baltic quarter
An extensive masterplanning exercise to extend the area of Gateshead known as the Baltic Quarter, this proposal sought to build upon the cultural regeneration programme for the area south of the Tyne with an employment led mixed use development. A previous 2009 masterplan had only realised phase 1 of the works including Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre.
The proposals brought forward to complete the remaining phases envisaged a larger cross section of uses to provide a comprehensive mix of commercial, employment, residential, education, healthcare and associated amenities to develop a 24hr hour economy. The proposal would deliver an adaptable, pedestrian centric sustainable urban neighbourhood, connected to Gateshead and Newcastle’s economic centres via the distinctive River Tyne frontage.
Team: Stephen Clewes
Similar projects: coney street riverside, st peter’s school masterplan, mill street
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To envisage the completion of the remaining phases of an undelivered masterplan, bringing forwarded a truly sustainable urban neighbourhood.
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The site is a prime location in proximity to Gateshead town centre and the direct link to Newcastle city centre via the cultural hubs of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Millennium Bridge and therefore required careful consideration of the pedestrian and vehicular access, interactions and pathways towards the proposed site. Thus providing a key driver to the space planning for differing uses.
A curated hierarchy of spaces was considered at an early stage in the masterplan to ensure a fluid progression from commercial uses to residential spaces, blended by mixed-use areas to deliver a 24hr economy.
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The locality considerations and pathways from Newcastle and Gateshead drove the commercial and higher density mixed use buildings to be situated to the north, close to the river, pulling people in from those established economic centres and providing a transition through our neighbourhood towards the residential plots to the south. Whilst mixed use and higher density residential was placed to the north of the site, low density residential and educational lower rise buildings were strategically placed in this zone to the south.
A 30 storey ‘way-finder’ office, hotel and F&B building was proposed at the centre of the site, creating a visual landmark with a vibrant hub and central plaza space at pedestrian level.