We recently sat down with Dave to reflect on his experience leading the design of the St Marychurch Local Centre in Torquay, a defining project that saw him navigate a challenging public consultation in a conservation area and deliver a high-quality scheme balancing community concerns, planning requirements, and client ambitions. The result was a regeneration project that stayed true to his vision, enhanced the local streetscape, and proved both aesthetically and commercially successful.
What is the Project name and Location?
St Marychurch Local Centre in Torquay
What was your role in the project?
Lead architect/urban designer.
What made this project meaningful for you?
It was a perhaps one of the most challenging public consultation I’d attended, the project was controversial, and the consultation was challenging listening to the concerns of the local residents. We worked closely with the local planning authority and residents to achieve a scheme that made a visual/social and economic positive impact.
What was the biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
The local planning authority wanted to see high quality traditional design and insisted on the introduction of residential use. The solution came in the form of repairing the street scheme to the rear of the site by introducing 4no 3 bedroom terrace houses. Our client was initially hesitant to incorporate these additions, however this proved to be positive for the urban street scene and a financially viable addition to the scheme.
Did the project involve anything new for you – a new skill or a learning moment?
Acting as lead architect/urban designer the project presented many challenges, including a controversial public consultation along with the challenge of working within a conservation area.
What part of this project are you especially proud of and why?
I think I am most proud of the finished building was a very accurate interpretation of designs I produced for planning and the client commenting at the end that it looked just like the CGI’s maybe better in the flesh.
How does this project reflect Urban Edge’s values or approach to design?
I felt that the project represented Urban Edges ability to work with the client/owner and design team along with the local planning authority to deliver a high-quality scheme that enhanced the local area.
One word or phrase you would use to describe this project?
Urban Regeneration