Murray’s Mills, Ancoats
Murrays’ Mills, Ancoats by Field Clegg Bradley Studios Originally built in 1798, the industrial complex comprises two parallel 7-8-storey mills linked by a more recognisably
New Places
Mix of Uses
Introduction
Traditionally towns have organically grown around centres of activity, new neighbourhoods should be no different. A range of local services and facilities is required in the right place for communities and neighbourhoods to thrive. Services and facilities should be conveniently located and within walking distance, becoming a new focal point.
Very often the success of a place lies in its ability to be known for a particular activity or mix of uses. The potential to form an identityThe identity or character of a place comes from the way that buildings, streets and spaces, landscape and infrastructure combine together and how people experience them. More for a place through its use and/or characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More should be explored, engaging with local communities where possible.
Features of mixed use neighbourhoods and new places
- Include housing as part of the mix of uses in centres;
- Use active travelMaking journeys by physically active means like walking, wheeling or cycling, rather than motor vehicle. More as an organising device when arranging or locating uses.
- Identify if the proposal relates to an existing characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More area, if so can this be enhanced or can new elements be added to strengthen its identityThe identity or character of a place comes from the way that buildings, streets and spaces, landscape and infrastructure combine together and how people experience them. More or functionality;
- Locate centres at the convergence of the main movement routes or adjacent to sustainable travel connections;
- Consider the creation of high quality public space for gathering and events.
NPMU 1
Mix of uses
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Development must maximise opportunities to provide a variety of homes, local services and facilities to create a well designed place for the whole community.
Description
Successful communities require a range and variety of local services and community facilitiesFacilities such as libraries, places of worship, halls for hire, youth space and training and meeting space. This list is not exhaustive and other uses can be included. More including schools, nurseries, workplaces, healthcare, spiritual, recreational, civic and commercial uses. Mixed-useA well-integrated mix of different land uses which may include retail, employment, leisure and other service uses with decent homes of different types and tenures to support a range of household sizes, ages and incomes. More development creates an active and vibrant place with an intensity that feels like a centre or destination. Opportunities to bring people and communities closer together are encouraged. Space should be provided in developments for community events and gatherings. Consider communal ways of living such as the provision of allotments or shared facilities. Where possible communities should be involved in the design of new neighbourhoods.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Accommodation schedule
- Code requirement signposted in the Design and Access Statement
NPMU 2
Active land uses
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Land uses should be chosen that create activity throughout the day and evening
Description
Streets and spaces should be well supervised with activity throughout the day and importantly into the evening. This will require a varied mix of land uses on ground floors of all buildings, with priority for land uses that generate activity throughout the day and into the evening. Where commercial uses are not feasible, then residential entrances and activity at ground floor should be prioritised.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- In New Places – Low Rise, Low Density residential streets with good connectivity to services will be considered to comply with this requirement.
Documents required:
- Accommodation schedule
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Code requirement signposted in the Design and Access Statement
Example
The ground floor land uses, overlooking windows, building entrance and lighting all combine to create an active public realm after dark. The way the building responds to the public space also helps, with no set back and all windows and entrances overlooking the public space.
Principles of active ground floor definition
There is no requirement for a built boundary if ground floor active uses such as cafes have outdoor seating areas
The ground floor use is built to the property boundary and no need for a built treatment
The ground floor is set back and there is a commercial collonade along the property boundary
Mixed use new places case studies
Urban Environment House, Helsinki
Urban Environment House, Helsinki by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects The Urban Environment House is a building designed by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki architects for the Urban
Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Centre
Altrincham Health and Wellbeing centre by AFL Architects for Citybranch / Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group The new health centre in Altrincham – an integration of
Wellington Place, Leeds
Wellington Place, Leeds by DLG, Arup, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Architects (FCBS), Carey Jones and Gillespies, Martha Schwartz (Landscape) Wellington Place marks an important part
Egham Gateway
Egham Gateway master plan by Allford Monaham Morris Egham Gateway is a new mixed use developmentA well-integrated mix of different land uses which may include retail, employment, leisure and other service uses with decent homes of different types and tenures to support a range of household sizes, ages and incomes. More in the Runnymede borough of Surrey. Four mixed useA well-integrated mix of different land uses which may include retail, employment, leisure and other service uses with decent homes of different types and tenures to support a range of household sizes, ages and incomes. More
London Design District
London Design District by various Design District is London’s first permanent, purpose-built workspace for the creative industries. 16 buildings by eight pioneering architects, one minute
