Tetra Tech is appointed by the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) to design and deliver a key public open space called Riverside Gardens, which sits alongside the river Don, Market Street and Domine Lane following successful bids to the Future High Street Fund and Town Deal Fund.
This project will form an important element of the regeneration of Rotherham Town Centre. Riverside Gardens aims to connect the leisure development on Forge Island and Town Centre through public realm improvements. The project has been submitted for planning.
Rethinking and reworking the urban space – RIBA 1 to RIBA 4 – client advisor role
‘We are pleased to continue to work in partnership with RMBC on Riverside Gardens providing them with a one-stop-shop of multidisciplinary services, led by our experienced Landscape Architecture team, to deliver an interesting new public open space.’ – Paul Labbett, Head of Studio, Tetra Tech
Riverside Gardens focuses on active travel, as well as the creation of a new landmark public open space on the edge of the river Don. The design connects and navigates difficult changes of level whilst presenting a unified public realm experience. It also includes the introduction of playful sculptural elements and references to cultural and historical associations with Rotherham.
The project also presents a number of technical challenges around the retaining structures of the River wall and Market Street. There is also the presence of otters and the location of the site is within a conservation area. All these key factors require input from a multi-disciplinary team including structures, highways, flood risk and drainage, heritage, ground investigation engineers and ecologists as well as coordination with planning and Principal Designer (CDM), throughout the various stages of the project.
‘We brought together key skills within Tetra Tech and the wider project team to overcome the technical challenges presented by the site and ground conditions. We have provided the client with a design solution, which successfully binds the town centre and strengthens its connection with Forge Island allowing people to enjoy the river views and relax.’ – Phil Blackshaw, Landscape Director, Tetra Tech
The connectivity of the site is critical to guarantee the integration of the Riverside gardens, Forge Island with the town centre. Social inclusion was a key planning consideration, and this means that accessibility for vulnerable people, the less mobile, young and elderly has been made certain in bringing forward the design for the site.
‘We have developed a strong understanding of the Council’s aspirations and working in partnership, we are making excellent progress towards delivering transformational change. A key step has been securing investment and funding, from various sources, across a broad portfolio of projects. This will help in developing Rotherham Town Centre into a thriving place for everyone, especially for younger age groups.’ – Andrew Clarke, Head of Urban Design, Tetra Tech
