Ponteland Village

The Setting for Regeneration

Team C Proposal

PontelandVillage

Opportunities Marketplace Discovery Village Heart Legacy Sustainable Design

Community Celebration Heritage Well Being Water Scale Connectivity Landscape

Contents

Ponteland Village

Introduction

Design

Existing Site Plan

Proposed Site Plan

Core Themes

Legacy

Connectivity

Discovery

Community

Massing

Phased Development

Planning

Acknowledgements

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Page

Introduction

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The vision for the redevelopment of Ponteland’s village centre is to create a new heart for the village - a vibrant centre with a mix of uses - retail, residential, commercial and leisure - improving activity in the village and enhancing an area which will be enjoyed by the local community.

Ponteland has a long and interesting history as a village, and it is intended that this would be drawn on and reflected in the redevelopment of the Merton Way area. The new development will respect the existing form and character of the village and the sensitive approach to design. Considered use of appropriate materials will ensure a link between the past, present and future of the village.

As many as possible of the existing mature trees will be retained and form a key part of the landscape strategy to create a safe and attractive environment for people living, working and shopping in the village centre. This is particularly important in bringing forward a high quality public realm and areas of open space for people to enjoy.

The landscape materials will reflect the heritage and traditions of the village, leaving a legacy of active, inclusive open spaces.

Welcome Vision Village Heart History Character Preservation Quality Legacy Heritage Landscape Sustainable Lifestyle

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Our team proposal is spearheaded by a local investor who has lived in Ponteland for over twenty five years.

Our culture is to develop sites responsibly within communities with the intention of retaining the developments as part of our managed portfolio and provide a long term commitment. We plan to proceed with all due consideration by phasing the construction of the scheme to cause the least amount of disruption to the community and existing occupiers.

We ensure that the development addresses the needs of the community today and continues to meet the needs in the future.

Design

Ponteland Village

The core of the design has always been to consider what the people of Ponteland need and want. It is an opportunity in partnership with the community to design a village that improves their lifestyle and continues to enhance its existing community spirit. Ponteland is a unique and inspiring village which has lost its village heart. Let’s bring it back!

The attractive historical high street is physically separated from the Merton Way area and creates a village that has been split into half. We propose to link these two areas through careful and considerate planning, creating a heart that is pedestrian friendly and safe.

Community for Living Unique Character Exemplar Design Retail Centre Landmark Focal Point Gateway Building on the Past

The people of Ponteland derive great pleasure from its beautiful landscape - our design will continue and enhance this experience. The proposed community buildings will be located on the green landscapes overlooking the daily activities of village life; cafes will be able to spill out onto the pavements next to the grass; children will play safely with the water - all creating a village where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can interact.

Our design approach considers the accessibility for everyone visiting the village. It will welcome both visitors and locals to its community and encourage all to return to a well maintained, clean and inviting village. By providing a healthy, safe and secure environment it becomes a village to visit and spend an enjoyable time within and the desire to return, rather than a destination in which to run errands.

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Study Area Boundary

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Existing

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Proposed

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Ponteland Village

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Legacy

Local History Regeneration Responsible Development Celebration Well Being Water Scale Sensitivity Existing Landscape

The proposed development will provide a lasting legacy through considered design, quality materials and sustainable resources. The design also preserves and enhances the existing landscape and architecture, such as the row of ash trees that previously lined the embankment of the railway line, the trees to the south-west of the site and the cottages on Main Street adjacent to the site.

The new village is a catalyst for local economic development - creating commercial opportunities, jobs etc. It will promote the arts and culture through the provision of spaces for public commissions, exhibitions and live performances.

The village will provide a clean, green and safe setting to encourage both active and passive healthy living through recreation and play for physical and mental well being.

Ponteland village already has a strong visual identity through it’s architectural heritage and natural features. The sculptural landscape of the village has a character all of its own.

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

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Ponteland Village

Local History Regeneration Responsible Development Celebration Well Being Water Scale Sensitivity Existing Landscape Heritage Holistic Approach Health Investing Wisely Sustainable Design

Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

ConnectivityThe primary walkway starts at the pedestrian crossing on Main Street, to the south of the site, drawing people up into the new development both physically and visually. This proposed pedestrian walkway links the existing historical high street in a north-south direction whilst the east-west connections emphasises the link from Church Hall across to the new community buildings - the heart of the development.

Merton Road provides an low impact vehicular access across the site. Along this route road sections are narrowed down to single lane to slow, or discourage, through traffic. There is also short stay on-street parking proposed at this point. The shared paved surface from pavement to road prioritises pedestrians in these areas. Throughout the village these continuous

smooth surfaces provide easy access for people of all abilities. Additionally the steps in the landscape provide opportunities for seating and gathering, as well as access. There will be intergrated ramped access to all areas.

Pedestrian circulation varies from the direct routes providing links from one point to another, to the leisurely meandering paths through the green spaces where people can stop, sit, and play or generally interact. Easy access to the green spaces allows people to break away from the bustle of village life and take a more relaxed route to their destination, prolonging their stay in the village. Seating in the landscape will provide points to stop and admire the views down to St Mary’s church or back to Ponteland Park. A water feature starting

at the square slowly meanders its way down to Ponteland Park - bringing the water link back to the village heart.

Welcoming Reconnecting the village to itself Green Corridors Secure by Design Accessible for All Vibrancy Visual Routes

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Exitsing Vehicle and Pedestrian routes

Proposed Vehicle and Pedestrian routes

Vehicle

Pedestrian

Vehicle

Pedestrian

Ponteland Village

Vista Cycle Jog Circulation Public Realm Transport Walking Pedestrian Routes Links

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Discovery

Sense of Place Celebration The Pont Learning Amenity A Place to Play Discovering our History Biodiversity Water Here I am

The aspiration for the green spaces is to create areas to pause, relax and interact with the environmnent and community around. The water feature provides a heightened awareness of the senses through touch, sound and vision. Bringing people closer to nature results in an enhanced sense of health and well being - a stress free environment. Children are able to touch the water, walk over the bridges and follow it down the hill. The landscape will inspire conversation and interaction between all.

The community buildings will allow their visitors to watch over these activities whilst enjoying the interaction too.

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Ponteland Village

Sense of Place Celebration The Pont Learning Amenity A Place to Play Discovering our History Biodiversity Water Here I am

Proposed Green Space Plan

Existing Green Space Plan

Interaction Gardens Eductaion Resource Play Movement New Green Spaces Resource for legacy A Place of the Community

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Community

Celebration of Heritage Neighbourhood Amenity for All Education Village Heart Marketplace Play Local Economy Sustainable

The central square creates the focal point of the new village development and public realm. It provides Ponteland’s community with a meeting point - an active multi functional area for everyone to interact - a place for flower shows, markets, and festivals. The new Merton Road will have the ability to be closed off to through traffic creating a larger and safer pedestrian area for these activities.

The proposed community centre situated to the west of the site will be a high quality building that responds to the diverse needs of the neighbourhood. This building will combine the library, Merton Hall and CIU within one entity, functioning in a similar way to Choppington Welfare Centre.

Safety is paramount in all areas and is to be addressed by eliminating hiding places and ensuring that the lighting is both functional and enhancing the environment. The entire development embraces a strategy of secure by design - reinforcing the perception of safe environments.

Parking provision will be provided as an integrated solution throughout the new development with multi options for all users.

The architecture of the new development will be sympathetic to the historical Main Street - respecting the scale, form and historical evolution. The proposed retail units offer a variety of unit sizes to create a diverse shopping experience, and the ability to accomodate a variety of small businesses.

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Ponteland Village

Heritage of Village Holistic Approach Health Investing Wisely

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Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council

Massing160 Parking Spaces (approx)

27 Retail Units

2 Community Buildings

46 Residential Units

12 Office Units

1 Convenience Store

Convenience Store

Split Level Car Park

Residential Units above Retail

Trees to provide screening to Railway

Cottages

Community Buildings

Continuous Paved Pedestrian Route

Protected View Corridor to St Mary’s Church

Existing Trees Retained

Continuous Paved Pedestrian Route

Open Lawn Area adjacent to Church Hall

Retain location of car park

Proposed Public Square for local

events

Water Feature

Residential

100%

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Phased DevelopmentPhase 1 - Retail/Residential

Phase 2 - Community Buildings

Phase 3 - Retail/Residential

Phase 4 - Retail/Residential/Commercial

Phase 5 - Residential

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1

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5

Ponteland Village

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PlanningThe proposed redevelopment is focused on retail, office and community uses forming the core of the village centre. The range of uses which could come forward as part of the development includes retail (A1, A2, A3, A5), office (B1), residential (C3 and possibly also C2), and also the possibility of health related uses (for example a dental practice). Proposed community uses include a new library and a community centre (D1), together with high quality public realm. It includes re-homing existing businesses and uses within a reinvigorated environment at the same time as providing additional opportunities for new businesses in Ponteland.

These uses reflect and are supported by adopted (saved) planning policy in the Castle Morpeth Local Plan (2003) and emerging policy in the Submission Draft Core Strategy (June 2008).

In particular, saved Local Plan Policy PS1 supports the retention and reintroduction of A1 retail shopping uses, and a stated aim of Policy 5 of the Submission Draft Core Strategy is to increase the retail offer for both comparison and convenience goods in Ponteland village centre. An increase in office space in Ponteland village centre is supported by Submission Draft Core Strategy Policy 4.

In accordance with Policy 9 of the Submission Draft Core Strategy, the principles of ‘Secured by Design’ would be followed in the design of the proposed redevelopment. In respect of renewable energy, the aim is to provide suitable renewable energy proposals as part of the development, in accordance with saved Local Plan Policy RE2 and Submission Draft Core Strategy Policy 10.

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Affordable housing will be provided as a proportion of new residential dwellings which are developed on the site, in accordance with Submission Draft Core Strategy Policy 3 and in consultation with the local planning authority.

Public car parking is currently provided within the Merton Way area. As part of the redevelopment, as a minimum the same number of spaces as currently in place will be re-provided, however it is the intention to increase the amount of public parking as a whole. Where possible, the Local Plan car parking standards and/or those set out in Appendix 8 of the Submission Draft Core Strategy will be met, to be agreed with the local planning authority and local stakeholders.

Opportunities Strategy Residential Education Parking Business Development Library Local Employment Reinvigoration

Ponteland Village

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Acknowledgements

The design team would like to thank Newcastle City Council Local Studies Section for kindly allowing the reproduction of images from their historical archives used in this document.

Legacy Discovery Connectivity Community Creation Live Work A Place to Celebrate Ponteland

PontelandVillage