Wilford Street Park by Ahmed Ehab AEH

This project proposal is for an unused area of land (approx. 350m2) next to the Notts-Beeston Canal in Nottingham City centre to be landscaped to provide an amenity area for the public to use.

The Concept of the project is to create an accessible, flexible and multiactivity attractive riverside area, that the public wants to visit, sit, relax, eat, work, socialize and stay a while near the canal and enjoy its peaceful surroundings.

The idea starts by Engagement with the waterway, creating a cascading seating space towards the canal, keep as many of the trees as possible to provide shading and planting new fruit trees. Creating a design that reflect the historic waterway buildings and reflect the heritage of the canal.

Location
The land is immediately east of Wilford Street on the south side of the canal extending around 55m in lengthand 7m in width. It is bordered by the towpath and a vehicle access ramp from Wilford Street.

Design Scheme
The improved site will attract workers from local business, especially at lunchtime. The space for food & drinks concession is built into the development; as a space to park a mobile unit rather than as a fixed structure.

Possibly a hard standing near the bridge, to avoid queues on the towpath but it may also be possible to have a café boat moored nearby to build a link with the water.

The Design of the Park consider the Engagement with the waterway and using materials and designs that reflect some of the historic waterway buildings and reflect the heritage of the canal – red and blue bricks from the buildings, stone from the copings and timber from the lock gates. Items could be placed on the site.

The Design considered to keep as many of the trees as possible to provide shading. The planting of shrubs was carefully considered to ensure an open aspect is maintained to prevent issues with antisocial behaviour, maintenance and visibility. Source by Ahmed Ehab AEH.