The plan
A masterplan for The Exchange site has been developed by Hopkins Architects. Key features of the masterplan include:
- A development, which will achieve approximately 160,000 sq m gross of high quality accommodation. This could include 55,000 sq m of B1 offices, 300 - 450 residential units,
- 40,000 sq m of retail, bars, restaurants, leisure facilities and a 200-bed hotel
- A quality mixed-use development with innovative parking solutions with an attractive mix of streets, boulevards and open spaces
- The integration of The Exchange with the main retailing area of the Parade by the regrading of Fleming Way
- The closure of Fleming Way to all vehicles except buses and taxis and potential re-alignment of Corporation Street
- A new signalised junction and the removal of Whalebridge Roundabout
- A new open space currently known as The Arena
- A new bus interchange replacing the current facility which will be demolished
- Extensive new public realm, including New Bridge Square
- Appropriate car parking, with the current multi-storey car park being demolished
- A need for continuity of bus services and car parking following the respective demolitions
In order to achieve these high aspirations, the development must deliver the following aims and objectives:
- A carefully considered mix of uses that delivers employment, housing and leisure
- Strong connectivity of the site with the main shopping area
- Form a natural extension to the town centre
- Provide offices of a quality not currently seen in the town centre
- Provide a mix of residential types and tenures
- A commercially robust and deliverable solution
- Excellence in urban design
- Positive solutions to building densities and car parking
- Public spaces of outstanding quality that will deliver an enjoyable and invigorating experience for people moving through the site
The principle of high-density development has already been established in this area. The site of the former Post Office (now demolished) had planning consent granted in 2002 at an overall density of 371 dwellings/hectare.
It is intended that the selected Development Partner will help to secure a high quality mixed-use development at The Exchange comprising a variety of innovative ideas and designs. The selected organisation may therefore be a consortium of developers or alternatively a single developer employing different architects.