Tibbalds CampbellReith was appointed by Gloucester City Homes to lead the development of a new vision and masterplans to transform the Matson and Podsmead Estates.
The Matson and Podsmead Estates in Gloucester are failing. They provide over 1,500 homes, but many of these – especially the flats – are no longer fit for purpose, and cannot viably be brought up to standard. The estates are isolated from the wider city, with poor connections for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. Open spaces are unloved and underused. The sense of community is weak.
Tibbalds CampbellReith was appointed by Gloucester City Homes to lead the development of a new vision and masterplans to transform the two estates. These masterplans form the basis for Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) that provide clear guidelines for the regeneration of the estates, enabling a rolling programme of new build and refurbishment to be brought forward. The work involved:
- a series of consultation events with residents and other stakeholders, starting with an overall vision and objectives and working through to discussions on specific proposals;
- an assessment of potential development sites, examining constraints and opportunities, phasing and deliverability;
development of an overall design concept and vision for each estate, focusing on improved linkages both within and outside of the area and interventions that would have a big impact on image and identity, to help shift perceptions of the estates; - capacity testing of development options to ensure that the masterplans delivered at least 1.5 new units for every dwelling lost;
- production of draft SPDs setting out area-wide principles for regeneration as well as detailed design guidance for buildings and public realm. This is particularly important as the regeneration is likely to take many years, and a consistent approach to design is important to achieving a coherent place in the long-term; and
- close liaison with planning officers at Gloucester City Council to ensure that the SPD not only reflects GCH’s and the local communities’ aspirations for the estates, but that it also acts as a robust planning tool.
