57 QUAYSIDE OPENING, TONIGHT AT 5PM.

Vision: NE1

The pocket park idea was one of the cornerstones of NE1 Ltd’s original launch plans, an idea created in response to requests from businesses and the public to see the creation of more green space in the heart of the city.

 

Adrian Waddell, Operations Manager at NE1 Ltd explained: “The pocket park programme is a phased campaign to improve the look and feel of Newcastle City Centre.  We’re aiming to transform what limited space there is available in the city, either permanently or on a temporary basis, into much needed parks for people to enjoy. “

 

Design: Robinson Landscape Design

The space presents the opportunity for a temporary pocket park which recognizes the significance of the location and the value of green space, Robinson Landscape Design have sought to enhance the space by making a virtue of three key elements:

 

 

1. Green Space:

Introducing a simple structure of grass, trees and planting is our first aim. This will allow people to sit, lie down and play. The introduction of green space within cities has been well documented as having strong positive effects on mental health and will improve the image of the Quayside as a whole.

 

2. Borrowed views:

Two key views make this site special: The view across the river, to the Sage and the obscured view to the All Saints Church spire. By locating the site on an axis between these two iconic buildings we seek to ‘borrow’ these views as part of the experience of being in the site.

 

To take the expression literally we also had the opportunity to design the backdrop image. We chose to bring the All Saints church back into the site and virtually increase the size, colour and form of the pocket park. 

 

3. Striking Visuals: 

For the majority of people passing the site on foot, car or bike they will only glance at the site as it forms a small part of the waterfront. We wanted to make our mark on the landscape by introducing colour and vibrancy. Red ‘shinto’ timber planters containing white stemmed Birch trees will contrast a more traditional style of parterre lawns and lavender; equally matched by the contrast between the modern architecture of the Sage and the historic All Saints Church. 

 

Below is a montage of the construction in progress. More photos to come later of the opening!