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Establishing a central hub of community and activity that all can enjoy and use, that has a positive impact for local residents.
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Floating Gardens
In order to activate and enrich the poorly used dock waterfront with places for people and nature, inspiration was taken from a design proposal for a floating public park in Vejle, Denmark.
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This concept establishes a series of modular islands which extend out from the dock edge, as part of wider regeneration of the former industrial area into a diverse mixed-use space. It connects islands by a nature trail to various different spaces for all to enjoy including:
Whilst this project is intended to help reduce risks of the impact of sea level rise, a similar concept can be applied to the Royal Albert to activate and make good use of the waterfront space, creating a destination.
Floating gardens proposal in Vejle, Denmark
Commitment to increasing biodiversity
Waterfront Park
Much like at Royal Albert, the Williamsburg Domino Park in New York has created a large new multi-purpose open space on a former industrial waterfront. It has created a long green and inviting space that includes many features and references to the area's sugar refining past.
This case study presents great concepts to introduce to Albert Park, establishing a space that is multifaceted and lively whilst including elements that reference the site's past. A boat playground could be used here for example.
View of Domino Park, New York
Sports courts & skateboarding facilities
Industrial themed playground
Eatery with outdoor seating
Urban beach
Water park
Risks & Issues Addressed
Issues Addressed
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Creating much needed green space and activation of the waterfront in order to establish Royal Albert as an inviting and vibrant space
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Establishing community facilities to support and grow the social aspect of the local community
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Placemaking that benefits all
Risks of Proposals
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Floating islands pose risk of people falling in​
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Risk park and green spaces become poorly managed and uninviting - continual care is needed
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Need for a community foundation or residents' association to be set up to enable running and organisation of community hub
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Use of the heritage building as a community hub may not go ahead due to listed and protected status which limits abilities to conform building to specific needs
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The northern entrance improvements may not be enough to encourage visitors from existing neighbourhoods
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Creating a curved waterfront path makes it more challenging for cycling