East Cowes
Isle of Wight
The transformation of this historically significant site seeks to create a new neighbourhood centred around new and vibrant public spaces. As a historically important waterfront site, the practice sensitively worked with the existing assets of the site to create an authentic waterfront setting and new quarter in East Cowes that re-establishes the original spirit of the green spaces along the Esplanade.
The project presents an opportunity to establish a new neighbourhood in East Cowes, anchored by and centred around new and vibrant public spaces with strong connections to the waterfront. Conran and Partners recognise the value retaining well known and loved buildings and working with them to give a new lease of life.
The former Victorian barracks will be adapted for use as a small hotel – as the heart of a new marina village, engaging with a series of new public, residential and marine industry uses to create a genuinely mixed-use development.
The bold, iconic Columbine Building is retained and sensitively refurbished to provide much needed marine engineering space, as well as accommodation for yacht crews and ground floor retail facing on to the public realm.
A mix of new homes brings a new layer of community, set out around a series of public and private courtyards, terraced up the hill side to maximise harbour views. Focussed on a sense of pedestrian connectivity, a traffic-free space that flows from the Parade Ground to Albany Green, connecting Victoria Barracks with the waterfront, will be a focus of local activity and festivity.
