Landscape Institute Awards Winners
2001 "Urban Renaissance"
Urban Jungles
Study 1999-2000
A feasibility study
for the provision and development of public space in Manchester’s
Northern Quarter. The study won an urban renaissance award in the
2001 Landscape Institute Awards.
According to John Hopkins the
chair of the judging panel 'this is exactly the kind of project
that the Government should be looking
to fund as part of its own Urban Renaissance agenda' (see www.l-i.org.uk/awards.htm).
The study is also featured in Regeneration and
Renewal Magazine November 11th 2001 and the November 2001 issue
of Landscape Design
Magazine.
The Urban Jungles Study came about because of
concern by local businesses and residents at the lack of public
space in
the Northern
Quarter area of Central Manchester. A study was commissioned
by the Northern Quarter Association to look at strategies for improving
public open space in the area.
This was carried out against a background
of increased pressure for residential development in the area
which has meant less open
space is available and on a sustainability level there is increased
demand for play facilities from people hoping to raise families
in the area.
The study looked at a hierarchy of spaces:
Large public spaces.
Main routes and linkages.
‘Bookend’ treatments to sites with an existing use such as
surface parking.
Ideas for greening the area on a more local basis.