Words:
Suzi Winstanley
Images:
Turner Works
From Woolwich to Newhaven, Weston Super Mare to Ryde, Turner Works are activating diverse high streets across the UK. Deploying agile tactics from our experience in meanwhile projects, we are determined to make each project greater than the sum of it’s parts. Here are three things we know about High Streets:
1 – Encourage Diversity
Juxtaposing new uses in the high street brings footfall, stretches open hours and supports wider success. High street plots vary from pocket size shop fronts for start-ups and tardis ground floors with space out back for creative makers to full blown department stores convertible to a one stop diagnostic health shop. In the centre of Ryde on the Isle of Wight we are working with the incredible Shademakers on ‘The Department’ regenerating a disused department store into a centre for artists, makers and community.
2 – Keep The Human Scale
High streets tell stories, heritage is written into buildings bringing a sense of place. So often rooted in Victorian times, high streets are walkable, touchable and human scale. From a sustainability point of view renewal of our high streets is crucial step, materially and culturally. At Powis & Hare streets in Woolwich we are preparing to commission artists to imprint local stories in the public realm whilst crafting shopfront designs using self-finished materials, scaled for human touch.
3 – Cut The Red Tape
High streets are complex ecosystems to work with – don’t be put off! The opportunity is there right now. Newly established Heritage Action Zones and Future High Streets Funding are enabling councils across the UK to commission a range of projects that activate the high street. A plea to councils – cut the red tape if you can – fast track re-classification of rates and planning permissions for temporary use enabling new and temporary uses to inhabit the high street.
Thank you to our clients and collaborators on High Street Projects:
Newhaven Enterprise Zone
Lewes District Council
Royal Borough of Greenwich
North Somerset Council
Shademakers
You and Me Architecture
Retail Revival
Bromley Council
Sutton Council
Liverpool City Region
