Project Overview – June 2012
Gateway Monmouth
DESIGN STUDY
Project Overview
June 2012
Gateway Monmouth: Design Study Project Overview – June 2012
Gateway Monmouth - Design Study
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Situated on the eastern edge of the County of Monmouthshire, the historic market town of Monmouth, stands at the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at the border between England and Wales.
1.2 The town itself is steeped in heritage that stretches back to Roman times, with particular links to Nelson, Henry V and the Chartists.
1.3 The ‘jewel in the crown’ and ‘emblem’ of the town is a unique medieval, 13th century gated Bridge, which spans the River Monnow at the southern point of entry to Monmouth. The structure, which adjoins the site, is a scheduled ancient monument.
1.4 Prior to the construction of the new Monnow Bridge in 2004, the main entrance to the town was, appropriately, through the gated medieval bridge itself. However, whilst the construction of the new bridge in 2004 has improved traffic flows into the town, the entrance is now far less inviting with first impressions being defined by ‘a sea of tarmac’, a sterile flood defence embankment and an out of place 60’s toilet block.
1.5 Whilst there has been much debate in recent years over proposals to improve the presentation of this key gateway to the historic town, there is universal agreement that the current barren presentation is unbefitting a medieval town and the nearby Scheduled Ancient Monument, and that much can be done to improve the situation for visitors and residents.
2.0 Background to the Project
2.1 ‘Gateway Monmouth’ is a key project identified within the document - ‘Vision Monmouth – Planning for the Future’ – a mid term plan for the town.
2.2 Recent proposals for a Welcome Centre, Civic Square and improved riverside access have proved difficult to deliver in their current form and partners to the project have agreed to review options for the site.
2.3 The revised ‘umbrella’ project known as ‘Gateway Monmouth’ has been agreed and funding secured via the Rural Development Plan for Wales. The funding covers 3 elements: a. Improved access and completion of repairs to the Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse. (procured separately and ongoing) b. A small Town Improvement Grant Scheme to assist improvements to poorly presented properties alongside the site.(procured separately and ongoing)
Gateway Monmouth: Design Study Project Overview – June 2012
c. A design study to review improvements to the public space alongside the Monnow Bridge. (the subject of this opportunity)
3.0 Proposal
3.1 The Gateway Monmouth Design Study will assess how the site (attached) located alongside the banks of the River Monnow, between the new and old Monnow Bridge, can improve the presentation of the town at this key gateway and provide an important resource for visitors and the community.
3.2 The study will build upon previous work undertaken by Monmouthshire County Council, and, by focusing on the identified site location, develop options for consideration by the Council and stakeholders within the wider community. The preferred scheme will be progressed to full documentation (drawings, specification, quantities, costing etc), sufficient to obtain statutory consents and provide primary documentation in applying for grant funding for development.
3.3 To meet funding constraints works must commence in August 2012 and complete (with applications for all required consents submitted) by 30th April 2013.
4.0 Design Overview
4.1 A consultation exercise undertaken within the town has revealed the following priorities for the site.
• That the core project should focus on landscaping rather than a building. • That the design should incorporate a community/civic space. • That the project should maximise its close connection to the river • There should be a ‘feature’ within the space – this could take the form of a standalone water feature or a use facility ie performance area/stage. • That there should be some form of visitor information to inform the public of what the town has to offer. • That there should be extensive seating to maximise the area as a recreational facility.
4.2 However the consultation process was less conclusive on the following;
• The extent and form of landscaping - should the project focus on softscape or hardscape options • If the site should include a building at all. • Extent of visitor information • The need for a toilet provision.
Gateway Monmouth: Design Study Project Overview – June 2012
5.0 Purpose & Outputs
6.0 The study will have a minimum of five activities/outputs:-
• To conduct a full review and assessment of the site • To provide a minimum of 3 design options for the site. • To undertake an intensive public consultation exercise into the options proposed. • To progress the preferred option to final documentation (see 3.2) as required by the client • To submit all necessary consents applications to progress the project on behalf of the client
7.0 Budget
The budget available for this work is £40,000
The budget will cover all costs associated with delivering the activities and outputs identified in item 6.
Gateway Monmouth: Design Study