The Sea Wall site lies between the inner face of the existing western breakwater and, to the south, the western edge of the David Lloyd Centre. In developing the design our aim has been to establish a new sense of identity to this face of the Marina, as this is the building that contributes most to the view of the Marina from the city.
More specifically this building delivers a greater degree of accessibility to the Marina. Three new flights of steps, together with associated lifts for disabled users, connect the Sea Wall to Park Square and to the area outside the new ASDA entrance. In conjunction with the new footbridge across the raised beach (which forms part of the Brunswick proposals) this sets up entirely new possibilities for pedestrian movement in and around the Marina.
The Sea Wall building takes the form of four pavilions, each of which is ten storeys high, linked together by lower elements. The tops of the pavilions are set back over two storeys, creating balconies, roof terraces and large shared gardens. A communal garden is located on the roof terrace to the south. Car parking is provided over the ground and first floors.
Much debate and conjecture has arisen as a consequence of the recent storms and the exposure of this site to the impact of waves. As a result additional testing has been commissioned; all of which supports our original design approach of elevating the residential accommodation above the breakwater level with a non-habitable buffer zone, in our case car parking, beneath.