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Cannon Vision Takes Shape
23rd Oct 2003
As the debate surrounding brownfield versus greenfield development rages, there can be nothing more rewarding for a development team than seeing a vision rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes of dereliction. Although hardly derelict, the former Cannon Cinema site, which has been used as an open car park for 15 years, was not exactly fulfilling the full potential of one of the city?s most prominent sites.However that is set to change, as the structure for an innovative, mixed-use development, comprising 31 2-bedroomed apartments, ground-floor retail units and café begins to emerge.
The £3 million project, which combines residential and commercial properties with community space, is set to create a vibrant ?arts village? situated around a public square within close proximity to the Newcastle Opera House Dance City and the Newcastle Arts Centre.
To secure the area for regeneration, Blueroom Properties appointed a project team led by Henry Riley and including Mansell (Main Contractor), Red Box Design Group (Architect), Building Design Northern (Structural Engineers), BES Consulting (Services Engineers), and Naylors (Commercial Agents) to develop a scheme which focuses on contemporary architecture in an environment which embraces arts and cultural projects.
The development inventive design features a skin of brightly coloured render which curves and drops dramatically at one corner to create a more intimate frontage to a new public square. Above this, an elevated modularised residential block utilises timber, render, metal and glazed panels, which directly responds to the accommodation functions within.
Paying homage to the artistic theme the project team will be working with local artists Sommer-Downing to re-design and pedestrianise Thornton Street as a new city square incorporating ?river of text?. Drawing inspiration from the idea that city centre streets were once arteries feeding into the Tyne, streams of poetry, prose and philosophy will be etched in stainless steel.
Kevin Drysdale, associate at Henry Riley said, ?Since the cinema was demolished over 15 years ago, the site?s use has been limited to that of a city council car park. Now we see the structure taking shape we are more than certain that this development with its shops, city square and contemporary dwellings, will play a key role in the creation of a thriving urban village within the city?.
The development will be let by Blueroom Properties, which is part of the People for Places Group and specialises in high quality rented accommodation. |
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