West Aire Valley Leed - Research & Development Study by Miranda Xu

West Aire Valley Leeds LSC 6026 Special Project: Research & Development Study YALAN XU Jan 2019

1.0

Introduction

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

Site location Surrounding environment Site context A photographic introduction

2.0

History description

2.1 2.2 2.3

Culture history Listed buildings Spatial development history

3.0

Existing circumstance analysis

3.1 3.2 3.3

Land use Building height and view range Transport system Road network Public transportation Cycle route The way of travel to work Transport conversation Summary of transport system Green infrastructure Greenspace public to private Greenspace man-made to nature Habitat network Accessibility of green space Summary of green infrastructure Blue infrastructure Water system Flooding issue Water characteristics Summary of blue infrastructure Social Profile Age of user group Resident Information Employment and education

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.6 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4 3.4.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3

3.6.4 Summary of social profile 06 07

4.0

Key issue & Challenge

08 09

5.0

Policy

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

National policy Regional policy Local policy District policy

6.0

Design theory

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4

‘Cities for people’ ‘Makers on market’ ‘Urban Street Design Guide’ ‘Cultural heritage counts for Europe’

7.0

Precedent studies

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6

Vistula Boulevards Chicago Riverwalk Expansion Atlantic Wharf Pirrama Park The Edge Park A Restorative Landscpe for Stamford

8.0

Vision

8.1 8.2

Vision Aim & Strategy

12 14 15

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

49 50 52 53

60 61 62 63

66 67 68 69 70 71

74 75

34 35 36 37 38

Reference

Abstract This project will focus on the western area of Aire Valley Leeds, which is one of the greatest urban regenerations and growth opportunities in Leeds City Region. This site has an opportunity to transfer landmark development of national and European Significance, including a re-intergration the City Region Enterprise Zone, remodelling the southern half of the city centre, creating a new City Centre Park, and new sustainable housing. West Aire Valley Leeds (WAVL) plays a significant role in creating an ideal environment, which drives the growth of the Leeds economy and brings benefits to local people living in disadvantaged communities within and adjoining the area. The aim of WAVL is to be a sustainable place for living, working and visiting, supported by an effective transport network within green and attractive environment.

What is West Aire Valley Leeds?

1.0

Introduction

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

Site location Surrounding environment Site context A photographic introduction

1.1

Site Location

Leeds is one of the cities in the HS2 phase 2 plan and the HS2 services using existing Leeds tracks. The West Aire Valley is located in the heart of the Leeds City Region. The site includes both banks of the River Aire running from the heart of the city centre to the M621 motorway, covering 358 hectares. It contains the HS2 operation area and three districts which are South Bank, East Bank (Richmond Hill & Cross Green) and Hunslet. Leeds City Centre

Leeds

Manchester Piccadilly Manchester Airport Central Aire Valley

Aire Valley Leeds

East Midlands Hub

Skelton Gate

Birmingham Curzon Street

Birmingham Interchande

East bank, Richmond Hill, Cross green

Site location: West Aire Valley Leeds HS2 station HS2 phase 2 (propsed) HS2 phase 1 (confirmed)

Joins existing network

Old Oak Common London Euston

South bank Hunslet

In northwest of site: This region will carter for a large number of passengers who come from the train station, the bus station and the city centre.

City Centre

1.2

Bus Station

Surrounding environment

In northeast of site: Compared with the city centre, there are a large group of old local residences and more open green space.

Leeds Station Riv e

rA ir e

South Bank

East bank /Richmond Hill /Cross green

Holbeck residential area Crown Point shopping centre In southwest of site: The Holbeck urban village is combined with residential areas and enterprise zone. The biggest shopping area(Crown Point) lacks connection with the city centre shopping zone.

Industrial area

West Aire Vally

In southeast of site: On the edge of the countryside, it is occupied by industries and will be a highly developed enterprise zone in the future.

358 hectares Ri ve

Hunslet

ire

Hunslet Carr

Thwaite Mills Watermill Stourton

Green space 07

1.3

Site context

Mix used area

It is occupied by the ASDA company and a large range of parking area now. In the future, It will become a transport operation area (HS2 station). The City Park will be located here as well

City Centre

Bus Station

Waterfront Heritage

An area rich in culture and history include Leeds Dock, the Calls and Briggate, which is close to Leeds Station and the city centre.

Leeds Station 01

Richmond Hill and Cross Green

A neighbourhood of offices, homes and public spaces which lack community facilities and regular transport system.

06 05

08 09

Light industrial area

Mix used by Leeds Museums, galleries, discovery centre and industrial companies like the Allied Glass Containers and Vickers Oils.

Hunslet Riverside

A district of employment. The major road became a barrier for people to access.

11 13 12 15

Northern corner The north of area is former CopperLegend 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

ASDA Head Office Car parking Entertainment area Waterfront Heritage Leeds Dock Saxton gardens Richmond Hill Cross Green Leeds Discovery Centre Light industrial area Green corridor on the river Employment area Green riverside Former Copperfields College Hunslet town Manufacturer area

fields College which has been vacant since 2008. The Riverside is woodland under management while it lacks facilities for human activities. 16

Thwaite Mills Watermill Hunslet Town

The residential area with a high proportion of children and old people. Unemployment and poor health are big issues.

Manufacturing area

Full of different kinds of companies for food, engineering, car or product factory.

Hunslet Town

Richmond Hill and Cross Green Waterfront Heritage 05

09 06

Northern corner

Manufacturing area

Light industrial area

Hunslet Riverside

HS2 Station Operation Area 01 02 11

04 13

What already happened in the West Aire Valley Leeds?

2.0

History description

2.1 2.2 2.3

Culture history Listed buildings Spatial development history

2.1

Culture history

Leeds in the 16th century to 18th century

Leeds in the 19th century

The main industry in Leeds was making wool in 1665 and work began on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal in 1794.

By 1851 the population had reached 101,000, Leeds grew rapidly but many of the new houses built were dreadful. Overcrowding was rife and streets were very dirty. 1872 Horse drawn trams run in the streets of Leeds.

Leeds in the 20th century

Leeds in the 21st century

During the century the importance of the manufacturing industry declined. Instead, service industries grew rapidly. In 1951 55% of the workforce were employed in manufacturing. In the late 20th century tourism became a major employer in Leeds. In 1974 The boundaries of Leeds are extended.

In the 21st century Leeds continued to flourish. Millennium Square opened in 2000 and a new Leeds City Museum opened in 2008. Today the population of Leeds is 780,000. 13

2.2

Listed buildings

The heritage assets mainly focus along River Aire, including one grade I (St Savious Church), six grade II and thirteen grade III. These historical elements have not only shaped the past but also have a potential role in defining the future. Leeds Bridge

First Leeds Cloth Hall

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church

Salem Church Leeds Dam

Chadwick Lodge Leeds St Saviours Church

Grade 1 Grade 2

Grade 3

Hunslet Mills

2.3

1898

Spatial development history

2002

What already happen?

1903

2009

In the past, Leeds has successfully transformed from an industrial-based city to the UK’s second financial city. While the city centre is constantly spreading, the population density keeps rising and more land use has been changed into commercial and residential land. However, the green space is disappearing and environmental problems are worsening, especially low air quality and flood risk.

What is happening?

1925

2013

The regeneration of West Aire Valley Leeds is already taking place. The historical area is transformed into an art or culture hub. For example, the building construction of the Tetley’s Brewery keeps and open to the public as an art and education area. In the last 15 to 20 years, East Bank developed on a positive way due to the influence of city centre expand. The waterfront area has a plan to redevelop of former industrial use for multi-storey to provide new workplaces and homes.

What is the future?

1947

2018

HS2 station will be combined with existing Leeds train station. As a world-class transport project, it will bring a great positive influence on an economy, business, employment, tourist and investment. Leeds City Council is committed to developing WAVL, whose vision is ‘Eco -Settlement’. The client wants Leeds to become a sustainable, attractive, safe and liveable city.

What is the existing situation of the West Aire Valley Leeds?

3.0

Existing circumstance analysis

3.1 3.2 3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.6 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4 3.4.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.6.4

3.1

Land use

The site is covered by commercial, business and residential areas. The West part of the site is close to the city centre and the Leeds station, surrounding by restaurants, cafĂŠ and retail store. From the Leeds Bridge and the Leeds Lock, there are plenty of industrial remains along both sides of the River Aire. Culture and arts core is scattered in this part, such as the Royal Armouries museum, the Leeds Museums and Galleries. In addition, Richmond Hill and cross green residential area and educational centres are the main part in the north area with few basic community facilities. A large amount of green belt in the east of the site without the basic lighting and signage system. On the south of the site, the Hunslet town is surrounded by employment district and connection with the River Aire and the city centre are broken.

Use Classes Order in England A1-A5 (Shops, Financial,Food and drink) B1-B8 (Business, General industry, Storage or distribution) C1-C4 (Hotels, Residential Insitutions, Dwelling houses) D1-D2 (No-residential institutions, Assembly and leisure) Other changes of use

Green space

Arts gallery

Leisure area

Company

Museum

Drink

Restaurants

Education

Shopping

Hotel

Train station

Industry

Woodland

Listed building

3.2

Building height and view range

Compare both sides of the River Aire, it is significant differences in building heights. On the northern side, the building skyline is about 50-70m, while on the southern side, it is generally a low-rise private residence and corporate buildings around 30-40m.

Point A: The range of view is relatively narrow and is mostly obscured by tall buildings. Point B: The field of view is wide. There are several historical bridges in different shapes. Point C: The view range is limited by exterior walls of buildings. Point D: The north side is the gentle slope of woodland and the south side is low houses. The sight range is broad.

C A

View range 30-40 m 40-50 m 50-60 m 60-70 m

3.3.1

Road network

The transport system in West Aire Valley Leeds mainly consists of A61, A653, A83, A639 and railway track. WAVL is close to Leeds Station and Bus station. HS2 service is proposed to be combined with the existing Leeds Station and 1.6km viaduct frontage will be built. Leeds has become one of the most traffic jam-prone cities in the UK. Congestion in the city centre is the key issue of Leeds. Furthermore, citizens complaint there too many cars in the city centre, which has negatively influence on pedestrian and cycling connections.

HS2 Plan:

Bus Station

HS2 services using existing tracks; Expand existing Leeds Station; Proposed 1.6km viaduct frontage; Proposed bus interchange; Proposed passenger facilities.

)

4(m A6

A64

RO AD

1 A6

Leeds Station

ST ET

A653

N W RO

A653

A61

3 A8

1 A6

LO N 1

ION MMODAT South ACCO

CA US EW AY

A6 1

A61

M621

W AD O R

HUNSLET CARR

Fast

Peak M621

Railway track A Road B Road Motorway Local road Minor road Restricted local access road

Shared use carriageway

M621 M621

Semi-fast

Semi-slow

Off-peak

Slow

3.3.1

Public transportation

Although Leeds is a great place to live and work, it is the only major city in the UK without some form of a mass transit system until now.

Bus Station

Leeds Station

The existing public transportation services in Leeds are not regulated and connected. The main public transportation is the public bus and train. The single internal transportation service does not meet human demands, especially in off-peak times. Bus stops in the southern part is obviously less than that in northern part. People who live in Hunslet and Cross green is unconvencient to go to city centre by scant bus lanes. It only has limited public transportation service to key locations such as schools and hospitals.

Bus station Bus service range

3.3.1

Cycle route

The existing cycling system focuses on Leeds Dock and one side of River Aire. However, it is discontinuous and inaccessible. The site lacks convenient cycling infrastructure. The quality and safety of routes is asked for improving.

Negative pedestrian and cycling environments due to main road occupied by car

Lack of crossing points (under the Crown Point Bridge)/ direct crossings over the river/public transport service

Low permeability of connection between local communities and key destination

Restricted local access road

Shared use carriageway

Lack of bridges to cross and loop routes

3.3.4

The way of travel to work

The below maps show travel mode in WAVL. In the South Bank, half of the people prefer to travel to work on foot. To southwest part, local residentials love to drive or take care to go out. People live near cross green like travel by bicycle. On foot

Bicycle

Public transportation(Bus, Minibus, Coach)

Cross green

South Bank 0%

6.8%

1.8%

4.6%

13.7%

3.6%

9.3%

20.6%

5.5%

14%

27.5%

7.3%

18.7%

34.4%

9.1%

23.4%

41.3%

11%

28.1%

48.2%

12.8%

32.7%

100%

Drive a car

Focus area

Passenger in a car or van

Taxi

16.4%

0.3%

23.7%

1.3%

30.3%

2.3%

37.3%

3.3%

1.3%

44.2%

4.3%

1.6%

51.2%

5.2%

58.2%

6.2%

2.3%

100%

Hunslet

0.3% 0.6%

Transportation Conversation

Current way to travel

These charts show the comments of the usual transport mode for work from local respondents. Car users generally rated their journey as good, particularly for comfort and safety (93%). Those using public transport, however, were less likely to rate their journey as good, with less half of those that used the bus to travel to work giving a positive rating. In particular, bus users were unhappy with their overall door to door journey with just (24%) rating is as good or very good. Besides the public transport systems, the respondents regard the pedestrians in the city centre is nearly friendly but cycling is totally uncomfortable. The air quality of the city centre is not good because of too many cars. As respondentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wish, they desire new public transportation to make travel more convenient. The walking and cycling system should be improved.

Mode

Comfort and Safety

Cost

Door to Door Journey

Bus

44%

28%

24%

Car

93%

58%

64%

Train

40%

23%

57%

1% 3%

7% 11% 1%

43%

24%

Preferred way to travel

3.3.5

1% 4% 4% 15%

43%

Car Bus Car and park and ride

15%

Cycle Train

10%

Walk Powered two wheeler

11%

Other Tram

Travel to/in the city centre Conversation City Centre is pedestrian friendly

Base all:

Pedestrian friendly(8146)

There area too many cars in the city centre

Public transport links between my area and the City centre area good

Bus routes allow me to easily access the location I need in the city centre

1 1

Cars in centre(8129) Public transport links(8058) Bus Routes(7877) Air quality(8143) Car parking(6895)

Air quality in the city centre is good

Car parking is easy for me to find in the city centre

Cycling(4947) Agree Neither agree nor disagree

I feel comfortable cycling in the city centre

8 0%

72 20%

40%

60%

7 80%

100%

Disagree Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know

3.3.6

Summary of transport system

S W

• Economic benefit from HS2 Station; • Relative good major road and railway

• Lack of crossing points /direct crossings over the river/public transport service; • Negative pedestrian and cycling environments due to the major roads; • Indirect pedestrian

• Secure better public transport services to deliver business opportunities; • A potential opportunity of creating a green way of travel with River Aire; • Desired new public transport system • HS2 infrastructure: 1.6km viaduct frontage

• Busy major and railway create severance resulting in poor pedestrian and cycling experience • Potential further severance because of HS2.

3.4.1

Green Infrastructure

Green Belt occupy a two-thirds area of Leeds District and the quality of the general environment is not bad. It is also endowed with a relative good investing, working, studying and living environment for Leeds. One of the features is the way which green corridors stretch from the surrounding rural areas into the heart of the urban area. The whole of Leeds green environment is still keeping improving. However, the West Aire Valley Leeds only has a few green spaces. In addition, the air pollution, cleanliness and the waterway for wildlife and human also is a huge problem of WAVL, especially from City centre to the south of the River Aire.

Play space Playing field Public park or garden Amenity-transport Amenity-residential or business Allotments or community growing spaces Natural Cemetery Bowling green Golf course Institutional grounds Land use changing Other sports facility Private garden Religious grounds School grounds

Tennis court

Leeds Green Cover

West Aire Valley Green Cover

Green space

Urban space

3.4.2

Greenspace Public to Private

There only has several green spaces for the public, which includes grassland and outdoor sports areas. Main of semi-public greenspace focus on the north side of River Aire and Cross Green district, which usually serviced for local residents. In addition, The owners of semi-private areas are educational institutions or local community, which are only used by specific groups or people who pay for it. Private greenspaces are individual gardens of local inhabitants.

Public greenspace

Semi-public greenspace

Semi-privategreenspace

Private greenspace

A C

Public greenspace Semi-public greenspace Semi-private greenspace Private greenspace

3.4.3

Greenspace Man-made to Nature

The target of the existing manmade green surface is to meet the demands of human activities. Multi-surface is managed by its owners. Besides these, both of the open semi-natural and woodland area has already had a plan to manage while it does not link with the surrounding area.

B A

Man-made surface

Multi surface

Open semi-natural

Woodland

Inland water Man-made Surfae Multi Surface Open Semi-Natural

Woodland

3.4.4

Habitat Network

In the past the Aire Valley which has been scarred by surrounding industrial activities, which resulted in the subsidence wetlands. Nowadays it provides an ideal living environment for wildlife. However, the acreage of habitat is limited and only concentrated on both sides of the river bank. Woodland habitat

Bats

Fox

Lapwing

Grass snake

Redshank

Toad

Whinchat

Brown hare

Cristatus

Swan

Stone Loach

Sparrow

Lutra

Arvicola-terrestris

Brown Trout

Barbel

Chub

Grayling

Pike

Perch

Grassland habitat

Wetland habitat

Water habitat

Grassland Habitat Woodland Habitat Wetland Habitat Other Habitats

3.4.5

Accessibility of Greenspace

Most of the accessible green space focus on the residential area which is mainly occupied by public parks and children play facilities. It is clear that the waterfront area is really inaccessibility for people to engage in. Accessibility of Amenity

Accessibility of Outdoor Sports Provision

Accessibility of Parks & Gardens

Tennis Courts Parks & Gardens Parks & Gardens - 720m buffer

Accessibility of Children Play Facilities

Bowling Greens & Grass Playing Pitches Outdoor Sports Provision - 720m buffer

Accessibility of Allotments

Amenity Amenity - 480m buffer

Accessibility of Natural Greenspace

Children Play Facilities

Allotments

Natural Greenspace - below 20ha

Children Play Facilities - 720m buffer

Allotments - 960 buffer

Natural Greenspace - 720 buffer

3.4.6

Summary of Green Infrastructure

S W

• Nature green resources on the southern corner

• Negative green infrastructure in traditional industrial and business area • Lack of various greenspace types such as allotments, gardens, parks and outdoor sport provisions • Most of existing green spaces do not meet the quality standard in the last Strategy (like Core Strategy)

• Derelict and vacant space on the Clarence Road • The opportunity to create a green corridor along River Aire

• Limited land use could be changed in Leeds city region

3.5

Breen Infrastructure

3.5.1

Water System River system: The upstream of River Aire is connected with Gordalae Beck and downstream is connected with River Ouse. Nature drainage system: The water flow starts from the west to east and join the River Aire at Castleford; Urban drainage system: Surface water would be collected by sewers which are connected in watercourses then drain to the Knostrop Waster Water Treatment Works.

Goradalar Beck

Leeds Train Station

Water Taxi: The free attractive water transport between Leeds Dock to Leeds Train Station. Leeds Dock

River sports: Rowing and Canoeing are popular activities on the river, which are allowed to be carried out on the most areas.

Knostrop Waster Water Treatment Woks

Water taxi stop

River Ouse

Water taxi route Flow direction Canal Inland River Static Water Tank

Watercourse

Castleford

3.5.2

Flooding Issue

Leeds has been frequently affected by flooding issues. For examples, In 1775,1866 and 1946, River Aire is the main flooding area and residential area on both sides of River Aire were greatly suffered like ASDA House, Brewery Wharf, Canal Wharf and Neptune Street are influenced in 2007. Recently, the biggest flood issued happened in 2015, the main flooding area is The Calls, Clarence Dock and Sovereign Street.

Sovereign Street

Obviously, the flooding risk has not been resolved until now even so Leeds City Council has a lot of strategic plan. The Calls B A

Neptune Street

Clarence Dock

*The follow pictures show the influence of the flooding event on Boxing Day 2015 in WAVL. A

Canal Wharf

ASDA House

Brewery Wharf

High flood potential from rivers: the first areas to experience the effects of inland flooding in a river catchment Low flood potential from rivers: areas affected by secondary flooding in extreme cases as a result of a prolonged flood event.

3.5.3

Water Characteristics

Existing characteristics of River Aire is consist of: Point A: A mix used area in South Bank which includes enterprise zones, recreational area(shops, bars, cafes, restaurants), education area and residential area. Point B: To be a heritage asset area, there are a lot of Grade l and ll listed buildings and part of it is trying to be an art and culture hub.

Point C: Residential area. It is not connected to the city centre. Point D: Full of natural resources,while it does not have space for people to stay.

B C

Mix used area

Heritage asset

Residential area

Nature woodland

3.5.4

Summary of Blue Infrastructure

Goradalar Beck

Leeds Train Station

Leeds Dock

Knostrop Waster Water Treatment Woks

• Full of heritage assets, natural resources, cultural background; • Attractive water taxi and water activities;

River Ouse

Castleford

W O T

• Narrowed view range by building façade; • Lacking facilities to support connection among tourism locations; • Lack of space to stay, recreation and other social demands;

• Potential opportunity to be a landmark; • Potential tourism location: The Granary Wharf, Brewery Wharf, Leeds Dock and natural woodland; • Take advantage of natural resources for green solutions to flooding;

• Flooding issue;

3.6.1

Social Profile: Age of user group

The younger group (0-34) mainly live in the South Bank and the elder focus on Cross Green and the Northern Hunslet. 0-24

25-34

3.6%

2.6%

23.7%

6.9%

7.3%

27.3%

10.3%

11.9%

30.9%

13.7%

16.6%

34.5%

17.1%

21.3%

38.1%

20.5%

25.9%

41.7%

23.8%

30.6%

45.3%

100%

55-64

35-54

65-74

75+

6.7%

2.6%

9.4%

5.3%

18.8%

12%

8.1%

28.2%

14.6%

10.9%

37.6%

17.3%

13.7%

47%

19.9%

16.4%

56.4%

22.5%

19.2%

65.8%

100%

3.6.2

Social Profile: Resident Information

In the South Bank, the main group of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one person householdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are younger workers and students of universities who are almost short-term tenants and prefer living in the model apartment because of convenience facilities. They also have relatively good health. Compared with it, the situations in Hunslet and Cross Green are totally different. Household composition-people one person household

Household composition-people one family only

1.1%

55.4%

5.3%

61.7%

9.5%

68%

13.8%

74.3%

18%

80.6%

22.2%

87%

26.4%

93.3%

100%

Length of residence in the UK

General health

12.5%

33.2%

25%

37.7%

37.5%

42.1%

50%

46.5%

62.5%

50.9%

75%

55.3%

87.5%

59.7%

100%

3.6.3

Social Profile: Employment and education

It shows existing economic activity and emplotment almost focus on South Bank area, which do not have a linkage with surrounding area. Above 10% citizens have relatively high level of qualification in WAVL. In addition, school children and students usually go to outdoor sports area at their nonterm-time. Economic activity

Year last worked (in employment)

0% 55.5% 60.1% 64.8% 69.5% 74.2% 78.9% 83.6% 100%

Education-highest level of qualification

0% 48.3% 53.7% 59% 64.4% 69.7% 75.1% 80.5% 100%

School children and full-time students at their non term-time address

0.2%

1.8%

17.7%

3.7%

33.7%

5.5%

49.7%

7.3%

65.7%

9.1%

81.7%

10.8%

97.6%

100%

3.6.4

Summary of Social Profile

Young adult >> Children & Older people;

Young adult & Students > Children & Older people;

Low unemployment rates; East Bank/ Richmond Hill / Cross Green

Better education attainament; Better health; Private rented sector >> Owner occupiers

80 % Workers; Only 8% of residents have no formal qualificantions; Only 2.6 % ‘bad‘ health = Half of Leeds;

South Bank 65% of households + 15% in own occupied accommodation; 45% Car ownership;

Young adult & Students < Children & Older people;

27.5% Walk or cycle to work

High unemployment rates; One of deprived areas in the coutry;

Hunslet Area

11.1% ‘bad‘ health;

> 50% Walk or cycle to work High rate of crime & disorder; education skills and training and health deprivation & disability. 39

Key issues in urban landscape region

4.0

Key issue & Challenge

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

WALKING & CYCLING

• HS2 station: potential further severance; • Limited public transport service; • Poor connection between external national systems and internal transportation;

• The contradiction intersections between road system and pedestrian/cycling; • Main busy road cut-off walking and cycling system, both user demands need to meet; • Lack of crossings, loop cycling routes and safety.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

HERITAGE & ASSETS

• • • •

• Large potential areas are available to develop, promoting economic development; • The better choice to be a landmark;

Insufficient greenspace in the city region; Limited potential chance for growth; Lack of focal point; Rim of disconnectivity

FLOODING

WATERFRONT

• Deal with flooding issue in a green and technical way; • Potential benefits for natural habitat development;

• Bored existing waterfront area; • Potential opportunity to be a book of past and future with heritages, natural resources and high tech industries.

SOCIETY

CITY IDENTITY

• Lack of local facilities (retail store) • The gap between city and surrounding district; • Fragile social relationship; • Lack of activity during non-working hours.

• Unclear city identity; • Lack of landmarks and public space; • Lack night economy

What will happen in the future?

5.0

Policy

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

National policy Regional policy Local policy District policy

National

Regional

Local

District

Sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied

Outline a whole Leeds vision of next two decades

List the framework for the future development of Leeds

Provide a spatial strategy & plan wide policies

‘National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)’

‘Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030’

‘Leeds Core Strategy’

‘Aire Valley Leeds Area Plan’

‘Local Flood Risk Strategy’

‘Transport & connections’ ‘Green infrastructure & visitor attractions’ ‘South Bank Objective’

‘East Bank Objective’

‘Hunslet Objective’

National

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) •

‘The NPPF is the basis for local planning authorities in preparing development plans and in making decisions on planning applications.

•

The NPPF states that the primary purpose of the planning system is to sustainable development.

•

Plans must be prepared with the objective of contributing to the delivery ment and be consistent with the principles and policies set out in the NPPF.

•

Plans should identify opportunities to achieve each of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development and provide net gains across all three.’

contribute to the achievement of of sustainable develop-

Regional

Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030

•

The Vision for Leeds (2011-2030) sets the ambition for Leeds to be the ‘Best City in the UK’, as a fair, open and welcoming city, with a prosperous and sustainable economy, and for all its communities to be successful. In practice this means being fair, sustainable and inclusive.

•

Best city for children – where they are safe, have skills for life, choose healthy lifestyles, have fun growing up and are active citizens.

•

Best city for business – to create significant new job opportunities, start-up and innovative businesses, supported by sustainable travel and within a low carbon economy.

•

Best city for communities – where people are safe and feel safe in a clean and welcoming city.

•

Best city for health and well-being – people live longer and healthier lives supported by high quality services and inequalities in health are reduced.

•

Best city to live in – a great place to live with good housing and clean, green spaces; where people can travel on good quality and reliable public transport and have access to walking and cycling routes; housing growth is sustainable and meets the need of different age groups; local people benefit from regeneration and people enjoy world class culture, sport, leisure and entertainment.

Regional

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Protecting areas of functional floodplain as shown on the Leeds SFRA from development

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Promoted sustainable flood risk management: land allocation, SuDS, SABs, climate change adaptation, land management, habitat protection and creationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Requiring flood risk to be considered for all development commensurate with the scale and impact of the proposed development and mitigated where appropriate.

Reducing the speed and volume of surface water run-off as part of new build developments.

Making space for flood water in high flood risk areas.

Reducing the residual risks within Areas of Rapid Inundation.

Encouraging the removal of existing culverting where practicable and appropriate.

Local

Leeds Core Strategy

+New City Park in the South Bank

Existing Vision

+Economic Developement

Spatial Policy 3: Role of Leeds City Centre Proposes a new City Park in the South Bank area in AVL;

Spatial Policy 8: Economic Development Priorities – Includes a priority to improve accessibility to AVL employment opportunities by public transport, walking and cycling;

+6,500 homes

+250ha for employment

Spatial Policy 5: AVL Urban Eco-Settlement Establishes priorities for sustainable delivery of a minimum of 6,500 new homes;

Spatial Policy 5: at least 250 hectares of land for employment use;

+Transport Infrastructure

+Green Infrastructure

Spatial Policy 11: Transport Infrastructure Investment Priorities - Sets out a priority for transport improvements to, from and within AVL;

Spatial Policy 13: Strategic Green Infrastructure - Identifies the Aire Valley and Wyke Beck corridors within the strategic green infrastructure network in Leeds.

‘Urban Eco-Settlement’

District

Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To minimise the need to travel by car by ensuring that the area is well connected to the

3.5 Transport & Connections

city centre and other key destinations by sustainable transport modes including

integrate key national and city region transport proposal, such To plan the area to

as HS2, with local transport network;

public transport, cycling and walking;

maximise the regeneration opportunities created by To

the potential catalyst of transport infrastructure investment;

A new transport system that can move large numbers of people through the city such as light rail, tram-train or tram.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

better use of waterways network as a leisure To make route;

District

Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan 3.6 Green Infrastructure & Visitor attractions

Provide a strong Green Belt linking the heart of the city to the open countryside, which includes protected sites, woodland, nature reserves, river corridors, public parks and amenity areas;

Greening existing industrial area where appropriate to provide the setting for new industrial/ commercial development;

Improving the town space and character of places;

Increasing the tourism potential area;

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Create a vibrant waterfront area;

Protect and creating the Habitats and ecosystems;

Mitigation and management of flood risk

Improving health and well-being (including mental health);

District

Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan

4.2 South Bank Objective

South Bank lies to the south of the River Aire, including the north of Hunslet Lane, the Tetleys brewery site and Leeds Dock. The character of this area reflects its industrial history and heritage. The objective is to transform existing Leeds City Centre and develop on a sustainable and diverse way.

Transform Leeds City Centre

Create a new City Park 3.5ha

Construct a National Transport interchange

Redevelop heritage assets

Become a regional Business core

Provide 1,500 new homes & Provide 10,000 new jobs

Build an Education hub

Cultural, art, leisure and tourist attractions 55

District

Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan 4.3 East Bank, Richmond Hill & Cross Green Objective

The East Bank, Richmond Hill & Cross Green is close to the existing City Centre and the main content is residential communities and brownfield. Almost half of the inhabitants walk or cycle to work. City council recognise this place to be an innovative and high-quality liveable environment, including brownfield regeneration and living environment improvement.

Walking, cycling and public transport improvement

Enhance green corridor including street tree planting

Increase community facilities

Reuse vacant sites like old industrial and empty buildings

Conserve heritage assets

Activate building frontages

Develop a waterfront area

New high-quality housing development

District

Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan

4.4 Hunslet Hunslet is located between the Castleford railway line and the River Aire, which is combined with industrial and commercial areas. The target of the Hunslet area is to do business, to be a greener attractive place to service for residents and visitors and better water connection with River Aire.

Attract investment and tourists

Provide 1,400 new homes

Waterfront regeneration (flexible, sustainable, accessible)

Ameliorate the gateway to the city centre attract more business

Expand existing retailing areas

Reuse the listed building (like the Hunslet Mill)

Create a focal point in the town centre

Maintain and improve wildlife habitat 57

As the existing policy shows, the Leeds city council has already a preliminary plan of the West Aire Valley development and pointed out the primary aims of this site. However, it does not have detailed schemes like: • What is the theme of Leeds? What kinds of impression will West Aire Valley will leave for visitors and local people? • How to deal with the connection issues include the transport system and the social connection? • How could we meet the green space demands of people while increasing population? • How to maintain, enhance and expand the Green Belt of Leeds? Based on these questions, the following design theories are worth learning.

6.0

Design theory

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4

‘Cities for people’ ‘Makers on market’ ‘Urban Street Design Guide’ ‘Cultural heritage counts for Europe’

6.1

Cities For People

Public space + public life in civic center

• ‘Scale,sense and the dimensions of city space; • • Public space: Staying and activity space proportioned to match the eye’s ability; • • Distance and communication (at arm’s length); • • Building with respect for human scale; • • Life in a city/ a self-reinforcing process/concentrating or spreading people and events; • • Short logical routes, small spaces and a clear city space hierarchy; • • Edges as a define zone/exchange zone/ staying zone; • • An active ground-floor with various cultural context; • • The healthy city: exercise as a cause,a choice and a businerr opportunity/as a natural part of daily life • • Direct line of walking with interesting things to see at eye level and without stairs and steps’ 60

6.2

Makers On Market

‘The useful theory inspiration for WAVL planning and design

Shared civic spaces: • • • • •

Neighborhood representation; New invitations for the young and old; Interactions among strangers; Race & Income; Activities bring people together

Opportunity & Access • • • •

Bringing new services to the street; Legibility and communication; Reviving the civic commons; Bring resouces to where people are;

Building capacity • Building the public’s capacity to engage in design by bring the community meeting to the street; • Building the skills of designers; • Developing Institutional Partnerships’ 61

6.3

Urban Street Design Guide

CLARITY • ‘Break complex intersections into multiple compact ones. Bend streets so that they meet at as close to a right angle as possible. • Maintain view corridors and sight lines for legibility and wayfinding. • Align stop lines at all legs of the intersection to be perpendicular to the travel lanes, enhancing overall clarity and visibility for both vehicles and pedestrians. COMPACTNESS • Minimize intersection size through the addition of curb extensions and medians. MULTI-MODAL • Reallocate space for bicyclists and pedestrians. Widen narrow sidewalks and add cycle tracks. • Realign crosswalks to meet the pedestrian desire line. CONFLICT REDUCTION • Restrict vehicle turns at acute-angled intersections with very low volumes. • Add median tips at crosswalks. Consolidate driveways to properties with multiple entry points. • Close openings in medians that interfere with intersection operations.’ 62

6.4

Cultural Heritage Counts For Europe

REUSING HERITAGE Environmental • ‘To improve the quality of the urban environment; • To reduce greenhouse gas emissions; • To take urban development pressure off of green-space Cultural • Retain the symbolic manifestation of the space • To enhance visual and mental sense of rooted • To create community areas around local landmarks Economic To attract investment • To increase tax revenue • To improve the Ciyt’s competitiveness • To increase the value of real property • To improve efficiency of infrastructure & land resources Social • To increaase job opportunities; • To increase the affordability of residents housing; • To improve the quality of life of residents; • To migigate human health risks’ 63

In this part, the precedent studies are selected and interpreted to exemplify planning and design issues associated with the West Aire Valley Leeds development. The suitable alternative approach will be adopted and the wrong development models will be avoided.

7.0

Precedent studies

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6

Vistula Boulevards Chicago Riverwalk Expansion Atlantic Wharf Pirrama Park The Edge Park A Restorative Landscpe for Stamford

7.1

Vistula Boulevards

Location: Warsaw, Poland Team: RS Architektura Krajobrazu, UM Warszawa Client:The Capital City of Warsaw Area: 8,7 ha Completion date: 2013-2015 (1 stage), 2016-2017 (2 stage)

Vistula Boulevard is situated on one of the most attractive parts of the central Warsaw stretching between historical and new urban areas. The proximity of those touristic places created opportunities for the high-quality outdoor mixed-use and leisure destination that would not only return the river back to the city but also link disjointed uses and functions. When addressing the site of the disconnected Vistula river, designers concentrated on few major design aspects: to create unique and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;accessi-

ble to allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; public space, form an urban continuity by improved communication, allow the site to be floodable and to offer recreational community and visitors together all year round.

7.2

Chicago Riverwalk Expansion

Location: Chicago Riverwalk Expansion Team: SASAKI Client: City of Chicago Department of Transportation Area: 3 ha Completion date: 2016

changes in its shape and form, would drive a series of new programmatic connections to the river. With new The linear park, through

connections that enrich and diversify life along the river, each block takes on the form and program of a different river-based typology. These spaces include:The Marina Plaza, The Cove, The River Theater, The Water Plaza, The Jett, The Boardwalk.

As a new connected path system, the Chicago Riverwalk design provides both continuity and variety for a park visitor. The distinct programs and forms of each typological space allow

diverse experiences on the river ranging from dining opportunities to expansive public event programming to new amenities for human-powered craft. At the same time, design materials, details, and repeated forms provide visual cohesion along the for

entire length of the project. Paving, for instance, mirrors the contrasts of the existing context: A refined cut stone follows the elegant Beaux-Arts Wacker viaduct and bridgehouse architecture, while a more rugged precast plank flanks the lower elevations and underside of the exposed steel bridges. 67

7.3

Atlantic Wharf

The vibrant landscape at Atlantic Wharf is comprised of an open park and events space, redesign of a pivotal segment of the Boston Harborwalk, and a substantial green roof terrace. Artfully composed landscape elements, including

a shade

pergola integrated with lighting, custom sculptural seat walls, and planted groves, activate this critical junction along the waterfront pedestrian corridor. The striking green roof design is composed of alternating swaths of sedum plant-

contrasting hardscape elements including wood pavers, concrete pavers, and river rock ballast. ings, native grasses, and

Location:Boston, MA Team: Halvorson Design Partnership, Inc. Client: Boston Properties Budget: $3,000,000 Area: 0.75 acre plaza + streetscape Completion date: 2011 68

7.4

Pirrama Park

As a transformative urban greenspace, Pirrama Park provides a connection between city and water through recreation waterfront area, which creates recreation opportunities along the waterfront, offering the opportunity to

step

down and engage with the water. The water play elements, reclaimed sandstone and natural setting have successfully catered for a growing population of families in the inner city. This project is successful to combine the industrial legacy past with modern city, being a reading of past and present.

Location: Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, Sydney Team: ASPECT Studios in collaboration with Hill Thalis Architects, CAB Consulting Client: City of Sydney Council Budget: AUS$26 million Area: 1.8 ha Completion date: 2010

7.5

The Edge Park

Landscape Architecture: W-Architecture Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Complete Date: March 2011 The Williamsburg waterfront has been dominated by industry and its relics for over a century–making it

changing the public interface with the water’s edge by increasing density and emphasizing waterfront access. The “Edge” park seeks to largely off limits to the public. New zoning is

bring people to the river and link the ecosystem with the fabric of the community. We have the challenge of ensuring that the towers act not as symbolic fences blocking public access and views of the East River and Manhattan but as gateways to the river with corridors

providing visual connection to the iconic skyline. The design emphasizes the confrontation of forces at the water edge and encourages public use. Here, the city grid and the river’s ecosystem converge, mingle,

and clash: the road turns into a pedestrian greenway, a garage is surmounted with a sloping lawn, piers reach gently into the water from deep

stone riverbank contrasts with concrete bulkhead. This blurring of the boundaries between land and water extends the waterfront benefits inland to the community. within the park and

7.6

A Restorative Landscape for Stamford Location: Stamford, USA Team: OLIN Budget: US$11.8 million Area: 1.8 ha Completion date: 2013

“No group sets out to create a landscape of course. What it sets

and the landscape as its visible manifestation is simply the by-product of people working and living, sometimes coming together, sometimes staying apart, but always recognizing their interdependence.” out to do is to create a community,

The plan aimed to achieve three primary goals: create a park that

meets the recreational and civic needs of a diverse population, provide a natural habitat for native flora and fauna to flourish, and offer a vision that is economically viable, maintainable, and implementable in phases over time. The park provides areas for

active and passive recreation,

including the Grand Steps, a series of plinths and boulders which

invite users to engage with the river’s edge. Another key feature, the Great Lawn, is an expansive green carpet that provides flexible space for large events and a setting for waterfront entertainment. Thoughtfully placed benches and seating areas along pathways and overlooks encourage moments of contemplation and rest throughout the site. Paving materials were selected for their ability to

withstand flood events. Historic stone walls are

maintained, and indigenous stone boulders were unearthed from a nearby construction site and incorporated into the project as

a celebration of local history and regional geology. A native plant

palette is employed across the park—a further expression of regionalism—allowing for educational experiences for residents and visitors. 71

INTERACTIVE CITY

8.0

Vision

8.1 8.2

Vision Aim & Strategy

8.1

Vision

WAVL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interactive City Vision

Social interaction: To develop an elasticity place where visitors and local residents could spontaneously enjoy and share their life, improving urban compatibility and participation.

The Interactive City targets to create a parSociety

ticipative, compatible, connected, attractive, creative green urban space. The interactive

Interactive City

city will provide more elasticity space to meet the social demands. It includes three

Ecology

Diemension

aspects of social interaction, ecology connection and dimension interweave. Ecology connection: Emphasize the relationship among green & blue infrastructure, wildlife and human activities. Link and strong the green ecology system.

Dimension interweave: From both sides of time and space dimension, the past and future of Leeds will be connected by existing urban unique elements like heritages and River Aire in order to clear and enhance the local character. It should be forward-looking on phase developments of each era.

8.2

Aim & Strategy

For transport

Aim • • •

For greenspace

• • • •

Strategy

Regular public transport system Make the city more walkable, friendly cycling routes Accessible and positive pedestrian and cycling

•

Connect green space and the waterfront to enhance city centre offer Increase and improve quantity and quality ofgreen space Green connection improvement Value greenspace

•

• • • •

• • • • • • •

Pay more attention to the switch between national external traffic and local internal traffic, the connection between ttthe district and city centre; Improve public bus services and looking for a new public transit system for large passenger flow in the future; Reduce the dominance of major roads and downgrade the role of highways; Reduce severance by improving crossings and direct routes; Crossings and intersections

Reuse and expand scattered existing urban micro green spaces, which are not only as a part of the ecology system but also can carry multiple functions like social interaction. Create participatory green space. Invite the public to engage in greenspace and flexibly change greenspace by themselves. To test and looking for a suitable model of Leeds Green Infrastructure; Create a new green space in the South Bank to be a catalyst for the Leeds regeneration and improve connections to surrounding communities. Add positive and attractive green infrastructure for commercial and industrial development to attract investment. Improve qualities of green spaces, especially which surrounding heritage assets to increase land value and strengthen local identity; Linear green space along pedestrian, cycle routes and major road to improve travel experience; Reuse and develop building frontage area; Biodiversity enhancement and various habitats.

For waterfront area • • • •

Diversify and activate the waterfront Better riverside connection between Hunslet and surrounding areas Reduce flood risk Rich water ecosystem

• • • • •

Define different characters of each river plot; Provide leisure and visitor attractive waterfront area by diverse function; Expand water taxi services; Revitalize waterfront economy like develop night economy by cooperating with nearby entertainment resources; Alleviate flooding issues and surface water run-off by SUDS system. 75

8.2

Aim & Strategy

For society

Aim •

• • •

• • • •

Reducing social class diﬀerence and indiﬀerent social relationship; Free education and training opportunities; Provide sustainable living environment; Improve more high quality community facility; Diversify night life.

• •

More participatory area to improve compatibility; Expand and explore art & culture hub to oﬀer education and train opportunities; Flexible healing landscape will be built for social issues. It may invite diﬀerent user groups to engage in public spaces where spatial forms and function are not clearly defned. Therefore, people freely give more possibilities of space and space could provide opportunities for people to heal the body as well as calm the mind; Looking for potential area to meet demands of local allotments ; Provide more high quality local facilities and services and meet the housing demand;

• • • •

Tourist interest and night economy Job opportunities Improve land value Expand business zone

• • • • •

Activate business area in Southbank by adding more technologic and innovative enterprises Increase land value by attractive green and blue infrastructure improvement; Reuse and develop heritage assets; Looking for opportunities of 24-hours economy development model; Transform manufacturing area and provide more jobs in Hunslet

•

Enhance local identity and explore the theme of Leeds in this era. The benefts for next generation.

• • • • •

•

For economy

For city identity

•

Strategy

•

Reference

• • • • • • • •

Data Sources: Historical picture Available at: https://www.alamy.com/ (Assessed 8th December, 2018). British Listed Buildings (no date). Available at: https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/ (Assessed 8th December, 2018). Old Maps of Leeds (no date). Available at: https://www.francisfrith.com/uk/leeds/maps (Assessed: 8th December,2018). Digimap (no date). Available at: https://digimap.edina.ac.uk/ (Assessed: 8th December,2018). Google maps traffic (2019) https://www.google.com/maps/place/Leeds/@53.8061236,-1.6758127,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48793e4ada64bd99:0x51adbafd0213dca 9!8m2!3d53.8007554!4d-1.5490774 (Accessed 2nd 2019). Data Shine Census (no date). Available at: http://datashine.org.uk/ (Assessed: 3rd January, 2019)

• • • • •

Design theory: Gehl, J (2010) Cities for people. Gehl, J (2015) Makers on Market. National Association of City Transportation Officials (2013) Urban Street Design Guide. International Cultural Centre (2015) Cultural heritage counts for Europe.

• •

All of case studies Available at: http://www.landezine.com/ (Assessed: 5th January,2019).

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Leeds City Council (2017) ‘Green Space Background Paper Updated, Submission Draft’, (May). Leeds City Council (2017) ‘Leeds Transport Conversation’, (April). Leeds City Council (2017) ‘Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan, Map Book’, (November). Leeds City Council (2017) ‘ Site Allocations Plan, Nature Conservation Background Paper’, (May). Leeds City Council (2014) ‘Leeds Core Strategy’, (November). Leeds City Council (2016) ‘Accessible Leeds, Supplementary Planning Document’, (November). Leeds City Council (2016) ‘Leeds City Region Strategic Economic Plan’. Leeds City Council (2013) ‘Site Allocations Plan, Volume2: 2 City Centre’. Leeds City Council (2014) ‘Local Flood Risk Management Strategy’, (March). Leeds City Council (2011) ‘Preliminary Assessment Report’, (September). Leeds City Council (2013) ‘Local Flood Risk Management Strategy – 2013, Strategic Environmental Assessment Repot’, (July). Leeds City Council (1994) ‘Leeds Landscape Assessment’. Leeds City Council (2011) ‘Leeds 2030, Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030’. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (2018) ‘National Planning Policy Framework’, (July). Leeds City Council (2006) ‘Biodiversity and Waterfront Development’, (December). Leeds City Council (2017) ‘Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2’ Leeds City Council (2011) ‘ South Bank Planning Statement’, (October). Leeds City Council (2018) ‘ South Bank Leeds Regeneration Framework’, (July).