Ecosite plans gather pace

Apr 15 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

PLANS to create an eco friendly mixed-use development at Wynyard Park are gathering pace with a bold promise from the site's owners to set a green standard that will be an example for the whole country.

Since the start of the year they have been working with urban designers, _space Architecture and Environment, on a masterplan for the 700-acre site that will strike a balance between work, leisure and living.

Richard Elphick, space director, is now working with a team of leading industry advisers on crucial aspects of the development that, he said, would take it beyond the Government’s vision for healthy communities.

“What we are focusing on is creating a distinctive development with a real sense of place... that supports a sense of well-being for those that live and work there.

“What we are aiming for is a truly sustainable community that balances a wide choice of housing alongside commercial space to support inward investment.”

The team consists of specialists in executive planning, planning policy, transportation, landscape design, urban design and architecture, health, commercial architecture, housing, ecology, hydrology, wildlife, civil engineering and services engineering.

“It is a visionary process that is aspirational and we have to set out the ground rules that will govern the future of the site.”

Chris Musgrave, Wynyard Park's chief executive, said it was a “fantastic vision for sustainable communities”.