Porthcressa masterplan
Porthcressa is part of Hugh Town, the only town on the Isles of Scilly, and effectively the “capital” of the Islands. The Scilly economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, which in turn depends on the quality of the urban and natural environment, the islands’ unique ecology and their distinctive identity. Porthcressa makes an important contribution to the economic, cultural and community life of the Isles, but has the potential to do much more.
The project team, led by Roger Tym & Partners, was appointed by the Council of the Isles of Scilly and SWRDA in March 2008 to prepare a Masterplan for the Porthcressa area to help it reach its full potential as a centre of economic growth for the Isles of Scilly. It was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in September 2009.
Porthcressa is perhaps most notable for its beach, almost within the heart of the town. It borders one of the most beautiful, natural and dramatic coastlines in the world, still unspoiled and generally peaceful but subject to the dramatic weight of Atlantic storms and may be challenged by the effects of climate change. The area also contains some key civic and community facilities, including the Library, Register Office and Town Hall, all of which are in need of upgrading.
The Masterplan will guide the regeneration of Porthcressa, reinforcing the role which the area can play in the community and economic life of the Isles of Scilly and helping conserve its environment. It sets out to create a mixed and vibrant area planned along sustainable, liveable neighbourhood principles. It is important that the area’s history, scale and distinctive qualities are balanced with the need to modernise for economic growth. The Masterplan:
Extensive research and consultation, including close working with Council Members and Officers and many others, informed the project. Following feedback from the community and steering group, the Masterplan includes significant but sensitive proposals for regeneration of key buildings and refocusing of land uses, traffic management guidance and various environmental and public realm improvements. The Masterplan also includes outline building designs, costings and recommendations for funding and implementation, to ensure that proposals are realistic and deliverable.
The project team:
The project team, led by Roger Tym & Partners, was appointed by the Council of the Isles of Scilly and SWRDA in March 2008 to prepare a Masterplan for the Porthcressa area to help it reach its full potential as a centre of economic growth for the Isles of Scilly. It was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in September 2009.
Porthcressa is perhaps most notable for its beach, almost within the heart of the town. It borders one of the most beautiful, natural and dramatic coastlines in the world, still unspoiled and generally peaceful but subject to the dramatic weight of Atlantic storms and may be challenged by the effects of climate change. The area also contains some key civic and community facilities, including the Library, Register Office and Town Hall, all of which are in need of upgrading. The Masterplan will guide the regeneration of Porthcressa, reinforcing the role which the area can play in the community and economic life of the Isles of Scilly and helping conserve its environment. It sets out to create a mixed and vibrant area planned along sustainable, liveable neighbourhood principles. It is important that the area’s history, scale and distinctive qualities are balanced with the need to modernise for economic growth. The Masterplan:
- builds on past planning policy
- provides a detailed, financially sustainable delivery framework
- presents a strong business case to support proposals
- establishes core design principles (encouraging natural, rather than man-made forms)
- engaged the local community at all stages of the design and planning process
- promotes high quality and environmentally sustainable development
- is socially sustainable
Extensive research and consultation, including close working with Council Members and Officers and many others, informed the project. Following feedback from the community and steering group, the Masterplan includes significant but sensitive proposals for regeneration of key buildings and refocusing of land uses, traffic management guidance and various environmental and public realm improvements. The Masterplan also includes outline building designs, costings and recommendations for funding and implementation, to ensure that proposals are realistic and deliverable.
Key proposals include:
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improvements at the entrance to Porthcressa to create an attractive, pedestrian friendly gateway
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conservation and enhancement of the Town Hall building as a new community economic hub
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conversion of the old Bulb Store and garage into a new library, learning and interpretation centre.
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creation of two new attractive public squares to provide informal and formal public space
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replacement of the existing Buzza Street Library with two new live-work units
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creation of new earth-roofed buildings within Porthcressa Bank to replace the existing public shelter, Register Office and public toilets
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improvements to the open spaces and gardens along Porthcressa Bank to enhance the quality of experience and sustainability of the spaces
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improvements to the walking area behind the beach to improve its accessibility, quality and robustness in the face of extreme weather
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environmental improvements to Porthcressa Flats
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restoration of Buzza Hill quarry into a multi-purpose activity area.
The project team:
- Roger Tym & Partners: lead consultant, town planning, economic planning and funding
- Sandover Associates: project management, architecture, urban design and consultation
- Scott Wilson: landscape design, masterplanning, transport, engineering
- Cyril Sweett: chartered surveyors and project costing.
Further information
