Proposed approach to Public Realm and Open Space
The public realm proposed to transform a car dominated environment into a pedestrian focused network of connected and active spaces.
The proposed masterplan reimagines an existing environment currently dominated by roads and surface car parking, shifting the emphasis towards people, activity and place. This will require a reduction in the amount of impermeable concrete surfaces in favour of a greener and more attractive public realm.
A network of pedestrian friendly routes and shared surface streets is proposed, reducing the visual and physical impact of vehicles while maintaining necessary access.
New active plazas are propsoed to create focal points for social and commercial activity, with strong connections to the waterfront. The introduction of the Ocean Village Green is suggested to provide a central landscape space, complemented by a series green areas that enhance biodiversity and amenity.
An improved and more accessible waterfront promenade is proposed to further strengthen links across the site, creating a cohesive, legible and vibrant public realm that supports everyday use and long term placemaking.
Ocean Village Green Options
A proposed Ocean Village Green would provide a central and defining landscape space at the heart of the masterplan and a new gateway into the Ocean Village Quarter. Three possible options exist:
Public Realm Design Palette and Materiality
It is proposed that the public realm is defined by a durable and cohesive materials that supports pedestrian priority and reflects the site’s character.
It is proposed that the public realm is designed as a pedestrian priority environment, with shared surface streets, active plazas and integrated green spaces forming a connected and legible network.
Robust and durable materials are proposed, to align with the architectural style of the buildings to create a coherent identity across the masterplan. High quality paving, brick and complementary materials are proposed to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance, while reinforcing a sense of place.
These materials will be casrefully selected to respond to the site’s heritage and to support active use, creating attractive, resilient and well used public spaces.
