From the initial phases of our consultation programme the community immediately acknowledged how well designed parks, streets and squares play a crucial role in our towns and cities.
While there is no doubt that the Boardwalk functions extremely well, the western quarter fails to provide any real clear or legible connection to it or in fact contain anything to complement it. As such, a lot of time has been dedicated to resolving these issues through workshops with the community and feedback from both statutory and non-statutory consultees. Significant changes have been made to both the on and off site sports and recreational contributions offered up by the proposals, catering for all ages and abilities.
Cliff park:
This area has been radically redesigned from the original proposals whereby the former lagoon area is now a significant area for play and learning for all ages. In collaboration with Natural England, a new amphitheatre has been introduced which creates an ideal public viewing platform. From this vantage point everyone will be able to enjoy the special qualities of the cliff, either through structured lectures and visits or due to individual interest. The new adventure playground provides physical challenges for the younger generation. Interpretation boards are proposed throughout this and other areas detailing the history and significance of the cliffs. To ensure everyone can enjoy this new area of generous green space seating is provided.
Geo-learn space:
Connected to the eastern end of the cliff park, the geo-learn space has a more educational but still playful role. Its position and that of the new buildings adjacent to it are set out to provide oblique views of the geological fault line in the cliffs. The play features here will be designed by local artists to interpret the cliffs with more public display boards providing information on what the cliffs represent.
To the east of this space a flight of steps and a lift are proposed to take out the level difference that exists between the existing cliff path and the ground level of Merchants Quay.
Park Square
Transformed from a car-dominated space to a pedestrianised ‘fun for all’ square, this key area will have the flexibility to accommodate an array of exciting new features and events. Tree planting and interactive fountains will enhance the paved areas with feature lighting and banners defining the new pedestrian route between the Sea Wall and the Boardwalk.
A children’s play area and a café will be situated at the western end of the strip near the new public lift and stair link to the western breakwater. The new openness of the area will be ideal for organised events such as concerts and beach volleyball in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
Under the flyover
Currently a completely under utilised area devoid of interest and yet holding so much potential. With the removal of ASDA’s current car park and the introduction of a completely pedestrianised zone we can transform this space into and ‘urban sports’ arena. A five-a-side football pitch, an informal basketball / rollerblade hockey and kickabout venue, a unique rock climbing facility (the first of its kind in the city) and parkour (free-running) will be provided, catering for a vast array of talents and ages. The security and control of these facilities will be managed by the scheme’s sports co-ordinator.
Village Square
Our proposals look to enhance this space as a place for the local community and visitors alike. From our initial consultation with residents, it was always felt that this area should remain a tranquil place. Following the success of other sites in the city, informal recreation such as petanque and pilates, are proposed.
Multi-storey car park passageways
Lighting and security measures will be introduced to the underpasses which complement the regeneration of the areas underneath the flyover and within Park Square.
Off site contributions
To complement the facilities on-site we now put forward the following programme of off-site improvements:
Sports Co-ordinator
To ensure that all of the new spaces and sports facilities on and off-site are used appropriately, and are kept in use all year round, the scheme will introduce an endowment fund to provide an onsite sports co-ordinator. This initiative will be the first of its kind in the city. The co-ordinator will be provided with an office on the ground floor in the south west corner of the cliff building adjacent to the under flyover sport facilities. Sufficient space will be provided for the storage of equipment.
Rottingdean terraced gardens
The seaside terraces at Rottingdean are a key gateway and arrival point to the village from the beach walk, cycleway and the Marina. However, they are presently of poor landscape quality, with broken paving, un-maintained planting and very little seating provision. Through liaison with Rottingdean Parish Council, we will re-landscape and surface this area.
Rottingdean Beach informal sport area
Presently there is a shortage of sport facilities for the local youth within Rottingdean. As such we are proposing a beachfront multi-use sports facility.
Madeira Drive
Madeira Drive connects the Marina with the pier and is seen by the city council as a key recreational area. However, one of the main problems is the poor level of lighting along a significant stretch of this promenade. To address this a financial contribution will be provided through the Section 106 Agreement to fund a programme of improvements.
Manor Road Gym
A financial contribution will be provided through the Section 106 Agreement to kick-start the match funding programme the gym needs for its improvement plans.
East Brighton Park
In response to the concerns over the long-term wear and tear of the football pitches and tennis courts in this area, we propose to install a new drainage system beneath the football pitches and re-lay the surfacing on both the pitches and tennis courts; the latter of which will be provided with new fencing.
