A New Life For Shoreham Cement Works: Interventions 2022-2033

A New Life For Shoreham Cement Works

Interventions 2022-2033

Rafael Grosso Macpherson Brighton University - MA Architectural & Urban Design

2022

“Nature prepares the site, and man organises it in such a way as to satisfy his needs and desires.”

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

– Paul Vidal de La Blanche – Geographer

CONTENT

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

Chapter 3. Vision

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

Chapter 5. Intervention

Chapter 6. A Journey to Shoreham Cement Works

Chapter 7. Conclusion

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Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

ETHOS Chapter 1. Introduction

For a long time, new developments have been driven mostly by their financial viability and their need to be lucrative for all the stakeholders involved. Similarly, government bodies have minimised their involvement in the city, outsourcing their responsibilities and reducing their already tight budget.

This portrait leads to developments that are not truly aimed to the people that will inhabit them, but as a materialisation of investing assets and financial operations. The priorities of future communities are in many occasions jeopardised by the market of today, driven by short-sighted economies. But designing is a forward-thinking discipline, planning for the future in light of current understandings of the world. Designers have the power to solve the problems of today tomorrow and avoid further ones in the future, by shaping people through space.

We design our spaces knowing that these will not be adequate in the future. Why do we, knowingly, carry on delivering spaces with little expectation of success? Why do we still make the wrong decisions? Why do we still contribute to carbon into our atmosphere? Aren’t we already conscious of the implications to climate and health? Why do we still plan our cities around car usage? Why do we contribute to self-centred environments? Aren’t we aware of increasing rates of people loneliness in cities? Why do we continue treating nature as ‘another thing’, not us, or as a mere place to visit? Haven’t we realised that it is that disconnection to nature what risks our health and even our own existence?

There are many questions to which we know the answers to or at least we have a way forward. But decisions are still being made against common sense and not in the interest of future communities. This design proposal will take a stand on good principles and aims that are thought to be the correct ones when thinking on designing for future communities.

A degree political, legal and economic realism is positive in the design process, and these are in the conscience of this designer. Nobody should be blind to these if the intention is to succeed, but simultaneously, any design proposal should challenge these constantly if it is in people’s interest.

The site in question (Shoreham Cement Works) is an abandoned quarry and cement plant, which has been tied to the landscape for a long time, speaking of the area’s history and geology. It is a scar in the natural landscape but that has created its own cultural landscape, and still provides a great opportunity for restoring some of the natural qualities of the past.

The position for designing an intervention starts by working with the existing landscape and the natural processes within, to ensure that future communities could benefit from it. A space of high quality, thinking on the needs of people in the future and the expectations of a low-carbon society. This intervention aims to work with the existing constraints, rather than starting with a tabula rasa, and to create a space worthy for people to inhabit.

DESIGN PROCESS NOTE Chapter 1. Introduction

The Designer

Rafael Grosso Macpherson is a Design Officer at the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and a part-time student in the MA Urban and Architectural Design at the University of Brighton.

This portfolio focuses on a site (Shoreham Cement Works) in which the designer works both in his capacity as an officer in the planning directorate of the SDNPA as well as a student.

Parallel work streams

The SDNPA is carrying out a public consultation on issues and options for the redevelopment of the site concurrently to the completion of this portfolio. This is part of the future plans for the site, as it is allocated for a mix use development in the Local Plan.

This piece of work has benefited from extensive research done at the SDNPA, therefore it is well informed by relevant contextual information.

As an active participant in the SDNPA’s work for the site, the designer has experienced the challenges of delivering a development that is fit to current and future needs, tackles the biodiversity loss crisis, energy transition, the climate crisis, etc. Planning new developments is a complex process, and in this case, the designer has made use of the University platform to illustrate a forward thinking whilst realistic design of the site based on the Ethos.

Chapter 2 EVIDENCE AND ANALYSIS

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

SITE LOCATION AND CONTEXT Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

Shoreham Cement Works an abandoned cement factory and quarry situated in the South Downs National Park, 3 kilometres north of Shoreham-by-Sea. Adjacent to the River Adur, the site is within the narrowest part of the National Park.

The area has good transport connections to the cities along the south coast and London.

It also benefits from a wide range of public rights of way for pedestrians and cyclists, such as the South Downs Way, a national trail connecting Winchester to Eastbourne and the Downs Link trail that follows the shore of the River Adur.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

TIMELINE AND RELEVANT EVENTS

1732 Chalk pit

1851 Quarrying begins

1861 Railway line between Horsham and Shoreham built (1)

1882 Cement manufacturing commences (2)

1896 Workers houses built (3)

1948 New buildings erected (4)

1991 Cement production ceases

1997 Distribution plant closed

2019 Site allocated for mixed use development (5)

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

SHOREHAM CEMENT WORKS IN THE 20TH CENTURY Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

In the apogee of the Cement Works, key infrastructure was constructed to facilitate the movement of materials into the factory and to shipping routes:

A Widening of the A283 Road.

B A vehicular underpass under the A283 Road.

C Railway connection to the main network and port of Shoreham.

D Rail tracks within the site.

E A network of conveyors and elevated walkways crossing the road.

F Lift connecting the upper quarry with the processing areas.

Later on, additional conveyors would be constructed (G) as the quarry extends to the east, bringing material into the main building.

Source: 28DL Urban Exploration website.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

INSIDE THE CEMENT WORKS BUILDING Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

Sources: 28DL Urban Exploration and BCD Urbex websites.

Since the cement production ceased in the 1990s, buildings were abandoned, valued goods were removed, and a process of decay commenced. By 2022, no buildings were in use, and only hard surfaces were used as depot for buses and lorries.

The Cement Works Building shows signs of long-term abandonment, which has resulted in significant decay.

Roof panels have collapsed and there is water and light ingress, leading to rust, vegetation and moss growth.

Machinery and equipment associated to the cement manufacturing has survived, and whilst not fit for purpose, they still contribute to the sense of place and the understanding of a chain industrial processes that one time took place within the building.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

PLANNING POLICY ANALYSIS

Designer’s policy review

The main objective of the South Downs Local Plan for the site consisting of restoration through the site’s redevelopment is commendable. However, specific policy requirements could become obstacles to achieve the site’s restoration in line with the designer’s ethos.

Design could create new views contributing to a sense of place and experience.

Priorities and Departures from Policy

Maximise people’s experience designing views in and out.

Environmentally-led restoration is positive, if applied as a principle to the whole design and environmental restoration is not left to a single area or residual space within the site. It is not clear what the policy expects in terms of environmental restoration, but it should be a driver in the design process, given the biodiversity and climate emergencies.

How compatible are the uses proposed with the environmentally-led restoration?

• Visitor and leisure venues are supported: the natural and cultural special qualities of the site could make of it a destination and a gateway for a variety of activities, events and sports.

• Some industrial, storage and distribution uses might be less compatible with other uses and special qualities of the site due to associated pollution, traffic and infrastructure and space required. Distribution of goods, for instance, would lead to heavy traffic and space for operation. Other less-intense industries (craftsmanship, green high-tech, innovation) would be more appropriate and easier to accommodate.

• Policies expect homes and offices only exceptionally, however, these are communitycontributing uses and given the current housing demand in the area, these should be prioritised.

“Help to create sustainable patters of travel” is not a strong enough statement. A car dependant development should be avoided. There are obvious opportunities to facilitate this:

• Integration with and improvements of the Downs Link.

• Connectivity with the South Downs Way.

• Direct bus to Shoreham-by-Sea Railway Station. Commute routes should be well connected and easy and safe to use for all.

Ambitious environmental restoration of the whole site. Cultural built environment too.

Community-creating uses, clean industries, and a variety of activities and destinations for residents and visitors. All compatible with built and natural environment.

Transport infrastructure should clearly prioritise sustainable travel options for residents and commuters, and detract from car use.

Connectivity with interchanges is essential.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Extract from the South Downs Local Plan 2014-2033

Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

SITE AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

South Downs Way

Existing structures

Most buildings contain asbestos. Buildings, conveyors, rail tracks, and surfaces contribute to the cultural industrial character of the site. Buildings have potential for birds/bats habitat.

Ground contamination

The central area is heavily constrained by substantial deposits of concrete kiln dust and is the site of a former lagoon. New buildings would require significant decontamination and complex foundations.

Tidal/river flood risk

The River Adur is tidal and when extreme events happen, the valley floods. Existing defences along the riverside prevent the site from flooding, but climate change could change this.

Surface water flooding

The A283 embankment prevent from most runoff water to flow down to the river. Chalk is permeable, but there are areas of standing water due to large extent of impervious surfaces (e.g. buildings, yards).

Shade

Due to the topography, areas along the southern boundary/cliffs are in the shade, except in Summer months. Contrarily, large areas are exposed to sunlight, glare and overheating.

Cliffs

Downs Link

Trees and woodland

Large wooded areas along the A283 and trees along the riverside boundaries.

Shrubs and hedgerows

Rich and varied vegetation has grown within the central area. Hedgerows form most field boundaries.

Chalk grassland

Native chalk grass and wildflowers are a priority habitat in the South Downs.

Scarp cliffs evidence the quarrying industries and are of geological and ecological value. There is a risk of erosion/ collapse but cliffs offer opportunities for long distance views. Birds nest in some cliffs.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

A283

River Adur

Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

PRINCIPAL CONSTRAINTS

The site suffers four main constraints, which would influence the design of any redevelopment proposal as well as its viability. The main issue is the poor condition of some buildings and the presence of asbestos within. This would condition any demolition or repurpose work. The quarry stepped topography and ecological sensitivities also condition which areas can be developed and how.

The Cement Works is only accessed from the A283 Road via two left-in and left-out accesses, which provides safe access for only a limited number of vehicles/hour without causing congestion. There is no access to the upper quarry, which is isolated and not subjected to surveillance, which has led to trespassing episodes. Public rights of way circumvent the site; however, this is impenetrable by the public at the moment.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore / Visual Air filming for the South Downs National Park Authority

Deteriorated building with asbestos

PRINCIPAL OPPORTUNITIES Chapter 2. Evidence and Analysis

Shoreham Cement Works has the opportunity to reuse existing buildings and working yards for the purposes of repairing context character (quarry and industries) as well as reducing carbon emissions from demolition and new construction. There are structural and architectural challenges to the reuse of buildings, but these are not unresolvable and are consistent with the ethics of this design.

Any new development could also connect to existing non-motorised infrastructure, improve it, and for the site to become a hub in the landscape for the public to enjoy. Commuting by bus and cycle to Shoreham-by-Sea Railway Station takes up to 20 and 15 minutes respectively. There is space for production of renewable energy, sustainable management of water and rich and varied habitats and species.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore / Visual Air filming for the South Downs National Park Authority

Integration to South Downs Way and trails network

A283

Downs Link

SouthDownsWay

Vasts areas for re-nature

Reuse of hard surfaces

Integration to Downs Link and wider network

Enjoyment of River Adur

Improvements to access Bus connections

Reuse of buildings

Join-up habitats

Photovoltaic energy

Improve water management

Views + experience

Chapter 3 VISION

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

Chapter 3. Vision

A PLACE SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE

Shoreham Cement Works will grow as a community where everyone, regardless of age, would have a place to thrive. It will provide homes of a mix of sizes, typologies and affordability, where open spaces and services will be shared by the community. A diversity of work spaces will be present across the whole development, and these will adapt to people’s work’s needs in terms of size of space, typologies and nature of business activities. No dirty or traffic-heavy industries would be allowed, to ensure the quality of place for residents, workers and visitors.

Visitors will also be at the centre of the new community, and it is that the site will be open access land for everyone to enjoy. Shoreham Cement Works and the quarry will become a regional visitor attraction that will draw walkers and cyclists to the site and the wider South Downs National Park. The majority of people will travel by public transport, walking or cycling as connections to nearby settlements and transport hubs will be convenient and safe and private car use will be restricted.

The community will be carbon neutral in terms of embodied and operational carbon, where renewable energy is produced and stored on site, in line with Government’s decarbonisation plans. It also aims to be a community where natural processes are embedded in the way places are designed and function, resulting in improvements in biodiversity and clean water resources.

Overall, the new living, working and visiting community of Shoreham Cement Works will be proud of belonging to this area of the South Downs, being at the vanguard of contemporary ways of life in a strong natural and cultural environment.

The new life for Shoreham Cement Works will grow with time. But the site will be designed to be active since its first intervention until the culmination of development in 2033.

Chapter 4 DESIGN STRATEGY

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

Chapter 4. Design Strategy INTRODUCTION

The new chapter for Shoreham Cement Works is designed as a response to the opportunities and constraints of the site and an understanding of the site’s context and cultural and natural significance.

Sustainability and resilience are fundamental pillars in the strategy, making a responsible use of resources for construction and use phases. Another pillar is the integration of the site to the wider area. Integration which will take many forms:

• Integrating cultural landscapes, celebrating the historic industrial processes that once took place, with the geological evidence exposed on site.

• Integrating habitats into the site and maximising opportunities for wildlife, to locally tackle the worldwide biodiversity loss crisis.

• Access, by integrating the site in the public transport and cycling networks. Also, by making the site an access node to the South Downs, rather than an isolated island in the area. Integrated access also means using existing infrastructure that already forms part of the site.

• Socially, by providing places to live, work and enjoy for all, irrespectively of social differences.

This Design Strategy aims to give a new purpose to Shoreham Cement Works and a structure through the time when the site is developed. Many of these interventions are overarching and structural to the site, further detailed interventions will take place and will be detailed later on.

2026

2030

Preparation and surveying. Understanding of the site, its strengths, weaknesses and potential.

Restore, re-use, recycle and re-purpose existing structures.

Repair and strengthen as necessary. Prepare renewable energy, parking and water collection infrastructure.

Connect to existing trails network. Open the site to the public and activate destination points in all areas of the site for people’s understanding and enjoyment. Structure the site with a primary route through.

Attract more people in for business to diverse work environments. Further increase of open access, visitors and commuters. New secondary routes for movement within site for a variety of experiences.

Attract residents to the site with homes that are accessible, affordable and ad hoc for future living. Incorporate small neighbourhood services: groceries, nursery, etc. Public realm interventions for the neighbourhood.

Culmination of public realm interventions based on habitat connectivity, sustainable management of water and comfortable places for all (visitors, workers and residents) in a typology of spaces. Residents move in.

2033 Evolution through time and review.

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

NETWORK OF INTERVENTIONS - 2026

Downs Link trail connection to:

• Shoreham-by-Sea

• Steyning

• Upper Beeding

• Bramber

By 2026, Shoreham Cement Works

would stop being inaccessible for people and a place in decay.

A spinal route would be created punctuated by destinations within the quarry and connected with wider trails. The main buildings will be retained and adapted to host new businesses, bringing life to the quarry and enhancing its industrial heritage.

Trails will facilitate understanding of quarrying and the chalk geology of the area, being perfect for school trips.

Destinations / Focus Areas

Bridge. Business/retail hub. Business and flexible cultural space. Chimney. Bike centre.

Visitor accommodation/bunkhouse. Steps and lookout.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Connection with the South Downs Way

Chapter 4. Design Strategy NETWORK OF INTERVENTIONS - 2030

The second phase of development will create alternative routes within the quarry connecting places more focused on recreation.

Vehicular access will remain as existing but the underpass connecting the two sites would be improved to facilitate movement through. This reduces pressures for new infrastructure such as a roundabout.

Further employment space will be delivered on the river side.

Workshops. Underpass Lifts and steps.

Outdoor sport facilities. Steps.

Landscaped nature trail.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy NETWORK OF INTERVENTIONS - 2033

2033 will be the culmination year for the main interventions, with residents moving to Shoreham Cement Works once it is served by services and infrastructure and business have settled.

Destinations / Focus Areas

Dwellings. Riverfront. Dwellings. Flexible pods. Amphitheatre.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

PHASED SITE PLAN - 2026

South Downs Way

PRINCIPAL INTERVENTIONS

2026

The first phase aims to activate the site, by restoring the main buildings and bringing them back to use. The main Cement Works Building (1) will be used for a mix of work and cultural activities. Other workshops will be constructed on the river side. Another aim is to connect the site and make it accessible for all and facilitate learning and exploration of this phenomenal part of the National Park. A series of actions will contribute to improve connectivity with the wider area and bring people to this new destination:

• Cycle bridge over the River Adur

• Reinstatement of the historic conveyor over the A283 Road as a public pedestrian route across the site and buildings.

• New accommodation (bunk house or similar) for long distance walkers and cyclists.

• Steps and lookout at the top of the quarry, carefully inetrated to avoid disturbance to birds nesting.

• Parking hub (drop car and walk) (2). Key facility to provide sufficient parking for those who need it whilst limited, to prevent excessive private vehicular trips.

2030

2033

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

PHASED SITE PLAN - 2030

South Downs Way

PRINCIPAL INTERVENTIONS

2026

The second phase focuses on strengthening the business and recreational value of the quarry and facilitating leisure and learning opportunities.

Having the most basic transport infrastructure available already, the site could accommodate more visitors and workers. Visitors will help to raise awareness of the site and the development, and will raise the value of the area as a place for visiting and working.

Interventions include:

• Improvement of the existing underpass under the A283 Road, with priority for non-motorised traffic (1).

• Outdoor sport facilities integrated in the landscape (Bike park, athletics track, etc) (2).

• Stepped access to upper quarry (3) carefully installed to prevent harm to birds and bats nesting.

• Re-naturalise quarries with native species: chalk wildflowers, grass, shrubs and trees.

• Landscaped informal trails, sculptures, trenches (4) forming a maze in the chalk for escape and nature appreciation.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

PHASED SITE PLAN - 2033

South Downs Way

PRINCIPAL INTERVENTIONS

2030

The third phase is the culmination of the spinal interventions to activate and connect the site.

It brings people to live and to create a community. There are two main areas identified for compact residential developments (1 and 2), which together with a riverfront restoration (3) will complete the riverside area.

The quarry side will be complemented with an integrated flexible open amphitheatre space (4) embedded in the topography and small huts/pods (5) for use as work spaces/ visitor accommodation in nature.

New buildings in the lower quarry to be lightweight to prevent from foundations that encounter land contamination.

New buildings to be located away from the shade of cliffs and have photovoltaic panels on roofs.

Each phase would be landscaped with planting to define routes, frame vistas and provide shade in warmer months.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Downs Link

River Adur A283

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

PROPOSALS BASED ON PRECEDENTS - 2026

Above: Old ENCI Quarry park, Maastricht, Netherlands

A Integrated steps and lookout on quarry cliffs

Connectivity with the South Downs Way to be achieved via the installation of light steps following the existing contours and with minimal disruption of the cliffs. A new lookout a the highest point as a gateway to the site and countryside.

Above: Zollverein Park, Essen, Germany

B Restoration of industrial conveyors as walkways Convert existing conveyors and rebuild lost industrial structures to overcome the A283 Road and facilitate nonmotorised movement for all. Install a public footbridge through the Cement Works Building for permeability and the appreciation of the historic building.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy PROPOSALS BASED ON PRECEDENTS - 2030

Above: Athletism stadium, Olot, Spain

A Outdoor sport venues integrated in the landscape

Activating spaces in the quarry sensitively to avoid harmful impacts on landscape character. Uses and activities become scarcer and less intense as they move away from buildings, to retain the sense of tranquillity and natural qualities. Sport facilities would integrate with vegetation and topography. No major structures and foundations are proposed to avoid encountering land contamination at depth.

Road A283 and accesses

Activated building

New pedestrian + cycle route

Activated outdoor space

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy

PROPOSALS BASED ON PRECEDENTS - 2033

Above: Zollverein Park, Essen, Germany

A Routes and vegetation that enhance experiences

All open areas will be landscaped reusing existing hard surfaces (concrete) and chalk, repurposing structures and machinery for public realm furniture and art installations. Vegetation will be planted to provide habitats for local fauna, shelter people from heat, and mitigate pollution. Routes and trees will frame vistas of the quarry, river valley and buildings.

Above: Pedestrian tunnel and water channel, Prague, Czechia B Multifunctional tunnel (pedestrians + water) The underpass below the A283 would be re-configured to allow pedestrian and cycling connectivity. Whilst vehicular traffic would be allowed, non-motorised traffic should be prioritised. The underpass would also integrate raingardens to allow surface water to flow naturally and prevent flooding caused by the road embankment.

Green corridors Blue (water) corridors

Green roofs and walls Water collection and reuse

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 4. Design Strategy FUTURE OCCUPANTS

Cyclists

Mark and David are good friends from Brighton that meet every weekend for cycling trips. They enjoy riding the South Downs Way and a restful stop and lunch at Shoreham Cement Works. When time allows, they also visit the main Cement Works building and the exhibition available at the time.

When tight of time, David decides to shorten the trip back to Brighton by train, by cycling the Downs Link to the Shoreham-bySea Railway Station in less than 15 minutes.

Instead, Mark often decides to cycle for longer. He crosses the river through the new bridge towards Steyning where he tends to buy groceries at the farm shop before returning to Brighton.

Wood Worker & Artist

Ruth visited Shoreham Cement Works a year ago on a day out with friends when she saw an advertisement of new work spaces for rent.

She has been a professional wood worker for years but always struggled to find a suitable workshop. Spaces were either too far away from where she lives, too small, or too expensive. Since then, Ruth has moved into one of the available work spaces in the riverside, where she crafts sculptures and make timber structures. She has also partnered with other businesses on site to investigate future uses of timber and to exhibit their work in the main building. Ruth’s business has flourished since then.

Enjoy Work

Children

Gill and Jody are sisters that live with their parents in the riverside. They go to primary school in Upper Beeding by bus with their father. They cannot wait to be old enough so their parents allow them to cycle to school on their own along the Downs Link. Children living in Shoreham Cement Works usually meet to play sports after school at the old quarry athleticism venue and bike park. When not in the mood for sports, Gill and Jody gather others and go for an adventure walk higher up in the quarry. They love it as they always find wild flowers, which they take to decorate their family home.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 5 INTERVENTION

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

Chapter 5. Intervention ACTIVATION OF BUILDINGS AND ROUTE

This section covers in more detail how the Design Strategy should be developed in practice. To illustrate this, a smaller scale project has been selected from all interventions identified in the phased Design Strategy.

The focus is given to the repurpose and activation of the main two buildings (Cement Works and Riverside buildings) as well as the public route through these that will connect the site that currently is bisected by a highway.

The main intervention forms part of phase 1 and it would be completed by 2026, when buildings (inside and outside) will become landmarks in their own right and will be the seed for the rebirth of the whole site. It would be however, culminate with residential development by 2033.

To activate these buildings, contemporary and diverse business and cultural spaces are incorporated where the building is fit for these and without drastic changes to buildings’ integrity and identity. The purpose of the intervention is to re-populate buildings but retain their character, what makes them special and linked to this landscape.

Proposals make account for services and infrastructure needs and identify spaces for movement, parking, water collection, district heating and greywater reuse, etc. and locate them conveniently where spaces are less fit for living or working.

The public route through the building has been designed to maximise people’s experience, for the understanding of the cement works and the surrounding landscape. It is accessible for all, safe and it celebrates the industrial functional architecture of the time.

Chapter 5. Intervention SITE PLAN, GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR LEVELS

SITE PLAN

A Public Square

B Active frontages and buildings main accesses

C Service and delivery yard

D Riverfront walk

E Trees for habitat and microclimate regulation.

F Raingardens.

G Underpass for pedestrians and vehicles (traffic light control system), raingardens and green walls.

H Parking hub (drop car and walk) + disabled parking across the site.

GROUND FLOOR

I Main hall

FIRST FLOOR

K Historic kilns

L Bay filled with detached glazed office buildings.

The public square will support a variety of activities: residents playing and relaxing, whilst workshops could extend their workspace outdoors in occasions and lead to a work and live symbiosis. Eventually, given the large size of the public square, it could be used of events related to the cultural space.

The main building shell works as a double skin for offices and workshops.

Light availability has conditioned the location of live, work and services spaces.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 5. Intervention ELEVATED PUBLIC ROUTE

KEY

A Ramp and steps above the Riverside Building, silos and highway (reinstating historic conveyors)

B Shallow ramp connecting Riverside Building and Cement Works Building.

D Reuse and adaptation of existing conveyors as ramps and steps down to the quarry.

E Lifts located for improved accessibility.

Public access route (building)

Public access route (walkway/conveyor)

New internal lightweight footbridge hung from roof structure, connecting both ends of the Cement Works Building, offering internal views of the kilns.

F Landing and rest areas strategically located for accessibility, rest and enjoyment of views.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

C

Chapter 5. Intervention EAST-WEST SECTION

The Riverside Buildings will support the community in their provision of goods and services (groceries, cafe, etc.) as well as complement the Riverside Square and river front public realm.

The public route through the buildings would prevent people crossing the busy road and be a safe passage to the quarry.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 5. Intervention NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

The roof of the Cement Works Building will have openings to allow sunlight in the building, as well as for ventilation for temperature regulation when needed. The remaining parts of the roof would have photovoltaic panels to produce renewable energy.

The roof is extensive and will collect rainwater and deposit it into repurposed silos. These could also deposit water for use and eventually generate renewable energy when photovoltaic panels are inoperative in the night through turbines and gravity.

Chapter 5. Intervention ELEVATED PUBLIC ROUTE DETAIL

Green Roof (B)

CONCEPT

The elevated walking route will connect the two sides of the site, avoiding the busy road.

It will consist of a gentle ramp, as the height difference is not significant between the two points where it connects to buildings. Both ends, (Riverside Building and Cement Works Building) would have lifts for easy access.

Whilst the ramp will be gentle, landing areas will be provided, complying with building regulations. However, these ares will function as a small place for resting, interaction and enjoymenet of views through glazed openings.

The purpose of the design is to make the elevated walkway multifunctional, therefore it will not just provide open access for all, but also an experience. It will also become multifunctional insofar as the roof will collect water from rain and will be a living roof for biodiversity.

The materials strategy focuses on sustainability, through re-purposing and recycling materials that are currently present on site. These materials, are already present in the yards and buildings, and would integrate well with the character of the place and will contribute to the identity of the site.

A living roof planted with locally native species (chalk wildflowers and grass) would contribute to air quality, pollination, reducing visual impact as well as retaining rain water from drainage systems.

Re-purposed metal sheets (C)

Corrugated metal sheets are present on site and could be re-used for cladding of the new bridge. Re-used materials have a patina of rust that contribute to the understanding of time-depth.

Recycled concrete (D)

Floor surfaces to be constructed on a steel structure, using concrete recycled from yard areas on site. Sanded surface for finer finish, no accessibility obstacles and for retaining industrial appearance.

Chapter 6

A JOURNEY TO SHOREHAM CEMENT WORKS

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

Chapter 6. A Journey to Shoreham Cement Works VIEW OF THE RIVERSIDE AND NEW WALKWAY

The frontage of the Cement Works Building (rooftop and windows) will offer long distance views of the River Adur valley. The new walkway will also have extruding platforms that will help walkers to sit aside to rest, as well as have a moment for contemplation. Openings have been carefully located to enjoy views of the valley and the main buildings. Openings are places perpendicularly to the highway to avoid distractions to drivers and minimise reflection and internal lighting pollution into the landscape.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 6. A Journey to Shoreham Cement Works VIEW OF THE KILNS

The new footbridge through the Cement Works Building would be a ‘floating’ lightweight structure that would make people appreciate the building’s massive scale and the industrial processes of the past.

An influence from existing decaying structures has been incorporated in the form of glazed gaps in the roof, providing light inside.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Chapter 6. A Journey to Shoreham Cement Works VIEW OF THE QUARRY

The highest point of the quarry would feature a lookout point for people’s enjoyment of the long-distance views of the English Channel, the downs, the River Adur valley and the impressive quarry and cement works buildings.

This lookout would be the gateway to the open downland beyond the boundaries of the site and it will welcome visitors by foot and cycle from the South Downs Way. Views from this point will make people appreciate the scale of the quarry and the varying landscapes that resulted from the extraction process.

Whether it is at the start of the visit or at the end, this lookout would be a memorable place for all.

Chapter 7

Rafael Grosso Macpherson

Source: Sam Moore for the South Downs National Park Authority

Chapter 7. Conclusion

The new development will create a community where people have opportunities for most everyday aspects of life. It will also become a destination in its own right, where, contrary to the current situation, people would enjoy open access to the quarries and most buildings.

This design is broadly consistent with the planning policy expectations for the site and imaginative on how buildings could be reused to cultural and sustainability reasons. It also delivers solutions to the current biodiversity loss and climate emergency crisis. It does create places that are for people to live, work and visit and sustainable transport options to nearby towns and cities.

Overall, it is a design that it is work to explore and detail further for all benefits that will bring to people and nature.

Rafael Grosso Macpherson