Urban Jungles Study, Manchester
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.
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.
Funding was secured for a small pilot project within the Northern Quarter from the Mersey Basin Campaign.
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.
Project team: Steve Martlew and Ian Robinson.