4.1 Castlegate Quarter

Principles

Degree of Intervention
The regeneration of Castlegate requires two levels of intervention - Repair and Recovery of heritage buildings and historic routes at the west of quarter and Reinvention and Reconfiguration at the east of the quarter, which will result from the major projects underway.

Architectural style and materials
Conserve and enhance remaining historic buildings in the quarter such as the former Crown Court, to serve as a reminder of its past. Where appropriate these buildings should be sensitively refurbished to allow them be used by modern businesses.

In the eastern part of the quarter encourage contemporary architectural styles to strengthen the relationship with the modern developments emerging on the riverside.

Redevelop the rear of the market to create a more attractive frontage to the river.

The building materials used in new developments adjacent to the remaining historic buildings should be sensitive to the character of that area. In the rest of the quarter modern materials will be permitted. These should be sourced locally and from sustainably managed resources whenever possible to contribute to the sustainable development of the quarter (refer part 3.2)

Building form and height
Building heights will generally be 5/6 storeys, to reflect the existing urban form, minimise any negative impact on surrounding historic buildings and to protect the city skyline. Refer ‘Creating a sense of Enclosure’ in architectural guidance (page 54).

Gateway and perimeter sites such as Haymarket/Commercial Street, Park Square and Exchange Street, present a distinct built form to the roadway edge. Buildings could be constructed up to 8 storeys in height and with stronger, larger scale design details. At ground level, ensure that perimeter sites contribute positively to the public realm and street activity.

Public realm improvements and materials
Redesign Exchange Street as an attractive public space. This space could accommodate outdoor market activity with permanent sculptural steel canopies to create a sense of place at the central focus of the quarter.

Additional public spaces could be created within the quarter on existing surface car parking sites at Bridge Street or Broad Street. Parking could be consolidated within well designed multi-storey carparks to free land for new public spaces that link into the overall city centre public space network.

The Castlegate quarter will generally adhere to material palette and street furniture suite for Secondary Zones as set out in table 5.1 and 5.2 respectively (part 5.1) with the exception of Castle Street and the area Haymarket/Waingate to the Exchange Street bound by Castle Street and the river which will adhere to the Primary Zone palette of materials and street furniture set out in these tables (refer diagram 3.3).

Reinforce pedestrian connections throughout the quarter to improve integration with the city centre and the riverside to ensure that the quarter benefits from its prominent location within the city centre.

Establish tree planting on the peripheral streets to create a more attractive pedestrian environment.

Ensure that the image of the Castlegate Quarter is uplifted with sustained maintenance and cleaning regimes.

On completion of the northern section of the IRR, strong linkages should be created between Castlegate and Victoria Quays through the development of Victoria Square.

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