CLIENT: Grainger Plc

ENGINEER/ECOLOGIST: Mayer Brown

 

INTRODUCTION

Plans to regenerate the former Wellesley army barracks in Aldershot were granted outline planning consent in 2013. Allen Pyke were subsequently appointed to provide landscape architect’s services to progress the detailed design. We have worked on a number phases on the Wellesley development, several of which are now occupied or under construction.

BACKGROUND

Allen Pyke worked as part of multi-disciplinary team to produce Design Codes for different zones (phases) which set out the design standards and parameters required from future developers. This will ensure there is a consistent design language across the regeneration project but allows enough flexibility for individual developers to create unique character within their zones.

We have worked on reserved matters applications for several phase developers. Each phase requires a distinct set of skills to respond to site conditions, which might include retained buildings to be redeveloped, existing mature trees or steep level changes.

Allen Pyke have attended a number public consultations for the scheme, presenting the strategies and design development to local residents and military history groups.

HISTORIC FEATURES AND HERITAGE TRAIL

This historic military site contains many locally and nationally listed buildings and structures.  The history of the site is referenced in the site wide Heritage Trail which creates a route around Wellesley making these elements accessible to future residents and visitors. The public open space associated with these features is a key consideration in the design and development of the zones with previous design codes controlling the use of materials in these sensitive heritage areas.

Many retained buildings are to be refurbished for residential use with landscape designed to respond sensitively to their setting. The Grade II listed Cambridge Military Hospital is a major feature in the Aldershot skyline and an important local landmark. The derelict building was converted into mixed residential units with a small commercial aspect.  Allen Pyke designed the associated residential courtyards and the prominent public open space to the front of the landmark clock tower.

The South Africa War Memorial is another element on the Heritage Trail. Proposals feature granite paving with a formal raised planter was designed with planting species to include South African species to create a floral and dynamic display to the memorial setting. Large timber benches amongst wildflower planting to the rear of the memorial provides an informal and attractive place to stop along the Heritage Trail and gives space for private reflection.

ECOLOGY

The Wellesley site falls within the Thames Basin Special Protection Area (SPA) and provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGs) was required. Allen Pyke worked closely with the project ecologist to develop offsite proposals and oversee its implementation.

Across the development existing woodland and trees were protected and, where appropriate, enhanced to support wildlife and provide a mature setting to the new residential areas and associated public open space. Biodiverse roadside swales and areas of wildflower meadow are features of the development.

 

SPECIFIC OUTPUTS

• Landscape Strategy – For individual zones in context to the site wide parameters plans
• Design Code 3 – Provide input into design guidance for individual character areas and open spaces
• Concept Design – For public open spaces and areas of public realm
• Heritage Trail and proposals for existing memorials – Supporting the site wide heritage strategy and detailing separate applications for sensitive memorial areas
• Landscape Masterplanning – Illustrative landscape masterplans for reserved matters applications
• General Arrangement Plans – Highlighting landscape materials in accordance with Design Codes 2 and 3.
• Detailed Planting Plans – In accordance with Design Codes 2 and 3.
• Construction Details – For bespoke landscape features and important public open space
• Landscape Management and Maintenance Plans – Ensuring longevity for new and existing landscape assets.
• Public Consultation – With council representatives and members of the public.
• Tender information – Detailed plans for tender for RIBA work stage 5