Strand East R6

Description

The scheme integrates itself into the wider neighbourhood by stitching into the existing routes, infrastructure and urban grain. The masterplan proposal retains the original proposal to include the Bund as an important amenity and landmark feature which serves as a natural break between the north and south sections of the site. The New landscape bund extension will incorporate attenuation ponds with permanently wet zone and a swale as well as new play areas for residents use. The bund will connect to the existing pedestrian riverside walk on the western edge which then continues south to include the marina and dry dock area. In addition to the riverside walk and central bund a new town quay has been created at the head of the dry dock which includes the addition of small cafe for local residents and visitors use.

Planning History

PCKO's involvement began in 2000 when we were commissioned through a competition for the detailed design of Sector 4 of the masterplan, the award winning Fishing Village, which received one of the first Building for Life Awards and the National Home Builder Design Award for Best Brownfield Development. Following this success, we were subsequently commissioned to review the original masterplan and propose improvements to the development strategy to maximise the value for the site, addressing an increased demand for high quality homes on the island. This involved comprehensive revisions to the overall masterplan and the production of a new Design Code to establish the quality and character for all future phases. The regeneration of St Mary's Island is now widely recognised as a flagship development for Medway and the South East of England. It is frequently illustrated in ODPM/CABE literature as an example of best practice in sustainable brownfield development that has created a strong identity and contemporary architecture that is sympathetic to the local traditions.