G1current Situation and Shortcomings

Westonbirt Heritage Partnership: Capital Works

G.HERITAGE VANTAGE POINT BRIEF

This brief is one of a series of briefs prepared on behalf of Westonbirt Heritage Partnership for a 2nd-round HLF bid (see section G8 for a full list of the Capital Works). It should be read in conjunction with “Brief for Capital Works Consultants – Introduction”

G1Current situation and shortcomings

Westonbirt House with its parkland is divided from the Arboretum and Silk Wood by the A433, which passes through the middle of the estate. Whilst the road produces a physical barrier to passing from one landscape type to another it is the vastness of the estate that prevents visitors to Westonbirt from seeing and comprehending how the various landscape components fit together. Even from the roof of the house, which is not open to the public, due to being a private school, the entirety of the estate is not clear.

The design and layout of the Old Arboretum with its long, wide, axial views and winding carriage-drives was set out by the Holford family in the early-mid 1800’s to display the amazing nature of trees – the detail of leaves, bark and cones from the edge of a ride; to the size, shape and form of trees set on the edge or end of a long vista. Staff at Westonbirt are keen to point out that the most important aspects of tree life, that would be interesting to interpret, occur deep underground in the roots, or high overhead in the tree canopy.

The Downs and Parkland whilst providing wide open spaces in which large free standing trees and longer distance views can be appreciated the topography of the rest of the estate is relatively flat except for some views from the Downs over Silk Wood.

The Westonbirt pleasure grounds, parkland, Downs and old arboretum are listed on the English Heritage Registerof Parks and Gardensas Grade 1.

G2Vision

To create one or more unique vantage points within the arboretum and/or Silk Wood that provide a new perspective over the special heritage landscape and the incredible lives of trees.

G3Objectives

To provide a new and inspiring perspective on a magical landscape
To increase the activities provided by the arboretum as a tourist destination and provide additional value to visitors, thereby making future revenue more secure
To create a visual connection (where possible) between the Arboretum, Downs, parkland and Westonbirt House
Under the main interpretive objective of ‘exploring the incredible lives of trees’, interpret important messages and concepts such as tree physiology, life in the canopy, trees and climate change, the heritage landscape and seasonal change
Select locations that best enable the fulfilment of the objective above

G4Brief

The project team, who have had numerous ideas about how the brief might be achieved, are very open minded to imaginative ideas offered by designers. To this end they have chosen to undertake an open design competition. Designers of structures are encouraged to work collaboratively with artists, who have experience of public structures, and visa versa. (NB Project team ideas include – tower with lift, ramped walkway suspended between supports, big ‘cherry-picker’/scissor lift, tree top netting with winching up/down, ski lift with commentary; interactive elements - camera obscura, webcam; play elements - tree house/room, slides/swinging, lookout).

The raison d’être of the structures must accord with Westonbirt’s main aim ‘to connect people and trees’ within the context of a heritage landscape. Consequently materials and their use should demonstrate the very best of timber design and construction. Timber should be FSC, locally sourced from Westonbirt if possible, or from forests in the Dean or Savernake. The aesthetics of the structure(s) is important; designs should be innovative and inspiring, make connections with existing and proposed built elements; and especially not dominate the surrounding important heritage landscape. The detailing should be simple and subtle.

Fundamentally the project team are looking for an experience that maximises the aims of the project, rather than produces an ‘iconic’ structure, the iconic thing about the Arboretum already exists.

Careful consideration needs to be taken in the selection of site(s) for the structure(s) to maximise the visitor experience and interpretive opportunities.

The location, design, theme and content of each structure should enable them to be accessible to people of varying-abilities, whether through ramping, webcam, camera obscura or other physical or interpretive method. If there are to be a number of towers, at least one should be fully accessible, complying with the BT Countryside for All guidelines, possibly using existing topography to minimise the need for extensive ramping.

It is of utmost importance that the commissioned consultants work well with in-house FC staff to agree the location and design of each structure, to agree how they are to be used, what experience is being offered, the interpretive opportunities, ensure the integrity of the Westonbirt landscape is maintained and that good site circulation is integral to the design/location.

The structure(s) should be designed to the following design requirements

A minimum life expectancy of 25 years,
fully compliant with structural engineering requirements,
Able to accommodate school parties (60+), guided walks (<30) and opportunity for a minimum of 100 people to be gaining a new arboretum experience,
Be safe to use (slippage on decking being a particular issue to overcome),
Be sensitive to Grade 1 listed landscape
Have minimum impact on surrounding trees, shrubs and other valued features.
Be easily maintained and inspected
Have a capital cost of no more than £1,000,000
Must be able to be used flexibly change with season, current affairs, as trees grow
Could be mobile
Minimal carbon impact
Has to feel harmonious with environmental setting
Non intrusive – noise, visual
Has to be integrated into master plan for site
Facilitate innovative interpretation and messaging

G5Process

Stage 1 - Open Competition – see accompanying “Competition Notes & Guidance”

Design teams are initially invited to participate in an open design competition by submitting their concept/sketch ideas in fulfilment of this brief on one A1 design sheet.

In addition to the design sheet, teams are asked to submit a completed pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) giving a profile of their design team, previous projects and any other relevant information.

This Stage 1 competition will not attract fees and applicants will be expected to cover their own costs and expenses. It will not be possible to return unsuccessful entries.

Stage 2 - Closed Competition

From this open competition up to five design teams will be short-listed and invited to undertake a competitive pitch to Concept Design. A sum of £3000 (to include all costs and expenses) is being offered to each short-listed design teams to work up their proposals. These submissions will be limited to two A1 panels mounted and protected against water/dirt. The panels will be displayed for public viewing probably under the overhanging roof of the Shop, a fairly sheltered outdoor area, yet open to the elements.

The consultancy that submits the most inspiring design that meets the requirements of the brief, best understands the requirements of visitors and local staff and demonstrates that they work well in a team will be invited to become part of the project team.

As part of the (S2) Concept Design submission consultants will also be expected to make a presentation of their design proposals, tender for the work, cost estimates and fee estimates for working up the designs to Round 2 HLF submission. The presentation will include an interview at which tender proposals will be examined by the selection panel. Further instructions on this process will be given nearer the time.

Stage 2 Assessment Criteria
In addition to the stage 1 criteria, short-listed applicants will be assessed for:
Clarification of how consultants skills, abilities and experience will enable them to fulfil the commission.
Demonstrating how they will use their ability to deliver on time and to budget
Through take up of references demonstrate a successful track record delivering similar projects to time (meeting dead lines), budget control, quality, and good working relationships
Demonstrated a good understanding of the organisations involved in this project
Demonstrated an ability to work imaginatively and collaboratively with the project team, Forestry Commission staff at Westonbirt and Bristol, and with other consultants/partners on the project
Price (although the Forestry Commission is not bound to accept the lowest cost tender)

Stages 3 & 4

The third and fourth stages of consultancy work will include preparing detailed cost options to RIBA stage D, producing presentation material for PR and fundraising, and working with lead consultants to produce planning application documents and seeking various any building consents necessary. Appropriate structural calculations for this level of detail will also be necessary to ensure build-ability.

Within the first-round HLF bid a capital budget of £1,000,000 was set for the construction of the heritage vantage points, which is of course, dependant on successful outcome of Round 2 HLF bid. Fees for stages 3 and 4 are thought to be potentially worth a maximum of £60,000. Consultants need to be aware that no provision has be made at the present time for the implementation costs of delivering the project should it be granted by HLF so it is necessary for consultants to understand that their design could potentially e delivered by other consultants or in-house FC staff.

In addition to the above there is a possibility for the selected consultancy team to undertake the design and construction of a temporary tower as part of the project launch in April 2010. This tower would be designed to highlight the benefits of a vantage point to the public and provide a fund raising opportunity.

G6Time scale

Stage 1 / Selection Process (Open Competition)
Advertising of project to elicit wide range of creative responses / from 21 Aug 09
Open Day / 15 Sept 09
Submission of design ideas and PQQ / 12.00pm, 25 Sept 09
Short listing of competition entries / 29 Sept 09
Stage 2 / Selection Process (Closed Competition)
Concept designs submitted by selected design consultants / 23 Oct 09
Public Consultation process / 23 Oct – 8 Nov 09
Selection of winning design consultant / 9 Nov 09
Stage 3 / Design Development
Refinement of brief and concept design with cost estimate / 14 Dec 09
Completion of designs, specification and costing to RIBA stage D / 19 Feb 2010
Stage 4 / Completion
Production of final artwork (illustrations, models, computer
graphics) for launch of project, publicity and fundraising / 1 Apr 2010
Planning application and Building consents ready for submission / 1 Apr 2010
Submission of Round 2 HLF bid / Sept 2010

G7Project Team

Westonbirt heritage Partnership Project Director

Westonbirt Arboretum Director

FC Land Agent

FC Civil Engineer

FC Education & Interpretation Officer

Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and Architectural Advisor

FC England Landscape Architect

Consultant Architect/Engineer/Designer (this commission)

Representative from lead consultancy

Consultant CDM Co-ordinator

Consultant Quantity Surveyor

G8Summary of Capital Works

A new entrance to the Victorian pleasure grounds of the former house and conservation work to the garden pavilions and artefacts
New entrance road to Westonbirt Arboretum
New car and coach parking off the Grade 1 listed landscape, including access provision for public transport
New Gateway Welcome building for visitor’s basic arrival requirements - payment points, information and interpretation, toilets, electric wheel chair hire, land train pick up. Friends promotion point
Removing the existing car park and tracks from the Grade 1 landscape and creating new trails linking the new Gateway Welcome building to existing site features
Creation of new learning centre facilities
Heritage View Point(s) to give new perspective on heritage landscape
Conservation of buildings and garden features around Keepers Cottage
Concept design for new Tree Team and Propagation Unit Facilities
Concept design for the location of a new central Wood Chip Heat Plant
Concept design for creation of new/refurbished Administrative Facilities

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