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.