19
MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end. It creates the setting for the French Barrack which is a symmetrical two-storey sandstone structure. The building is divided into residential uses at the western end and café/restaurant uses at the eastern end. The design layout for the French Plaza reflects these uses by providing a semi-private garden area for residents and sitting out space for the café users. The garden area would be predominantly soft landscaping with amenity trees and shrubs with an area of lawn and some paved areas for sitting out. The café space would be predominantly hard landscaping of high quality paving materials and space for the café to set out tables and chairs. The design is set out as one formal integrated whole which is intended to reflect the formality of the building in contrast to the Cinema Plaza this area will be more private and provide tranquil space away from the busier public areas. French Plaza Formal Garden Seating under Trees

Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    12

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

21

French Plaza Plan

French PlazaThis plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end. It creates thesetting for the French Barrack which is a symmetrical two-storey sandstone structure. The buildingis divided into residential uses at the western end and café/restaurant uses at the eastern end. Thedesign layout for the French Plaza reflects these uses by providing a semi-private garden area forresidents and sitting out space for the café users. The garden area would be predominantly softlandscaping with amenity trees and shrubs with an area of lawn and some paved areas for sittingout. The café space would be predominantly hard landscaping of high quality paving materials andspace for the café to set out tables and chairs. The design is set out as one formal integrated wholewhich is intended to reflect the formality of the building in contrast to the Cinema Plaza this area will

be more private and provide tranquil space away from the busier public areas.

French Plaza

Formal Garden Seating under Trees

Page 2: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

22

Viewing platform

Riverside ParkThe interface between the development and the river provides a real opportunity to create a unique biodiverse

character for Forthside. The design for Riverside Park builds upon and retains the majority of the existing

mature trees but seeks to create corridors through the vegetation to allow advantage to be taken of the good

views towards the Ochils and the Wallace Monument. Much of this area is on a steep slope and therefore

difficult to access and the flattish lower area adjacent to the river edge is occasionally subject to flooding.

Consequently the design for the park provides for a continuous public footpath at or near the upper levels of the

embankment to allow easy access, to keep people away from the water’s edge avoiding the need for handrails

and other major engineering works - and to take better advantage of the views. Two routes down the slope have

been introduced to give access to floating pontoons in the river. These areas would seek to capitalise on the

possibilities for the use of the river for leisure cruises and other boating activity. Two belvederes or viewing

platforms have been incorporated into the scheme, opposite Forthside Square and opposite Barracks Square

in order to draw people to the park from the development itself. The lower parts of the riverside embankment

would remain natural with native trees and shrubs maintaining a suitable habitat for wildlife, while the upper

slopes and more accessible areas are manicured and controlled with amenity trees and shrubs for decorative

colour and texture. A small garden opposite Barrack Square which incorporates a lawn and ornamental trees,

has been introduced as a specific area for visitors to sit and enjoy the views. The pedestrian route through the

park provides a link from the Riverside area through to the entrance to the site in the south with the potential to

make a further connection onwards to Springkerse. Seating and localised lighting will be provided along the

footpath particularly on the belevederes.

Throughout the public realm there are opportunities for the inclusion of artwork to help enrich these spaces and

increase legibility.

Floating Jetty Floating Jetty

Formal Gardens

Formal Gardens Riverside Park

The Riverside Plan

Page 3: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

23

Key Infrastructure Linkages

The principal buildings and spaces are joined together by a series of key infrastructure linkages which allow

both vehicular and pedestrian movement into and through the site.

Public Transport RouteThis runs along the eastern side of the development adjacent to the river and connects the entrance to the site

in the south-east corner with Seaforth Place. It is 6m wide with footways and will have a 20mph speed limit. It

will be accessible only to buses and cyclists.

It will provide a public transport link for buses from the Park and Ride sites on the edge of the city and the park

and walk site within the Forthside development. The same bus service will also link Forthside to other visitors

attractions such as Forthbank and Stirling Castle as well as Castle Business Park and Springkerse retail area.

Bus priority will continue through the remainder of the city to provide a fast and frequent service.

Access RoadThis route runs along the western boundary of the site. It will be available as a through route for all road users.

It is the principal access route to the park and walk site, car parking areas in the residential areas, the offices

and the hotel complex as well as for all service and emergency vehicles. It is 6m wide with 2.0m footways on

both sides and is being considered for a 20mph speed limit with horizontal traffic calming measures built into

the carriageway.

Station FootbridgeThis pedestrian overbridge provides crucial pedestrian access into the centre of the development site form the

city centre, Station Square and the railway station itself. It would provide lifts for disabled access at each end.

It would oversail the railway lines and the Access Road arriving in Forthside square via a generous curved ramp

wrapped around a newsagents kiosk/small retail unit. The overbridge is currently out to design and build

competition but there will be significant emphasis placed on the quality of design and elegance of the structure

particularly given its proximity to the Grade ‘A’ listed railway station building. Station Bridge would remain open

24 hours per day. The existing pedestrian access to the site via the station platforms and entrance gate on the

western boundary poses security issues for the Rail Authorities and may be restricted in the future.

Park and Walk BridgeIn a similar manner to Station Footbridge the proposed Park and Walk Bridge will give direct access for

pedestrians, including disabled, from the site into the City shopping centre and to the Bus Station. It is a key link

to the Park and Walk site. It also provides more direct pedestrian access to the buildings towards the southern

end of the site including the cinema complex and the live/work units. To date a starting point in the stairwell/lifts

to the Marches car park has been considered. It spans the A9 dual carriageway and the railway lines and lands

in the French Plaza via steps and ramps as well a lift for the disabled. This bridge also forms part of a design

and build competition and is intended to exhibit similar design characteristics to the Station Footbridge proposal

thereby adding continuity across the site. Should the bridge continue to link into Marches, there are management

issues to be resolved to ensure that the bridge opening time coincide with the operating hours of the Thistle

Marches.

Central AvenueCentral Avenue is the key pedestrian link down the central spine of the development providing a vehicle-free

route from the residential area in the north to the live/work units in the south. It passes through a sequence of

different spaces including The Courtyard within the office development and Forthside Square and links to Barrack

Square and French Plaza. It is intended to pass through a central retail atrium within the hotel complex helping

to integrate the public spaces on both sides although the detail of this still needs to be resolved with the

prospective developers. Central Avenue will allow residents, workers and those visiting Forthside convenient

and easy access to the wide range of mixed use facilities arranged along its length.

Example of new footbridge

Example of new footbridge

Central Avenue

Page 4: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

24

Vehicle Access

Page 5: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

25

Pedestrian Linkages

Page 6: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

26

Service Access

Page 7: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

27

Landscape Elements

The quality and detailing of the landscape elements contribute greatly to our perceptions of space. There are a

variety of spaces within the development which are strongly influenced by the architecture of the different

buildings which surround them. One of the principal objectives of the public realm proposals is to use a restricted

palette of durable materials combining natural and man-made paving, street furniture, lighting and planting to

provide a high quality finish to these public spaces.

PavingThe paving materials vary depending on the function of the spaces within the site. Natural stone slabs are

proposed in areas of greatest importance and where a high level of usage is anticipated. Caithness flagstones

have been identified for the interfaces with the hotel, engine shed and offices within Forthside Square and would

be laid as large rectangular units to create a civic feel. Crispness in detailing is critical with a precision and

attention to detail which is reflected in the architectural quality of the surrounding buildings. The grid modules

for the paving will also be derived from the grids and column spaces of the buildings. Caithness flagstone is

also proposed for the areas immediately in front of the live/work units in the Barracks. This is to reflect the

historic significance of these buildings and help recreate the street feel of this area. The central ‘road’ space

between the Barrack blocks would be paved in new or reclaimed whin setts defined by large flush whinstone

channels.

Natural stone is extremely durable and weathers well with age. It is easy to maintain and has good whole life

costs.

Steps and ramps within Forthside Square would be constructed in well finished precast concrete which would

provide a good visual contrast with the surrounding darker Caithness flagstone.

The principal footways and pedestrian thoroughfares will be surfaced in a resin-bonded gravel of light grey or

buff colour. This a very flexible in-situ finish which takes up minor level changes and avoids the need to carry out

lots of cutting of slabs. It is easy to maintain and provides a durable surface which is easy to clean and repair.

Within the housing areas the roads will be in a bituminous finish and the footways surfaced in the same resin-

bonded gravel as elsewhere on the site.

The existing roads and car park areas have been completed in a macadam finish with man-made ‘conservation’

kerbing.

Example of paving materials

Page 8: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

28

LightingLighting is an important component of the visual environment and contributes to the mood of a place as well as

security. Beyond the merely functional needs to illuminate roads and footways to safe standards there is a very

real opportunity to create an enhanced environment by the creative use of uplighters, ground-mounted Light

Emitting Diodes (LED’S), soffit lighting and selective use of floodlighting. The promotion of Forthside as a modern,

dynamic new urban quarter for Stirling requires the provision of a high standard of lighting to encourage evening

and nightime activities.

The street lighting columns along the general access road and public transport route and in the main car park

have already been installed. Elsewhere contemporary 4m high lighting columns will be used to illuminate

pedestrian routes through the site to maintain high lux levels for user safety. Feature lighting in the form of

modern post top lights are proposed in Forthside Square, Barrack Square and Cinema Plaza in order to create

a sense of place and to reinforce the contemporary feel. Ground-mounted LED’s are proposed along the pedestrian

route from the Marches Bridge to Cinema Plaza to reinforce the sense of direction. LED’s will also be used in the

principal squares to add sparkle at night. Uplighters beneath trees in these spaces will also be used to add

ambience.

The public walkway along the riverside park will not be lit partly to avoid encouraging people into this area after

dark and also to retain the natural appearance of the lower slopes. Lighting is proposed however for the localised

areas on the viewing platforms to encourage their use in the evenings.

Street furnitureA limited palette of light grey granite, concrete and stainless steel will be used throughout the site to create a

common language for the street furniture which includes seating, bollards, bins and cycle racks. Contemporary

designed furniture will help create an air of modernity for the development in contrast to the more historic parts

of the city centre – but again design should be influenced by the unique visual qualities of Stirling.

A clear, informative and durable signage system will be developed for the site again using stainless steel as part

of the design palette. This will add to the statutory signage necessary for the site and will have the specific

function of increasing legibility of pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Wall and pole mounted CCTV cameras will provide comprehensive security coverage to the principal routes

and public spaces throughout the site.

Page 9: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

29

Soft LandscapingThe Soft landscaping to the development is important for reinforcing the character of the place, assisting legibility,

emphasising pedestrian routes of spaces and for providing colour and texture to the public realm. The planting

within the built elements of the development is formal with lines of trees defining the edges of spaces and

thoroughfares. Street trees will be planted as clear-stemmed specimens up to 5m high and will often be set

with paved areas with a suitable tree grill at the base. In these areas shrub planting will generally be avoided as

it often becomes a litter trap and is difficult to maintain. It also reduces intervisibility and raises issues of safety.

By contrast the planting in the more semi private spaces such as the immediate environs of the residential

development, the courtyard and the French Plaza will incorporate more ornamental tree specimens and low

level shrubs to provide a wider range of seasonal colours and textures.

The Riverside Park offers different opportunities for soft landscaping. The existing mature trees will be retained

to create a sense of maturity within the site and will only be removed if deemed completely unavoidable. Some

crown lifting and pruning may be required to ensure the stability and longevity of some of the older trees. The

upper slopes and flatter areas at the top of the embankment will be treated as a public park with amenity trees

and lawn areas. Some opportunities exist for bedding and annual displays which add colour and texture. The

lower slopes and the river edge will remain as a natural environment with regeneration of native trees and

understorey plants. This will help retain the biodiversity of the site and encourage wildlife. Some new planting

of native trees will be undertaken to assist in the regeneration process. The public footpath runs along the

interface of the man-made and the natural environments.

Page 10: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

30

Development Phasing

The nature and complexity of the development of this site will inevitably lead to it being constructed in phases.

Phase 1• Residential development at north end of site• Riverside Park• Boundary landscaping• Completion of Forthside Way and Public

Transport Route.• Traffic orders for parking and 20 mph

Phase 2• Cinema complex• Barracks live/work units• French Plaza• Cinema Plaza• Barracks Square• Completion of park and walk site – car park

and coach park• Improvements to Seaforth Place junctions• Road signs on approaches to city

Page 11: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

31

Phase 4• Residential /offices in south-east corner

park and walk footbridge to city centre.

Phase 3• Sustainable offices and The Courtyard• Hotel /conference facility• Forthside Square• Station footbridge• Completion of access road

Page 12: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

32

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

1. INTRODUCTION

This section of the report sets out a sustainable implementation plan for the development of the Forthside site

as a major new quarter of Stirling city.

The scheme is designed to support the growth of the city of Stirling and contribute to the enhancement of all

aspects of Stirling’s social and economic life.

The development is complex due to the nature of its varied content and funding sources which include a

significant level of public sector funding for land acquisitions, infrastructure and transportation. This contribution

which has by and large been expended underpins the viability of the various development components and

gives confidence that they will be delivered.

The value created by the development elements will in turn contribute to the shortfall in funding for the completion

of the site infrastructure and public realm works. The intention is to create a mix of developments which will not

burden the public purse.

2. THE DELIVERY MECHANISM

2.1 Objective

Forthside is a mixture of profitable and non-profitable development with non income generating elements of

civic and community infrastructure.

The imperative is to maximise the capital and revenue income consistent with the mix of uses detailed in the

masterplan in order to minimise direct Council capital expenditure and ongoing revenue funding liability.

2.2 The Enabling and Initial Infrastructure Works

The Council implemented a range of very significant enabling and infrastructure works between 1998 and 2001

in order to prepare the site for the development of the built environment and contribute to the city’s transport

system.

These works included the following:

• Demolition, site remediation, removal of gas holder, service diversions, boundary fencing.

• Construction of new TAVRA building, accommodation works for Railtrack, relocation of railfreight and

maintenance depot.

• Completion of Forthside Way, formation of public transport route, cycle route, car and coach park including

service buildings, service /access road, improvements to Seaforth Place /Goosecroft Road junction, street

lighting.

• Site infrastructure including public utilities and initial landscaping.

2.3 The Residential Development

A preferred residential developer has been selected for the development of approximately 191 flats at the north

end of Forthside as highlighted on the masterplan.

Disposal of the site for the residential development will be by way of a sale and development agreement.

The whole transaction will be undertaken on a profit sharing basis monitored by Stirling Ventures to ensure that

the Council secure the best price that can be reasonably expected.

The capital receipt generated from the residential development is required to contribute to the overall funding of

the balance of infrastructure to be completed at Forthside [ Refer to para.2.8 ].

.

Page 13: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

33

2.4 The Hotel and Conference Facility

Submissions have been received from the hotel development and operator market in response to the brief

which was issued for a 4 star quality 125-150 bedroom hotel and 500 seat conference centre located in the

south side of the civic square at Forthside.

The submissions are currently being evaluated to select the preferred developer/operator. The disposal of the

site will be by way of a long ground lease with the potential of an annual income for the council.

2.5 The Sustainable Office Development

The offices will comprise approximately 120,000 sq ft (11,150 sq m) of development in one or more buildings

suitable for a variety of occupiers but particularly attractive to those committed to the principles of sustainability.

The proposal is to secure a significant level of pre-let floor space on institutional terms with full repairing and

insuring leases rather than develop on a purely speculative basis which would significantly reduce the financial

return to the Council.

The procurement options range from the Council undertaking the development itself through a 100% owned

arms length company with forward funding from an investment sale based on a major portion of the space

being pre-let to an outright sale of the land or a joint venture with a development partner. Whichever option is

chosen will provide a capital receipt for the Council.

2.6 The Cinema and Barracks Buildings

A preferred developer has been selected for the multiscreen cinema and the redevelopment of the Barracks

buildings to create a live/work community through a mix of office, workshop, niche retail and food and beverage

opportunities on the ground floor with loft apartments on the upper floors.

The cinema will be surrounded by a mix of café, restaurant, bars, gallery and workshop space which has a

direct synergy with the Barracks and requires to be carefully marketed to ensure the correct balance of use of

the spaces.

Disposal of the cinema site and the Barracks buildings will be through a long ground lease and development

agreement which will provide a financial return for the Council. The whole transaction will be undertaken on a

profit sharing basis with Stirling Council participating in the marketing of the scheme (at no risk) to ensure that

the correct mix and quality of tenants are achieved.

2.7 South East Wedge (Area Opposite Car Park)

An opportunity exists for either residential or commercial development on this site in the future as detailed in the

masterplan report which will provide a financial return to the Council.

2.8 Phase 2 Infrastructure

The main infrastructure works required to be undertaken by the Council to complete the Forthside development

comprise the vital linkages to the existing city centre, the civic square, riverbank walkway and parkland,

landscaping, signage and street furniture.

The new footbridge at the station will form a key pedestrian route from the riverbank through the civic square to

the existing city centre. The bridge will also provide key pedestrian access from the station and city centre to

the hotel, office and cinema development.

The prominence and location of the bridge adjacent to the Grade A listed railway station lends weight to the

requirement for an iconic structure and it is proposed that a detailed brief is prepared for a design competition.

The bridge will be procured by the Council using a design and build form of contract to ensure a fixed price and

minimise the Council’s design and construction risk.

The civic square, riverbank walkway, parkland and site landscaping will be designed and tendered at the

appropriate time to suit the overall development phasing.

The masterplan indicates a link to the Thistles Shopping Centre which will be designed and implemented as

part of the park and walk strategy.

Page 14: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

34

3. DEVELOPMENT PHASING

The enabling works and initial infrastructure have been substantially completed providing the public transport

route, access road, car and coach park and main public utilities.

It is proposed that the future development of the site is undertaken in phases as follows:

Phase 1

This will comprise the north end residential development, riverbank walkway and parkland. Completion of the

public transport route and Forthside Way along with any necessary traffic orders.

Phase 2

This will comprise the multiplex cinema, redevelopment of the Barracks buildings and associated public realm.

Phase 3

This will comprise the offices, hotel and conference development, formation of the civic square and station

bridge link, completion of the Service /Access Road

Phase 4

The development of the south east wedge of the site as a residential or commercial opportunity.

Footbridge connection to city centre as part of park and walk strategy.

3.1 The Indicative Development Programme

A summary of the indicative development programme is detailed below highlighting the key timescales and

activities required to deliver the developments. It should be noted however that the timescale for the offices

may be affected by market conditions and the hotel by the outcome of the negotiations to secure a preferred

developer and operator.

MasterplanReport to Environment Committee November 2004

Residential DevelopmentPlanning Panel February 2005

Report to Council on Development Agreement March 2005

Target Construction Commence June 2005

Target Construction Completion December 2007

Hotel and Conference FacilityPlanning Panel July 2005

Report to Council on Development Agreement l July 2005

Target Construction Commence Autumn 2005

Target Construction Completion Spring 2007

Multiscreen Cinema and BarracksPlanning Panel February 2005

Report to Council on Development Agreement March 2005

Target Construction Commence June 2005

Target Construction Completion December 2006

Sustainable Business SpaceSelect Design Team October 2004

Feasibility Study February 2005

Planning Panel September 2005

Report to Council October 2005

Target Construction Commence March 2006

Target Construction Completion Winter 2007

Station Bridge and Civic SquareDesign Review September 2004-March 2005

Planning Panel August 2005

Network Rail Negotiations September 2004-April 2005

Report to Council October 2005

Target Construction Commence November 2005

Target Construction Completion December 2006

Page 15: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

35

Riverbank Walkway and LandscapingPlanning Panel February 2005

Report to Council October 2005

Target Construction Commence December 2005

Target Construction Completion December 2006

4. THE DEVELOPMENT BUDGET

The Council undertook the land acquisition, feasibility studies, enabling and initial infrastructure works at Forthside

which were completed in April 2001.

These works were funded from the Council’s Capital Programme, Scottish Executive Transport Challenge Fund,

European Regional Development Fund and a grant contribution from Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley.

The infrastructure works comprising the bridges, station forecourt improvements, civic square, riverbank walkway

and parkland, landscaping, signage and seating along with some residual items from the initial works remain to

be completed.

In addition, legal, design and project management fees require to be expended to masterplan and set up the

various development components for the site.

Public Transport Funding and a second phase of European funding has been secured to contribute to the cost

of these works however a shortfall exists which will require to be funded from the capital receipts from the

Developments.

Due to the complex mixed use nature of the site and amount of public areas the principle that has been adopted

is to maximise the capital receipts from the developments to contribute to the shortfall in funding of the public

realm and infrastructure rather than trying to secure the works from the developers through planning agreements.

Page 16: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

36

5. SITE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Quality, sustainability and cohesion are key development themes for Forthside therefore a strong onus is being

placed on integrating the estate management regime for this new city quarter and river frontage from day one.

However, to maintain a city wide balance and have consistent care and maintenance reference must also be

made to the broader city strategy.

The aim at Forthside is for the Council and the various developers/operators and occupiers to seek to integrate

their management approach from the very beginning. This will ensure that the quality of maintenance and

consequently the quality of the environment are consistent across the whole site, facilitated through a Forthside

Partnership or joint city centre management initiative.

The roads, footpaths, car park, public realm and landscaping areas at Forthside will be managed and maintained

through a combination of adoption and control by the Council and a service charge regime with individual

developers, operators and occupiers..

Details of the scheme are currently being developed and will be the subject of future reports to the Council.

6. SECURITY /COMMUNITY SAFETY

The ‘mixed use’ nature of the development, means that detailed involvement will need to be maintained with the

Council’s Safer Cities Co-ordinator throughout the design process, to ensure that the inclusion of effective

community safety /crime reduction principles will be included.

The specific approach to individual areas and buildings will vary. However there are a number of general

principles which are fundamental to ensure the potential of ‘designing out crime’ is fully realised.

These are: Natural Surveillance

Privacy

Boundary Definition

Landscaping

Lighting

Enhanced Surveillance (CCTV)

Access

Parking

Direct liaison with individual developers and the Safer Cities Co-ordinator, from the initial design stage, will

enable these principles and the concept of ‘Secured By Design’ to be effectively implemented with each built

element of the development.

In addition to the benefits in terms of overall community safety, inclusion of these principles can be utilised as

an effective marketing tool to attract businesses and residents alike. Moreover, they can provide a pivotal

element which genuinely contributes to the “enhancement of all aspects of Stirling’s social and economic life”.

Page 17: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

37

CONCLUSION

The masterplan proposals for Forthside as set out in the report will create a contemporary and sustainable new

quarter for Stirling which takes advantage of its riverfront setting. This will be a genuine mixed use development

with a combination of residential, leisure, commercial, office and cultural uses which promotes the area as a

lively 24 hour community.

Careful consideration has been given to the layout and massing of the built elements of the site and integrates

the existing engine shed and barracks buildings. Pedestrian and vehicular movement has been successfully

combined to provide a safe and attractive public realm and efficient transport system. A comprehensive plan for

hard and soft landscaping throughout the site has been promoted and provides a high quality setting for the

proposed buildings.

In the fullness of time when the Forthside development is complete it will add significantly to the social, cultural

and economic life of the city, provide a wonderful new residential location and make a major contribution to the

continued renaissance of Stirling.

Page 18: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

Forthside Development Stirling

38

Masterplan Reportprepared by

21 Carlton CourtGlasgowG5 9JP

t 0141 420 8200f 0141 429 8796e-mail [email protected]

October 2004

Page 19: Forthside Report Cover A3 - Stirling€¦ · MASTERPLAN REPORT 21 French Plaza Plan French Plaza This plaza forms the terminal public space to the development at the southern end

MASTERPLAN REPORT

1

THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

The Forthside Vision

Forthside will be a key component of Stirling in the new century. Stirling’s heritage and geographic advantage,

when combined with new City status and a location beside Scotland’s first National Park, are enviable qualities

that make it an attractive environment in which to live and visit. The vision for Forthside seeks to unlock the

potential, not just of the 40-acre site itself, but the whole City. Forthside will be a vibrant new quarter of the City

Centre befitting a contemporary University City proud of its history. It will be a place to live, work and relax,

hosting visitors to the City, whether for business, pleasure or to visit friends and relatives. A new hub of quality

design-led structures will cement the City’s attributes a centre of culture, heritage, learning and innovation and

will characterise this riverside quarter enjoying magnificent views to the surrounding countryside. The aim is to

use Forthside to reposition Stirling and raise its profile by providing facilities and public space befitting a new

city. For the first time in 100 years, people will have access to a stretch of the River Forth, which is to have

landscaped gardens, footpaths and cycleways. Local residents and visitors alike will see a Stirling they never

imagined.

The comprehensive masterplan for the Forthside Development includes:

• Contemporary, quality housing;

• Sustainable, quality, business space;

• An international 4 star hotel, incorporating a 500 seat conference venue;

• Multiscreen Cinema development;

• Niche retailing opportunities;

• Car and coach parking, and visitor arrival facilities – part of the public transport system for the whole city;

• Civic space and riverbank walkways, providing leisure and recreation opportunities in a quality public realm.

The Development Objectives

To achieve a “riverside” city centre, the following development objectives have been set for Forthside:

1 To broaden Stirling’s community and leisure amenities.

2 To make space for business development.

3 To strengthen the visitor offer.

4 To address the demand for urban living.

5 To realise Forthside’s role in meeting the objectives of the City Transport Strategy and the individual access

requirements of the site.

The Development Themes

There are three recurring themes displayed by the masterplan which will form an essential integral part of the

detailed design and will be evidenced by the final built environment created in Forthside. These themes serve as

constant reminders of the role that Forthside will play in Stirling’s economic and social infrastructure.The three

themes are Sustainability, Quality and Cohesion.

1. Sustainability

This features economic, environmental and community sustainability.

Economic sustainability will be achieved through safeguarding existing employment activity and by creating

new employment opportunities.

For the Council the project is sustainable economic development as it brings additional funding of grants using

finance from other parties for specific development opportunities. Public Transport Funding has already been

awarded for improvements to mitigate against city centre congestion.

Environmental sustainability will take the site from an environmental deficit through to a model of good

environmental sustainability practice.

Environmental sustainability will include the remediation of a damaged environment, creating an energy efficient

concept, using recyclable materials and reducing car dependency through alternatives.

Community sustainability will include the creation of a safe environment, providing a focus for community life

and providing a location for recreation.

2 Quality

Quality will be achieved through Council commitment, control and leadership of the project. Specifically, the

development will achieve quality through:

• developing a coherent masterplan;

• by creative reuse of existing buildings;

• by careful selection of materials and finishes

• by ensuring the designs for the various development components are complementary and well integrated

one with another

• by developing a comprehensive management and maintenance plan for the public realm

3 Cohesion

Cohesion is essential for the successful operation of the site and its broader participation in the social and

economic life of Stirling. This will be achieved through:

• the creation of and adherence to the masterplan;

• Integration with the rest of the city centre with linkages at every level including signage information systems,

walking cycling and public transport networks, open space design and maintenance, commercial linkages

etc

• ensuring good pedestrian and cycle linkages with the city centre and surrounding areas.