A Strategy for Waterside Walkway Draft for consultation LDA Design for Penwith District Council

January 2009 aerial view of Hayle draft for consultation

1.0 Introduction 5.0 Character Areas - Issues & Options 1.1 Introduction 5.1 Character along the walls 1.2 The Vision for Hayle 5.2 Harbour Junction 1.3 The Waterside Walkway Concept 5.3 Commercial Road 1.4 Aims of the Strategy 5.4 Poolside 5.5 Copperhouse Centre 2.0 Context 5.6 Black Road Link 2.1 Heritage 2.2 Ecology 2.3 Economy 6.0 Design Objectives contents 2.4 Character of Hayle 6.1 Introduction 2.5 Infrastructure 6.2 Design Guidance 2.6 Community 6.3 Form and Materials 2.7 Land ownership 6.4 Public Art 6.5 Wildlife and Heritage Interpretation 3.0 Strategic connections 6.6 Waterside Interaction and Edge Treatment 3.1 Strategic connections 6.7 Planting 3.2 Local connections 3.3 The missing link 3.4 Other potential links 7.0 Implementation 7.1 The next steps

4.0 Copperhouse Walk - The “Missing Link” 4.1 Copperhouse Walk 4.2 The Vision 4.3 Heritage 4.4 Culture & leisure 4.5 Ecology 4.6 Views 4.7 Route options

1 1.1 introduction

Hayle has a wealth of unique and enviable assets, from a settlement pattern that very clearly tells the story of its fascinating polarised development, to the ecologically rich areas of international importance, and the natural features that are so representative of West at its best - the beaches, dunes and estuaries. All of the assets are connected, physically, historically and environmentally, by Hayle’s greatest asset - its water.

However the town has struggled to make the most of its key resources. It is a town of different 1.0 introduction parts, with two historic centres at Foundry and Copperhouse, an edge of town retail centre, some waterside development and hilltop development and incomplete connection between the component parts. As such it does not function effectively as a place.

Hayle Town Council, Penwith District Council, Cornwall County Council and the relevant development agencies, are supportive of initiatives to regenerate Hayle to secure a more prosperous, stable and sustainable future for the town. Principal among these initiatives is Hayle in context the mixed use redevelopment of the expansive harbour area, delivering the scale and diversity of shopping, employment, leisure and housing The Area Action Plan places particular emphasis The aspiration for a more sustainable place will provision necessary to enable Hayle to function on enabling access by walking and cycling, and only be achieved if the currently disjointed centres more effectively. Other initiatives are also being also public transport, by making travel between and developments are adequately connected and developed and are encapsulated in the Council’s developments easy, safe and convenient. can complement one another, functioning as one emerging Area Action Plan for Hayle. The intention Fundamentally, it seeks to ensure that infrastructure place. Since water is accepted as the unifying is to re-establish Hayle as an attractive, vital and for walking and cycling is considered as part of element in the town, connection along the water’s vibrant town that is capable of sustaining its own planned growth at Hayle. edge is highly desirable and a Waterside Walkway community and economy in the longer term. must be central to achieving aspirations.

2 1.2 the vision for hayle 1.3 the concept

• improved access to, and understanding of, The Hayle Area Plan 2005-2025 has been Water is clearly the town’s most prominent Hayle’s important ecological environment prepared under the Market and Coastal Towns feature, particularly when viewed from the air or in and reflecting its proud and internationally Initiative by the local community as a community- plan. However, at ground level the water is far less recognised heritage; led strategic plan for the town and the surrounding obvious: there is currently very limited interface • development of an image of an integrated Hayle area. The policy process aims to integrate with between the town and the water, with the exception that incorporates and derives maximum utility wider more formal strategies and processes, such of Penpol Terrace and Clifton Terrace, most areas from all of its assets; and as the Community Strategy and Areas Action Plan, of the town turn their backs on the water and there • an enhanced perception of Hayle as a destination and to apply them specifically at the local level. is only limited formal pedestrian access to the in its own right. water’s edge, again at Penpol Terrace and along The Hayle Area Plan sets out a vision: the north side of Copperhouse Pool via the King The Waterside Walkway represents an important “By 2025 Hayle will be a distinctive area, celebrating, George V Memorial Walk. element in Hayle Townscape’s public realm protecting and promoting its natural and heritage strategy and will play a significant role in branding assets; a friendly area, embracing new residents, The development of a continuous walkway, the town and making it more of a destination. It businesses and visitors in the warmth of its focused upon the water and linking all parts of the will help to engender a unified approach to future welcome and traditions; a skilled area, providing town to one another, connecting the town to the development and will reinforce the economic and skills and quality employment for local people history, wildlife and natural beauty of the estuary, community links between the town’s two main and growth opportunities for local businesses, the harbour, the beaches and the dunes (‘The centres, Copperhouse and Foundry, and the and a sustainable area, making sure that all new Towans’), has been a long standing aspiration that proposed harbour redevelopment. The creation initiatives are planned and developed for the the local councils and the residents of Hayle have of a Waterside Walkway will also help protect benefit of the community. We will have created been eager to develop. and celebrate Hayle’s heritage and environment, an effective environment for regeneration through providing opportunities to enjoy them, learn about branding, which we regard as key to the economic The development of a Waterside Walkway has the them and take pride in them. regeneration of Hayle”. potential to achieve several strategic objectives for Hayle, including; The intention is to achieve ‘regeneration through 1.4 aims of the strategy branding’ by establishing a clear and logical brand • economic benefits relating to increased footfall to focus the minds and efforts of all involved in the between key town centre “hubs”, between the The principal aims of this strategy paper are to: regeneration process. Three ‘strategic themes’ existing town centre and new development and have been identified with this in mind, all“based on between the beaches, town centre and other • demonstrate the importance of the Waterside the single key binding element of Hayle’s history, facilities; Walkway in the context of regenerating Hayle; heritage, culture and environment: water.” • environmental benefits of reduced town centre • outline the Waterside Walkway and indicate vehicular traffic, increased planting and the how missing connections might be delivered; Wherever you are in Hayle you are never far from upgrade of derelict, vacant or under-used built • focus on one missing section (the Copperhouse the water’s edge, and the water is fundamental fabric; link) in more detail, indicating the implementation to the explanation of both the town’s historic • social benefits of inclusion through equality of issues that need to be addressed; and development and its future potential. In short, access to assets, enjoyment and encouragement • indicate some of the key design principles of water is the common theme that defines and unifies of activities that support healthy living; relevance to the Copperhouse link. Hayle. 3 phillack

beach 2.0 context towans

copperhouse pool north quay clifton terrace copperhouse harbour east quay merchant curnow’s quay lelant

penpol creek penpol terrace south quay carnsew pool

foundry

lelant water

4 LELANT THE TOWANS

HAYLE PHILLACK CARNSEW pOOL HARBOUR COPPERHOUSE POOL

FOUNDRY COPPERHOUSE

aerial view of Hayle

5 2.1 heritage

The town of Hayle has a remarkable history that is belied by its current run-down and neglected appearance. Originally a natural estuarine harbour, the largest on the North Coast of Cornwall, it became a major centre of industry and international trade. As a result it now has international recognition as one of 10 designated areas within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (WHS). However, despite the heritage and the copperhouse many natural assets, years of industrial decline pool have resulted in a town that no longer fulfils its potential. Hayle Harbour copperhouse

Positive change is now underway with considerable recent investment at the Foundry complex carnsew and through the Hayle Townscape Initiative at pool Copperhouse and Foundry town centres. A major opportunity to redevelop the harbour represents one of the region’s most exciting development foundry prospects, heralding the start of the next chapter in the town’s history.

Hayle’s historic significance lies in its industrial activity, the impact of which was felt on the regional, national and international scene. Hayle

played a very important part in the industrialisation Cornish Copper Company of the UK and its innovation, entrepreneurship the two foundries and productivity helped to support industrial Harveys & Co development across the globe. Pioneering engineers Woolf and Trevithick were among the Harvey and Co. of Hayle, based in Foundry. This exception of some higher but more peripheral areas famous Cornish engineers who worked in Hayle. rivalry had a dramatic impact on the physical of the town, that is only vantage point. It is only and cultural development of the town, which is from the waterside that you start to appreciate the Its early industrial activity was closely associated still very apparent today including the extensive scale of the industrial impact, the enormity of the with the Cornish mining industry, including both the harbour and Copperhouse and Carnsew Pools, as engineering feats and that fact that much of what smelting of copper and the manufacture of mining indicated above. looks natural is in fact man made. The waterside is equipment. The evolution of the town through the the place to appreciate the full value of Hayle, where industrial revolution was dominated by the rivalry The majority of the industrial heritage/infrastructure perceptions of the town are changed forever. between two companies, the Cornish Copper is visible from the water’s edge and, with the Company (CCCo), based in Copperhouse, and 6 been used in a restaurant in Bristol, a building in Many of the early harbour facilities were built by the Forest of Dean and a chapel at St Helens in CCCo, including a canal that made the Angarrack Lancashire. The use of scoria is seen extensively Creek navigable (now usually called Copperhouse throughout the Copperhouse part of the town Creek). The most prominent feature resulting from and blocks are also found in harbour walls and the industrial development was the creation of what individual buildings throughout the town. Scoria is now known as Copperhouse Pool - a large water was used to construct the church wall at Phillack body designed to retain water until low tide when and Black Bridge, a double dock c1769 crossing sluice gates at its west end were opened to scour Copperhouse Creek, which is now a Scheduled the estuary of sand and silt to keep it navigable Ancient Monument. by ocean going ships. CCCo’s harbour extended into the common estuary of the Copperhouse and Penpol Creeks and is now referred to as North Quay. It was later augmented by the addition of copperhouse pool sluice gate East Quay in response to developments by Harvey & Co. refurbished shells at Foundry, the associated infrastructure, that defines the structure and Harvey & Co started their trading activity on harbour character of the town, remains very much in facilities built by private individuals at Carnsew. evidence, particularly at the waterside. The company duplicated CCCo’s facilities, with a foundry complex, quayside (South Quay) and The area continued to operate as an industrial a pool to facilitate sluicing (Carnsew Pool). Both harbour into the middle of the 20th Century with companies constructed dedicated railways to the a range of differing industrial and commercial quaysides. activities leaving their mark on the physical scoria block wall landscape. There was however a marked decline This rivalry ended in 1870 when CCCo ceased in the facilities of the harbour over this period with The water’s edge around Copperhouse Pool trading and its most important assets, including the last major commercial activities drawing to a encompasses many other protected heritage the harbour, were acquired by Harvey & Co. close in the late 1960s. features including the Swing Bridge, Merchant Curnow’s Quay, Copperhouse Dock and the One unusual legacy of this rivalry, which at one A more detailed product of commercial activity in Passmore Edwards Institute. Proposals that might point came to violence and bitter litigation was the harbour has been the development of a building affect these structures or their settings will require a bigger community. This historical sentiment is material that is almost exclusive to the area. Scoria Listed Building Consent. represented and accentuated physically through is a regular sized building material cast in a furnace the development of communities around each of from the slag from copper smelting that represents the historic centres at Copperhouse and Harvey an unusual and early example of purposeful foundries. Whilst few of the industrial buildings recycling. This material is fairly unique to the area: remain, with the exception of the progressively the only other examples discovered so far have

7 2.2 ecology

One of the more unusual consequences of the development of Hayle as an industrial harbour has also turned into one of the town’s primary assets. This almost totally man made industrial environment has developed into a rich and varied ecological haven. As industry contracted over successive decades from the 1950s, wildlife returned to the area in abundance; for many wonderful and rare birds, this is the first and last roosting port in Europe.

Within the wider estuary complex, there are about 20 hectares of inter-tidal sand and mudflats, tidal open water and saltmarsh, which provide valuable feeding and roosting sites for regionally important populations of migratory and over-wintering wildfowl and waders. The estuary is the most south- westerly in Great Britain and normally escapes the extremes of winter weather when other estuaries in Britain are frozen; at these times, numbers of certain waterfowl species at Hayle can reach national importance. The main estuarine habitats of value to birds are distributed within the three inter-tidal basins of Lelant Water, Copperhouse Pool and Carnsew Pool.

These water bodies form part of the Hayle Estuary and Carrack Gladden Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The RSPB owns most of the Copperhouse Pool and it is managed as a nature reserve. There is no public right of access. Proposals for increased waterside activity or development must take account of ecological protection policies. However, they should also enable Hayle to benefit more effectively from the ecological asset by providing and promoting appropriate access to the waterside as an integral view of copperhouse pool component of Hayle’s appeal.

8 The primary reason for the SSSI status of the Hayle estuary is the importance of the estuary for birds, including those on migration in spring and autumn.

There are several resident species that can be seen all year round, such as Shelduck, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Curlew and Oyster catcher. Peregrine Little Egret Falcons can also been seen, especially in winter, hunting for wading birds in the estuary. The Little Egret is a particularly beautiful and relatively recent sight because as recently as 20 years ago it was a rare visitor to the UK.

Winter is probably the best time to watch birds on the estuary. Over a thousand Wigeon turn up to winter on the estuary, along with several hundred Teal. These ducks have travelled south to spend the winter in the mild climates in Cornwall. There are also several species of wader that winter here. Dunlin, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Curlew can all be seen feeding and roosting on the estuary in large numbers. In all, some 270 species of bird have been recorded.

The estuary is vital for these birds to rest and feed on their way to breeding or wintering grounds. Disturbance to the designated wildlife is a criminal Grey Mullet act and the RSPB has made it clear that opening part of the hayle estuary and carrack gladden sssi up a walkway along the entire southern side of Copperhouse Pool would not be acceptable. Some interface is acceptable however. their samples. Due to the dramatic tidal changes Various species of flat fish will also enter the Pool Copperhouse Pool is not as diverse as the main to feed on the mud-flats and the shoals of young Like many estuaries Hayle supports a rich variety part of the estuary. However fish do enter with the fish that seek shelter in the salt-marsh and reeds of fish species including the rare Gilthead Bream rising tide to take advantage of food washed down provide food for birds such as the Little Egret and and Golden-grey Mullet. A 2001 Environment the Copperhouse Creek. Shoals of grey Mullet are Herons. Agency survey recorded 21 species of fish in total a common sight during summer and are easily and noted a high number of Sand eel in many of spotted as they often feed on the surface. 9 2.3 economy

Hayle suffers from a range of economic difficulties that are typical of former industrial towns across the UK. A number of these difficulties are interconnected and compound one another to result in significant levels of deprivation.

Despite being fairly well connected strategically Hayle suffers from having a marginal economy. The town is characterised as having a low wage economy that is reliant upon tourism and is over represented in agriculture and fishing. The seasonal nature of tourism employment and a general lack of employment opportunities go some way to explain the high proportion of people of working age on income support.

The current retail offer is limited with approximately 13,000m2 of floorspace in 130 units throughout the town. The majority of the town centre retail floorspace is provided in the Foundry Square area, The town is currently the focus of several major and higher wage paying businesses, supporting incorporating businesses in Penpol Terrace, and regeneration initiatives, including a phased the viability of existing businesses and providing a Copperhouse, Market Square and Fore Street. redevelopment of the Harvey’s Foundry buildings wider range of services, thereby reducing the need These centres comprise a range of mostly small as employment space, and the Hayle Townscape to leave Hayle for services elsewhere. independent local retailers. In addition there is a Initiative (a combined Townscape heritage Initiative Lidl store on the eastern outskirts of Copperhouse and Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme). Knitting new development into existing centres is and further to the east is the recently developed essential if current businesses are to benefit from West Cornwall Shopping Centre which includes There are current proposals for the comprehensive growth. Connectivity is the key to this; joining the Next, Boots and Marks & Spencer. redevelopment of the Harbour site, and the various parts of the town together and connecting emerging LDF is considering the potential for all areas to the greatest assets - the centres, the Market demand for retail premises within the future development in the town in response to the water, the beaches. town in its present form is limited with a low Regional Spatial Strategy housing requirements. representation of national multiples present in These developments would deliver significant The catchment population for Hayle’s businesses town. Hayle therefore suffers leakage to bigger economic advantages, increasing the disposable and services encompasses not only the resident centres in terms of new retail opportunities and income in the town through increased population population but the many visitors to the area. The consumer spending.

10 town is second only to in Cornwall for the In this context, a continuous Waterside Walkway amount of bedspace provided, but the majority is should be playing a major role in strengthening local self-catering and holiday parks with the majority of economic activity and helping to sustain the town’s services provided on site. Hayle needs to encourage longer term prospects. The walkway has also been this visiting population into the town and encourage identified by harbour developer ING as a key part it to spend in shops and services for the benefit of of its engagement with the town, providing vital local businesses. It also needs to encourage local links between a potentially redeveloped harbour people to visit its centres rather than travel to other and the community and drawing in people from towns for shopping. To do this it needs to make all parts of the town maximising connectivity and the town’s centres more accessible and improve permeability to enable services and businesses the quality of the environment to generate interest to support one another and to encourage footfall and appeal. Investment in the quality of the public throughout the town. spaces and streets not only encourages footfall, it can increase the rental value of adjacent property making investment more viable.

11 hayle character areas 12 2.4 character of hayle COPPERHOUSE TOWN – busy / intimate / compact / small scale / linear activity/ inward looking / independent businesses / low The character of Hayle is defined by a key heritage range of factors including its natural setting, the surrounding landscape and settlement pattern and its industrial and commercial history. What emerges is a settlement of great FOUNDRY TOWN – consolidated activity / busy / civic / larger historical significance, contained within a scale / dominant heritage / focal / major infrastructure landscape of equal merit. What is also unique is that a number of what appear to be natural features are in fact engineering products. The two rival foundries of the Cornish Copper COPPERHOUSE POOL – great views / cosy / scale is small Company and Harvey and Co created a enough to be read and understood / wildlife / sheltered / appears legacy of two distinct town centres, large tidal natural but is man made ie naturalistic docks and sluicing pods that have become colonised by wildlife.

One of the remarkable features of the harbour is the importance of built-up land using the CARNSEW POOL AND LELANT WATER – wide open / large scoria and slag from the various smelting space / big skies / wildlife / inaccessible / changeable and foundry businesses in the town - Fore Street/Commercial Road, Penpol Terrace, Copperhouse canal and dock, Black Road, Customs House Quay, Carnsew Pool are all constructed in this way. The remains of RESIDENTIAL ZONES – classic Cornish vernacular architecture / the industrial infrastructure are recognised quiet / community nationally for their historical importance and the area has some classic examples of Cornish vernacular architecture that coincides with the industrial growth TOWANS AND BEACH – outward looking / exposed / sunny / magnificent views

HARBOUR – industrial / utilitarian / constantly changing / great views / linear with strong backdrop / historic origins not immediately apparent hayle character areas 13 2.5 infrastructure 2.6 community

Most of the infrastructure at the water’s edge The facilities and amenities for the local Some key opportunities to improve community is of historic significance. The principal structures community in Hayle at present are limited some facilities lie in Hayle’s intimate relationship with are the quay at the west of the Pool, and the Dock areas. In addition to the limited shopping and water and its proximity to beautiful beaches and at the east, both of which are Listed Structures. retail offer, sports and general leisure facilities are the sea. Ensuring direct connections between the In between, walls separating the more significant lacking and opportunities are being missed. Basic communities and the facilities and services they buildings ( Hawkin’s Motors and Atlantic Motors) community facilities such as meeting places, need is another key ingredient in making the town do not appear suitable to support a walkway in their public open space are also poorly represented in more sustainable. current state, notwithstanding ownership issues. Hayle. Improvements in these areas could bring The remaining waterfront comprises banking considerable improvements to Hayle forming part The Waterside Walkway provides an ideal which is unlikely to support any structure. of a social and community infrastructure that will opportunity to tie together all of Hayle’s existing support other physical developments and generally and potential community assets. A destination The flood level is at approximately +3.8 OD and improve community wellbeing. in its own right it will also create a high quality the new path would need to be built above that open space and provide opportunities to develop minimum level, making it difficult to integrate with The emerging Area Action Plan is starting to meeting points along key desire lines and nodes. some existing water’s edge features. address some of this shortfall by considering how and when to provide new facilities. However, the town also needs to make better use of its existing assets because walking and cycling and general outdoor activity such as use of the beaches are central to healthy living and wellbeing.

14 2.7 land ownership

For much of it’s length, the south side of Copperhouse Pool is abutted by property up to the water’s edge. In many cases, particularly the housing west of the library, this is the result of encroachment. Acquisition of a strip of this land for a walkway, and establishment of a public right of way, would represent a challenging, time consuming and expensive process. In the light of other constraints and issues, the cost would significantly outweigh the benefit.

In other situations, negotiations might prove more appropriate. For example, should the Atlantic Motors site become available, it might be possible to negotiate acquisition of a waterside strip. Alternatively, redevelopment of that site and other similarly sized sites might result in a planning contribution toward the implementation of a section of walkway or public space.

15 3.1 strategic connections

There are a number of key strategic physical connections that need to be reinforced or created to ensure that Hayle is able to fulfil its full potential.

At the regional level Hayle is reasonably well connected. The town is well placed close to the County’s primary road network. The A30 trunk road connects Hayle to the rest of the South West peninsula and beyond via the M5 motorway at st ives Exeter. station is also located on the main national rail network. Local buses serve the surrounding communities. copperhouse

a3074

foundry

a30 3.0 strategic connections

existing connections major roads

primary roads

minor roads

designated paths

cycle network

railway

16 3.2 local connections phillack

At the local level, movement through the town, and especially between the main town centre hubs, towans lethlean is currently vehicular dominated. The main road lane through Hayle is the single carriageway B3301 known locally as Fore Street, Commercial Road and Hayle Terrace. This route links the traditional centres of Copperhouse and Foundry and runs parallel to Copperhouse Pool. north qua king george v memorial walk y fore Cyclists use this local connection, and the more street b3301 pleasant environment of the King George V commercial merchant road Memorial Walk, to reach different areas of the curnow’s yle copperhouse town. quay ha

penpol terrace Pedestrian links along this route are functional but

have little interaction with the fine salt marshes that terrace sit adjacent to it. The only formalised pedestrian route allowing physical or visual access to Copperhouse Pool currently runs along its north bank as part of the King George V Memorial Walk which leads to North Quay, the Towans and eventually the beach beyond and a short section along the south bank, west of Copperhouse town foundry centre.

Pedestrian access to the water’s edge is also facilitated along Penpol Terrace with views across the harbour and estuary. However, pedestrian access to the harbour itself is poor and lacks basic safety and security measures with an absence of formal street or pavement and no lighting, seating or other furnishings. The Hayle Harbour redevelopment proposals would address much of this, providing prominent pedestrian and cycle access to the water’s edge from Carnsew Pool to the estuary mouth and the beach via South Quay, East Quay and North Quay and incorporating bridges to allow a range of alternative routes and connections to be followed. 17 3.3 the missing link

Assuming that the development of Hayle Harbour proceeds as proposed, one key element of the wider Waterside Walkway vision that would remain unfulfilled is the Copperhouse Pool Link, between Merchant Curnow’s Quay and Black Bridge.

Despite its stunning waterside environment, the south banks of Copperhouse Pool are characterised by the rears of residential houses and private businesses backing onto the water’s edge. Extremely poor accessibility and little interaction or connectivity between the waterside, the B3301 and the rest of the town beyond are also key characteristics.

This section of waterfront is a vital connection for the town. A new link here has the potential to;

• increase ease of pedestrian movement between merchant curnow’s Copperhouse and Foundry, the new harbour quay development and the beach beyond, helping to bind the town together. • increase the connectivity and interaction pedestrian route between Copperhouse Pool, Commercial Road coast path and Copperhouse town centre. rail • increase footfall throughout Copperhouse the missing link encouraging more money to be spent throughout road the centre. • complete a circular walk of international interest in the context of the World Heritage Site status and wildlife areas.

18 The proposed Copperhouse Link will seek to respond to this potential by providing an essential pedestrian walkway along the south side of Copperhouse Pool. It would form part of a circular route around all sides of the Copperhouse Pool, aiming to draw and reconnect the urban environment towards the waterfront through improved physical and visual links from Commercial Road and Copperhouse town centre to the Pool and estuary beyond.

The primary opportunity is that after the proposed development of Hayle Harbour, with such linkages in place (in time for footfall patterns to become established), the town will be able to fully optimise the potential benefits of the new development.

merchant curnow’s quay 3.4 other potential links

Other missing links are less fundamental to pedestrian route the wider Waterside Walkway concept but are coast path desirable nonetheless. There is potential to develop a new ferry link from Lelant across to the rail the complete waterside walk proposed fisherman’s quay at the northern end of road North Quay, to capitalise on some of the increased activity resulting from the proposed harbour redevelopment and to make a strong connection by car. There is also scope to improve connections to the coastal footpath. to the railway station from Hayle Terrace, subject to land ownership. Additionally linkage should be strengthened between the holiday accommodation to the north, These additional links are not addressed any further via the King George V Memorial Walk, enabling in this document. They would ideally be pursued visitors to access the town centre on foot rather than through the emerging Area Action Plan for Hayle.

19 4.1 Copperhouse Walk

This section explores the feasibility of establishing the key missing link, referred to here as “Copperhouse Walk”. It sets out a desired King George V Vision for the Walk and describes the influences memorial walk that have informed the character of the area. It looks at the options for alignment and discusses the issues to be resolved to enable the realisation of the preferred route.

The proposed Copperhouse Walk will complete the “missing link” the circular loop around Copperhouse Pool, connecting the existing King George V Memorial Walk that runs along the north side of Copperhouse Pool to Copperhouse centre and Foundry via the harbour. Copperhouse will be connected via attractive and safe routes to the main harbour, the towans, the beaches and to the long distance coastal path beyond.

Residents of Hayle, and visitors to the town, will be able to interface with the water more easily harbour than at present.

Copperhouse Walk is envisage as a walking route rather than a combined pedestrian/cycle facility. copperhouse Cyclists can continue to use the B3301 (possibly incorporating a cycle lane) and the King George V Memorial Walk. The places along Copperhouse Walk should, however, incorporate cycle parking facilities. 4.0 copperhouse walk - 4.0 copperhouse walk

20 4.2 the vision

Copperhouse Walk will become a beautiful walkway that links the wider areas of Hayle with Copperhouse, allowing all users, including tourists, locals, shoppers and birdwatchers to experience the unique qualities of the Copperhouse Pool.

The design of the Walkway will provide a sensitive response to its context. It will allow people managed access to the water’s edge whilst also being closely connected to the urban area of Copperhouse.

The route will be designed to respond to its context, allowing the creation of different “speeds” of movement. Slower, tranquil areas will be created in response to the quiet, natural qualities of the Pool; these will be in contrast with the faster, more active hubs along the route, associated with the busier retail and civic draws.

Throughout the Walk, key views will be retained and acknowledged. Additionally, the Walk will provide a gentle touch overlaying the physical historic and ecological elements of the area, allowing simple interpretation.

The Walk will be contemporary in character and will form a positive contrast to the distinctive Victorian Walk along the northern edge. the vision

21 4.3 historical features

Hayle has an abundance of important historical features that range from its industrial past back to 11. early Christian and even prehistoric periods. Although not intended as a ‘historical trail’ Copperhouse Walk provides an ideal opportunity to tie together some of these important historical features. Opposite is a schedule of some of the historical features that 10. will become interconnected.

Amongst the features listed are two scheduled 9. monuments of the industrial era, these are the 8. 1811 road bridge across Copperhouse Creek built of scoria blocks and known as the Black Bridge, and the early railway bridge which carried the Hayle 6. Railway (1837) across the same creek. 7. 3. 2. 5. 1. 4.

historic features 1. Hayle Harbour (part of the world heritage site) 2. East Quay 3. Harbour Masters Office 4. Swing Bridge, Railway and Sluice 5. Merchant Curnow’s Quay 6.Passmore Edwards Institute 6. War Memorial 8. St Joseph’s Church 9. Copperhouse Town Centre 10. Copperhouse Quay Canal 11. Black Bridge

22 4.4 culture & leisure

One of the aims of Copperhouse Walk is to engage and actively interface with existing cultural 11. and leisure facilities. At present some community leisure and cultural facilities are disjointed or isolated from one another due to a poor accessibility and movement framework. 10. The introduction of a waterside walkway will help to address this issue. Linking existing community 5. 9. facilities via the walkway would help to create a 8. more cohesive town and should increase the 7. 6. patronage of those facilities and services, whilst also reducing traffic flows. 4. Additionally, the walkway represents a leisure facility and cultural attraction in its own right, drawing in visitors and performing a recreational role. 3. Opposite is a list of some of the facilities that the walkway route will look to interact with both directly by passing through or adjacent to them, 2. and indirectly by completing connections in a broader movement network.

1. attractions 1. Foundry Square 2. Penpol Terrace 3. Philps Pasties 4. Swimming Pool 5. Victorian Exotic Garden 6. Tourist Information 7. Library 8. Boutiques 9. Copperhouse Town Centre 10. Skate Park

23 4.6 views

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10.

24 There is tremendous potential to enhance and open views throughout the route of the Copperhouse Walk but especially along Copperhouse Pool. The area offers a large central open space with the potential to open views across the salt marshes in a number of locations, as well as introduce views towards the estuary. The adjacent diagram shows where existing and potential viewpoints could be enhanced.

5. 10. 9. 8.

6. 4.

3. 1. 7. 2.

views onto site

views from site

heritage features

ecological features

existing view point

proposed view point key views

25 4.9 route options

The ideal for the Copperhouse Walk to create a route that follows the southern edge of Copperhouse Pool. However this is simply not practical in many places due to land ownership, ecological sensitivity, black bridge working with listed structures, flood avoidance, security and cost.

The need to build a water’s edge structure along the entire south side of the Pool would be prohibitively expensive. There is little existing structure from which to ‘hang’ a walkway. A structure would need to be built higher than the flood level and would need to be lit for safety. Legal negotiations would be extensive as a result of the many encroachments to the water’s edge. The RSPB would object swing bridge to proposals for public access to the entire circumference of the Pool on the basis of likely disturbance to the birds. An alternative alignment is therefore going to be more deliverable.

A more appropriate alignment is shown opposite. From the Swing Bridge it follows Merchant Curnow’s Quay as far as the Hawkin’s Motors site, where it joins the B3301. It follows the road as far as the library, but is punctuated at two key points: Passmore Edwards Institute and the War Memorial. At the library the Walkway rejoins the Pool and follows the water as far as Atlantic Motors route options at which point it rejoins the road and rounds the corner to Copperhouse Centre. The main route passes through the centre along Fore Street to a A longer term aspiration is to connect Copperhouse Proposed Route - short term formalised square between St George’s Hall and Centre directly to the Co-op car park/ Black Bridge Copperhouse Dock. A secondary route by-passes by means of a new bridge following the alignment Fore Street and connects directly to the Dock of the old lock gates at the mouth of the Dock. along the waterside. The route crosses the Co-op road bridge and goes around the car park to the footpath to Black Bridge.

26 proposed Copperhouse Walk

27

character areas

hayle character images 5.0 Copperhouse Walk 5.0 Copperhouse Walk

28 5.1 local character along the walls

The local character around Copperhouse and the Pool is distinct from the wider Town, Harbour and estuary setting of Hayle. These have been identified and discussed in some detail in the following sections. This character can be subdivided into seven zones that reflect different experiences along Copperhouse Walk.

local character

29 HARBOUR JUNCTION The junction to the south of the swing bridge is the junction for all traffic moving between Foundry, Copperhouse, the North Quay and the beaches. It is adjacent to Merchant Curnow’s Quay, one of the oldest quays in Hayle, the old swing bridge, railway and sluicing infrastructure and is one of the best vantage points from which to appreciate Hayle’s history, ecology and community. It is a natural stopping place with great views along Copperhouse Pool and down the estuary. For visitors to the town it is an ideal place to survey the layout and get their bearings.

COMMERCIAL ROAD The area between Copperhouse and the harbour is dominated by the B3301 the main road through Hayle that connects to the A30 via Copperhouse. Although it is a main vehicle route and therefore a fast linear space the road is peppered with interesting destinations that create a secondary layer to its functional role. There is sufficient quality and interest to make it an appealing walking route, although it is heavily trafficked at present. Some segregation of cyclists and vehicles would be desirable.

POOLSIDE Although part of the Commercial Road route this is home to a number of civic buildings that make it a destination and a focal point for community activity. It is also the place with the greatest opportunity for interface with the water. The library already has a public garden onto the Pool and is willing to see a public path put through it. The public car park abuts the pool edge. With some modest formalisation the space could be enhanced to engage more effectively with the water. The car showroom offers a potential longer term opportunity site.

Copperhouse Centre is a small but busy and attractive part of Hayle with a variety of shops ranging from jewellers COPPERHOUSE and fashion boutiques to extreme sports and travel agents. There are a number of cafés, restaurants and pubs CENTRE that combine to provide an interesting experience and reasonable range of services. However, there is insufficient interest to keep you here for long. Most of the shops and businesses face inwards to the road and seem oblivious to the fantastic Copperhouse Pool behind them. Interaction with the water, quay, canal and ecology would add to the experience and prolong visits to town, making services more viable.

BLACK ROAD LINK Distinctly different from the independent shops of the nearby Copperhouse town centre the area is home to the Co-operative shopping centre and its ancillary spaces. The area is totally dominated by the supermarket and is encircled by high chain-link fences and characterised by purely functional space such as car parking and delivery areas. The potential views from the car park are cut off by a line of trees and an area of scrub land. There is potential to capture these views, perhaps through a hide on the tip of the car park. And the walking route through the car park could be enhanced.

ECOLOGICALLY RICH Wetlands are well known for their amazing biodiversity and this area is no exception. By far the most high profile residents are the various species of marine birds that either live here permanently or migrate during the cooler WETLAND months. The importance of the Hayle estuary for wildfowl is recognised by is designation as an RSPB reserve. The unusual aspect of this part of the reserve is its proximity to the town. For the residents of Hayle it is a privilege to have such a rich habitat on their doorsteps and literally within view of their windows. Care will need to be taken not to increase disturbance to the wildlife.

VICTORIAN GARDEN The King George V Memorial Walk is a long linear garden that stretches along the northern shore of Copperhouse Pool. Built in the 1930’s it has the distinct character of Victorian gardens with beautiful exotic species and elaborate cast iron furnishings. It is an incredibly peaceful space with fantastic views across the water to Copperhouse and out towards the harbour. The area is also very popular with birdwatchers for the excellent access it gives to the wildlife that populates the mudflats and marsh.

30 black road Link

POOLSIDE

COPPERHOUSE centre commercial road

harbour junction

linked emerging character areas

31 key views • out to sea • along the Copperhouse Pool • Swing Bridge and historic features • the church

5.2 Harbour Junction Constraints

• The western end of the walkway will connect directly into the main pedestrian junction linking Foundry, • Risk of disturbance of protected wildlife North Quay and Copperhouse. resulting from increased pedestrian activity at this location. • The convergence of different routes and the impressive views will make it a natural place to stop and orientate oneself whilst enjoying the scenery. • This will also be a significant highways junction so potential pedestrian-vehicle • The historic setting adds to its importance, encompassing the listed Merchant Curnow’s Quay, Harbour conflicts will need to be designed out. Masters Office, Swing Bridge and remnants of the rail infrastructure and sluices. • The quay wall is listed and any street • The junction and setting make it the ideal place for maps and information to explain the layout and furniture and fittings will need to respect show visitors what they can expect to find along the walk. that status.

• The proposed Hayle Harbour redevelopment includes a crossing over the B3301 at this point.

• There is potential for a new footpath to be constructed between this junction and the railway station.

32 key views • across the Pool to Phillack • War Memorial • Passmore Edwards Institute, St Elwyn’s Church and other buildings of interest • Cornish vernacular architecture

5.3 Commercial Road Constraints

• To follow the water’s edge along this stretch would not only be extremely difficult for the reasons • Many of the homes along Commercial Road opposite but would also by-pass some of Hayle’s more notable landmarks. have gardens that extend to the water’s edge, raising issues of land ownership, • The Commercial Road stretch of the walkway will not be at the water’s edge but will instead follow the safety, security and privacy. road, enabling it to incorporate and connect key buildings and spaces of interest, including St Elwyn’s Church, Passmore Edwards Institute, the War Memorial, the library and the day care centre. This • There is little structure at the water’s edge section will therefore perform a strong functional role in connecting community facilities. upon which to construct a walkway. A new structure would therefore have to be built. It • The walkway will be punctuated by places and sites of historic and architectural interest, adding to the is unlikely that this could be done in a way that richness of the experience and promoting civic awareness and pride. addresses the ecological, land ownership and flood avoidance constraints. • Key spaces should be indicated by a changing surface treatment. At Passmore Edwards, a new surface could wrap the entire building to draw people around to the water’s edge and a sensitively designed • The ambition to incorporate local assets viewpoint could be established. into the route would be problematic in this area because there aren’t any existing links from the water’s edge to the road at key locations.

33 key views • Copperhouse Pool • across the Pool to Phillack • down the Pool to the harbour • Cornish vernacular • Black Bridge

5.4 Poolside Constraints • This is a very important place on Copperhouse Walk, where town and community come together to interface with Copperhouse Pool. • The potential for disturbance to wildlife will demand sensitive design of waterside spaces, paths and furniture. • The buildings in this small area are an important local resource and the Walkway must embrace them and encourage their use. • The car park is very utilitarian and would benefit from some landscape treatment to • Poolside will become an important focal point for visitors as it has facilities such as parking, public add to the quality of the place. conveniences and tourist information. New street furniture, interpretative panels and public art should be incorporated. • Atlantic Motors is something of an eyesore and prevents public access to the water’s • The route of the Walkway should return to the Pool from the road at the tourist information centre, edge. In the event that an opportunity should passing through the Wildlife Garden and along the Poolside behind the library. emerge for it’s redevelopment, potential for waterside access should be explored. • This stretch of path has great views out onto the central plateau of the Pool where many of the seabirds feed at low tide. Treatment of the water’s edge must be carefully designed to prevent access into the SSSI and to minimise potential disturbance to wildlife. This might require some realignment of parking spaces to create sufficient public space.

34 key views • the historic town centre • the saltmarsh viewed from the square • Copperhouse Dock • St George’s Hall

5.5 Copperhouse Centre Constraints • This part of the Walkway will draw people right into the heart of Copperhouse, increasing footfall and • Listed status of the dock and lock gates, therefore helping to sustain local businesses. requiring careful design of any features in this area. • The grassed area at the water’s edge should incorporate more seating, public art and interpretative boards illustrating the history of Copperhouse, the Pool, the Dock and Black Bridge. • Potential ownership issues if creating a new square. • The intention is to encourage use of the facilities in Copperhouse and direct people along Fore Street. However, there is an opportunity to retain the informal footpath along the canal edge as well. Most buildings • Cooperation of landowners improving the currently back onto the canal and would benefit from investment. external appearance of some buildings at the water’s edge. • A modest town square, opposite St George’s Hall and facing the Pool will create a destination to stop and enjoy the views and historic setting whilst enjoying a coffee or a meal. This space would serve a shared • Considerable cost of constructing a new function, including parking, seating and cafe space. It could also provide an important community role as a bridge. space for events and performing arts.

• A bridge across the old lock gates at Copperhouse Dock could provide a useful and attractive direct route for locals living on the north side of the Pool. Whilst this would be expensive and difficult to achieve, and is not considered to be absolutely essential, it remains a very desirable connection that would heighten the interaction between the town and it’s heritage. The alternative is use of the Co-op road bridge. 35

key views • onto the saltmarsh and mudflats • down the Pool to the Harbour • distant views of Lelant • Cornish Vernacular

5.6 Black Road Link Constraints

• Potential disturbance to wildlife • Copperhouse Walk will be ideally passed through or around the Co-op car park, to directly connect Black Road and Copperhouse Centre. Route alignment would ideally skirt the western side of the car • Negotiations with land owners, particularly park, following the existing and formal path, but could be more direct if well designed. However the the Co-op and the Cinnamon Trust. most appropriate route will depend not only on car park configuration and negotiation with the land owner, but also the means of crossing the Dock; either by the existing car park access road or by a new • Limited scope for car park reconfiguration. connection aligned with the old lock gates.

• This section of path will bring users very close to the salt marsh and the wildlife that lives around it. From an ecological perspective this will be one of the most interesting parts of the walk. To avoid unnecessary disturbance, a hide could be constructed on the western tip of the car park.

36 proposed Copperhouse Walk

37 6.2 design guidance

The treatment of the built environment is exceptionally important in ensuring that new development complements the existing character of Copperhouse and the historic setting of the Pool. So long as some carefully considered and structured principles are applied, new development can help to enhance the existing built fabric.

Consistency and quality are two fairly generic but vitally important elements to consider in achieving this. Hayle has the opportunity to use the Walkway to emphasise its unifying identity - the water.

Ensuring that a clear, constant and high quality pallet of materials is utilised for both new development and the redevelopment of degenerated areas will make significant contributions to achieving this aim. This has particular relevance to the development

6.0 design objectives of a continuous Waterside Walkway as the route will link and connect many different areas of the town, old and new, each with their own distinct characters. To ensure that these areas are tied together in an appropriate and legible fashion, a coordinated approach to consistency and quality must be adopted.

6.1 introduction

There are a number of key design objectives that must be adhered to ensure that the Vision set out in this document will be realised throughout the delivery of the Copperhouse Walk.

38 6.3 form and materials 6.4 public art

Hayle is a post-industrial town situated on the There is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate Hayle is particularly fortunate in that it has a rich notoriously brutal north Cornish coast. It has a public art commissions, not only along the route of built heritage that is present throughout the town. rich industrial heritage of metal production and the Waterside Walkway, but throughout the town The interpretation of this environment is vitally shipbuilding. The industries that made Hayle a in general. Copperhouse Walk offers potential important as an educational and tourist resource, success relied on the skill of local engineers and throughout it’s length, but key locations for and as a basis for community awareness and craftsmen who pushed the town into the forefront artworks include Copperhouse Centre, Poolside pride. Copperhouse Walk, and the wider Waterside of the industrial revolution. and Merchant Curnow’s Quay in particular. Walkway network should include interpretative panels at key locations, possibly incorporating In order to recognise this heritage any built Any public art commission should implement a public art. intervention should apply the same principles of coordinated approach to site selection and form. craftsmanship and ingenuity in a manner that is Art should, where possible, reflect something 6.6 waterside interaction and appropriate for the town. The Copperhouse Walk of the setting, history, ecology or community in will be incorporate strong materials and with a proximity to the location within which it is situated. edge treatment heavy industrial form. There is tremendous potential for community involvement and local artists should be employed With the avowed intent of encouraging public There is room for ingenious design and modern where appropriate to consult and work with local access to a waterside environment consideration craftsmanship but the finished product will schools and community groups to produce themed has to be given to the issue of regulating the guard maintain the gritty industrial feel of the existing commissions which the local community can relate conditions between land and the water’s edge. In infrastructure. to and engage with. an attempt to mitigate the potential for accidents an assessment of all the edge conditions along The use of modern materials will be kept to Related to public art is the notion of a dedicated the waterside walkway will have to be addressed, a minimum unless they have the necessary sculpture trail. It has long been proposed that a however as a guiding principle, guardrails should characteristics or possess superior properties. For sculpture trail be established in Hayle, with the not be used unless other means of ensuring example stainless steel may be used for fixings Waterside Walkway providing the potential to safety have been exhausted. This approach and structural components due to its corrosion host such an attraction. A similar strategy as to is in line with established practice and is an resistance and Cor-Ten steel could be used for its the provision of public art should be adopted to important principle to adhere to in the avoidance weathered appearance. ensure that sculptures are relevant, engaging and of cluttering the public realm and eroding the inclusive of the local community. existing relationship between land and water. It is proposed that subject to funding bespoke purpose designed street treatments be produced 6.7 planting so to reflect and enhance the character of the 6.5 wildlife and heritage town. This would apply to all components of interpretation street furnishings and fittings including; seating, Hayle is fortunate in having an enthusiastic barriers, signage, bins, lighting, paving and other coterie of gardeners whose efforts significantly landscape elements. All design solutions should The salt marshes, Towans and wider estuary form improve the streetscape, particularly in include measure to reduce long terms maintenance an important ecological system vulnerable to direct connection with the Britain in Bloom festival. requirements. Any decisions on the exact materials impact as a result of human activity. The formation These efforts should be encouraged and to be used will have to be made later in the design of a clear ecological management policy must be formalised via the implementation of a landscape process. developed to help mitigate potential impacts. and planting strategy throughout the town. 39 7.1 the next steps

This Waterside Walkway Strategy development is a draft for consultation purposes. It raises some exciting opportunities for the creation of Copperhouse Walk, a major component in the wider network of waterside routes in Hayle and a significant contributor to ongoing regeneration initiatives in the town.

We are seeking the views of local people, businesses, landowners and organisations about the strategy before investing further in design principles, negotiations and assessment of funding opportunities.

Following consultation we anticipate working in partnership with key organisations and property 7.0 implementation owners to deliver the Walkway.

Photograph Credits

Gretchen Poehlman Sascha Pohflepp Jim Crossley Hey Jukes Nick Wiesner Chrisada Sookdhis Joe Green 40 Photograph Credits

Gretchen Poehlman Sascha Pohflepp Jim Crossley Hey Jukes Nick Wiesner Chrisada Sookdhis Joe Green 41