FIRSTSITE: NEWSITE, COLCHESTER

Collaborating with Landscape practice Parklife and renowned architects Rafael Vinoly we successfully negotiated the project through the minefield of planning approval for this new ultra-modern arts centre in Colchester's historic St Botolph's Quarter. Key to this success was approval for the integration of the building into the existing urban landscape fabric as well as an historic parkland setting by English Heritage due to the importance of the site.

As part of a wider landscape strategy we also collaborated with Parklife to create a new heritage route through the city, linking transportation nodes via guided pedestrian routes to the historic elements of the city. These included an Old Priory, a Norman Keep, part of cities ancient Roman wall and of course the newly planned arts centre.

* Model of Building courtesy of Raphael Vinoly Architects

Client: Colchester Borough Cl
Completion: 2009 Architect: Rafael Vinoly Architects