11 March 08

Malcolm Fraser Architects have received planning consent for two schemes in the centre of Berwick upon Tweed. The first scheme for 19 flats and a restaurant is located on Hide Hill. The second scheme consisting of 20 flats is proposed to replace the derelict Playhouse cinema on the Sandgate, adjacent to the Quay Walls.

Descriptions:

Playhouse, Sandgate, Berwick-Upon-Tweed



The scheme consisting of 20 flats is proposed to replace the derelict Playhouse cinema on the Sandgate, adjacent to the Quay Walls in Berwick-Upon-Tweed. The Playhouse mediates between the modest scale of the Georgian buildings on the Sandgate and the tall buildings of the Walls. The Playhouse’s scale, with its central pediment, also has an important role in framing, with the gables and opposite, the view down the Sandgate and out past the Walls.



A newbuild residential development is proposed, of an urban scale capable of building-up to the adjacent Wall buildings, based around closes and intimate courts of a traditional pattern, and topped by a pattern of pitched roofs.

Berwick’s courtyards, at their best, are intimate spaces that promote community and neighbourliness. The proposed “Playhouse Court” is on a through-route, with closes enlivening both Sandgate and Drivers Lane. The development’s two access stairs, up to the upper floor flats, coincide with the closes, and their common landings and access balconies have seating spaces and planters to encourage occupation and decorate the courtyard.



The proposal aims to create a dense, but neighbourly, modern residential development that sits well with its surroundings. The appearance of the building will build on the existing traditional forms and patterns of Berwick, but aims to be modern in expression.

Salmon Court, Hide Hill, Berwick-Upon-Tweed



The scheme consists of 19 flats, with a restaurant on the lower ground floor and a garage for 6 cars dug into the slope; all to replace the existing, vacant “Youngmans” showroom and former Salmon Inn buildings. The proposed development completes the Hide Hill marketplace, with edge blocks topped with pitched roofs round a traditionally-scaled and sunny Berwick back court.



The whole-storey fall across the site is exploited, allowing access at Anderson Court level onto the court, while the Silver Street level accesses the restaurant. The restaurant edges and faces both Hide Hill and Silver Street, with big and bright shop windows. The east side of Hide Hill exhibits the evolving tradition of dormers and pediments that enliven the Berwick skyline, and which these proposals advance.



The traditions and patterns of Berwick’s historical architecture are developed to suit a modern residential community in a vibrant town.

Berwick upon Tweed Flats info from Malcolm Fraser Architects 110308



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Berwick-upon-Tweed Flats : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt