Urban Design

Ravenscraig Masterplan

Brief

In 2007, Keppie secured the masterplan commission for the former steelworks site following an invited competition. The requirement was to develop the existing outline framework for the four hundred and fifty hectare site in more detail covering three principal areas. These areas were the residential zones of Carfin / Cleekhimmin, Motherwell College Campus and the business quarter and finally the Regional Sports Facility. The brief called for Area Planning Briefs (APB's) for each portion as well as urban design, public realm and landscape detail. A multi-disciplinary team approach was required to develop the entire masterplan in a fully co-ordinated manner.

Response

We led an experienced design team in the preparation of design options which were scored by the Client. This led to a preferred design for each Area Planning Brief. The resultant masterplans were then evaluated and agreed by North Lanarkshire Council's dedicated Ravenscraig Planning Team. Our team then prepared detailed integrated strategies for the architectural design, urban design, public realm, landscape design and maintenance of the wider masterplan. We also co-ordinated the significant input of our fellow consultants' strategies for transportation, ecology, civil engineering, public utilities and hydrology.

Outcome

A detailed masterplan is now in place for each APB quarter that comprises approximately one thousand new homes, thirty thousand square metres of business space, a primary school, a major hotel complex, an eight thousand student college campus and a twenty four thousand square meters indoor sports facility. Of these, the college is now complete, the housing is underway and the twenty five million pound Regional Sports Facility is due for completion in 2011. Our design proposals have been praised for their clarity and coherence and our pragmatic approach to the development of the masterplan has facilitated the desired early development of the site, incorporating the very latest thinking in sustainable design.

Team