Waterstone Park

Overview

Waterstone Park is a medium-density mixed-use neighborhood located on a former industrial brownfield site. The masterplan seeks to balance housing and commercial activity while creating a legible, walkable urban form. The site is divided into four main blocks, with a central public realm that acts as both a physical and social spine. Residential units vary in typology, from apartment blocks to terrace housing, ensuring a diverse housing mix. The ground floors of the commercial blocks are active frontages, with retail, cafes, and workshops facing the primary pedestrian routes.

Site Context

The site is situated in a transitional zone between a dense urban core and a looser suburban fringe. The legacy of its industrial past is preserved through the retention of the old railway arches, which are repurposed as sheltered markets and workshop spaces. The northern edge borders a canal, which provides a scenic boundary and a transport link. The masterplan integrates this water feature into the public realm, with a new promenade that extends the promenade from the city center.

Design Principles

The masterplan is guided by four key principles:

• Human Scale: Buildings are broken into smaller segments with varied facades and heights.
• Permeability: A fine-grained street network connects the site to the surrounding urban fabric.
• Public Realm: The central plaza and the canal promenade are high-quality public spaces.
• Sustainability: The site uses a district heating network, a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), and a commitment to biodiversity.

Urban Form

The four blocks are arranged around the central plaza, creating a legible urban form. The residential blocks are on the western and southern edges, while the commercial blocks are on the northern and eastern edges. The ground floors of the commercial blocks are active frontages, with retail, cafes, and workshops facing the primary pedestrian routes. The railway arches are preserved and repurposed as sheltered markets and workshop spaces.

Public Realm

The central plaza is a large, open space with a diverse program of activities. It features a sunken garden with a water feature, a playground for children, a skate park, and a sheltered seating area. The canal promenade is a linear park that runs along the northern edge of the site. It features a pedestrian and cycle path, a new pontoon, and a series of planting beds with native species.

Sustainability

Waterstone Park is a sustainable development that minimizes environmental impact and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Key features include:

• District Heating: A low-carbon district heating network serves the entire site.
• SuDS: A Sustainable Drainage System collects and treats rainwater on-site.
• Biodiversity: The masterplan includes a commitment to biodiversity, with a new woodland on the western edge and a series of planting beds with native species.
• Mobility: The site is pedestrian and cycle-friendly, with a limited number of car parking spaces and a commitment to shared mobility schemes.

Conclusion

Waterstone Park is a high-quality, sustainable neighborhood that balances housing, commercial activity, and public realm. The masterplan preserves the industrial heritage of the site while creating a legible, permeable urban form with a fine-grained street network and a diverse housing mix. The central plaza and the canal promenade are high-quality public spaces that serve the community and provide a scenic boundary to the site. Waterstone Park will be a vibrant, active neighborhood that is a model for sustainable urbanism.