Assessment task details and instructions
The Royal Town Planning Institute stated that Covid 19 has in some ways been a great “leveller” and that never has peoples’ ability and desire to access open space and fresh air been stronger. Manchester City Council announced in Autumn, 2021, their intention to launch an international contest to substantially “re- vamp” a 10-acre site in the heart of the city at Piccadilly Gardens, in a sustainable way, that also respects its heritage. This remit includes parts of Mosley Street, New York Street, Parker Street and Portland Street, as shown on the supporting plan and photographs. The budget is £25m and the proposed start date is June 2023.
LDA Design were instructed by Manchester City Council to develop conceptual designs for the site, to inform the brief for the competition which started in October 2021. Sir Richard Leese, former leader of the Council, has stated “The Piccadilly area has the potential to become an outstanding open space in the heart of Manchester, befitting the city’s international status, and we recognise that it needs to be transformed to ensure that it can realise its potential as a welcoming and flexible space”.
A national landscape architect and urban design team have recently contacted the senior partner of the planning consultancy (where you have been successful in securing a graduate role), with a new instruction for advice on this specific project. They are not based in the NW and would like to review the aspirations of Manchester City Council, in the context of the relevant planning policies, legislation and guidance to ascertain what the potential design concepts could be for Piccadilly Gardens. They appreciate that the competition is still ongoing but would like your opinion of what the design and future development proposals may be.
The senior partner has asked you to help him research, analyse and provide reasoned advice to the client, (to be presented in a professional report), taking into consideration the following points:
- Provide a summary of the main national, regional, and local planning policies, legislation and guidance which could impact and influence the design and development options for Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester at present time. (ILO’s 2,3,5; 750 words)
- Critically appraise the 10-acre site in the context of its surrounding environment and research its’s planning and development history, including an explanation of the reasons why Piccadilly Gardens has been deemed by the public to be unsuccessful to date (ILO’s 3,5,7; 500 words)
- In the context of the relevant planning policies, guidance, and Manchester City Council’s vision for Piccadilly Gardens, provide your own reasoned options for the future design of the site, in terms of placemaking, connectivity, access, safety, heritage, infrastructure, inclusivity and bio- diversity. (ILO’s 2,3,8; 750 words)
- Advise the client on the information that would be required for the preparation and submission of an application for planning consent for these proposed works, including how the design team could ensure that the local community are fully engaged and remain supportive of their proposals (ILO’s 1,4,6; 500 words)
Please present your advice in the form of a professional report and ensure that all the client’s requirements in their brief have been fully met. The introduction, conclusion and referencing will not be included in the word count. Additional information can be presented in an appendix, if required.
The full property address, location plan and photographs will be made available for the purpose of this coursework assessment. The information that you will need to research for the purpose of your advice is readily available on the Government and Manchester City Council website’s and you should not therefore need to contact either the architect or local planning authority for any reason.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the factors which influence development control decisions
- Identify and interpret planning policy documents and guidance notes
- Evaluate and apply the principles of these polices for a specific site
- Understanding the process and requirements for a planning application