Aspirations & Opportunities
To ensure Gresham maximises its potential to contribute to the future of Middlesbrough, we are developing a masterplan which builds upon MDC’s objectives and key development principles. Design objectives include:
Connectivity
Gresham occupies a key gateway site for Middlesbrough, presenting a range of opportunities for its redevelopment. Whilst there are historic north-south routes though the site, future development should maximise the potential links with Teesside University, Albert Park and the town centre. This will require the improvement of east-west connections across the site.
Whilst car borne transport is an important mode of travel in the area, and needs to be recognised within the development, we will also maximise opportunities to promote links with Middlesbrough Train Station (which provides services to London), Teesside International Airport and the wider region. We will also maximise immediate connections to the existing Linthorpe Road and Borough Road properties, which provide a range of shops and services.
Urban Design Principles
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Varying block sizes and uses following the historic grid layout, but with more emphasis on creating pocket parks and amenity spaces.
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Strategic pedestrian link from Diamond Road to the University, promoting permeability.
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Secondary pedestrian links between blocks for residents.
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Edge treatments to the site play a key role to the future development of the adjacent sites.
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Move away from the historic north-south street pattern but retain visual permeability.
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Deliver a hierarchy of open spaces with a sense of ownership.
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Designing the spaces and places between the buildings allows for a higher density - town centre scheme.
Urban Design Principles - Phase 1
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Massing Evolution
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Reinstating the historical urban grain of the site, creating connections between Garnet Street and Borough Road. This creates a set of streets with north-south orientation and provides active edges.
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Creation of a key pedestrian connection from the University campus, across Linthorpe Road and through the site toward Hartington Road.
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Breaking down the blocks further to create
welcoming spaces between.
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Returning the blocks to create courtyard and amenity spaces and gardens.
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Creation of localised contextual relationships through the stepping and variety of building heights. Increasing the height of the blocks along the central area helps to visually break down the mass.
The following diagrams explain how the scheme design has evolved from the historic north-south urban grain, through to that which is now proposed for the site.
Urban Design Principles - Phase 1
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