Margate’s Three Historic Square

BA(Hons) III

The three historic square intervention focuses on regenerating Margate’s Cecil, Hawley and Addington Square, in present-day they are suffering from anti-social behavior and are deemed unsafe by the local community. Many of the contributing factors for these issues, are the lack of clear planning, limited pedestrian routes, isolation due to roadways limiting access.

The intervention takes inspiration from Jan Gehl’s principles of Cities for People’s. These principles will take shape through zoning via landscape and existing changes in levels, clear pedestrian routes, usable landmark for interactions and sense of security.

Cecil Square adjacent to Margate’s bus terminal, will transform into a designated arrive point, with trees used to create a visual zoning between the square and roadways as well as filtration system for vehicular pollution.

Hawley Square surrounded by terrace houses utilises greenery as a transition between roads and public space whilst employing steps on the existing gradient to provide privacy to the houses. An amphitheater is introduced to stimulate community activities and a walkway to the Theatre Royal is provided.

Addington Square in phase one will become a car park for the Theatre Royal, and in phase two will convert the adjacent derelict telecom building into a community centre using the square as an activity space/market