Brunswick Wharf

A beautiful new quayside development, featuring apartments, design studios, retail and restaurants.

Introduction

When Torridge District Council noted the East-the-Water Wharves as important for the economic regeneration of the whole town, the vision for the Brunswick Wharf Development was born. Red Earth Developments has been keen to take on this project since 2012 and is resolved to regenerate the area with the essence of Bideford in mind.

Following a successful public consultation in June 2020 and further design development resulting from feedback given, Red Earth is delighted to say that as of 31st March 2021 Torridge District Council has granted planning permission.

The Site

East-the-Water Wharves is an historic site containing the former Brunswick, Queen’s, Steamer and Clarence Wharves. Much of the site has remained derelict for many years, with the other half being a car park. The quay wall needs upgrading and there is limited access to the river. This development will breath new life into this neglected stretch of water-front, bringing vital long term investment to the East-the-Water area. It will create a beautiful space for leisure, creativity and new homes. Direct pedestrian access to the quayside will provide important links within the local area; to the nearby Tarka Trail and across the Long Bridge to Bideford Town.

Public Art Commission

Working in conjunction with the Burton at Bideford, we are welcoming artists from around the South West to put forward their ideas to us for a variety of interesting commission pieces. Applicants have until the end of January to register their interest in the commissions.

Proposed Scheme

Red Earth’s vision is to transform a currently bleak and under-utilised area into a vibrant new heart for the community, which aims to complement, not compete with the town centre. The proposals aim for excellence in design, respect for the historical significance of the wharves and the highest sustainability standards. The proposals will provide homes and a leisure destination that will be a wonderful addition to Bideford’s built landscape.

The layout of the development will create three open sided squares – two private and one public – linked by a quayside walk along the entire frontage of the site. The site has been designed with full accessibility in mind and green landscaped areas, including dramatic vertical green walls, provide important net gain in biodiversity.

The public square will have retail, a restaurant and design studios around the three edges with different levels giving form and interest for visitors. A coffee house sits central to the square and its design form references the shipbuilding history of the site. We intend to commission Sandy Brown, a local ceramicist with an international reputation, to design a vibrant sculpture within this public space.

The overall design of the new buildings aims to respect the form of the historic wharves with the main buildings, like the current Brunswick Wharf building, presented at right angles to the river with breaks between to allow views through to Barnstaple Street.

All the parking will be located in an undercroft car park, keeping the main areas of the public and private squares free for pedestrians.

The Essential Elements

85 Apartments

1 Café

8 Boutique Retail Units

103 Private & 45 Public Parking Spaces

5 Design Studios With Capacity For Live/Work

1 Signature Restaurant With Riverside Views

Public Square With Riverside Walk

133 Private Cycle Stands & 40 Public ones

Take a look at our video walk through

Design Form

“The proposed layout is in keeping with the historical layout of the site but less dense.”

The yellow shows where the new proposed buildings would be superimposed on the positions of the wharf buildings present in 1937.

History Of The Site

The East-the-Water Wharves site was part of Bideford’s shipbuilding heritage and was historically known as Restarick’s Shipyard. Merchant sailing vessels were built here for over 400 years until the shipyard closed in 1886.

The former WCA Mill building, constructed in 1894 was hailed as proof of Bideford’s rapid development and popularity. A newspaper article from the time noted that the building was the largest of its kind in North Devon and marvelled at its construction signalling a new age of development. From photographs it was clearly prominent in views from the west side of the river.

We want to celebrate Bideford’s history of creativity and innovation with another new age of development. Though none of our buildings are as wide or tall as the WCA Mill building!

The site was bought in 1887 by I. Baker and Son, builders merchants, whose name is on the street end of the Brunswick Wharf building. This plaque will be retained in the New Brunswick Wharf Building.

The Wharves were used for imports and exports of goods such as tobacco, clay, wool, textiles and earthenware products from nearby potteries. The open space of the yard will be enhanced and become the new public square, opening off Barnstaple Street. Red Earth is keen to be sympathetic to the history of the Wharves, not only in terms of building form – but by recognising its evolving history and uses which has always centred on creativity & ingenuity.

Keep An Eye On Social

We’ll be updating you with new progressions on the development on our social.

Low Energy Costs

We ‘re aiming to achieve high A’s in Energy Performamce and Environmental Impact in the new homes.

Biodiversity

The site is near an important marine SSSI. We will achieve a 16% net gain in biodiversity.

Carbon Neutral

Aiming for a net zero carbon construction phase by carbon offsetting with North Devon Biosphere partners in Kenya.

Renewable Energy

Installing renewable energy sources such as Air Source Heat Pumps and PV solar panels to reduce ongoing running costs.

Sustainability is an important part of this development.

Red Earth wants to acknowledge and celebrate that Bideford lies at the heart of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We are also very conscious that we need to live sustainably and we want this project to be a showcase in exemplar sustainable development, which will happen in four key ways.

Artistic Approach

If you are a local artist who would like to put forward a proposal please read the information in the links below and email: [email protected]

Bideford has very strong links with clay, historically via the traditional slipware which was made in the area. Ships still export clay from Peters Marland and other local pits to Russia and Germany.

Red Earth wants to involve local artists and, in conjunction with The Burton at Bideford, have chosen some local artists to undertake the comissions. All of the chosen artists are looking forward to work alongside Red Earth to produce some amazing statement pieces. The commissioned pieces will range from murals/clay reliefs, railings & gates, benches & historical information boards – where we will work closely with the Way of the Wharves charity.

For the main square, we have commissioned Sandy Brown, a local internationally acclaimed ceramicist, to create a striking sculpture.

Public Art Commission

Working in conjunction with the Burton at Bideford, we are welcoming artists from around the South West to put forward their ideas to us for a variety of interesting commission pieces. Artists have now been chosen and we can’t wait to see the final outcome.

Testimonials

A face lift on that side of town is long overdue. I’d love to be able to sit next to the river in a spot where there is no visible car park or road. The plans look great, can’t wait.

Survey response 12/6/2020

“Absolutely in favour. That area of Bideford has been a waste and an eye-sore for as long as I can remember. It’s time to bring it back into use and turn it into a positive.”

Survey response 4/6/2020

BRINGING THE ELEMENTS TOGETHER

Brunswick Wharf

Introduction

The Site

Public Art Commission

Proposed Scheme

The Essential Elements

85 Apartments

1 Café

8 Boutique Retail Units

103 Private & 45 Public Parking Spaces

5 Design Studios With Capacity For Live/Work

1 Signature Restaurant With Riverside Views

Public Square With Riverside Walk

133 Private Cycle Stands & 40 Public ones

Take a look at our video walk through

Design Form

“The proposed layout is in keeping with the historical layout of the site but less dense.”

History Of The Site

Keep An Eye On Social

Low Energy Costs

Biodiversity

Carbon Neutral

Renewable Energy

Sustainability is an important part of this development.

Artistic Approach

Public Art Commission

Testimonials

The Red Earth Journey

First Sight

The Beginning

Building Begins

Grand Opening

Before/After