Durham City Vision
Durham City looks for Visionary Designs
10th June, 2008
Europe’s best urban design companies have the chance to reshape one of Britain’s most treasured and historic City centres.
The Durham City Market Place regeneration project has taken a huge leap forward with the publication of a tender inviting design companies to submit plans for proposed improvements. The scope of works will cover the heart of the City centre and the network of narrow alleyways called vennels that adjoin it.
Durham County Council has published the invitation to tender in the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union).
The project will be overseen by Durham City Vision (DCV), a Partnership that sets a vision for the City in 2020 through its Masterplan. DCV seeks to celebrate the best of the City’s heritage and to drive forward regeneration by tackling eyesores and encouraging high quality improvements.
DCV is inviting proposals to produce an Improvement Strategy and a detailed design service, including redesign, repair and refurbishment. These works will improve the “retail distinctiveness” of the Market Place, and allow better use of the space for outdoor markets, events and general public use.
The invitation to tender follows two public consultations undertaken by specialist consultants. These invited members of the public to have their say on how the Market Place and the retail offer in the City centre might be improved.
Improvements will attract increasing numbers of people to Durham, which currently welcomes more than 17.7 million visitors per year.
Harvey Dowdy, Regeneration Manager for Durham City Vision, said: “The Market Place project has so far been a great success, with a consultation that really engaged with the people of Durham and enjoyed a huge level of participation.
“Now we are looking to turn the ideas and feedback we’ve received into a detailed Improvement Strategy that will clearly demonstrate the physical initiatives that will make the Market Place a more vibrant area for visitors, businesses and residents alike in the future.”
The designs will also need to include high quality lighting and signage to enhance the area and improve access consistent with the Vision’s separate Lighting and Signage strategies.
