A £12m residential development has begun and will enliven North Shields fish quay by combining contemporary design with its rich cultural setting.
The Shepherds Quay development, comprising one townhouse and 49 one and two bedroom apartments ranging from £125,000 to £400,000, boasts a rich palette of materials, heritage inspired artwork and expertly architecturally designed homes.
Ian Stewart, Chief Executive at UKQ Residential Investments Ltd, the firm behind this significant regeneration project, said: “Every team involved in this project has worked collaboratively to craft something of quality and significance. We have combined history and heritage with outstanding architecture which truly connects the buildings to the surrounding environment – homeowners at Shepherds Quay will certainly enjoy the tranquil sounds and stunning views of the river and coastline.
“There is a variety of choice for those living at Shepherds Quay, with an eclectic mix of some of the best local bars and restaurants on your doorstep, as well as boasting close proximity to Newcastle City Centre.
“The changes made in discussion with the team members have added significantly to the quality and perception of the scheme to the eye when travelling along Clive Street and will produce a building that enhances the quality of architecture in the area and contributes to the broader cultural experience that has started and continues to develop.”
Steeped in history, the area boasts iconic buildings, artefacts, and public art, both old and new that speaks of the past and the proud community it housed and supported. There are some of the finest teas and coffees the region has to offer from a range of venues with craft ales, fine wines and cocktails served in and outdoors in a relaxed inviting atmosphere; while the cultural and arts communities continue to grow and prosper providing a diverse range of leisure opportunities to engage in.
The area also offers a range of walks, heritage trails, cycling routes and historic parks and gardens all on the doorstep and available to promote fitness and wellbeing, creating the opportunity of engagement bringing real pleasure to those that take part.
Bradley Hall is marketing the properties, many of which are already reserved ready for completion in the Spring of 2022. Matt Hoy, director of Estate Agency at Bradley Hall said: “The apartments all benefit from spectacular water views so that everyone can experience the unique local landscape and the animation that the river traffic brings to the setting.
“Full height glazing allows natural light to fill the rooms creating bright, warm and inviting interiors, while the living and dining spaces are designed to allow flexibility in determining the layout to suit individual taste, lifestyle and choices.
“With balconies and terraces available the interiors can spill out into external areas that can connect you to the atmosphere, capturing views and allowing the sights and sounds of the Quay experience to be sampled and enjoyed.”
The scheme is a contemporary design that creates a back drop for the inclusion of heritage inspired art works to enrich and enliven this part of the Quay, drawing upon the rich pallet of materials including weathered timber boarding arranged in horizontal panels mimicking the timber fish trade buildings of old.
The brick has been selected to harmonise with other older brick buildings, while slim and elegant fins have been placed above entrances to create canopies that model and define the façade. An art fence has been included created from corten steel fins - the shape and orientation of which emulates the saw tooth roof form of the former industrial building, reminiscent of the site’s recent industrial past.
Projecting balconies and finely designed roof fascia’s, capping’s and brick opening reveals will lift the elevation to give it depth and a rhythm that appeals to the eye and slatted timber shutters have been used at ground floor level to improve the view from Clive Street and include inset signage and name boards that create interest for passers-by.
The striking feature art panels are mounted onto the buildings and reflect imagery associated with the historical past of the Fish Quay in line with other sculptural elements that currently exist throughout the area, adding to the cultural landscape.
The design has been altered to include an additional area to the Clive Street boundary that provides the opportunity to bring to life and enhance the pedestrian experience when walking past.
The pedestrianisation of the area will enhance the experience for those walking to and from Shepherd’s Quay, which will also include public seating to allow passers-by to stop and enjoy the views. An art background to the seating areas will include shaped corten panels reminiscent of the former building profiles with stencilled writing connecting the piece to the history of its location.
The additional space to the front of the building allows the insertion of a landscape edge drawing on the design, materials and planting used in the awardwinning Coble Dene to soften and improve the public realm.
For more information please call Bradley Hall’s Gosforth office on 0191 284 2255 or email gosforth@bradleyhall.co.uk
