THE HEART OF
HOLBECK
Feasibility Study
1
Booklet 1 2
Structure of this document is as follows Booklet 1 • The Feasibility Study, sets the vision and context for change within Holbeck. The document provides the existing baseline for the Holbeck area, organised by key themes and identifies opportunities for masterplan frame work. Booklet 2 • The Design Assess Statement, sets out the masterplan framework which is organised by key themes and principles. Key principles are highlighted throughout this section to guide a theoretical future development proposal. Text is used to illustrate principles and offers guidance towards diagrams/ maps/sketches. The diagrams, maps and sketches are used to help describe the overall background thinking of the project and therefore illustrate a plan for the future. Booklet 3
Thomas Baxter C3266614 MA Landscape Architecture
• Technical Study, provides technical analysis of the potential outcome of the masterplan. Creation of a Urban Park within a close proximity of the City Centre and how to connect both together, Whilst but also connecting people with an abundance of rich biodiversity.
3
4
Left Picture: from an elevated view painting the first impression what Holbeck looks like. Lots of industry mixed with heritage buildings.
1. Can this area create more opportunity than it is now? 2. How can this area become appealing again? 3. Can Holbeck become what it once was? Why Holbeck? • Close to City Centre location • A clear detachment from City Centre and surrounding areas • In need of regeneration • Not user friendly • Potential to create something great
5
Contents 6
Site context....................................................................................... 8 Holbeck Policies................................................................. 26-27 Site location
Landscape Character...................................................10-19 Leeds and Holbeck District Zones
Holbeck Site Analysis..................................................
28-33
Holbeck Vision..................................................................... 34-35 Case Studies..........................................................................
36-39
Holbeck Ecology................................................................ 20-21 Concept.................................................................................. 40-57 Local Habitat Local Ecology
Concept Master plan Concept Visuals
Holbeck History.................................................................. 22-23 Summary...................................................................................
58
Holbeck Growth Holbeck Townships
Holbeck demographic................................................. 24-25 Local Demographic
7
Site Context 8
West Yorkshire
Great Britain
Leeds
Site Location
9
Study Area
Heart of Holbeck Landscape Character Welcome to Leeds Leeds is situated in the middle of the United Kingdom and has a population of 751,500, Leeds is the Third largest and one of the fastest growing, greenest cities in the UK. A thriving economy boasting strengths in the financial services, legal, manufacturing, health and retail. Leeds has excellent transport links from road, rail and air links,providing a gateway for tourist and business visitors to the area. A new 350 million retail development reinforces Leeds as one of the finest shopping destinations in Britain. Leeds City Council’s vision is for Leeds to be truly child friendly city. This is evident with children and young people leaving school with qualifications above the national average. Two of the leading Universities, University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University have world class facilities and two of the business schools, with Leeds trinity specialising in teaching. Population stats: 751,500 living in 320,600 Households. Since 2001 the population of England and Wales has increased by 7.1% from 52.4 million to 56.1 million in 2011. Analysis shows that population of Leeds has increased by 5.1% over the same period from 715,600 to 751,500. The largest fall in population has been seen in the 20 to 29 age group. 10
2 Holbeck is a district in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The district begins on the southern edge of the Leeds City Centre and mainly lies in the LS11 Leeds postcode area. The M1 and M62 motorways used to begin and end in Holbeck. Now the M621 is the only motorway that passes through the area. Since large parts of Holbeck have been vacated in preparation for the regeneration of the area, the district has in large parts suffered from a population exodus.
1 2 3 4
4
3
5
6
5
6
The name Holbeck derives it name from the brook 7 on which it is situated. Since industrialisation the beck, a natural water course has been canalised. 8 Over recent years efforts have been made to regenerate the Holbeck area, the most notable By sectioning the site into scheme is the Holbeck Urban Village, which is different areas, a better image of expected to attract investment of around 800 the landscape character can be million and create around 5000 jobs. The Holbeck Conservation Area includes several industrial archaeological sites and listed buildings. Holbeck is unique to Leeds as an area where early to mid 19th century industrial buildings survive in unaltered groups within the original street pattern.
1
7
8
portrayed. Each area has different aspects which make the character completely different and unique from each other.
11
1 2
3 3
1
1
1
2
2
2
1 12
2
1 3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5 13
1
6 3
4
7 5
2
2
1
3
4
5
6
7 14
1
1 5 6
3
2
4
3
2 7
4
6
5
7
8 15
16
1 1 2 3 4 5
3
2
6
4
5
2
3 6 17
2 1
4
6
3
5 6
1
2
4
5
3 18
4 5
3
4
2 1
2
3
5
1 19
The environment or natural home were wild animals, birds and insects live is called a habitat. Habitat should cater for specific animals needs to survive: • Shelter (weather and predators) • Food/Water • Space to attract a mate Around Holbeck there are a variety of different wildlife habitats all consisting of a rich ecosystem of animals birds and insects. However there is a disconnection between man and nature and this is down to access to these habitat areas. The landscape that hold these habitats are hard to reach or wild and almost impenetrable
Wildflower Meadow
Brownfield
Wild Grass Verge
`Elevated Rumble Walk
Deadwood Habitats
Brownfield
Over Grown Scrub land
Woodland Edge
Amenity Grassland
20
Here is a collection of pictures taken within a 10 minute walking distance of each other, all in different habitat locations. 1. Harlequin Ladybird ‘Harmonia axyridis’ pupa stage. 2. Small tortoiseshell ‘Aglariss urtysee’ 3. Blue mint beetle ‘chrysolina coerulans’ 4. White lipped snail ‘cepaea hortensis’ 5. Spanish slug ‘Arion vulgaris’ 6. Speckled wood ‘Parage aegeria’ 7. Peacock ‘aglais io’ 8. Buff Tailed bumblebee ‘Bomus terrestris’ 9. Red Admiral ‘Vanessa Atalanta’
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
7
21
The red shaded area is the district of Holbeck, the red boundary line is site location
Maps to the right show the industry growth of the City of Leeds from late 1800 to the early
1900.
Most of Leeds and surrounding districts were better known as out townships. Out townships surrounding Leeds started out as medieval weaving and farming villages, which bordered ridges and becks of the Aire Valley. The Industrial Revolution brought many changes to Leeds especially with the textile industry which Leeds relied on, better manufacturing and marketing of flax and wool which built the cities reputation and new products like ‘cotton’ were manufactured.
22
Picture to the right Holbeck’s growth from 1715 -1963
With the growth of industry in and around Leeds, suburb growth didn’t develop at the same rate. Surrounding townships stayed as a dynamic of there own. However Hunslett and Holbeck the 2 largest of the townships had physically merged with Leeds growth. With the expansion of industry an increased labour force was needed to keep up with demand, which resulted in new homes needing to be built. In turn the wealth of the city grew resulting in more money for people to spend. Holbeck suffered significant decline in the 20th century with many of the industry building be demolished. Resulting in a mass exodus of people leaving the area and eventually becoming the place it is today.
23
24
25
Red shaded area is the district of Holbeck, the red boundary line is site location
The plan shows current and proposed polices/ future developments set in Holbeck and within study area. • Proposed development of the HS2 Rail Station. • Current Boundary Line of the legal Red light district Within Holbeck. • Current Boundary Line of the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan. • Land for sale within the Holbeck boundary • New Developments Projects Finished. • Developments waiting on planing permission
Large areas the land situated within the boundary of the heart of Holbeck, waiting to be sold untouched.
The plans show the tracks approaching the station from the south-east, parallel to the Pontefract Line and then the M621, coming through Meadow Lane Gas Works and Leeds City Business Park, with the station on a viaduct which spreads from the centre of The 42 homes will consist the gyratory through the Leeds City Business of 2 bed flats and 3 and Park site. 4 bed houses. 16 of the homes will be low cost sale and Unity have already had strong interest Holbeck Highline is a concept, to transfrom people wanting to form Holbeck’s historic viaduct into a rent and buy the propervibrant community green space for everyties. one to enjoy. An experiment that allowed sex workers in Leeds to walk the streets without fear of police action is set to be extended after it turned out to be a huge success.
26
• Leeds Core Strategy Adoption (2015)
• Nature Conservation Action Plan (2015)
This City Centre Development Plan Document sets out the strategic policy framework for the district until 2018. The policies in this document detail the long term spatial vision and the strategic objectives of the district.
The policy forms part of the evidence base for site assessment and sustainability appraisal in Leeds. It is outlined in the policy that during the lifetime of the Leeds Local Development Framework, an on-going review of designates sites will be required.
Proposals contain within the LCS help to direct how regeneration within the district will be achieved effectively, in line with their vision. • Vision for Leeds 2030 (2011) In Leeds, sustainable development means meeting the targets outlined in the Vision for Leeds 2030. The strategy for sustainable development is the same as the Vision for Leeds. The vision aims to make all communities within Leeds successful, welcoming, prosperous and sustainable.
This policy details the hierarchy of designated nature sites, according to the contribution they make to the wider ecological networks.
• Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. This policy surrounds the implementation of EU legislation and strategy designed to guide conservation efforts and halt biodiversity loss in England.
The policy recognises the health benefits of Major challenges for the city are addressed within the experiencing nature, as well as highlighting how nature document, as well as outlining clear objectives to ensure and wildlife enrich our lives. that Leeds grows in a positive way, that is reflective of the proposed vision. • National Planning Policy Framework (2012) The National Planning Policy framework is a document which outlines government planning policy, and guidelines for how these polices are expected to be applied. The Leeds Local Development Framework will have taken guidance in large part from this policy, with the over-arching policies in the NPPF feeding directly into it.
• Good Practice Guidance for Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity (2015)
This document offers advice on how biodiversity and green infrastructure can be enhanced and protected through careful landscape planning. This document outlines several suggestions which would enable the planner to enhance the natural environment, protect nature and wildlife, and safeguard our natural environment in order to allow future generations to benefit.
27
The area is diverse with the mixture of different uses the main 3 are Industry, residential and routes into the city centre.
28
The maps to the right show the current state of Holbeck, the maps have be defined from sites visits and factual information published for the public eye. Information selected will be used to enhance the overall vision and aid the development of the masterplan. 1
Existing Green infrastructure situated within the boundaries of the study area, a mixture of wildflower, grassland and sport facilities.
2
Negative space within the study area, highlighting the ratio of land in use and land used.
3
Transports links, highlighting mains roads in orange, residential routes in purple, water course in blue and rain linkage in light blue.
4
Holbeck geology made up of Bedrock and Sandstone
5
Monthly crime figures according to the police records
6
Clears districts within the study area, Blue=Residential, Orange=industry, Purple=Heritage Site
7
Main routes through Holbeck, including rail network and car network
8
Noise pollution
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 29
Highlighting the amount of green infrastructure with the heart of Holbeck. The Dark green shading resembles the used GI within The Heart of Holbeck. 30
Majority of land use is situated in the centre of the map, whilst the out skirts of the boundary is only used by car routes into the city centre
31
Fragmented Untouched No identity
Controlled by the access of cars and trains, no where for pedestrians
Key
Elevated train linkage creates a clear barrier between heritage district and industry district
Main Roads
No clear routes from East-West and NorthSouth of the site
Run down Industry Buildings
Network rail Brown Fields sites take up a large amount of space within the area
Constraints
Area of bad Legibility
• • • • • • •
Brown Field Sites
Missing a clear connection
Disconnection between the each other
Industrial contamination Vehicle Dominated Noisy Unsafe at night Pedestrian routes unattractive Historic buildings in disrepair Train routes splits the area in to, resulting in a clear disconnection • Lack of good green infrastructure • Lack of public realm 32
Improving industry building and regenerate surrounding areas, attract more people into the area.
Create 2 new pedestrian lead routes from east to west and north to south, creating a direct link into the city centre and Holbeck Urban Village
Node, the main connecting point, linking all districts together
Opportunity to link together green infrastructure within the area and create an urban green corridor towards the city centre
Opportunity to create and exciting green corridor, Urban park with different experiences, creating a different atmosphere
Green infrastructure within the area Wild Landscape,Wildflower meadows, Amenity grassland and sport ground.
Creating a key linkage into the heritage district of Holbeck
Restore historical buildings, creating a clear picture of the past for Holbeck
Improve the aesthetics of the train line, green walls and green infrastructure on either side of the train line, whilst creating direct routes through.
Opportunities • Possible green/gateway link • Derelict land to be regenerated • Creation of an urban park within a 15 minute walk from City Centre • New transports routes in and out of Holbeck • Easily accessible between Holbeck, Urban Village and Leeds City Centre • Strengthen Local community • Future job opportunities within Holbeck • Make Holbeck a creative hub • Create a link between people and nature • Retain and strengthen the historical heritage of Holbeck.
33
34
Study Area
Heart of Holbeck
This section pin points the vision for the ‘Heart of Holbeck’ project and a method showing how the vision will be implemented based of 6 sub principles, displayed on the left hand page.
healthier
Vision
Vision Amenity
Safe
Connection To create a strong community feel within Holbeck, By developing a good quality public space with rich biodiversity and better connections towards the City Function Centre and Urban Village . Structure
Aims • • • • • • • •
Space
Promote Healthy and Sustainable Living. Create a direct and enjoyable experience towards Holbeck Urban Village and Leeds City Centre. Create a unique combination of permaculture and nature enriched environments within an Urban Park setting. Linking Holbeck, Holbeck Urban Village and the City Centre together. Create a multi-functional space benefiting the community with nature. Love A well designed Urban Park. Enhancing the historical value within the site boundary. Improve the aesthetics of the industrial parks within site boundary.
Live value
35
Park Characteristics
Both locations are similar to each other , both shaped by there industrial background, human exodus and a lack of good quality green infrastructure. • Duisburg City is one of the most populated areas in Germany due to heavy industry • Fragmented by transport network • Historical landmarks had to be included in the public space • Landscape shaped by industrial growth • Major concerns addressed the ecological population of the site and capabilities. • Industrial buildings need to be included in the design. • The local residents had a direct participation in defining the park • Elevated vista points
Relevance to Holbeck?
Both locations are similar in relation to the landscape being shaped by there industrial background, human exodus and a lack of good quality green infrastructure with the boundaries of the city centre. • • • • • • • •
Regeneration of old industrial town close to city centre. Reconnection with the landscape, creating an identity for the area. Regenerating Industrial/Historical buildings for 21St Century uses. Unique 3 dimensional use of space. Reconnecting local residents with the space creating a new community. Reconnect people with nature. Create good quality green infrastructure within the cities boundaries. Create better transport links to and from city centre.
36
Park Characteristics
“The main purpose of the park was the change process as you moved though the park , but also the creation of confrontation of humanity and nature in a landscape setting” • • • • • • • • •
Former gas works (industrial) City creative hotspot Multi-functional areas, cinema restaurant, bars and theatre Land polluted. Construction of major park Regenerate derelict buildings Design theme, a change as you move through the park from east- west. Native planting, wildflower and strong central axis From nature to urban
Relevance to Holbeck? • • • • •
Good green infrastructure which the city has benefited from, Connection with nature and industrial past. Design works well within its setting not to imposing, the park looks like it has been around for many years. A vast range of cultural offerings. Something to do 24/7 event space, bars, clubs and restaurants. Central hub, community feel and job creation.
37
Park Characteristics “For centuries Lough Boora has given humans shelter, warmth and unique contact with the forces of the natural world”. The raised bogs of The Midlands of Ireland appeared after the last ice age 15,000 years ago. Mesolithic tribes colonised Ireland soon after, “One of the most important Mesolithic sites in Ireland is at lough Boora”. For ancient people the bog was cherished for its preservative powers, example of bog butter have be found buried in the bog to keep fresh. The bog also provided turf, a source of heat and comfort for Irish people for centuries. Lough Boora once supplied over 1 million tonnes of peat every year before closing, powering industry and homes. • Now re-transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife and a amenity for the local community a place of relaxation, tranquillity and refuge. The sculptures created in the park by local artist pay homage to the human interaction with the bog lands. • The seasons present an ever change landscape, where the sculptures are focal points and the surrounding landscapes create different backdrops through the seasons, wildflower in the Spring/Summer, brambles in the Autumn and frost/ snow in the Winter months. Cycle and walkways allows the visitors to experience the unique landscape and absorb the atmosphere of the site. • The facilities within the park consist of a Visitor centre, Cafe, Picnic area, Car park and Public toilets. Also allocated is a pavilion which provides space for events, group activities and information about the parks history.
Relevance to Holbeck?
A Landscape that has been manipulated by man for years, a site which people have look towards for survival. Once the need for this landscape has finished, the landscape and surrounding areas become deprived. • • • • •
Wildlife interaction. Multi-functional space. Sculptures represent the site history. Providing green pedestrian links, open spaces for local community Cultural infrastructure enhancing history moving forward with the future, this is key for Holbeck.
38
Park Characteristics “Through excellence in operations, stewardship, innovative programming, and world-class design, we seek to engage the vibrant and diverse community on and around the High Line, and to raise the essential private funding to help complete the High Line’s construction and create an endowment for its future operations”. • • • • •
An Old freight rail line in the 1930 Local community residents fighting to preserve the rail line from distructure. Design theory based on wild landscapes and landscape without intervention. Native planting specific to America. Elevated structure designed as new route, and green infrastructure for the community
Relevance to Holbeck?
A structure which has been saved from demolition by the local community, and turned into a landscape, that boasts good green infrastructure within a built up setting. • • • • • •
Regeneration of a historic structure. Providing jobs to local community Wild landscape and native planting design elements. A rich biodiversity and connection with man. Discontinued elevated rail system. Cherishing history, enhancing the future.
39
Creating a unique look for the heart of Holbeck, starting with the yellow route (an elevated walkway, creating panoramic views of Holbeck and Leeds), an experience like no other walking amongst the tree canopy, a different perspective.
Creating a route through green infrastructure towards the city centre will improve the area, and create a memorable journey towards Leeds. Whilst creating strong biodiversity links with people and nature.
Linking all major Green infrastructure together, creating a major green corridor for wildlife and biodiversity, but creating a green experience for the person traveling to work through Holbeck.
Breakdown of diagram on next page 40
3 different routes intertwining with each other to create a grid system of strong biodiversity and creation of better linkages, which will enhance accessibility across the site.
Key
Elevated Route: Designed to be a direct route through Holbeck towards Leeds train station. Elevated routes connecting with each other. “An above the tree canopy experience. Presenting you with 360 degrees of unique views across Leeds.
Ground Level Routes: Designed to branch with all medium size green infrastructure sites. Beneficial for creating a urban landscape experience within Holbeck. A Longer relaxed route towards Leeds City Centre
Direct route: A fast route moving you through Holbeck and into the centre of Leeds. This route passes through major green infrastructure location, still connecting people with there surroundings and nature.
41
The Diagram below shows a Break down of each different district that contributes to the aesthetics of the place.
Breakdown of diagram on next page 42
Key Temporary Orchard
Nature Walk Train station Connection
Industrial
Heritage District
Central Hub Gardens
Existing Green Infrastructure
Residential
Retail/Hospitality Experience: Within the Central Hub a retail district will meander around part of Holbeck Elevated Sculpture park. This will help to attract more people into Holbeck, but also create more jobs for the local community.
The Hub: Will be situated in the centre of the map, this will knit all the districts to the middle of Holbeck. Linkages from the Centre Hub will move people directly to specific districts of interest.
• A Unique Experience to Shop, Eat and Drink in the centre of Holbeck. • Create a linkage to Holbeck Elevates Sculpture Park. • Regenerate the old high street, to improve business and the local community. 43
Urban nature provides important social and psychological benefits to human societies, which enrich human life with meanings and emotions.
Centre boundary of urban park
Supporting Landscape
The Human Heart, is an organ which pumps blood around the body to other organs. The heart is the Urban Park, and the blood is people and nature moving them to other locations (Different organs).
The Heart of Holbeck models its concept with definition of the human heart.
The diagram above shows the centre of the Urban Park and the supporting landscape, which will tie together and create a unique working module which benefit both the local and wider community. The Urban Park will provide a strong diverse urban habitat for nature, close to the city centre. Creating strong links between man a nature and will start to provide sustainable living and enrichment for human life.
44
Human identity and personal fulfilment somehow depend on our relationship to nature. The human need for nature is linked not just to the material exploitation of the environment but also to the influence of the natural world on our emotional, cognitive, aesthetic, and spiritual development. The core of the Urban Park, main body of movement towards Leeds City Centre and Urban Village. Majority of green infrastructure is located within this boundary. This is the spine of the whole project.
The Supporting Landscape of the Urban Park, to the left of the core is where most of the industry is situated within the ‘Heart of Holbeck’. To the right of the core is the Heritage District of the Urban Park. These to areas will act as a juxtaposition towards the core, attracting a different pallet of people.
The wider landscape and surrounding communities, local industry and visitors will benefit the development of the Urban Park. • Job Opportunities. • Unique Park Experience. • Rich Biodiversity. • Retail and Hospitality Experience. Also additional routes connecting to wider community will be created better linkages between. 45
Leeds City Centre
Heart Of Holbeck
Draft Concept of the connection routes direction
Holbeck Urban Village
Create a continuous route (triangulation) between The Heart of Holbeck, Urban Village and Leeds City Centre
2 main direct connection routes within the parks constraints. Improving the accessibility of the heart of Holbeck
Sub connection routes connecting supporting landscape within urban park. Creates another answer to the disjointness of both sides of the heart of Holbeck
46
Arrange of sectioned areas creating different types of landscape intensities : changing the person experience almost instantly. Creating a change in emotion of the person using the urban park. The different landscape themes are positioned on the main routes of the heart of Holbeck. Resulting in experiencing 2 or 3 different landscape setting whilst walking into Leeds or the Urban Village
47
Elevated Walkway
Temporary Orchard/ Permaculture Centre
The concept masterplan is designed to represent a multifunctional space for the local and wider community to use and thrive in. The Urban Park and the wider community will work together to intact with the surroundings and nature. The whole concept is set out to create a unique relationship with man and nature whilst improving the environment, but also the over all aesthetics of the place. New routes have been created to bridge the divide between Holbeck Urban Village and Heart of Holbeck.
Wildflower Amphitheatre
Industry District
Heritage District
Central Hub
Woodland Walk Central Gardens Eco Village
Residential Distinct
Urban Park Boundary
48
Concept visuals
The following pages contain concept visuals and will suggest how the site will look. 49
Study Area
Heart of Holbeck Concept Visuals
50
Study Area
Heart of Holbeck Concept Visuals
51
52
53
54
55
The Visuals here depict how green the site will be, adding additional greens pace will improve the over all aesthetics, mask unwanted sights and improve the biodiversity within the area.
56
57
Summary
Holbeck retains most of its industrial character, despite the mass exodus of people when industry started failing within Holbeck. The aesthetic fabric may have fallen into disrepair, but the main philosophy of Holbeck can still be seen within old historical buildings and land marks. The solid foundations of Holbeck need to brought back to life for future generations to witness. Holbeck needs a strategy, which is direct, simple and realistic to accommodate change for the future. The site needs to provide better opportunities for local residents, whilst creating new forward thinking opportunities for a new pallet of people who want to live within 15 from Leeds City Centre. Currently the site feels disjointed, under used and uncared for, this is down to the fact of 2 major railway systems pass through the centre axis of Holbeck. Making it a challenge to get from east to west. There needs to be better access points if you are traveling by foot or by bike. Major concerns will be tackling pollution within the area (pollution from industry, noise and air ) will need to be addressed and amended to improve the well being of the site, but also people for years to come. Future developments of the viaducts, redevelopment of green infrastructure may help create a new character of people.
58
59