Glencoyne: A Design Step Closer

In the spring residents were invited to take part in interactive design workshops for the Glencoyne Square development.  Led by landscape architects Streets Reimagined and Churchman Thornhill Finch (CTF), we were joined by many different people from the community, including young leaders, and accessibility auditors from the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL), which was exactly what we hoped for.

The first workshop was for the design of the public realm (the extension of Arnside Road). Everyone joined in to work out how we can help to enhance the thriving community at the heart of Southmead by using public art to tell stories about the local community.

Residents felt they wanted to see a well-used area with cafes, events like markets, pop-up activities, and community orchards or vegetable beds. Of course, there was great interest in how to make this space accessible to everyone.

The second workshop focused on refining the designs for the semi-private courtyard areas of the housing development.  Functional elements were talked about including key access points, refuse collection, and bicycle and utility storage.  Soft landscaping was also discussed and how garden design could foster a sense of community and cater for different needs to include areas of privacy and calm, areas for families and for people without children.

Key findings were that the community would like courtyards to be social spaces, where the residents of all the apartments are welcome in a fun, active and beautiful setting.

The architects will now produce some enhanced designs which will bring the Glencoyne project closer to construction.

As always, if you have any questions about the Glencoyne development scheme please contact us –

• email: info@southmead.org
• telephone: 0117 950 3335
• visit www.southmead.org