Urban Design Framework
Urban Design Framework - Western Waterfront Area
This framework forms part of our vision for the regeneration of the waterfront area of Gloucester.
The comprehensive revitalisation of the whole of the Waterfront area is an aspiration that would link together many areas and improve the overall functioning and appearance of large areas. Furthermore there is evidence of a strong latent demand for living in the city centre. The Western Waterfront offers stunning locations and ideally suited historic warehouses ripe for conversion into mixed-use city accommodation. This framework will help channel public investment and guide developers on acceptable building forms and land uses.
Skilful public investment will unlock the true potential of the many development sites for genuine mixed-use environments. In the near future, the townscape will be enriched, with flats and town houses lining new axial routes, giving attractive pedestrian links with the adjoining city centre and opening up important views to the water frontage and beyond. The new urban quarter will be well linked with the commercial centre, providing sustainable options for leisure orientated retailing as well as some food retailing for the new resident population.
However, as we must ensure that new commercial activity reinforces rather than vies with the city centre, the framework emphasises the crucial importance of sustainable linkages to the existing city centre, encourages high density developments, the conservation of historical elements in the waterfront area and the promotion of tourism activities.
Hence the aim of this framework is to:
- Ensure that new commercial activity reinforces rather than vies with the city centre
- Emphasise the crucial importance of sustainable linkages to the city centre
- Encourage high density development in line with current government advice
- Conserve the unique urban landscape of the area and buildings of historical importance
- Promote tourism - All with the intention of expanding the city's sub-regional status and attracting more visitors and investors, rather than diverting existing custom
- Public and private investment in the waterfront area will therefore have multiple roles to play including:
- Promoting the re-use of brownfield land (thus reducing pressure on edge of city sites)
- Promoting urban living and increased tourism/visitor numbers
- Helping conserve the city's unique waterside and heritage assets
- Adding to the city's rich architectural legacy
- Developing a sustainable urban quarter that is a genuine alternative to mass car use