Seagate Quarter
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people-places-spaces
places and spaces
here here
The Seagate consists of many landmarks and has
urban design strategy
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been part of industrial Dundee for over 150 years due
Source– Google Earth 2009
to its close proximity to the harbour. Many industrial
Source– Census Scotland 2001
You are here
buildings have been regenerated into housing and The Town House Public Bar
here
here
Urban design framework— covers area outlined in yellow Source– Google Earth, 2009
Wishart Place Housing Private/rented
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office space. The area shows a mix of new and old build. East of the Marketgait there is a mix of 7
commercial, retail, housing and office space. The area is not working and changes need to be made, for its Source—Goggle Earth, 2009
success.
Dundee famous for Jute, Jam and Journalism, is 4th largest city in Scotland, located in the
Hillcrest (Social Housing)
Dens Works
east of the country. Strategically located to reach other major cities within 1.5 hours. 3
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Dundee is the hub of regional economic activity around Angus and Tayside. The city is a leader in attracting creative industries in the computer games. It also has seen massive investment in conjunction with the bio—technology sector. The city boasts two universities whose expertise are reasons for the inward investment from the previous mentioned fields.
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Seagate Office Block
Queen Street
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The city has lost much of its industrial heritage , but this has been complimented by a rise in
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the service sector. The city has seen other investments in the infrastructure in the city and
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the west by private developers and student accommodation. The city has a large student
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population attending the universities and colleges around the city. The Seagate is located on
Sugarhouse Wynd
Magnum House (Private Housing)
the east of the city centre. It is well placed and central part of the city. It is important 5
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because of its connection with the routes in and around the city. The design framework
Source—Google Earth, 2009
covers the area from west to east—Seagate ‐ Dens Street ‐ King Street ‐ St Andrews Street . King Street is the gateway to the city centre from those travelling from north of the Kingsway, and also from east of Dundee. Those travelling nationally on buses, the Seagate is
Wishart Archway (Housing)
Princess Street Church
The urban design framework covers the above area. The area is split in two by the main arterial route to the Tay Bridge (East Marketgait). Thus the frame‐ work vision will be in two parts.
Above photos—source—Google Earth-2009
the first image of Dundee. The area is divided by East Marketgait, a main arterial route to the Tay Bridge and to the A90 westbound to Edinburgh and Glasgow. the framework to focus on the area in two parts. Page 1 of 8
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Seagate Quarter
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Right ‐ Wishart Place, East Port Works, and Wishart Archway
The urban design framework provides a spatial vision of the Seagate. The topography of the Seagate is divided by the main arterial route known as East Marketgait and thus splits the area in two. Hence this document will discuss the spatial vision in two parts. On the east of the Seagate there is mostly residential, created from the conversion and regeneration of the
Source-Google Earth, 2009
old jute mills. The last of these jute mills ‘Lower Dens Works’ has just received planning permission for 99 flats. This completes the east part of the Seagate in respect of vacant buildings. Though there are other issues that effect the area. These conversions will bring many residents into close contact with the city centre on a daily basis. Currently the only route into the
urban design framework
city centre on foot by residents of Wishart Archway, Wishart Place and East Port Works is a subway leading out to Cowgate. Currently there are no plans for a secondary route to the city centre. This route has many problems— it is mostly deemed not to be safe, this has been caused by the decline of the area including the fall in footfall in the surrounding area around the St Andrew’s Street, east Seagate to Marketgait, Dens Street and King Street. The fall in footfall and pedestrians has been to many factors, ‐ less attractive place to shop, badly lit areas,
Source-Brown Construction, Dundee 2009
overgrown greenery all add to a sense of lack of security. The vibrancy of the Overgate and cultural quarter in the west end have added to the Seagate's problems. This has lead to the decline of the area and its image, this has also had a profound effect on the to the surrounding area most notably the Wellgate Market Shopping Centre. The second part of the frame‐ work focuses the development vision set out to address some of the problems in this area. The Seagate is the first impression that visitors who arrive on bus receive and it is important that the area respond with an image of economic and cultural activity.. The area around St Andrew’s Street , King Street, Dens street and Seagate is portraying a bad image of the city and thus having a detrimental effect on the surrounding are and the city as a whole. Source– Google Earth, 2009
Source—Google Earth
Source– Dundee City Council, 2009
Office blocks can be regenerated and make useful by introducing retail units into the building on the ground floor. The office block in the Seagate can lend itself to similar to the case study on the left in London "Located in the centre of the West End, a superb central location with access to a host of retail, dining and entertainment facilities. Adding colour to a building can transform a grey building into attractive place for invest‐ ment and brighten up the area.
Vacant factories in the Seagate area are becoming a thing of the past. The last major vacant factory ‘Lower Dens Mill’ has received planning permission for 99 Flats. Source– Dundee City Council 2009
Source– Google Earth, 2009
A good example of factory turn residential in the Seagate.
Source—Google Earth 2009
Drawings by M.Hussain
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Seagate Quarter
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people-places-spaces
The creation of a cultural quarter is not new to Dundee. The cultural quarter in the west of the city has come through successfully with bold initiatives and good and open planning decisions. Similar polices can be adapted to the Seagate. The redevelopment of the office building would compliment and be a part of the Seagate Quarter. The building would also act as through passage to the Seagate. The area has the infrastructure in
Creation
of a cultural quarter
place—small streets capable of sustaining pedestrian only traffic without creating distribution to major roads. Single storey buildings to accommo‐ date small and creative businesses. The cultural quarter would allow small independents to set up in an area specific to their economic needs. Incentives and positive polices for the area would allow the area to flourish with cultural activity and create its identity. Cultural quarters attract the creative industries, this would allow Dundee to hold on to such industries when the market place for attracting creative media industries is very competitive.
Current Road Traffic System Two Way Routes One Way Routes
Proposed Pedestrian Walkways
Factors restricting accessibility to Seagate Access Restricted by design Access restricted by traffic management Access Restricted by design Access restricted by poor lighting/security
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1999 Leicester came up with the idea to create a Cultural Quarter for the city. The St. Georges South area was selected for its proximity to the City Centre and regeneration potential. A conservation area, with a high number of magnificent architectural examples of pre‐Victorian, Victorian, light industrial, commercial and leisure buildings, including St. Georges Textile Mills and the Odeon Cinema (Athena) to name but a few. The idea of the Cultural Quarter for Leicester was an ambitious plan that has driven the regeneration of this run‐down area of the City. The regeneration of the area was kick‐started in 2001 with culturally‐led capital developments initiated by Leicester City Council and supported by European funding. The focus was on public open space ‐ cyclist and pedestrian access, improved lighting
CASE STUDIES
creation of a cultural quarter
IDENTIFIYING A THE CULTURAL QUARTER—LEICSTER/SEAGATE
and signage. In 2004 the City Council's Cultural Quarter Project Team devised a Public Realm Strategy, a vision with an integral public art concept plan for the area. The team developed concept designs, in‐ corporating local community and public aspirations for the area. The central principle of creating a distinct identity, and making connections, has evolved into the idea of a decorative 'thread' running through the Cultural Quarter. The 'thread' reflects the textile industry that predominated the area. In late 2006 a multidisciplinary team made up of City Council Officers, together with the commissioned artists, worked their own magic to transform the area, from run‐down area to a light, sparkling, re‐invigorated and dynamic place. The Cultural Quarter commissioned artworks are located in buildings, on streets and in public spaces, drawn from its richly mixed historic and recent past, aiming to inspire Leicester people and visitors today and future generations.
Leicester before the regeneration to create the cultural quarter
Jason Bruges Studio has created 'Vestige', an interactive light based installation within all of the three main entrances to the Curve a performing arts space theatre in Leicester.
Projection project for Leicester's Cultural Quarter that uses public space as the projection screen.
All photographs courtesy—Leicester City Council– CQart
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Greyworld has injected the bollards around the square with a magic serum that brings them to life in the most beautiful and captivating fashion.
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Canterbury City Council commissioned yellow book and WMUD to carry out a concept study of a proposed creative and cultural quarter in Canterbury. An emerging Creative and Cultural Quarter was identified in the area west of the Cathedral, which already contains some the city’s key cultural assets.. This historic part of the city already has a distinctive character and sense of place, reflected in its independent retailers and growing evening economy, but it is also facing new competitive challenges from the Whitefriars Development, which will shift the centre of gravity of activity in the city centre. .
CASE STUDIES
Creation of a cultural quarter
RECOGNISING AND CAPITALISNG ON EXISTING ASSETS—CANTERBURY/SEAGATE.
The council are hoping to bring the area’s cultural assets, businesses and people into creating an appealing whole place experience. Several key elements for cultural quarters require the right physical framework: a permeable, legible urban form; places for events and activities; opportunities to eat and drink outdoors; and good quality buildings, new and old. The study was carried out in two stages ‐ firstly to test the concept of establishing a creative and cultural quarter in the designated area, based on an assessment of the area’s assets and attributes, and a review of market conditions; at the end of this stage ‐ present an interim report, setting out a recommended strategic proposition; the report will form the basis for discussion at a partner/stakeholder workshop The second stage will develop the concept through an overarching strategy for the CCQ, which will set out priorities for action. These will include an area‐wide urban design strategy and detailed proposals for key sites. outline a recommended delivery mechanism.
Canterbury council are capitalising on growing numbers of independent retailers.
Canterbury at night
Source– Willie Miller Urban Design, 2009
Source– Willie Miller Urban Design, 2009
St Andrew’s Lane lacks lighting , the street would benefit from regeneration, as shown in Canterbury. Source- M.Hussain
The area around St Andrews Lane and St Andrew Street is already well established a hub of meeting and socialising. The creation of a cultural quarter would allow these people to socialise in the area of their choice much earlier. All photographs copyright—M.Hussain
Dundee can capitalise on independent retailers in the Seagate, to promote and create an iden‐ tity for the new quarter. Photographs copyright—M.Hussain.
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the case for Seagate
Creation of a cultural quarter
THE CASE FOR SEAGATE‐DUNDEE— The case for the Seagate is shown below, the area has similar features to the Leicester, in architectural examples of Victo‐ rian, light industrial, commercial and leisure buildings. Other examples have also come from Dundee’s Cultural Quarter in the west end. The quarter can easily create its own identity based on its pedestrian friendly spaces, restaurants, independent shops , good lighting creating a safe and secure environment to socialise. The Seagate Quarter will benefit the surrounding area, it will most likely increase footfall into the Wellgate Centre and the surrounding retail units. It will also boost the image of the city, each cultural quarter creating its own identity. There is no doubt that this vision will increase the city wide economy and enhance ‘the shopping experience ‘ like no other Scottish city.
Architectural examples in the Seagate will help create an identity for the quarter and enhance its character.
Cowgate, Dundee, ‐ the beginnings of a cultural quarter like below is possible. Car free to allow pedestrians to walk freely
The DCA is prime of example of how empty commercial building can be used effectively. The land use map previously, shows many commercial buildings that can be regenerated. Collins Street—Melbourne,Austalia
Source-Richard Murphy Architects,2009
The Town House public bar on the Good examples of Victorian corner of Cowgate and King Street architecture throughout the quarter.
The use of single storey buildings can be used to create class 3 premises
Source—Richard Murphy Architects, 2009
Corner of Cowgate and St Andrews Street All Photographs—M.Hussain
Cowgate, Dundee showing interesting architecture on upper floors
Source– skyscrapercity.com. 2009
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Seagate Quarter
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This Design Brief covers four streets which will play an integral part of the proposed development of the Seagate Quarter as set out in the Urban Design Framework. The street form part of the plan to make the area more permeable and legible to users of the area. The area
design brief
has been in decline for some years and is having a direct negative effect on the Seagate, and also affecting the surrounding area including the Wellgate shopping centre and the city as a whole. OVERGROWN GREENERY— Queen Street, Sugarhouse Wynd, and the steps leading to king street suffer from grown of greenery. This with poor lighting gives a poor sense of security.
All photographs—M.Hussain, 2009
Too much greenery can hide access points and put people off entering the Seagate via King Street.
RELOCATION OF BUSINESSES TO ALLOCATE CREATIVE MEDIA AND USE CLASS 1 AND 3 . Some businesses are not suited to the cultural quarter. They would have to be relocated to allow room for class 1‐ independent retailers and class 3—food and drink and the creative media.
3 examples of relocation– Victoria Carpets, Red Cross, The Helm– Training Workshop. All photographs—M.Hussain—2009
Source– M.Hussain, 2009
Access points need to be welcoming. It is important that the area be well lit up. Lights can also act as street art, as seen in case study in Leicester. Neon lights create an impression of ‘ a city that never sleeps’.
PEDESTRIAN/VEHICLE CONFLICT Queen Street, Sugarhouse Wynd, Cowgate and St Andrews Lane all suffer from a conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. Due to the nature of the size and width of these streets, this conflict puts many people from accessing the Seagate
Source– M.Hussain, 2009
Source– M.Hussain, 2009
Narrow streets and vehicles cause a conflict of use.. This has made pedestrians use other routes. Clearing the area of vehicles would allow pedestrians to walk freely.
Warehouses can be easily converted to promote the use of creative industries, who favour large open spaces. Pedestrian's Area—Budapest, Hungary Source– Google Images– 2009
All photographs courtesy Greenville Daily Photo, 2009
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The following
Seagate Quarter
design brief
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The Seagate Quarter is a realistic project which is easily can be accommodated within policies in the Dundee Local Plan 2005. The current infrastructure of architectural character, adaptable buildings, independent retailers, and close proximity to the city centre lends itself to the project’s viability. Like Leicester and Canterbury, Dundee needs to create the right conditions and capitalise on its assets. It is unlikely that no city has dared to create two Cultural Quarters in the vicinity of its city centre, but rather than impede on the current cultural quarter, The Quarter will bring much needed prosperity to the area and in the wider context, to the city. Its transformation starting from the Seagate office block to street lights and the creation of open space will enhance the city’s image. It will allow people visiting the city to identify Dundee as a cultural, economic and vibrant city, well centred within Scotland.
Source– Google Earth, 2009
Photograph –M.Hussain, 2009
St Cyrenians Project—for homeless and those with addiction problems. Relocation may have to be addressed, to make the area work. All photographs—M.Hussain, 2009
Source –Green Philadelphia.com, 2009
The view of Sugarhouse Wynd from the Seagate. Use of single storey building lend themselves to use Artist impression of the Cowgate. Open class 3—cafes/restaurants. Removal of overgrown greenery opens of the and relaxed and a good place to socialise. legibility of the area. Improved lighting adds a sense of security. The area looks more appealing and safe to walk through.. All Drawings by M.Hussain, 2009
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Source– Christian Marshall Limited, 2009
The relocation of St Cyrenians Project will allow for the creation of open space making the quarter more permeable and accessible.
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