Studio (MArch Year 2) Blackpool’s Central Pier Regeneration Project

Studio (MArch) Blackpool’s Central Pier Regeneration Project Master Plan Proposal of Blackpool’s Central Pier

Manchester School of Architecture 2018/2020 Master of Architecture Year 2 Hani Namirra Abdul Nasir

Blackpool’s Central Pier Regeneration Project The idea behind this project is based on Richard Rogers' Cities for a Small Planet. He suggested the Compact City theory which is a 'dense' city where economic and social activities overlap and communities are focused around neighbourhoods. A public transport nodes is centred around the social and commercial activities where walking and cycling is encouraged and less car journeys.

The research and analysis of the Blackpool city has also been carried out by drawing conclusions and objectives as a result.

The site is located near the Central Pier and part of Blackpool’s resort core. It is famous for its attractions such as the Madame Tussauds, SEA Life, amusement arcades, a row of hotels and a tram line that only runs along the Promenade. A conservation area is located in the middle of the site which cannot be demolished or altered according to the council. Empty lots and large car park spaces dominate the area. An elevated highway with a linear car park stretches along the site dividing both areas.

The objectives, research and theoretical framework of the city further developed the master plan. The new master plan is divided into four key areas: the Central Pier Area, the Central Station, Seasiders Way Linear Park, and the Residential Quarters. The Central Station is a mixed use of offices, leisure and residential with a central bus station as a public transport node.

The Seasiders Way Linear Park is transformed from an elevated highway to encourage walking and cycling.

The linear park and the interconnecting small public spaces connects The Central Station to and from the Residential Quarters.

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

Researching Blackpool City: Conclusions and Objectives

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MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Theoretical Framework: Cities for Small Planet and Master Plan Development.

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Master Plan: Blackpool’s Central Pier Regeneration Project.

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Researching Blackpool City

35 KM2

A FORMER RESORT TOWN: TIMELINE

It is a well known Lancashire coastal town situated on the Irish Sea coast of England. It is by far the smallest Lancashire authority.

During the 1950s was its hey day as a resort destination for most working class in Lancashire but suffered when the visitor numbers reduced drastically because of air travel becomes cheaper in the 1970s.

FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS

It’s known for its attractions like the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the Blackpool Tower and the Blackpool Illuminations. In terms of regeneration effort, several major projects are underway to improve the town centre, business and housing areas funded by the public and private sector.

KEY

However, the coastal town is also one of the most deprived towns. Our analysis is to point out the existing issues from the regional to the street scale and highlight the potential opportunities for future master plan development.

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

139,300

21 WARDS

POPULAR RESORT DESTINATION

1950s

CHEAPER AIR TRAVEL OVERSEAS RED UC ED

2017

1970s

STEADILY RISING

BLACKPOOL TOWER

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH AND CENTRAL PIER

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

CITY CENTRE

TRAIN ROUTE

OUTER CITY AREA

TRAM LINE

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Researching Blackpool City

Conclusions The conclusions listed are based on the group’s research analysis of the whole Blackpool city.

DEPENDENT ON SINGLE ECONOMY: TOURISM

IMPORTANCE OF IDENTITY OF A RESORT TOWN

HIGH LEVEL OF DEPRIVATION

LACK OF GREEN OPEN SPACE

HIGH SURVEILLANCE

SOFT LANDSCAPING AND PUBLIC SPACES

HIGH NUMBER OF VACANT PROPERTIES

LIMITED MARKET FOR PROFESSIONAL JOBS

REGENERATION EFFORTS AT THE CENTRAL DISTRICT

INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

COUNCIL SUPPORT IN COMMUNITYLED PROJECTS

ENCOURAGE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Objectives Based on the analysis and conclusion, urban design goals and objectives are drawn out to establish a broader framework and a more specific guiding principle and visual design for the master plan development.

DIVERSIFY ECONOMY BEYOND TOURISM

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

PRESERVING THE IDENTITY

PROPERTY RE-USE

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

PROVIDE SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE TO EXTEND RANGE & TYPES OF TOURISTS

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Theoretical Framework: Cities for Small Planet These are the key principles and a summary of Cities for a Small Planet by Richard Rogers (1997). This is used for the framework of the master plan.

The Compact City theory is a dense city where economic and social activities overlap and communities are focused around neighbourhoods (Rogers, 1997). It grows around centres of social and commercial activity located at public transport nodes (integrated transport system as the focal point). Future cities should be sustainable and need to consider the total impact on the local environment.

WORK LEISURE

RESIDENTIAL

CONCENTRATION OF A BROADER MIX OF ACTIVITIES that is centered around a public transport node.

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

REDUCE CAR JOURNEYS and promote cycling and pedestrian streets.

CREATE GREEN ROUTES AND GOOD PROVISION OF PUBLIC SPACES with natural landscape and new urban technology.

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

REDEVELOPING DERELICT AND BROWN LAND SITES to produce dense, compact and mixed developments based around public transport nodes.

CITIES MUST ADOPT A CIRCULAR SYSTEM of recycling materials, reducing waste, conserve exhaustible energies and tap into renewable ones.

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Theoretical Framework: Proposal The theory helped address the issues and objectives that were identified in the analysis. The key moves shown will move forward to the next master planning stage by selecting a specific site.

NEW RESORT CORE EXTENDED TO THE SOUTH

THE NEW TRAM LINE ROUTE is connected to a network of existing district and local centres with the concept of a closed system loop.

People can easily access through the different neighbourhoods.

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

BY USING THE CONCEPT OF COMPACT OR SHRINKING CITY The activity will be focused more on the denser neighbourhoods while the outer area will be transformed into a preserved countryside area.

A ‘GREEN ROUTE’ NETWORK is created by linking the existing fragmented green spaces of woodlands and open fields with attractive routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

BLACKPOOL SHOULD DIVERSIFY ITS ECONOMY by expanding the resort core, developing business district area and new mixed-use development from north to south with the help of the existing tram line route.

EMBRACE THE GREEN AND BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE The seafront view will be protected from unwanted elements or tall buildings.

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Selecting a Site: The Central Pier The site is selected within the framework. The site is part of Blackpool’s resort core. It is famous for its attractions such as the Madame Tussauds, SEA Life, amusement arcades, a row of hotels and a tram line that only runs along the Promenade.

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A conservation area is located in the middle of the site which cannot be demolished or altered according to the council.

There are empty lots and large car park spaces dominate the area. An elevated highway with a linear car park stretches along the site dividing both areas.

FOXHALL CONSERVATION AREA It is preserved by the Blackpool Council to protect the area’s architectural heritage built in the 1890s.

It is currently a mixed use of shops and bed and breakfasts.

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THE CENTRAL PIER Its located on the Promenade and one of the famous attractions along the street. Young families would often visit the amusement park.

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SEASIDERS WAY ELEVATED HIGHWAY It was an old train route in the 1840s. It is a highway and a parking space for motorhomes, coaches and cars. The highway divides both areas made it less accessible.

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

THE ROW OF HOTELS Most of residential houses converted into hotels, bed and breakfasts and shops to accommodate the high number of tourists.

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Site Analysis: The Central Pier

CITY CENTRE

Y S WA R E SI A D SE

PROMENADE

TOURISTS

PLEASURE BEACH

EXISTING BUILDING USE The area has more leisure use on the Promenade and lacks mixed-use development.

PROMENADE

RESIDENTS

MOTORHOMES & COACHES

EMPTY LOT ODEON VISITORS

PRESTON HIGHWAY

THE EXISTING STREET HIERARCHY shows the Promenade being an active high street. The Seasiders Way is the elevated highway runs along the site. The tertiary roads form cul-de-sacs.

THE CENTRAL BUS STATION

DERELICT SPACES AND CAR PARK AREAS There are a lot of derelict spaces for new residential development and large parking spaces for visitors.

LARGE PARKING SPACE

ODEON

BUS STOP LACKS SHELTER

TRAM

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

LACKS FACILITIES

BUILDING NOT CURRENTLY USED

EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROUTE illustrates tram line only runs along the Promenade. The bus route is easily accessible throughout the city.

LARGE PARKING SPACE

LARGE PARKING SPACE

COMMERCIAL

HOTELS/BED & BREAKFASTS

HIGH STREET

TERTIARY STREET

BUS ROUTE & STOPS

EMPTY LOTS

CIVIC

RESIDENTIAL

SECONDARY STREET

TRAM ROUTE & STOPS

PROMENADE

PARKING SPACE

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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Design Rationale: Key Moves PROPOSED CENTRAL BUS STATION

ESTABLISHING A CLEAR STREET PATTERN The new streets follow the existing street pattern. The grid pattern allows easier access to other areas.

PROPOSED STREET HIERARCHY The street hierarchy remains unchanged. The elevated highway turns into a long public park access by pedestrians. The cars and coaches will be re-directed.

REVIVE THE CENTRAL BUS STATION The Central Bus Station will be refurbished by providing better facilities to attract visitors.

This will serve as the main Bus Station of Blackpool City.

PROMOTING ECONOMY DIVERSIFICATION The site is predominantly of leisure use. The new scheme will introduce more mixeduse development uses and key community facilities.

MULTISTOREY CAR PARK BASEMENT PARKING

GARAGES & SIDE PARKING GREEN LINEAR PARK The elevated highway is transformed into a linear park accessed by pedestrians and cyclists. It’s connected to the new public spaces that can access the street.

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

ENCOURAGE WALKING AND CYCLING The new cycling routes are proposed to access the areas by connecting the existing ones.

PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY PUBLIC SPACES The promenade is already designed for pedestrians and cyclists. The commercial area will be pedestrian friendly.

NEW PARKING SPACES AND RE-DIRECTING CAR ROUTE Parking spaces are provided such as multistorey car park, basement parking, garages and street side parking.

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

TERTIARY STREET

BUS ROUTE & STOPS

DESIGNATED CYCLING ROUTE

CIVIC

HIGH STREET

SEASIDERS WAY LINEAR PARK

PUBLIC SPACES /SMALL PARK

PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN SQUARE

HOTELS/BED & BREAKFASTS

SECONDARY STREET

TRAM ROUTE & STOPS

ACCESS

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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Demolition Strategy The buildings that are being demolished are mostly in bad condition and have little architectural heritage and significance to the site and the city. Few of the buildings listed below will be refurbished.

FOOD MARKET

SOUVENIR SHOPS

CENTRAL BUS STATION

MAGISTRATE COURT

HOTELS & SHOPS

AMUSEMENT ARCADES

PUB & HALL

CENTRAL PIER REFLEX BLACKPOOL (PUB)

ODEON

THE ROW OF HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

DEMOLISH

CENTRAL PIER

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

REFURBISH

REFURBISHED

AMUSEMENT ARCADES It is in bad condition and will be refurbished for easier access.

MAGISTRATE COURT Currently the building is not in use . It will be refurbished and turn into a mixed-use development.

EXISTING HOTELS, SHOPS & RESTAURANTS The buildings are in a bad state and will be refurbished and maintained its original use PUB & HALL Maintained to be a pub and an event hall space.

DEMOLISHED

SOUVENIER SHOPS The buildings are in bad condition that will be demolished for easier access and preserve sea view.

ODEON The whole site will be demolished and make way for new residential houses.

TEMPORARY FOOD MARKET It will be removed and replace with a Central Market CENTRAL BUS STATION The bus station will be repurpose and maintained as a station of Blackpool.

MAINTAIN

THE ROW OF HOTELS

THE CENTRAL BUS STATION

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

ODEON

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Proposal: Central Pier REFURBISH OLD PUB AND APARTMENTS INTO SERVICED APARTMENTS

REPLACE WITH AN OPEN MALL OR MARKET

REFURBISH BUS STATION

TRANSFORM INTO A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY PATHWAY

DEMOLISH BUILDING TO MAKE WAY FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

REFURBISH INTO MIXED USED DEVELOPMENT

RESIDENITIAL DEVELOPMENT

CREATE SMALL POCKET PARKS TO CONNECT THE ELEVATED PUBLIC SPACE TO THE GROUND LEVEL STREET THE FRONT OF THE AMUSEMENT ARCADES AND ATTRACTIONS NEED TO BE MORE LIVELY ATTRACTIVE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR VISITORS

REFURBISH AND MAINTAIN ITS USE AS HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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Blackpool’s Central Pier Regeneration Project The site is divided into four key areas: the Central Station area, Seasiders Way Linear Park, Central Pier Area (covers the Promenade) and the Residential Quarters.

CENTRAL STATION

SEASIDERS WAY LINEAR PARK

RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS PROMENADE

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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The Central Pier: The Promenade The Central Pier is situated on the Promenade. The idea is to maintain its building use and refurbish to look more attractive and welcoming. The primary street that runs along the Promenade is designed with a new cycling lane as shown. The Promenade lacks of green infrastructure, therefore, a long strip of trees and plants are placed.

SEA LIFE MADAME TUSSAUDS

ODEON AMUSEMENT ARCADES HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS 14

CENTRAL PIER

PROMENADE

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

GREEN ROUTE

TRAMS

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

TRANSIT BUSES

CYCLING LANE

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The Central Pier: The Central Station It is called the Central Station as it is where the main bus station is located. The idea is to create an extended of the “Business District” area proposed by the Blackpool City in the future. It is a mixed use development of offices, residential apartments and a Central Market (retail shops and cafes). The area can only be accessed by pedestrians and no cars allowed.

MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK THE CENTRAL BUS STATION

RESIDENTIAL: APARTMENT KING’S PUB AND EVENT SPACE

THE CENTRAL STATION PUBLIC SPACE

RESIDENTIAL: APARTMENT

MIXED-USE OFFICE AND RETAIL

THE CENTRAL MARKET: SHOPPING CENTRE

THE CENTRAL BUS STATION

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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The Central Pier: The Seasiders Way Linear Park The Linear Park is a ‘green link’ from the residential Quarters to the Central Station hub. Pedestrians and cyclists are only allowed to access this area. The two small pocket parks and two pathways are designed so people can access the ground street to and fro the elevated linear park.

PATHWAY (TO THE CENTRAL STATION)

PATHWAY (TO RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS)

THE CENTRAL PARK

RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS PLAY AREA

RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS PLAY AREA

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

THE SEASIDERS WAY LINEAR PARK

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

PATHWAY ACCESS TO STREET

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The Central Pier: The Residential Quarters This area is transformed into a predominantly residential area. A small recreational park is designed to access the ‘green link’ to and from the ground street level. The small park has two tennis courts, a football/basketball field and a play area. It is a semi-public space for the locals but can be still accessed by visitors.

This side of the Residential Quarters have a fourbedroom house with its own parking garage and a backyard. The backyards can be easily accessed by the residents through a safe alleyway.

RESIDENTIAL: TERRACED HOUSES

RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS PLAY AREA

REFURBISHED HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS

A FOUR-BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE WITH A GARAGE RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS PLAY AREA

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

CYCLING LANE

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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The Central Pier: The Residential Quarters This area is also transformed into a predominantly residential development. A pathway is designed to access to ground level street to and from the Seasiders Elevated Linear Park.

This side of the Residential Quarters have a twobedroom apartment with a shared parking and semiprivate courtyard.

SEASIDERS PATHWAY ACCESS TO STREET

A TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH A SHARED PARKING SPACE SEASIDERS PATHWAY ACCESS TO STREET: ACCESSED BY CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS ONLY

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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The Central Pier: The Residential Quarters This side of Residential Quarters is provided with community facilities such as a Community Sports Centre which is next to the Foxhall Neighbourhood Park. The park is a play area for the children.

The residential has two types of housing and one of it is a four-bedroom townhouse with its own parking space.

FOXHALL NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK

COMUNITY SPORTS CENTRE

A FOUR-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE WITH ITS OWN PARKING SPACE FOXHALL NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK

HANI NAMIRRA BINTI ABDUL NASIR

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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