Changing the use of the waterfront land presented the opportunity to explore the town’s historic and present social patterns – investigating how the community has adapted, changed and used public space over time. By reviewing the existing masterplan the opportunity arose to bring together functional requirements and the aspirations of operators, wharf activity, visitors and local people. The upgraded Picton Waterfront has created a series of interrelated spaces that provide flexibility for both peak and off-season activity.

The design elements of the project draw on the concept of looking out and coming ashore and their interaction or ‘meeting’ of these activities. The design has reinstated in a contemporary context, the historic role of the London Quay site as a meeting place. Meeting places are focal points for communities and the design builds upon that by drawing together the functional requirements and the aspirations of the local people, the commercial and marine-related operators located on the waterfront, and the visitors. The aim has been to better integrate the wide range of commercial and public waterfront activities and link them strongly to the town centre.

Our role: Consultation, masterplanning, evidence for hearing, design, documentation and site observation.