Marketgait Urban Gateway Design Framework
18th Century Dundee. Source: Monki.com 2010
19th Century Dundee. Source: Collinsmap.org 2010
Dundee Dock 19th Century. Source: electricscotland.com 2010
Dundee Dock 20th Century. Source: visitorsforscotland.com 2010
Dundee Dock 20th Century. Source: visitorsforscotland.com 2010
Introduction
Dundee is the fourth largest city in Scotland. Its strategic location within the eastern Lowlands on the north bank of the Firth of Tay (leading into the North Sea) ensures that it is extremely accessible for those travelling from the other large cities in Scotland. The city is famous for its rapid expansion as an industrial city in the 19thCentury, mainly because of the production of Jute, its chief export at the time. Biomedical and technological industries have arrived since the 1980s, and the city now accounts for 10% of the United Kingdom's digital‐ entertainment industry. Dundee has two universities and is now known as a regional employment and education centre. The Marketgait area of Dundee is located south east of the city centre, and lies just outside the boundary of the Dundee Waterfront Development Masterplan. Investment in the areas design is essential as it acts as a vital gateway providing numerous connections throughout the city on a local and on a regional scale; ‐ The A92 road (East Dock Street) is the main access point for those travelling from areas to the east of Dundee (Monifieth, Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie). ‐ Inner city routes taken by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles (Trades Lane, Candle Lane, Camperdown Lane.) ‐ Outer city routes which allow vehicles to use of the Ring road to avoid congesting city centre. (East Dock Street and South Marketgait road)
Source: Google Earth 2010.
Movements Monifieth, Broughty Ferry Carnoustie, Arbroath
City Centre
City Centre
Street Hierarchy Legend: City Centre
Primary Road (A92) Dual Carriage way/ Ring Road Secondary Road (30mph) Tertiary Road (30/20 mph) Pedestrian routes/ footpaths Pedestrian Crossing No Pedestrian Crossing
Tay Road Bridge
Crown Copyright database right 2010. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service
Crown Copyright database right 2010. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service
Marketgait Design Strategy
Landuse: Residential Transport Commercial, Industry + Tourism
Infrastructure: Permeability, Street hierarchy Cyclists access
Sense of place Land marks, Connectivity, Legibility
Zoning: Defining the area as a Cul‐ tural and Public Realm on the fringe of the city centre.
Marketgait design Framework will implement the four key design principles outlined in Dundee Councils Urban Design Guide. As Dundee city developed around a river estuary and maritime trade it is important to modernise the existing city as well as retain its heritage by connecting both of these elements in the gateway design strategy. The principles aim to improve the quality of the area as a gateway and provide the locale with identification, image‐ability and character; something which this area lacks at present. Enhancement of the gateways current form will encourage people to circulate throughout the gateway and view it as part of the city centre rather than an area that is merely adjacent to it.
Legend: Gateway Boundary
Crown Copyright database right 2010. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA sup‐
Key: Gateway Waterfront Masterplan Fig.5 Dundee Waterfront Masterplan. Source: Dundee Waterfront Vision
Marketgait Urban Design Framework Page 1 of 4
Rosanna McCann. No. 100018087
Existing Urban Structure
King William IV Dock, Dundee 1835. Source: Dundeecity.gov.uk
City Quay, Dundee 2010. Source: Rosanna McCann
Appreciating Dundee City's Urban Form Outer City
Inner City
CBD
Legend: Inner City Area City Centre Area
Source: Google Earth 2010.
Transect models are extremely useful when analysing the urban structure of city region. In order correctly implement a Design framework for the South Marketgait area a core knowledge of the urban geography/ layout is required. The demand for land and development space varies throughout the city, increasing with progression from Suburban areas towards urban ones. This affects the types of land use, land price, and therefore affects the design codes implemented for the gateway. In relation to the rest of Dundee City, the Marketgait gateway falls within the special districts area, Marked on the map to the left ( ). Previously used as a dock, the area is located on the edge of the river Tay has a street of high rise buildings which are of mixed use on the fringe of the Urban Core Zone. In accordance with the transect this is a typical special district.
Suburban
Custom House hotel development. Source: Unicorn Property
Custom House, Dundee 2010. Source: Rosanna McCann
The old custom house, Dundee 1836. Source: Dundeecity.gov.uk
Building heights Legend: 2 Storey 3 Storey 4 Storey 7Storey
Urban Crown Copyright/Database right 2010. An ordnance survey/EDINA supplied service.
Building Height:
Caird Avenue
Marketgait East Dock Street. City Centre: High Street City Quay, Victoria Dock
The tallest buildings in the area are made up of seven floors (Apex and Holiday Inn Hotel.) However it is important to note that these buildings are the same height as the older listed buildings in the area (Custom House Building and the DP&L Shipping Ltd.). Although the modern Buildings incorporate more floor space, they do not tower over the older buildings in the gateway. This is intentional as planning policies aim to insure that new developments are in keeping with the original townscape and do not dominate the skyline in areas with building of historic interest.
Permeability Traffic Movement from South Marketgait Street to East Dock Street. (i.e. Out of the city)
Vehicle, Pedestrian and Cyclist movement through Gateway (18/10/2010, 9am-12-pm) 4000 3500
Traffic Movement from East Dock Street to South Marketgait Street. (i.e. into the city)
T1 T2 T3 T4 SD SUBURBAN ZONE GENERAL URBAN CORE URBAN CENTRE ZONE URBAN CORE ZONE SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Current Land use
Volume of Movement
3000 2500
Sth Marketgait-East Dock Street
2000
East Dock Street- Sth Marketgait
1500 1000 500 0 1 Direction of Movem ent
City Centre Zones Legend: City Centre Boundary (CBD) University Waterfront Site Industry Cultural quarter Gateway Area
1.
No.
Building Name
1.
Residential Apartments
Appraisal Modern Buildings in a good location to CBD which enhance the build environment of an otherwise run down area of the city.
2.
HSS Hardware Store
3.
HSS Warehouse Required unit in relation to HSS shop. However, the building is unkempt and detracts from the image-ability of the gateway.
4.
Holiday Inn Hotel
Good location to CBD and for those Commuting via Tay Road Bridge. Acceptable within the Marketgait Design Framework.
5.
Custom House
Currently Vacant. The Grade A Listed building has great potential to improve the gateway.
6.
DP&L Headquarters
Grade C Listed building which is still used for its original purpose. Good example of Retention of Local Heritage of Dundee.
7.
Retail/ Leisure
Small local retail outlets combined with a restaurant. Function well however, general façade maintenance required. Corner current undergoing renovation.
8.
Monifieth, Broughty Ferry Carnoustie, Arbroath
Category B Listed in relation to Dundee's maritime history. Its function as Hardware store could be adapted to suit local demand.
Vauxhall Car Sales
City Centre
Legend: Heavy Flow of traffic Medium Flow of traffic Light flow of traffic Pedestrian Crossings No pedestrian Crossing Bus Stops Taxi Pickup
Tay Road Bridge Crown Copyright database right 2010. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service
From studying the data it becomes clear that this gateway is extremely busy. The ability to move through the gateway is primarily very good for cyclists, Pedestrians and vehicles, therefore it functions well. Due to road works, pedestrian access is restricted on the South Marketgait road which stop people from crossing the busy street (four lanes) and moving towards the South West of the city. The central location of the bus station and taxi rink assists those pedestrians who wish to avail of the services.
Suitable industry at the edge of city centre. However may be more suitably located in Industrial Zone
Case Study:
2.
1. 1.
3.
4.
1.
Galway Harbour at night. Source: austinlambe.com
1. 6. 3. 2. 7.
5.
6.
5. 4.
8.
Gateway land use Legend: Residential Retail Transport Office Industry Tourism Vacant
Crown Copyright database right 2010. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service
Galway City, West Coast of Ireland. Development Plan (DP): 2009‐2015) The DP recognises that high quality, innovative urban design can create vibrant regeneration Advertisements: Signage or areas for the city which will contribute to advertisements consider the scale, economic vitality, improved quality of life and character and setting of the building to sustainability. which it is attached. Galway City. The acknowledgment of where opportunities exist in the regeneration of city areas helped to Street Surface is of high form the Urban Design Guidance. For example Shop‐fronts: Traditional, original shop‐ quality and maintained the Harbour area in Galway is similar to fronts and pub‐fronts are retained or as Required. Victoria Dock in Dundee. refurbished where necessary. Source: irishdigest.com
Galway City Source: Google Earth 2010
Source: uknetguide.co.uk
7.
8.
Street Elevation: South Market gait East Dock Street
Galway City Council: Development Plan
Marketgait Urban Design Framework Page 2 of 4 Galway Harbour> Galwaycity.com
Rosanna McCann. No. 100018087
Galway Harbour Hotel. Source: Harbourhotelgalway.com
Quay Street Galway. Source: Reggie.net
Design Brief
Desperate Dan, City Centre. Source: Rosanna McCann
V&A, Waterfront. Source: e‐architect.com
DCA, City Centre. Source: visitscotland.com
Land Use Zoning
Image‐ability Sense of Place
City Centre Zones Legend: Inner city City Centre Boundary (CBD) Retail Education Waterfront Site Industry Proposed cultural quarter CBD City Centre Zones Legend: City Centre Boundary (CBD) University Waterfront Site Industry Cultural quarter Gateway Area
RRS Discovery Scotland. Source: Visitscotland.com
Reform Street, City Centre Source: Undiscovered Scotland
Land marking
Legend: Area for proposed artwork
The current urban environment and public realm does not create a positive impression and feeling of ‘place’. The only building which contributes to this feeling is Custom House which is currently vacant. As this is the main entrance point to the East of the city it makes a visual impact. There is a lack of public art in the gateway which does not coincide with the city centre as there are several examples of public art here. The design of a landmark in the gateway could be decided through a Public Arts competition.
Source: Google Earth 2010
Regeneration of the gateway area into a cultural quarter would benefit the city ; Economically and socially. Providing a sense of place for local people as well as those entering the city via this route corridor, is essential in relation to the new waterfront regeneration Masterplan.
Building Design Street lighting and security Many of the street lights in the area are orange/ yellow coloured, which make the area seem les aesthetically pleasing at night and goes against the street lighting policy of Dundee City Council, which prefers to use white lighting. Lighting should also be used to highlight build‐ ings/ Architecture and features of the built Environment as well as providing a sense of se‐ curity for those using the gateway on foot/bike.
Source: Rosanna McCann Source: Rosanna McCann
Legend: Buildings undergoing redevelopment/ Renovation
Source: Prime Location
Housing development: Currently under construction, the old sailors home will be developed into an apartment block. Retaining the façade will maintain the heritage of the area and visually improve the gateway.
Building within the gateway is an essential way of restoring the function of the gateway as a well as introducing new types of land use. However it is essential to insure new developments are designed within the structure and they complement the existing urban context.
Source: unicorn properties
Proposed Hotel development: The Grade A listed building Custom House is a landmark building in Dundee City. It is currently vacant and requires some repair. This will be achieved by renovating inside and restoring the outside to retain original façade/ character. The hotel development has the opportunity to hold from 38‐80 bedrooms and is in a prime location to the Waterfront project and the city centre.
Urban Structure A study carried out on the prevalence of car parks within the city and more specifically, within the gateway; concluded that the amount of space provided for parking succeeded the demand. i.e. Too much space being compromised by parking areas. It would but much more auspicious to develop some of the excess land into something that will improve the gateway.
Trades Lane Before
Trades Lane After
Street surface Road surfaces and the surface of footpaths/ pedestrian walkways are of poor quality and require some immediate repair in some places. This proves to be a major issue in regard to the image‐ability of the gateway. The insufficient road surface leads to the risk of injury, the gathering of water and puddle formation therefore Investment in better quality stone, together with improved drainage will help create a more pleasant environment, particularly for pedestrians.
The Demand for spaces in the Car park
Outdoor Advertising: Legend: Legend: Study Area Ring Road (City Centre Boundary) City Centre Car Source: Google Earth 2010 parks Development The proposed site for development has many great opportunities. For example the potential
creation of some green space would improve the area visually and also provide a great sense of place within Dundee.
Source: Google Map
Green Space: The modern Park will provide the perfect amount of green space on the fringe of the city centre and add change the perceptions of the area for those who use the area as a thoroughfare.
Derry City. Source: Rosanna McCann
Swimming pool: Incorporating green space onto the site is one example of how softening the urban structure of an area, especially within a gateway can be beneficial. However the site has received planning permission for a £30MILLION leisure centre. The proposed new centre at East Marketgait will replace the Olympia leisure centre on Earl Gray Place. Its facilities will include an Olympic‐sized 50‐metre swimming pool and the Council is hoping the new centre’s construction will be completed by 2013, although it has not yet started. Development quality convener Councillor Rod Wallace said the council is aiming to have the centre built in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and said of the development, “It’s a significant development and we’re keen to keep Dundee to the fore. We already have top‐class leisure facilities in the city but we recognise that Dundee’s a regional centre.” (Press and Journal).
Derry City. Source: Rosanna McCann
Source: Google Earth 2010
Rosanna McCann. No. 100018087
Source: Dundee.gov.uk
Source: Dundee.gov.uk
Outdoor advertising is an extremely good way of promoting good business and displaying what a city has to offer for those approaching the area, especially through a main gateway. However they can detract from the quality of the public realm and therefore great care must be taken in choosing the method of advertising (billboard, signs etc.), the location of the advertisement (high/low) as they could quite easily dominate a persons eye line when travelling through an area. The boards and boxes which are used to display adverts should be of good quality and well maintained.
Conclusion The Marketgait Urban Design Framework is realistic very achievable. The current availability of space and opportunity to improve the gateways infrastructure, architectural character, built environment and local economy. With its and close proximity to the city centre the framework is extremely viable. Regeneration of this Quarter will no only make it an asset adjacent to the city centre and waterfront project, but an asset for Dundee and the waterfront project . Marketgait Urban Design Framework Page 3 of 4