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Interim Client & Outline Design Award

Project Team:
Client: NI Department for Social Development
Design: BDP
Construction: FP McCann

The project

The aim of this £8M project is to transform the public realm within the Derry city centre Conservation Area. Due for completion in mid-2010, it will create a high-quality, vibrant and modern urban environment within and adjacent to the historic walled city centre – in particular Waterloo Place and Shipquay Place.

This will set the context for social interaction, support economic activity, provide space for cultural activity and entertainment and create a positive image for the city centre as a place to live, work, invest and visit.

The project’s key objectives are to:

• create a pedestrian-friendly environment throughout the city centre
• improve servicing and working arrangements for businesses in the area
• control the movement of traffic and minimise the existing conflict between vehicles and pedestrians

Conflict between vehicles and pedestrians in the original pedestrian zone

• create stronger pedestrian gateways, activity nodes and events spaces

Masterplan at scheme design

• reinforce the character of the connecting streets and spaces
• introduce innovative lighting to enhance the area
• explore possibilities for new public art.

Image of the originally proposed canopy structure in Waterloo Place

The works comprise:

• 16,000m² of natural stone paving upon a fibre-reinforced concrete slab
• new street lighting
• furniture
• trees
• feature lighting
• fountains and artworks.

Archaeology & built heritage

The site is partially within and without the scheduled City Walls, the only complete city walls within the British Isles. The paving design was coordinated with the archaeologists of the NI Environment Agency, who is responsible for the walls, to provide a suitable setting for them.

Similarly there were extensive discussions with NI Environment Agency architects, Townscape Heritage Initiative and Foyle Civic Trust regarding the integration of the design with individual listed buildings and the overall historic townscape.

Construction of the plant room for the fountains adjacent to the City Walls

Archaeological monitoring of the excavations took place during on-site works and method statements were prepared for deep excavations close to the City Walls.

Landscape & public realm

The original site did not respect its historical setting, nor did it provide a safe and inviting environment for pedestrians or offer attractions for the many tourists who visit this part of the city throughout the year.

Through extensive studies and consultation, the new design was able to address the competing demands of traders, businesses, the tourist industry, heritage bodies and the general public, creating an environment with a series of pedestrian-friendly spaces that can be used for markets and major civic events.

Transport

The site, although located within the original pedestrian zone, was dominated by vehicular traffic, due to historical factors and a lack of effective management. A new road through the area is designed for servicing, the reintroduction of buses and community transport into the area. This limits traffic throughout the area as a whole and creates a series of spaces for pedestrians.

Waste

Considerable ground investigation was carried out prior to commencement of the works on site in order to refine the design and reduce excavation volumes. This considerably reduced the amount of excavated material which had to be exported off site.

Community consultation

At an early stage of the project, local traders and businesses attended a series of design workshops. This was followed up with public exhibitions, meetings and presentations with councillors and the City Council, and further meetings with local residents and traders.

A fly-through video of the scheme was placed on Youtube, click here.

One of the public exhibition panels

Information to traders and the general public has more recently been made available through City Centre Initiative, part-funded by the client and Derry City Council, with a dedicated section of its website and regular programme update meetings.