Welcome Brunswick Wharf Public Consultation to the
Red Earth wishes to update the local community on the latest proposals for Brunswick Wharf and to seek your views on the proposals for the updated mixed-use scheme.
• We are keen to hear your views and invite you to look around the public exhibition to learn more about the proposals and our consultation.
• Please feel free to ask a member of the project team any questions and do fill out one of our feedback forms. We will review all feedback received and consider revisions to the proposals before an application is submitted to Torridge District Council.
Progress Update Why We Are Here &
Red Earth has been working on their vision for Brunswick Wharf since 2012 and with your support, is determined to deliver this landmark investment in Bideford and East-the-Water.
Planning permission was granted in 2021. Since then we have completed:
• Archaeological investigations
• Demolished the existing buildings
• Repaired the quay wall
• Created a quayside walkway
As with many other developments, since the original scheme was designed and permission granted, construction cost inflation caused by world events has resulted in a c.35% increase in costs. That meant the consented scheme is undeliverable and so Red Earth has reworked the designs to reduce the costs. That exercise has allowed the proposals to be reimagined and many improvements have been included in the new designs, displayed here today.
This has provided Red Earth with the opportunity to revisit the design and make improvements, as well as to ensure the viability of the project so that the vision can be realised.
Construction costs have increased by: OVER £1 MILLION INVESTED T O DATE
• COVID
Since the original planning was approved in 2021, we have been faced with faced with inflationary pressures due to:
• The War in Ukraine
• The Energy Crisis
Keeping Best Features the
The principles of the approved scheme remain part of the new designs, including:
• Three residential wharf buildings providing apartments with fantastic views over the river towards Bideford with parking.
• New Brunswick Wharf and Steamer Wharf buildings at the southern end of the site providing restaurant, café and retail spaces.
• A Public Square that will be a focus for the community, a meeting space for East-the-Water.
• The site will be connected to the bridge, Barnstaple Street and the cycle paths with access through the improved Memorial Gardens and links to the quayside walkway.
Proposed landscape and public realm plan
Artist impression of Memorial Garden
Artist impression of the view north along Barnstaple Street
DESIGN UPDATES
New & Improved Features
Changes to the designs include:
• The residential wharf buildings have been redesigned – the three linking blocks have been removed allowing views through to Barnstaple Street and more green space, different roof forms have been included to reflect the heritage of the site, and the materials changed to reflect the industrial character of the old wharf activities.
• The flood protection designs have been updated in agreement with the Environment Agency, that has allowed for changes to the undercroft parking, big improvements to the function, accessibility and appearance of the public square, and better connections to the quayside walkway.
CONSENTED SCHEME
• A surface public car park has been included where previously there was undercroft parking, this saves construction costs and helps make the scheme viable. Red Earth is exploring the ability to use this space for temporary events and pop-up markets to complement Bideford’s offer.
• The commercial spaces have been improved, making them more attractive to tenants so that they are user friendly and will create popular destinations for the community to meet and enjoy.
NEW PROPOSED SCHEME
Undercroft car park
Clear access to new car park Green space and gardens between the buildings
Brunswick plaque retained
The linking block has been removed to enhance views to the river
Using materials and design that reflect industrial character & heritage of site
Respecting our Heritage
The East-the-Water Wharves site was part of Bideford’s shipbuilding heritage and was known as Restarick’s Shipyard
Merchant sailing vessels were built here for over 300 years until the shipyard closed in 1886. The proposals will reflect the rich industrial history of the site, such as through the restoration of the “I. Baker and Son”, builders merchants plaque which will be retained in the New Brunswick Wharf Building.
The Wharves were used for imports and exports of goods such as tobacco, clay, wool, textiles and earthenware products from nearby potteries.
We want to celebrate Bideford’s history of creativity and innovation with another new age of development that reflects the site’s rich heritage.
The yellow shows where the new proposed buildings would be superimposed on the positions of the Wharf buildings present in 1937
Historic photograph of the site showing the variation in roof form originally present on the site
Access & Parking
There have been a few changes made to access and parking to help improve the site:
• Public parking will now be at surface level, rather than undercroft, allowing easier access
• 30+ public parking and 101 private parking spaces
• The cycle link is now safer due to improved access junctions
• The site and quayside are now much more accessible, which is great for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs
Public Square
Public car park/flexible public event space
Active building edges
Restored Memorial Garden
Public art installation
Soft landscape areas
Publicly accessible quayside
Cycle stands
Trees
Restaurant seating
Accessible ramp
Potential pop up kiosk location
WORKING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
Our
Sustainability Goals
Red Earth wants to acknowledge and celebrate that Bideford lies at the heart of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We are also very conscious that we need to live sustainably and we want this project to be a showcase in exemplar sustainable development.
We’re aiming to achieve high A’s in Energy Performance and Environmental Impact in the new homes. Low Energy Costs
Aiming for net zero carbon construction phase by carbon offsetting with North Devon Biosphere partners in Kenya. Carbon Neutral
Biodiversity
The site is near an important marine SSSI. We will achieve a net gain in biodiversity. We will be introducing more green space and bat and bird boxes.
Installing renewable energy sources such as Air Source Heat Pumps and PV solar panels to reduce ongoing running costs. Renewable Energy
We will be providing EV charging points with the energy from renewable sources. EV Charging
Cycle
Parking
We will be providing public and private cycle parking stands. This will complement the access to the cycle path.
Car Share Scheme
We’re looking to introduce an EV car share scheme on-site. This ties in with our sustainability goals.
A Development for the Community
Red Earth will continue to be committed to supporting this development as well as the community
Red Earth will also continue to be an active participant within the community and continue to support projects like those which have already benefited such as:
• The Women First Art Club delivered by The Burton at Bideford
• The local Shamwickshire Rovers football club
• The Bideford Mens Shed
• The Bideford Regatta
We are also excited to announce that Sandy Brown will have an art installation in the public square and there will be a number of other artist features around the development
Shamwickshire Rovers Sandy Brown Art
Programme & Your Views
Red Earth are preparing to submit a planning application to Torridge District Council very soon.
Providing that planning is granted in 2024, the development will be built in phases over 3-5 years, starting in Spring 2025.
We welcome your feedback on the proposal and would value your support when the planning application is submitted. Please scan QR code or fill out the survey on one of the laptops provided.
SCAN ME