popular with users, although the facilities could be refreshed to make the space safer and accessible for all users.

EXISTING HOTEL BOARDWALKS NATURE RESERVE

RIVER + FISHING PLATFORM

COMMUNITY ORCHARD

Masterplan

Section Five

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY AREA 4: CULTURE QUARTER

Urban Mixed-use Development Area This opportunity area is proposed to be the cultural hub for urban activity. This area aspires to be an extension of the city centre (north) with an emphasis on waterfront activity, culture, arts and a 24/7 economy.

D E C

A A

Section Five Masterplan

New residential developments have been proposed, situated close to the river and well-connected to other existing areas in Peterborough. The urban grain from the city centre is reflected in this area, accommodating views and promenades towards the river, the Key Theatre and the Embankment. The plot to the north-west is proposed to cater for starter and self-build homes.

The north side of the waterfront takes advantage of the south-facing aspect by offering terraces down to the river and large public open spaces with art and water features.

The character of the public realm is carried through this area from the city centre, leading across a new footbridge over towards the railway arches. The area here is currently vacant and would benefit from the extension of the hospitality offer from the city. The arch ways under the railway line could be transformed into cafes and restaurants to utilise the space.

The foot and cycle access from Thorpe Meadows and along the south side of the river will continue through this area towards the Embankment and Southbank under Town Bridge, to strengthen connectivity. The public realm from the city centre also extends and orientates towards the Key Theatre to make it more visually accessible and integrated within the site.

Railworld is an existing asset to the site, proposed to be extended to enhance the offer to visitors and transform the area into a destination.

CAFE + RESTAURANTS IN ARCH WAYS

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT TRAIN LINE

WATER FEATURE

PLAZA BRIDGE OVER RIVER

Masterplan

Section Five

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY AREA 5: CITY PARK + UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Park, Education, Leisure and University Area The city park and university campus will be a thriving area for sustainable development to accommodate the growth and need for a university in Peterborough.

A B

D A

C B D

Section Five Masterplan

The campus expands on the sports and recreation theme existing on the river, new sustainable development, university facilities, residential developments and a student village.

The campus will be easily accessible from the city centre for transport links and also from existing residential areas in the north, south and east. The foot and cycle route continues along the riverfront, connecting to existing links to Stanground and the east.

The Embankment will remain an open space accessible for use year round to continue to host major annual events. Access under the parkway has been increased to improve connections between the campus and breakdown visual barriers.

Various water features and balancing ponds have been suggested in this area to create visual amenity and flood mitigation. The university campus will include high quality and purpose built facilities, including iconic architecture and public realm. The campus should be treated as an open asset, not just for students but for residents of Peterborough to enjoy.

Public access in the east has been provided for passive use of the Nene Washes, a sensitive and protected landscape. There will be gated provision for users to access a bird hide and viewing platform.

CAMPUS BUILDING PROPOSED CAMPUS

VELODROME

BUFFER TO PARKWAY

BALANCING PONDS

Masterplan

Section Five

OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY AREA 6: SOUTHBANK

Extension of City Park and Urban Development

This opportunity area should also expand on the character of the city centre, with an emphasis on public space, interaction with the water and art/culture. The listed buildings on site are proposed to be regenerated into an arts centre and office space for SMEs and start ups to rent.

Mirroring the character of the Embankment, hard and soft terraces are proposed to all visitors to interact with the water. The site is considered a southern gateway to the city centre, which will be reflected in the architecture, public realm and the provision of an iconic bridge to link across the river.

Access and improved links have been proposed to connect development to the existing Southbank housing development, the Culture Quarter, the Embankment and an existing public right of way towards Stanground and Fletton.

A planted buffer is provided to the south side of the site to mitigate the impact of the eastern railway line.

To enhance biodiversity and provide flood mitigation, areas of wet woodland and reedbeds have been allocated towards the east of the site, which is also heavily influenced by the character of the Nene Washes adjacent.

A A

Section Five Masterplan

MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL WATER FEATURE

KEY THEATRE

URBAN WATERFRONT BRIDGE OVER RIVER

SOUTHBANK

EMBANKMENT

Masterplan

Section Five

MASTERPLAN APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES

Creative active opportunity for interaction with water

Create inspiring open and active spaces for local communities and users

Work with the existing constraints of the river to create areas for flood alleviation

Build upon the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinct heritage and public realm character

Create safe and accessible spaces to enjoy

2 10 2 9

3 3

7 1

Build upon the social, environmental and economic assets of the city to create sustainable development

Build upon the character of the river and existing topography to enhance its assets in the landscape

8 9

Create destinations along the river that are accessible and well-connected

Create opportunity for engagement and education in the landscape

5 1 7

10 10

Create multi-use development for the future local communities and the future economy to benefit from

Section Five Masterplan

10 8

8 6

8 7

1 10

10 8 9

1 4 6

10 6

10 8

8 1

8 4

6 10

10 10 10

2 6

9 7

9 3

5 8

Masterplan

Section Five

MASTERPLAN CONCLUSION

This study has explored the connection between the river and the city to unlock opportunities for sustainable development along the waterfront and in the wider context. The strategic landscape proposal produced responds to the key drivers and themes chosen for this study, which are based on extensive research related to waterfront regeneration. Development of the waterfront would benefit the city tremendously, placing Peterborough on the map as a destination for culture, leisure and economic growth. The proposed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;re-inventionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the waterfront can be summarised in the following paragraph:

The transformation of the waterfront in Peterborough relies heavily on the creation of a series of sustainable and well-connected destinations along the river, that create places for people to interact and celebrate for generations to come.

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Section Five Masterplan

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REFERENCES REFERENCES

Barrow, M. (2013) Why Are Rivers Important? Available at: http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/rivers/importance.html (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Bhatta, B. (2010) Analysis of Urban Growth and Sprawl from Remote Sensing Data (Advances in Geographic Information) Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K. Cities, C. for (2016) Cities Outlook. Available at: http://www.centreforcities.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Cities-Outlook-2016.pdf (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) (2011). Future Health: Sustainable Places for Health and Well-being. London: CABE. Creasey, G. and Osbourne, M. (1981) Development of Peterborough Illustrated in Maps. 1st Edition edn. Peterborough: Peterborough Educational Development Centre. Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) (2006) Housing Transferable Lessons from the New Towns. Available at: http://www.futurecommunities.net/files/ images/1_4_CLG_New_Towns_review_0.pdf (Accessed: 18 December 2016). ECRR (2013) Healthy Rivers Provide a Quality Environment. Available at: http://www.ecrr.org/riverrestoration/socialbenefitsofriverrestoration/tabid/2612/default.aspx (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Environment Agency (2001). River Restoration. [online] The River Restoration Centre. Available at: http://www.therrc.co.uk/MOT/References/EA_RivRest_SLondon1.pdf [Accessed 9 May 2017]. ETFRN (European Tropical Forest Research Network), (ChavezTafur, J. and Zagt, R.) (2014). Towards productive landscapes. 1st ed. Wageningen: Tropenbos International. European Landscape Convention, (2010). Guidelines for Managing Landscapes. [online] Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6361194094919680 ?category=31019 [Accessed 12 Mar. 2017]. Froglife (2017) Vision and Mission. Available at: http://www.froglife.org/who-we-are/vision-and-mission/ (Accessed: 22 February 2017). Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for people. [United States]: Island Press. Green Grid Strategy, (2007). Natural Networks. [Online] Available at: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/upload/www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/planning-and-development/ Planning-Policies-Evidence-NaturalEnv_greengrid2007.pdf?inline=true [Accessed 17 Jan. 2017]. Heathcote, J., Martin, D., Agency, E., Petts, G. and Martin, D. (2001) Urban rivers: Our Inheritance and Future. Edited by Geoff E. Petts and J. Heathcote. London: IWA Publishing. Inland Waterways Association (2013) River Nene. Available at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/canals_rivers/river_nene/river_nene (Accessed: 19 December 2016). Kirby, V. and Russell, S. (2015) Cities, Green Infrastructure and Health: A Paper for the Foresight Future of Cities Project. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444322/future-cities-green-infrastructure-health.pdf (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Lambert, T. (2016) A History of Peterborough. Available at: http://www.localhistories.org/peterborough.html (Accessed: 18 December 2016). LDA Design (2008) Peterborough Public Realm Strategy. Available at: http://consult.peterborough.gov.uk/file/1151420 (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Liverpool Vision. (2012). Liverpool south Docks Waterspace. [online] Available at: http://www.liverpoolvision.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Liverpool-South-DocksWaterspace-2012.pdf [Accessed 18 Mar. 2017]. Metropolitan Planning Council, (2016). Our Great Rivers. 1st ed. [ebook] Chicago: Metropolitan Planning Council. Available at: http://greatriverschicago.com/index.html [Accessed 12 Mar. 2017]. Michon, P. and Denis, M. (2011). Visual Landmarks Used in giving Directions. Groupe Cognition Humaine, LIMSI-CNRS, Orsay, France. Montgomery, J. (1998). Making a city: Urbanity, vitality and urban design. Journal of Urban Design, 3(1), pp.93-116. Nature Improvement Areas, (2014). Improved Ecological Networks (Natural England). [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-improvementareas-improved-ecological-networks [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017]. Nene Park Trust, (2010). A 10 Year Vision and Strategy. [Online] Available at: http://www.neneparktrust.org.uk/media/1253/2020%20Nene%20Park%20Trust%2010%20 year%20strategy.pdf [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017]. Nene Valley Strategy Plan, (2010). River Nene Regional Park. [Online] Available at: http://www.riverneneregionalpark.org/publications/management-plans/nene-valley-natureimprovement-area-nvnia-management-plans/nene-valley-strategic-plan-final-report-2010.pdf [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017]. NPPF, UK Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework. UK: Department for Communities and Local Government, Paragragh 25 and 27.

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PDC (2013) Forty Years on Exploring Peterborough’s Development Since 1968. Available at: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/pdf/leisureandculture-museumsfortyyearsonbooklet.pdf (Accessed: 18 December 2016). PECT (2012) Creating the UK’s Environment Capital. Available at: http://www.pect.org.uk/working-with-us/local-communities/creating-the-uks-environment-capital (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Peterborough City Council (2008) Peterborough Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Update – Level 1 Report. Available at: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/upload/www. peterborough.gov.uk/council/jobs-and-careers/Residents-FloodAndWaterManagement-StrategicFloodRiskAssessL1v2.pdf (Accessed: 22 January 2017). Peterborough City Council (2013) Peterborough City Centre Development Plan Document. Available at: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/pdf/env-plan-ccconsultationdraftplan.pdf (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Peterborough City Council, (2016). Local Plan. [online] Available at: https://peterboroughcc.app.box.com/s/1be11mrvcdg2l9jnt9iuo4rdt935njtv [Accessed 17 Feb. 2017]. Peterborough Unitary Authority (PUA) (2016) 2014-Based Population and Dwelling Stock Forecasts 2014-2036. Available at: https://peterboroughcc.app.box.com/s/2yitnyy5fkfx agno7sy4x7bp7xc44esu (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Prominski, M., Stokman, A., Zeller, S., Stimberg, D. and Voermanek, H. (2012) River, Space, Design: Planning Strategies, Methods and Projects for Urban Rivers. Basel: Birkhauser Verlag AG. Ryerson University. (2014). Carrot City - Middlesbrough Urban Farming Project. [online] Ryerson.ca. Available at: http://www.ryerson.ca/carrotcity/board_pages/city/ middlesbrough.html [Accessed 18 Mar. 2017]. Scherr, S., Shames, S. and Friedman, R. (2013). Recognizing Common Ground: Finding Meaning in Integrated Landscape Management. [online] Available at: http:// peoplefoodandnature.org/blog/recognizing-common-ground-finding-meaning-in-integrated-landscape-management/ [Accessed 18 Mar. 2017]. Scottish Government (2009). Making Sustainable Places. Scotland: Scottish Natural Heritage. Sismey, R, The Landscape Partnership LTD (2007) Peterborough Landscape Strategy Landscape Character Assessment for Peterborough City Council. Available at: https://www. peterborough.gov.uk/upload/www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/planning-and-development/Planning-Policies-Evidence-NaturalEnv_landscapecharacter2007.pdf (Accessed: 21 February 2017). Smith, H. and Soledad Garcia Ferrari, M. (2012). Waterfront regeneration. London: Routledge. The Dirt. (2017). West 8’s Garden of 10,000 Bridges. [online] Available at: https://dirt.asla.org/2010/12/22/west-8s-garden-of-10000-bridges/ [Accessed 19 Mar. 2017]. Timur, U.P. (2013). Urban Waterfront Regenerations, Advances in Landscape Architecture, Dr. Murat Ozyavuz (Ed.), InTech, DOI: 10.5772/55759. Available from: http://www. intechopen.com/books/advances-in-landscape-architecture/urban-waterfront-regenerations Timur, U.P. (2013). Urban Waterfront Regenerations, Advances in Landscape Architecture, Dr. Murat Ozyavuz (Ed.), InTech, DOI: 10.5772/55759. Available from: http://www. intechopen.com/books/advances-in-landscape-architecture/urban-waterfront-regenerations UK Biodiversity Action Plan, (1994). Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. [Online] Available at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/PDF/UKBAP_Action-Plan-1994.pdf [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017]. UK Government (2013) Future of cities. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/future-of-cities (Accessed: 18 December 2016). UNESCO (2012) What is a River. Available at: http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/FIELD/Venice/pdf/special_events/bozza_scheda_DOW01_1.0.pdf (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Urban Land Institute (2004) Remaking the Urban Waterfront. 4th edn. Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute,U.S. Viljoen, A., Bohn, K. and Howe, J. (2016). Continuous Productive Urban Landscapes. London [u.a.]: Routledge, Taylor & Francis [u.a.]. Watts, A. (2010) 3% of Earth’s Landmass is Now Urbanized. Available at: https://wattsupwiththat.com/2010/12/23/3-of-earths-landmass-is-now-urbanized/ (Accessed: 18 December 2016). Wildlife Trust (2012) Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Available at: http://www.wildlifebcn.org/reserves/woodston-ponds (Accessed: 23 February 2017).

References

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REFERENCES FIGURES

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PAGE

REFERENCE

SOURCE

Peterborough in the 1970s

Peterborough Archives and Local Studies Service

1610 John Speed Map

Peterborough City Council

Peterborough 1901

Peterborough City Council

Frank Perkins Parkway (before)

Credit: Nik W

Frank Perkins Parkway (after)

Google Earth Images

Greater Peterborough Masterplan

PDC (2013) Forty Years on Exploring Peterborough’s Development Since 1968

1st Edition Map of Peterborough (1856 - 1908)

Ordnance Survey County Series, 1st Edition 1856-1908, Landmark Information Group, Using: EDINA Historic Digimap Service

Historical Development Diagrams

Osborne, M. [1981] The Development of Peterborough Illustrated in Maps

Stanley Recreation Grounds

Islip

Credit: Rottweiler

Thrapston

Credit: Lewis Stratton

Fotheringhay

Credit: David Ross

Peterborough

Credit: Gwydoin M Williams

Wash Nature Reserve

Credit: Natural England

Aerial

Bing Maps

Result of an annual flood from the River Nene (August 1912)

Credit: Brian White

Result of the 1998 flood

Credit: Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Google aerial view of study area

Google Earth Images

Topography Lidar Diagram

Credit: Jude Binns

Sculpture by Miles Davis

Credit: Erased Culture

Railworld

Credit: Steven Trewhella

50 + 111

Pattern of Waterfront Development Illustrations

Urban Land Institute (2004) Remaking the Urban Waterfront. 4th edn. Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute,U.S.

51 + 112

Liverpool Site plans

BACA Architects

51 + 112

‘Place to Gather’ – Nottingham Market Square

Credit: Gustafson Porter + Bowman

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REFERENCE

SOURCE

51 + 112

‘Place to Promenade’ – Aker Brygge, Oslo

Credit: Tomasz Majewski

51 + 112

‘Sense of Place’ – Wave Deck, Toronto

Credit: West8

51 + 112

‘Active Dock Edge’ – Kalvebod Waves, Copenhagen

Credit: Pernille Enoch

51 + 112

‘Access to Water Level’ – Grorudparken, Oslo

Credit: Tomasz Majewski

51 + 112

‘Activity in the Water’ – Chicago Riverwalk

Credit: Christian Philips

Chicago Riverwalk Images

Credit: Christian Philips

Kallang River Images

Credit: Atelier Dreiseitl

Olympic Park Image

Credit: Hargreaves Associates

56 + 118

CPULs Middlesbrough Project

Credit: Ryerson University

Barton Park, Oxford

Credit Landscape Institute

Garden of 10,000 Bridges Images

Credit: West8

North Westgate Image

Hawksworth Securities Plc

Connect21 Housing Image

Credit: Kier Living

Fletton Quays Image

Credit: Digital VR

113

Albert Dock

Credit: Arthur V

115

Chicago Riverwalk Images

Credit: Christian Philips

116 + 117

Kallang River Images

Credit: Atelier Dreiseitl

119

Lesuirescape Diagrams

Viljoen, Bohn and Howe

120

Superkilen, Copenhagen

Credit: Landezine

121

Garden of 10,000 Bridges Images

Credit: West8

124

Objective Images

Nene Park Trust

126

Burbage Valley Image

Credit: AHG Photography

129

Burgess Park Wet Woodlands Image

Credit: Davis LA

129

Wet Woodlands Projects

Forestry Commission

References

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APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: CASE STUDIES

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Section Six Appendix 1: Case Studies

PLACEMAKING Sense of place and land use is very important to creating a successful development. The following case studies highlight the creative methods used in create places for people.

PEOPLE People, more specifically users, are central to all projects. By engaging the user in the process and responding to their needs, vibrant and attractive places can be created for people to use.

CONNECTIVITY Connectivity refers to direct link and physical density of connections in transport. The theory and case study chosen show an example of well-connected and accessible spaces.

HEME

WATER

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However, as the industrial era evolved over time, trade and industrialrelated activities moved out of cities leaving a ‘detachment’ and ‘decline’, as shown and described in the illustrations opposite by Timur (2013). The following ten principles from the Urban Land Institute prescribe how to take advantage of the opportunities afforded at water’s urban edge, and to succeed in new development:

1 2 3 4 5 Transformations along urban waterfronts are a recurring condition in the evolution of cities, and tend to take place when there are major economic or cultural shifts leading to conflicting visions about the course of contemporary urbanity.

The aura of a city resides and endures along its waterfront allowing substantial changes to occur without inevitably harming its enduring qualities of place.

Despite undergoing periodic and at times quite rapid change, a waterfront maintains for its bordering city some inherent and unalterable stability.

As valuable and often contested realms, urban waterfronts bring forth the opposing though reconcilable human instinct to preserve and to reinvent.

Even though a city’s waterfront serves as a natural boundary between land and water, it must not be conceptualized or planned as a thin line.

6 7 8 9 10 Waterfront redevelopments are long-term endeavors with the potential to produce long-term value. Endangering this for short-term riches rarely produces the most desirable results.

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Underused or obsolete urban waterfronts come alive (after industry has receded) they must become desirable places to live not just to visit and recreate.

The public increasingly desires and expects access to the water. This usually requires overcoming historic barriers physical, proprietary and psychological while persuading new investors that there is merit in maintaining that valuable edge

The success and appeal of land side development is intrinsically tied to the success and appeal of adjacent water uses and, of course, to the environmental quality of both the water and the shore.

Distinctive physical environments (characteristic of waterfront setting) can serve as an antidote to the homogenizing tendencies of modern development, providing a competitive advantage for a city in relationship to its region or rival cities.

Pattern of Waterfront DevelopmentW Cities seek a waterfront that is a place of public enjoyment. They want a waterfront where there is ample visual and physical public access - all day, all year - to both the water and the land. Cities also want a waterfront that serves more than one purpose: they want it to be a place to work and to live, as well as a place to play. In other words, they want a place that contributes to the quality of life in all of its aspects - economic, social, and cultural.

Pattern of Waterfront Development

Seattle Op

Source: Urban Land Institute

Pattern of Waterfront DevelopmentWaterfro Pattern of Waterfront Development Seattle Open Space 2 SETTLEMENT

Waterfront Typol

(Remaking the Urban Waterfront, Urban Land Institute)

n of Waterfront Development

rfront Development

A PORT IS ESTABLISHED

SETTLEMENT

A port settlement is established in a As shipping decreases, or larger facilities are safe harbor; inhabitants have direct developed elsewhere contact with the natural shoreline. to accommodate large

A PORT IS E

The settlement b with a port autho of stone and fill r SETTLEMENTmodern ships, the original A PORT IS ESTBLISH structures. A port settlement is shoreline is abandoned A port settlement is established in a The settlement becomes a ci Redevelopment SETTLEMENT A PORT IS ESTBLISHED CITY DETACHES established in a safe Po spearheaded by the safe harbor; inhabitants direct andwith acity’s port authority; docks harbor; inhabitants have A port settlement is established in a The settlement becomes a city Ashave commerce shipping expand redevelopment direct contact with the Wa contact with the natural shoreline. of stone and fi ll replace woo agency brings about safe harbor;natural inhabitants have direct with a port authority; docks made and industrialize in nature, the disThe settlement becomes shoreline LEMENT A PORT ISofESTBLISHED CITY DETACHES environmental clean up 20 astone port and fill replace wood contact with the natural shoreline.a city with tance between thestructures. shoreline and thecity Port of and reconnects the toSeattle authority; docks made ettlement is established in a The settlement becomes a city As commerce and shipping expand its waterfront Ph structures. city center increases significantly. of stone and fill replace Waterway, Sea bor; inhabitants have direct with a port authority; docks made and industrialize in nature, the diswood structure 2001 with the natural shoreline. of stone and fill replace wood As commerce tance between the shoreline and the and A PORT IS ESTBLISHED CITY DETACHES by Duwa Prisc structures. cityand center increases significantly. Port of SeattlePhoto cranes, shipping expand ablished in a The settlement becomes a city As commerce and shipping expand industrialise in nature Waterway, Seattle skyline, S the distance between s have direct with a port authority; docks made and industrialize in nature, the disthe shoreline and the 2001 l shoreline. of stone and fill replace wood tance between the shoreline and the DECLINE city centre increases DECLINE REDISCOVE Photo by Priscilla Long structures. city centersignificantly increases significantly. As shipping decreases, or larger Redevelopment s facilities are developed elsewhere to city’s redevelopm accomodate large modern ships, the about environme REDISCOVERY DECLINEoriginal shoreline is abandoned. REDISCOVERY reconnects the cit As shipping decreases, or larger Redevelopment spearheaded DECLINE REDISCOVERY Appendix 1: Case Studies Section Six 111 facilities are developed elsewhere to city’s redevelopment agency As shipping decreases, or larger Redevelopment spearheaded by the CITY DETACHES

APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: CASE STUDIES

LIVERPOOL SOUTH DOCKS 1.1 > Ambition of Liverpool Waterspace Strategy (LWS) Over the last few decades, Liverpool has undergone athecity-wide regeneration to re-invent the South Docks and create Liverpool One.

2.1 > Character Areas

Liverpool South Docks was re-designed as part of a holistic waterspace strategy. The strategy offers a new approach for visitors to interact with the The Site River Mersey through cultural, mixed-use and leisure related development.

Liverpool City Centre

South Docks

The waterspace strategy, prepared by BACA Architects, presents a detailed and comprehensive method to bring alive the long-term vision for the use Objective of water in Liverpool South Docks. The site spans from Canning Dock to Brunswick Dock, encompassing ten docks in total, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mixed-Use Zone

The north area ofALBERT the SouthDOCK Docks contains the largest number of heritage assets with links through to Pier Head, home of the Three Graces and more recently the Museum of Liverpool. In 2004, Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of the city’s finest architectural and engineering heritage is concentrated in this area as well as DUKE’S DOCK being home to Tate Liverpool, Beatles Museum and the Museum of Slavery.

The central docks of Wapping and Kings are occupied by the ACC Arena and a mix of residential, parking and hotel facilities. This area WAPPING BASIN is adjacent to the Baltic Triangle, a creative hub in Liverpool. A large site is currently undeveloped but is being considered for a mixed use development of residential and office spaces. The Mixed-used Zone is the modern face of the Liverpool Waterfront. It comprises the former King’s Dock, Wapping Dock and WAPPING DOCK overlaps into Queen’s Dock.

The Culture Zone is the cultural and historic heart of the South Docks. It comprises the docks, infrastructure and buildings of Albert, Salthouse, Canning and Canning half-tide Docks.

The total site area of the South Docks is approximately 50 hectares of which 37 hectares consist of water.

Ambition The ambition for this zone is to improve the commercial assets through the creation of waterside public realm, world class architecture at the waterfront and floating facilities, such as new office space, hotels and business suites. Key to unlocking this ambition is to provide improved connectivity with the waterspace and ensure that future land-based development enhances this potential. QUEEN’S DOCK

Ambition The ambition for this zone is to enhance the existing heritage, preserving space for boats of distinction and associated events, introducing new cultural activities, a terminus for the canal boats, improving the connection from Pier Head to Albert Dock via a new footbridge and establishing a visible shop front to the city at Salthouse and Canning Dock.

Key Characteristics

A thriving and integrated marina is an important component in delivering a world-class waterfront. Thus if the marina COBURG DOCK can be nurtured and better integrated into the Liverpool Waterfront it could potentially contribute to a thriving South Docks. Equally the provision of additional residences on water could help to support this facility. The leisure and aquatecture zone is the recreational focus for the South Docks. It comprises Queen’s Dock and Queen’s Branch, Coburg Dock and Brunswick Dock.

Ambition

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DOCK E DG IVE T E AC

a Kalvebod W

“Creating activity and movement within the water is the most effective way to animate the waterspace. This could include watersports, pleasure boating and other events.”

I IV

N THE W TY I AT

“Access to water is vital to animating the waterspace. Terracing, floating walkways, undulating bridges and ramped piers can be used to bring people closer to the water level.”

Section Six Appendix 1: Case Studies

E Bry Aker

O PR O M E N ET A C A

TO WATER L E

rud

are

“Shared use of streets by both vehicles and pedestrians, helps to create generous paths and constant activity along the water’s edge.”

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“Successful waterfronts have a unique sense of place, created through careful attention to the design and quality of the built environment.”

S ES

Gro

m tS

e eD

gha ke

SE OF PLAC

Wav

Nottin

“Successful waterfronts include places to gather on the water or the water’s edge, making the most of the openness of the water.”

N SE

Source: Liverpool South Docks Waterspace (BACA Architects Ltd)

E TO GATH ER

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C LA

BRUNSWICK DOCK

E R S M E

SALTHOUSE DOCK

The Culture Zone

R V E R I

Since Liverpool Mercantile City was inscribed with World Heritage status a number of new developments, notably, the extended Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the new Ferry Terminus at Pier Head, Liverpool Museum and further development at Mann Island have all helped to establish a cultural enclave at Liverpool’s Waterfront.

Liverpool South Docks

CANNING DOCK

g Chica

iv oR

Character Zones The diagram to the left illustrates the three types of character zones identified for South Docks.

The Culture Zone “The Culture Zone is the cultural and historic heart of the South Docks. It comprises the docks, infrastructure and buildings of Albert, Salthouse, Canning and Canning half-tide Docks. The ambition for this zone is to enhance the existing heritage, preserving space for boats of distinction and associated events, introducing new cultural activities, a terminus for the canal boats, improving the connection from Pier Head to Albert Dock via a new footbridge and establishing a visible shop front to the city at Salthouse and Canning Dock.”

LIVERPOOL MONUMENT

The Mixed-Use Zone “The Mixed-used Zone is the modern face of the Liverpool Waterfront. It comprises the former King’s Dock, Wapping Dock and overlaps into Queen’s Dock. The ambition for this zone is to improve the commercial assets through the creation of waterside public realm, world class architecture at the waterfront and floating facilities, such as new office space, hotels and business suites. Key to unlocking this ambition is to provide improved connectivity with the waterspace and ensure that future land-based development enhances this potential.”

ALBERT DOCK

The Leisure and Aquatecture Zone “The leisure and aquatecture zone is the recreational focus for the South Docks. It comprises Queen’s Dock and Queen’s Branch, Coburg Dock and Brunswick Dock. The ambition for this zone is to enhance the leisure facilities, through expansion of the marina and mooring opportunities, redevelopment of the watersports centre, creation of a new floating neighbourhood and redevelopment of the marina building to form a befitting landmark.”

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CHICAGO RIVERS Chicago, best known as the ‘Windy City’, is a large metropolitan area in Illinois, USA. Chicago holds three rivers: the Chicago River, the Calumet River and the Des Plaines River. For most of Chicago’s history, 150-plus miles of river and riverfront has been abused and polluted (Metropolitan Planning Council, 2016). The rivers were heavily used for transportation and industry, resulting in neglecting the water quality, habitat, park space, and the general aesthetics of the riverfront environment.

Overall Aims

In 2016, a strategy was released by the Metropolitan Planning Council called ‘Our Great Rivers’. This comprehensive strategy outlines an aspirational vision to make Chicago’s rivers inviting, productive and living by 2040, with the sole objective to “provide everyone with opportunities to find or create their own place, their own experience and their own communities on the river.” (Metropolitan Planning Council, 2016)

–– Ultimately, our rivers will define us, rivalling the lakefront in our hearts and minds, and become a key source of pride for metropolitan Chicago

–– Our rivers will connect people to nature, in the city and beyond, and function as thriving ecosystems –– Our rivers will be the best of us, where communities, habitats and businesses prosper together

INVITING

PRODUCTIVE

LIVING

2020 Activities to draw people to our rivers

2020 New visions for modern working rivers

2020 Active stewardship of every park and preserve

2020 Safe rivers and riverfronts

2020 New tools to support riverfront productivity

2020 Ecologically sensitive shoreline development

2020 A unified brand and comprehensive wayfinding

2030 A clear path forward for the Port District

2020 Aggressive management of invasive species

2020 Real-time water quality information 2020 Water quality plans for all river stretches 2030 Continuous riverfront trails 2030 Easy access from all neighborhoods 2030 Access for people of all ages and abilities 2040 Fully litter- and odor-free rivers

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–– Our rivers will invite us to engage in stewardship, recreation and work

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2030 Integrated transit on land and water 2030 Local tourism and jobs 2030 Iconic riverfront destinations 2030 Productive use (and reuse) of water 2040 Revitalized and reimagined infrastructure

2020 Expanded Chicago Park District Natural Areas 2030 Our rivers as parks 2030 Expanded preserves and parks 2030 Coordinated prevention of water pollution 2030 Rivers we can swim in 2040 Thriving river ecosystems

Chicago Riverwalk The Chicago Riverwalk expansion set a precedent for the vision of the Chicago Rivers. Within the city bounds, the river has been transformed from an industrial zone into a successful waterfront through an initiative to reclaim the river for ecological, recreational and economic benefit. Sasaki Architects completed the riverfront vision, spanning six blocks, to provide pedestrian interaction along the river. The scheme is vibrant and allows users to integrate with the water and different scale and through multifunctional activities.

River Typologies

Source: Sasaki Architects

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KALLANG RIVER IN BISHAN PARK, SINGAPORE Kallang River restoration is a project based in Bishan Park, one of Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more popular destinations. The site originally accommodated a 2.7km long concrete drainage channel, which was restored in 2012, back to a natural sinuous river route that meanders through the park. The river restoration transformed the sixty-two-hectare park, creating new spaces for the community to enjoy, offering three playgrounds, restaurants, access bridges, look-out points, routes to connect adjacent neighbourhoods, and the opportunity for people to interact closely with water. The project is part of a programme called Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters), which is a long-term initiative to transform Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water bodies beyond drainage and water supply functions, and into vibrant spaces for recreation and community enjoyment. In addition to the generous open spaces and recreation/play areas, the park offers attractive soft planted river banks with stepping stones for people to get closer to the water. The concrete from the existing drainage channel has been recycled to form a walled look-out point for visitors in the park.

Existing Concrete Drainage Channel

Restoration of the river meant rocks, pools and riffles were natural elements used to help slow down the velocity of the river to assist with fluctuating water levels. During heavy rainfall, the park is designed to be used as a conveyance channel to deal with excess water. The designers of the park, Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl, used an ecology-driven approach which created a variety of micro-habitats, increasing biodiversity and maintaining the resilience of existing species. 116

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The Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme (ABC Waters) “Driven by the vision of sparkling rivers with landscaped banks, kayakers paddling leisurely in the streams with clean waterways flowing into the picturesque lakes, Singapore has undertaken the challenge of transforming into a City of Gardens and Water. Over the years, Singapore has gradually developed a pervasive network of about 8,000km of waterways and 17 reservoirs for our water supply. To realise the full potential of this water infrastructure PUB has launched the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme in 2006. It is a strategic initiative to improve the quality of water and life by harnessing the full potential of our waterbodies. By integrating the drains, canals and reservoirs with the surrounding environment in a holistic way, the ABC Waters Programme aims to create beautiful and clean streams, rivers, and lakes with postcard-pretty community spaces for all to enjoy.” Source: Singapore Gov

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LeisurESCAPE London Southwark detail

LeisurEscape LeisurESCAPE allows a multitude of

occupation, both professional and leisure for all age groups, social levels, genders... It caters especially for population groups which are often excluded from conventional leisure activities. LeisurESCAPE is commercially and socially viable reinforcing the ecology and sustainability of the proposal.

LeisurESCAPE

London Southwark detail

THAM ES

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A3200

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The continuous landscape which accommodates LeisurESCAPE is laid out mainly over existing roads based on the future vision of reduced city car traffic. D

Source: Viljoen, Bohn and Howe (2016)

RIVER

BR IDG E2 -wa y tra ffic

is another proposal designed by Bohn and Viljoen Architects, pul-Digital2.qxd This 02/01/2005 11:55 AM Page 11 connecting the Tate Modern to East Croyden in London using CPULs with leisure and circulation activites.

Instead of the conventional usage of roads, LeisurESCAPE turns roads into a unique productive landscape growing fruit and vegetables for the city dwellers own consumption.

E TL AS

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EP EL

LeisurESCAPE can provide new employment opportunities in its large areas of commercial agriculture or adjacent leisure facilities. Half of Southwark's population are pensioners. The number of lone parents is above the national average and rising.

HI GH

RO UG H

Agriculture fields in LeisurESCAPE are run both commercially and privately, thereby determining economic and social value.

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LeisurESCAPE is adaptable and slow and creates opportunities for the growing number of pensioners, lone parents with toddlers, the disabled or unemployed.

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Successful precedents are, for example: Cuba (commercial - Organoponicpos) Austria (leisure - Selbsternte) or Germany (leisure - Schrebergarten). Nevertheless, none of those combines explicitly commercial and leisure activities and not in a continuous landscape. legend

small specific leisure buildings Plate 8

only

th 20

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existing playgrounds and playing fields

ARK BU RGE SS P

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semi-buried existing large car parks, covered with productive landscapes

ds ERWEL L ROAD A215 towar

underused open space

A MB

existing parks

to C

continuous landscape

Plate 7

Appendix 1: Case Studies

Section Six

119

APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: CASE STUDIES

Digital Experience Digital interaction on site could take form in a number of ways by using sensory lighting, mobile applications that guide and inform the user, QR codes to scan for education reading, or even augmented reality. 120

Section Six Appendix 1: Case Studies

Superkilen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Examples of technology used in landscape

Landscape Narrative The Garden of 10,000 Bridges This example shows a successful landscape scheme that has a strong emotive narrative. The Garden of 10,000 Bridges in Xian, China, is a landscape design by West8 which conceptualises the journey through life. Visitors follow an undulating path which weaves and overlaps itself, with several bridges that elevate the users view over a dense bamboo forest. On the ground level, users cannot see over the dense planting, evoking an emotional response of uncertainty over their location and making them unable to see the route ahead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gardens tell stories, they are poetry and have a narrative. Our garden represents human life, the path of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifetime. This path is a path of uncertainty and burden. Many bridges over troubled water. The garden design takes this path of life as a meandering winding road - continuous and like a labyrinth.â&#x20AC;? (The Dirt, 2017)

Appendix 1: Case Studies

Section Six

121

APPENDICES APPENDIX 2: PLANNING CONTEXT

The following policy and guidance was taken into consideration during the production of this strategy:

The following pages show a summary of any key policies and drivers that may influence the future use of the study area.

–– Nene Park Trust (2020) – A 10 Year Vision and Strategic Plan

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Section Six Appendix 2: Planning Context

NENE VALLEY STRATEGY PLAN (2010)

“BY 2021, THE NENE VALLEY WILL BE NATIONALLY RECOGNISED AS AN EXEMPLAR FOR THE INNOVATIVE ENHANCEMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ITS NATURAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT, LEADING TO A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR NEWSECTION AND7:EXISTING A LIVING COUNTRySIDE COMMUNITIES, WHILST ACCOMMODATING APPROPRIATE LEVELS OF GROWTH.”

WATERWAYS TOWN COUNTRYSIDE CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESS CULTURAL AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS Oakham

Stamford

Eastern on the Hill

COLLYWESTERN QUARRIES

Key Objectives COLLYWESTON GREAT WOOD & EASTON HORNSTOCKS NNR

Wansford

WANSFORD PASTURE YARWELL DINGLE AND POND OLD SULEHAY Yarwell

FINESHADE WOOD

–– Strengthening rural–urban integration

Marholm

CASTOR HANGLANDS NNR

BEDFORD PURLIEUS NNR

Uppingham

WAKERLEY GREAT WOOD King’s Cliffe

STIBBINGTON

PETERBOROUGH

Stibbington

Caster

Sutton

THORPE WOOD

NEN E VA LLE Y RA ILW AY L INE Sibson

YARWELL STATION

Nassington

WOODSTON PONDS

Water Newton

–– Protecting and enhancing the natural environment

Apethorpe

Chesterton

Woodnewton

Gretton

Elton

–– Improving access

Caldecott

Fotheringhay

EAST CARLTON CP

CORBY

–– Investing in waterways

Haddon

SHORT WOOD

)

Rockingham

SOUTHWICK WOOD

–– Investing in facilities and attractions (natural, heritage, cultural, recreational)

Warmington

Tansor Cotterstock

GLAPTHORN COW PASTURES

Oundle Ashton

BARNWELL CP

KINGSWOOD LNR Stanion

GREAT OAKLEY MEADOW LNR

FERMYN WOODS CP Brigstock

THE PLENS

–– Building recognition of the Nene Valley

FERMYN WOODS

Barnwell Pilton A6

Wadenhoe

Geddington

Desborough

Achurch

TAILBY MEADOW LNR

BARFORD WOOD AND MEADOWS

ROTHWELL GULLETT

Aldwinkle

Thorpe Waterville

Rothwell

–– Delivering sustainable development

STOKE WOOD END QUARTER

–– Creating places which people will enjoy

A14

TITCHMARSH LNR Islip

KETTERING

–– Supporting the rural economy

Thrapston

TYWELL HILLS AND DALES

Woodford Denford

SOUTHFIELD FARM MARSH

Ringstead

Burton Latimer

A14

KINEWELL LAKE LNR

Great Addington

River - navigation route

Little Addington

Lake

Raunds Finedon

Country Park

FINEDON CALLY BANKS

PITSFORD RESERVOIR

BRIXWORTH CP

Stanwick

Irthlingborough

Hargrave

A43

Higham Ferrers

Pitsford Water

GLAMIS MEADOW & WOODLAND LNR

Wildlife Trust SSSI Yelden

Rushden

TAKEAWAYS

IRCHESTER CP

SYWELL CP

HARLESTONE HEATH

Wymington Earls Barton

LINGS LNR

SUMMER LEYS LNR

A45

KINGSTHORPE MEADOW

pSPA/pRamsar Woodlands with public access / recreation (over 20 hectares)

Irchester

Great Doddington

BRADLAUGH FIELDS

Local Nature Reserve National Nature Reserve

Chelveston

HIGHAM FERRERS PITS AND WILSON’S PITS DITCHFORD LAKES AND MEADOWS

WELLINGBOROUGH

The Nene Valley Strategy Plan (2010) has quite an influence on the study area, as part of a wider strategy for the River Nene. By supporting these objectives, it could help influence the site’s overall aims, and enhance how the site relates to the wider context on a regional scale.

SOUTHEY WOOD

Wittering

SOUTHORPE MEADOW AND PADDOCK

Wollaston

Podington

SHARNBROOK SUMMIT AND WYMINGTON MEADOW

NORTHAMPTON STORTON’S PITS Cogenhoe AND DUSTON Little Houghton MILL MEADOW BARNES MEADOW Brafield-onthe-Green

A45

Bozeat Denton

FELMERSHAM GRAVEL PITS

Appendix 2: Planning Context Figure 4:

Envrionmentally Protected Areas plan

Section Six 41

123

APPENDICES APPENDIX 2: PLANNING CONTEXT NENE PARK TRUST (2020)

“TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECREATION OF THE PUBLIC BY THE PROVISION OF A PARK FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INHABITANTS OF PETERBOROUGH AND VISITORS WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE FOR SUCH PERSONS.”

LANDSCAPE

COMMUNITY

RECREATION

PROMOTION

About the Trust

Key Objectives

The Nene Park trust was established in 1988, tasked with managing Ferry Meadows Country Park (1725 acres) in Peterborough, covering a stretch of six miles along the Nene Valley.

–– To maintain a wide range of exciting, diverse and accessible opportunities for healthy relaxation, education and recreation in a high quality, safe and attractive natural environment.

The Trusts overall aim is to provide a park that improves the quality of life for Peterborough residents and visitors. They focus on raising the quality of the park and its facilities, alongside improving participation and engagement.

–– To manage a park that is nationally recognised as high quality, through maximising our resources to meet the needs of the landscape and wildlife, our visitors and the wider community.

They have produced several strategies as to how they will achieve their vision over the next 10 years.

–– To actively seek out opportunities to expand, broaden and improve our services and support the growth and development of Peterborough.

TAKEAWAYS The Trust has created a thorough strategy to enhance Nene Park based on the above themes. In several of their strategy documents, they have proposed multiple recommendations and projects that will assist in achieving their vision over a target amount of time. The strategies not only cover why or how they can achieve these aims, but also how outside influence (community groups, organisations, local council

124

Section Six Appendix 2: Planning Context

etc.) can have a considerable role. They have also outlined opportunities of how they could create funding for certain types of projects. By researching their proposals and recommendations, ideas and functions could influence the vision for the study area. With a large amount of the study area being managed by the Trust, it is key to engage with their input on re-inventing the space to maximise opportunities for all involved.

Nene Park will be managed and protected as a clean, safe, sustainable and attractive natural environment that retains its river valley character and celebrates its heritage, archaeology and biodiversity.

Nene Park will be a beautiful, accessible and enjoyable place that provides exciting opportunities for healthy relaxation and learning for the community.

Nene Park will be known throughout Peterborough and beyond as a great park and visitor destination, and for providing high quality, innovative and accessible information.

Nene Park will be a place that people regularly choose to visit for the beauty of its natural landscape, the quality of its facilities and its exciting range of activities.

APPENDICES APPENDIX 2: PLANNING CONTEXT

NATURE IMPROVEMENT AREAS (2014) TAKEAWAYS

Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) were chosen by selection to create a resilient ecological landscape network.

It is important that development within the study area acknowledges the sensitivity of its location adjacent to a Nature Improvement Area (NIA), and to help use directives to influence the function and uses of the site.

They are identified as areas with the opportunities to establish and improve the ecological environment, by enhancing and connecting existing wildlife and creating new habitats. It is part of a shared vision run by partnerships of local authorities, local communities, landowners and conservation organisations, with funding by the Department or the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Natural England.

12 NIAs: 1 Birmingham and the Black Country 2 Dark Peak 3 Dearne Valley Green Heart 4 Greater Thames Marshes 5 Humberhead Levels 6 Marlborough Downs

Main Components of an NIA:

7 8 9 10 11 12

Meres and Moses Morecambe Bay Limestones and Wetlands Nene Valley Northern Devon South Downs Way Ahead Wild Purbeck

–– Contain existing wildlife presence (i.e. nature reserve, SSSI) –– Create habitat corridors to allow species to move around –– Potential to create priority habitats

–– Buffer zones for the specified area

–– Surrounding land that is managed in a wildlife friendly way (i.e. sustainable food production)

7 Burbage Valley

STUDY AREA

As part of Dark Peak NIA which helped to create a larger landscape through restoration and connecting existing sites.

Net gain of 14.4 hectares of woodland and 8.58 hectares of upland heath.

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Section Six Appendix 2: Planning Context

6 10

Source: Natural England

11 12

UK BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN (BAP) This report reviews priority species and habitats based on a criteria of international importance, rapid decline, and high risk, in order to create a plan of action in the UK.

Overall Goal To conserve and enhance biological diversity within the UK and to contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity through all appropriate mechanisms.

Underlying Principles –– Where biological resources are used, such use should be sustainable. –– Wise use should be ensured for non-renewable resources. –– The conservation of biodiversity requires the care and involvement of individuals and communities as well as Governmental processes. –– Conservation of biodiversity should be an integral part of government programmes, policy and action. –– Conservation practice and policy should be based upon a sound knowledge base. –– The precautionary principle should guide decisions.

“RIVERS HAVE BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY MANY DIFFERENT ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURES, AND IN MANY INSTANCES THE RISKS REMAIN; SOME ARE REDUCING BUT OTHERS ARE INCREASING.”

Objectives for Conserving Biodiversity 1. To conserve and where practicable to enhance: a) the overall populations and natural ranges of native species and the quality and range of wildlife habitats and ecosystems; b) internationally important and threatened species, habitats and ecosystems;

TAKEAWAYS Rivers in the UK as a habitat are identified in the BAP as having international obligations. It is important that development within the study area acknowledges the sensitivity of its location, and also take advantage of the opportunities the site can offer in terms of biodiversity and education.

c) species, habitats and natural and managed ecosystems that are characteristic of local areas; d) the biodiversity of natural and semi-natural habitats where this has been diminished over recent past decades. 2. To increase public awareness of, and involvement in, conserving biodiversity. 3. To contribute to the conservation of biodiversity on a European and global scale. Appendix 2: Planning Context

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APPENDICES APPENDIX 2: PLANNING CONTEXT

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH BAP

“BIODIVERSITY IS THE VARIETY OF LIFE, THE WOW FACTOR, THE “WEALTH OF WILDLIFE” THAT SURROUNDS US. NATURE PROVIDES US WITH RESOURCES, E.G. FOOD, MEDICINE, MATERIALS, AND ALSO WITH ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, SUCH AS FLOOD PROTECTION AND CLEAN AIR. BIODIVERSITY ALSO HAS AESTHETIC AND CULTURAL VALUE FOR RECREATION AND ENJOYMENT.” Vision –– Biodiversity is a cross-cutting issue of high importance and an integral component of environmental sustainability –– Cambridgeshire and Peterborough habitats and species are protected, enhanced and sensitively managed within a changing climate and under a growing human population –– Key habitats and species are increasing within their natural ranges –– Biodiversity is valued and enjoyed by everybody in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

NENE WASH

Peterborough Biodiversity Policy / Policy LP27: Landscape and Biodiversity “Development which is likely to have an adverse effect on a designated site, including harm to habitats or species of principle importance, will only be permitted where the benefits to development demonstrably outweigh the disbenefits. Where significant harm cannot be avoided, either through developing an alternative site or through effective mitigation, appropriate compensation will be sought. In all cases a net gain in biodiversity should be achieved.” TAKEAWAYS Through the development management processes, management agreements and other positive initiatives, the council will: –– Aid the management, protection, enhancement and creation of priority habitats, including limestone grasslands, woodlands and hedgerows, wet woodlands, rivers and flood meadows; –– Promote the creation of an effective, functioning ecological networks throughout the district, consisting of wildlife corridors and stepping stones that link to green infrastructure in adjoining local authority areas; –– Safeguard the value of previously developed land where it is of significant importance for biodiversity.

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Section Six Appendix 2: Planning Context

Planning permission for development will only be granted if the proposals make provision for: (a) The retention and protection of trees and other natural features that make a significant contribution to the landscape or biodiversity value of the area, provided this can be done without compromising the achievement of good design for the site; and (b) New landscaping and biodiversity features as an integral part of the development, with specific attention to wildlife habitat creation, including new tree, shrub and hedgerow planting appropriate to the location; and (c) The protection and management of existing and new landscape, ecological and geological features during and after construction, including the replacement of any new trees or plants which die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased; and (d) Where necessary, the protection and enhancement of any aquatic environment within or adjoining the site, including water quality and habitat. For riverside development, this includes the need to consider options for riverbank naturalisation. In all cases regard should be had to the council’s Flood and Water Management SPD.

WET WOODLANDS The habitat of wet woodlands has declined nationally due to challenges concerning agriculture, industrial development, residential development, lowering of water tables and flood prevention. In the UK and especially Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wet woodlands are a priority habitat for a range of priority species, such as: otters, bats, Marsh Warblers, Spotted Spycatcher and Song Thrush. Wet Woodland is a combination of many elements of other ecosystems. It can include scrub planting, reeds, marginals, aquatics, and log piles to provide a range of habitats. Plant species mainly consist of Alder, Elm, Birch and Willows.

BURGESS PARK WET WOODLANDS

TAKEAWAYS By understanding the importance of, and opportunities that wet woodlands can provide, they could be used within the site to enhance existing areas that offer suitable conditions for this type of woodland to thrive.

Wet Woodland Projects in the East Of England

Targets –– Maintain the current extent (estimated to be 276 ha) of wet woodland in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. –– Maintain at least the current condition for wet woodland within SSSIs & County Wildlife Sites in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

PETERBOROUGH

–– Achieve favourable or recovering condition for 90% by area of wet woodland within SSSIs & County Wildlife Sites*, by 2010 (95% by 2015 and 98% by 2020). –– Restore 20 Ha of wet woodland on existing sites, by 2010. –– Create 50 Ha of wet woodland on improved grassland, arable, or former minerals extraction sites, on, adjacent to and linking existing sites, by 2010, 100 by 2015 and 150 ha by 2020 (there is long-term potential for 300+ ha). Enlarge and link existing site where possible. SOURCE: FORESTRY COMMISSION

Source: Local Habitat Action Plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (2008) Appendix 2: Planning Context

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APPENDICES APPENDIX 2: PLANNING CONTEXT

GREEN GRID STRATEGY - 20 YEAR VISION (2007)

Vision

About the Green Grid Strategy

To create and positively manage an integrated network of high quality and multifunctional green infrastructure within and linking urban and rural environments that delivers:

The Green Grid Strategy (2007) is a document produced by The Landscape Partnership for Peterborough City Council, with the purpose of drawing up a green infrastructure strategic framework and action plan for green space provision in Peterborough. P10 G1

–– Enriched biodiversity habitats and greater connectivity; –– Enhanced and sustainable access for all;

–– Diverse patterns of landscape and townscape character for the benefit of all who live, work in and visit Peterborough demonstrating its national status as Environmental City.

P12

Aims

P11

P6 P2

The document lists over twenty recommendations for the city and Greater Peterborough, which fall under the following themes:

P14

–– Existing and future connections that form the biodiversity and landscape structure of the Grid

P13

P15

–– Existing and future connections that form the access and recreational structure of the Grid

P16

–– Providing enhanced and new major green spaces to serve existing and new populations arising from growth in the City

G P4

P17

TAKEAWAYS (Recommendations related to study area)

C 11

–– R7 - Protect and enhance the biodiversity and landscape value of the network of landscaped parkways within Peterborough City.

–– R8 - Promote the creation of green bridges/underpasses over major physical barriers to develop biodiversity connectivity.

Key District Boundary

Existing Sub-Regional corridor Existing open space Green parkways - P1

P18

Potential GI enhancement

County/Unitary Authority Boundary

–– R19 - Support the improvement and creation of green space linkages within the city between existing and proposed open spaces.

–– R1 - Promote the Rivers Nene and River Welland as Sub-Regional corridors for biodiversity and landscape retention, restoration and creation.

Proposed green infrastructure site

*iÌiÀL À Õ} ½ÃÊ Àii Ê À `

Green Grid Strategy

Possible extensions to Green Wheel Proposed Sustrans National Route

Peterborough City Master Plan

Opportunities for PROW South Peterborough Green Parks

–– R18 - Promote the enhancement of existing neighbourhood parks within the City and the identification of new neighbourhood facilities in association with new development.

Existing green infrastructure site Green Wheel cycle network Published Routes (PROW)

Proposed RSPB Bronze Age Fens

R38a

Great Fen

1:50,000

River Nene Regional Park

November 2006

Proposed Fens Waterways Link Proposed local GI corridor Proposed urban GI corridor

Section Six Appendix 2: Planning Context

–– Providing wider enhancement of the rural landscape and delivery of the Green Grid

130

Proposed footbridge

R38 Peterborough City Master Plan

PUBLIC REALM STRATEGY (2008)

“THERE ARE SEVERAL KEY AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR INTENSIFICATION OF THE CITY CENTRE. ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS IS ITS RIVERSIDE WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER-USED AND DISCONNECTED FROM THE CITY CENTRE. DEVELOPMENT OF A RIVERSIDE QUARTER WOULD ENABLE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE RIVER TO BE IMPROVED AND A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY ROUTE TO BE CREATED. IT WOULD ALSO ALLOW THE CREATION OF A LIVELY SECTION OF RIVERSIDE WITH CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT TRIPS AND WATERFRONT SPACE AND AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF THE EXISTING GREENSPACE BY CREATING A QUARTER THAT OVERLOOKS IT AND THAT CAPITALISES ON VIEWS BACK TO THE CATHEDRAL. THE EXISTING RIVERSIDE PATHS CAN BE IMPROVED WITH MORE OPTIONS FOR CROSSING THE RIVER CREATED.” Overall Vision A vibrant new city quarter that maximises the value of the river and that fully connects into the fabric of the city.

About the Public Realm Strategy (2008) The strategy highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the assets in Peterborough City Centre. Through this analysis, it suggests 10 bold principles to help achieve a well-connected network of beautiful streets and spaces.

TAKEAWAYS

Principles 1. The re-attachment of the railway station to the historic core 2. The re-attachment of the river to the city centre 3. A fine grain – small units and many doors 4. A vibrant place in the evening as well as in the day 5. Residents in the city centre 6. A city centre designed for cyclists and walkers

Riverside Quarter Analysis Strengths: –– The river is a great asset to the city as are the connections to the surrounding countryside along it

7. Places to sit and places to eat 8. Public spaces as informal arenas 9. Public spaces as arenas for festivals and events 10. A public realm that is distinctively Peterborough

–– Extensive green spaces along the embankment are Peterborough’s ‘green lungs’ –– Remnant historic fabric (railway buildings, customs house, and lido) add character to the area and make it distinctively Peterborough Weaknesses: –– Large scale commercial units and big sheds are inappropriate uses in such a key part of the city –– The area is fragmented and severed from the city centre by the surrounding road and infrastructure network –– There is a lack of connection to the rest of the city

Appendix 2: Planning Context

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131