Preliminary Consultation Meeting with the Chinese Community

Meeting: 16^th October 2001

1.0  Introduction

Griffiths Thompson Partnership have been appointed by Newcastle’s Chinese  community to carry out a master plan study for the Newcastle Chinatown area.  This event, held at the start of a 3 month study period, was organised to enable the local Chinese community to put forward their views on the current problems and issues in Newcastle’s Chinatown and make suggestions on how they would like to see the area improved.  The results from this meeting will form the brief for the study.  Further group meetings are proposed during the study period to enable full consultation and discussion on the regeneration proposals as they are developed.

The consultation meeting was held at the North East Chinese Association Building in Stowell Street on Tuesday, 16th October between 2.30pm and 6.00pm.  Over 40 people attended the event.  They were divided into three groups and discussions took place around three topic tables, each headed by a member of the consultancy team, as follows:

Table 1:      Chinatown boundaries, ceremonial arch and general identity – Adrian Thompson, Griffiths Thompson Partnership

Table 2:      Landscape matters – Malcolm Braham, Constructive Landscape

Table 3:      Traffic and servicing matters – Paul Griffiths, Griffiths Thompson Partnership

The groups rotated between topic tables at intervals of approximately 40 minutes, allowing everyone an opportunity to air their views on each of the subjects under discussion.

A set of presentation boards were displayed at each table to generate ideas and prompt discussion.  A large-scale plan of Stowell Street and the surrounding area was also displayed at each table and was used as a “working document” throughout the afternoon. 

Designated members of the local Chinese community provided verbal translations of the matters under discussion to those people who required this assistance.  Discussions were informal but were structured around a set of “prompt” questions held by each consultancy team member.  A summary of the main issues discussed is presented below.

2.0  Table 1:  Chinatown Boundaries, Ceremonial Arch and General Identity

2.1  Current Status of Chinatown – what are the good and bad points?

Good points:  

-      the mix of businesses and residential (restaurants/housing

-            the atmosphere and general “buzz”

-            brightly colored signs

-            it is a “focus” for the local community (community centralised)

-            the variety of Chinese businesses and trade outlets.

Bad Points: 

-      street lighting inadequate

-      refuse collection from businesses causing unsightly clutter

-      general rundown nature of the street and inadequate cleaning

-      lack of identity and visual impact at entrances to Chinatown (badging/gateway)

-      lack of outdoor activities and event spaces

-      car parking –    insufficient provision close to Chinatown

-      present on-street parking causing congestion and obstruction

-      traffic wardens and police over-zealous with parking tickets (when no other parking options are available).

2.2 Chinatown Boundaries

-      The main “focus” of Chinatown is currently Stowell Street.  Chinatown requires an area to expand into, particularly as a large area of Stowell Street has recently been lost to the Gate Project.

-      Possible areas for expansion include: Blackfrairs, Charlotte Square and Bath Lane

-      Chinese businesses and facilities already exist in isolated pockets around Stowell Street including Monk Street (Chinese medicine), Fenkle Street (bakers, café, various other), Cross Street (fast food), Westgate Road (Chinese church and elderly housing)

-      The “preferred” zone for an expanded Chinatown, agreed by all groups, is the area bounded by Stowell Street, Bath Lane/Westgate Road, Clayton Street, Low Friar Street and Dispensary Lane.

2.3 Chinese Arch and Gateway Features

-      Chinatown requires a minimum of two Ceremonial Arches.  Two groups considered a two arch option to be appropriate, located as follows:

i)           At the junction of St Andrews Street and Gallowgate (adjacent the existing bus station)

ii)          At the junction of Stowell Street and Bath Lane (outside the city wall).

One Group considered a three arch option to be appropriate, as follows:

i)           At the junction of St Andrew Street and Gallowgate (adjacent the existing bus station).

ii)          At the junction of Bath Lane and Corporation Street

iii)        At the junction of Bath Lane and Westgate Road

-      All groups considered that the Gallowgate arch will have the maximum visual impact on passing traffic and is therefore the most important (even though there are major space constraints in this location).

-      Traditional northern-Chinese style arches, similar to Liverpool’s, are required.  One group suggested that the main arch should be like Liverpool’s and the subsidiary arch/s like Manchester’s.  All arches should be colour coordinated.  One group considered gold coloured roofs to be appropriate whereas another preferred green.  There is no preferred supplier for the arch.  Design options from both Shanghai and Beijing were requested.

-      There was general agreement that Chinatown does not “advertise” itself very well to the surrounding areas and passing traffic.  “Gateway features” are seen as a good way of remedying this problem.  As well as the Ceremonial Arch locations discussed above, gateway features should, ideally, be located at the following road junctions:

-      Bath Lane/Corporation Street

-      Bath Lane/Westgate Road

-      Fenkle Street/Clayton Street

-      Dispensary Lane/Low Friar Street

-      St Andrew Street/Newgate Street

-      There was general agreement that a variety of gateway features could be employed, depending upon the space available.  Ideas suggested included:

-      pagodas or pavilions (possibly housing a Chinese board game)

-      “happy” Buddhas on plinths (religious references should be avoided)

-      Chinese fairies on plinths

-      dragon or pheasant sculptures on plinths

-      Chinese-themed signposts.

Members of the Chinese community will forward photographs showing examples of preferred gateway features to GTP for reference, where possible.

-      It was generally agreed that gateway features should be “welcoming” and “friendly” rather than “frightening” and possibly “confrontational” (e.g. lions and dragons).

-      Some people considered that all new Chinese-themed features, including the gateways, should be authentically Chinese in design.  GTP will enquire with the Chinese arch manufacturers whether they are able to supply these other items also.-      Some people considered that Chinese-themed gates were a good idea to enable Stowell Street to be closed off to traffic at select times.

2.4  The Buildings

It was generally agreed that the existing buildings in Chinatown are in good condition.  Two of the three groups considered that more Chinese theming and colour is required to the facades of certain appropriate buildings, eg: restaurants (not offices).

2.5  Development Opportunities and Other Uses

-      There was general agreement that Chinatown would benefit from the introduction of new uses and facilities.  Some suggestions include:

-      Trade centre (linked with Chamber of Commerce)

-      Chinese school

-      Chinese arts/culture and music centre

-      Sunday market (ideally in Bath Lane or Blackfriars)

-      Temple

-      Centre of Chinese medicine

-      Martial arts club

-      Visitor centre (possibly housed in present NECA building)

-      Chinese bank

-      Casino.

2.6  Other Matters

-      Everyone considered that pedestrianisation of Stowell Street would be beneficial to Chinatown.  Some people, however, were slightly concerned that this could be damaging to the existing businesses because it could restrict servicing, convenient parking, passing trade, etc.

-      Some people particularly wished to retain the present idea of Chinese lanterns suspended over Stowell Street rather than mounting lanterns on columns.  The concept of creating a “canopy of lights” in Stowell Street was suggested.

-      Some people felt that the “canopy of light” idea could be developed to create an atrium over the pedestrianised section of Stowell Street.

3.0  Table 2:   Landscape Matters

3.1 Chinese Theming

Chinese themeing of the public areas is considered to be very important in order to give Chinatown a distinctive character and identity. It was felt this is currently lacking and that there is considerable scope for improvement.
Many thought that this themeing should be of a traditional nature. It should complement the medieval character of the city wall. Some people thought that the traditional character would have an educational benefit and that its interpretation should be exploited
Themeing should, ideally, be applied to all elements including:

-      Roads and paving

-      Street furniture, ie. bollards, bins, telephone boxes, pavilions, street lighting, seating etc.

-      Public art.

-      Ceremonial flags are not required as part of this theming.

-      From the examples of Chinese theming exhibited there were general preferences for Liverpool’s paving and for Manchester’s pavilions, but with green roofs.

-      There was a general preference for subtle and natural materials, ie. wood, clay etc.  Many people do not like the current road and footpath surfacing in Newcastle.  Some felt that granite setts would not be appropriate.  There were a number of suggestions regarding paving including: -

-      Chinese calligraphy on bricks

-      Dragon paving pattern, using a Chinese soup spoon handle as a motif to build up the dragon.

-      The preferred main colours for themed elements are red and green with some gold.  Colours should relate to the elements.

-      A number of people considered that the design and construction of Chinese features should be authentically Chinese rather than a European “pastiche. Conversely, some felt it was important that the theming should appeal to and be recognised by European “customers” at the expense of traditionalism and authenticity, e.g. lanterns in trees throughout the year?

3.2  Street Lighting

-      The existing street lighting is considered to be inadequate.  More lights are required to give better illumination of the street.
-      Most peoples’ preference was for lighting suspended over the street, but there were some who preferred lanterns on columns.  It was also suggested that the idea of suspended lanterns could be developed to create an “atrium” over the road, or a “canopy of lights.”

-   All new lanterns should be of a traditional Chinese design, if possible.

-      The design previously prepared by other consultants for a dragon/phoenix feature spanning the road was considered by nearly everyone to be far too “heavy.” It was felt that the lighting scheme should be more elegant and “lighter” than this.

3.3  Open Space

-      Everyone agreed that there is currently a shortage of open space associated with Chinatown.  Blackfriars is seen as valuable open space associated with Stowell Street but it is accepted that the opportunities for Chinese theming are limited here.  Three main areas were suggested as public open space, with a Chinese theme. These were as follows:

     - A contingent favoured Charlotte Square

  - A large number favoured Bath Lane

 - Many recognised the potential for creating public open space associated with  the pedestrianisation of Stowell Street.

-      The opportunity for creating open space at the junction of St. Andrews Street and Gallowgate upon removal of the bus depot was also welcomed.

-      Many said that they would prefer any new open space created to be flat and level.  Uses suggested for new public open space included:

-      Events, and Chinese festivals

-      General socialising

-      A meditative Chinese garden comprising a bridge over a pond with fish, a pagoda and rocks

-      Recreation provision for the elderly, including a pavilion housing a Chinese chess board, table and chairs and other traditional Chinese games

-      A play area for children

-      An open air market, open 2 or 3 times a week

-      A Chinese martial arts-type keep fit course along the alley between the city wall and the rears of properties in Stowell Street.

3.3 Soft Landscaping

-  There is general support for the introduction of more planting and soft landscaping in Chinatown, especially to the proposed public open space and at the boundaries. This could include shrubs, trees, flowers and climbing plants.
-  The idea of a Chinese-themed garden/landscaping in Bath Lane was discussed and received wide support.
-      The idea of using plants of a Chinese origin was generally liked.  Cherry blossom, pines, weeping willow and Chinese national flowers were suggested.

-      The issue of maintenance will require further discussion with the City Council and Chinese community.

3.4  Other Matters

-      One group particularly favoured the idea of introducing Buddha statues into Chinatown as pieces of public art.  These should be “happy” Buddhas to avoid any religious references and possible offence to the Christian Chinese community.

-      If the public toilets in Charlotte Square are removed there is likely to be a requirement for public toilets elsewhere in the area.

-      Most people wish to see the southern half of Stowell Street pedestrianised and new paving, street furniture and planting introduced. An allowance for service vehicle access will be required, however. Some people suggested that the supermarket forms the hub of Chinatown and that it is important to provide a “pick-up stop” for customers.

-      Another suggestion, welcomed by some as resolving potential conflicts, but less favoured than full pedestrianisation, is shared use.  Shared use is understood to mean a continuous raised surface across the entire highway at footpath level with a pedestrian character. This will provide a restricted route through for vehicles, but allow no on-street parking.

-      Some members of the Chinese community believe that there is a large gas main up to 1m in diameter running along Stowell Street.  This could seriously affect any planting options proposed.  Further information is required from the local authority on this matter.

-      Some people questioned whether car parking will be required in Friar Street once the car park in the Gate Project is opened.

4.0       TABLE 3:  TRAFFIC & SERVICING MATTERS

4.1       Existing Traffic Movement

4.1.1    Vehicles

            The main routes into and out of Chinatown for vehicles are:

·        From Gallowgate via Street Andrews Street

·        From Newgate Street via St Andrews Street

·        From Corporation Street via Bath Lane

The streets within Chinatown are narrow and potentially difficult to navigate, particularly when vehicles block the highways as frequently happens during the servicing of the businesses and restaurants.  Access to and from Gallowgate can become congested at busy times.

4.1.2    Pedestrians

Until recently the most popular pedestrian routes into Chinatown were from the main car park in Stowell Street and the one at the junction of Corporation Street and Bath Lane. With both of these car parks now under development, pedestrian access into Chinatown shows no definitive pattern. 

            The access from Westgate Road along Bath Lane was mentioned on a number of          occasions as being a well used route from the main railway station.

4.2       Proposed Traffic Movement

            A number of issues and suggested solutions were discussed.  These will require detailed consultation with various City Council departments before being developed further.

4.2.1    The Issues

            In the absence of more detailed information, suggested improvements

            (section 4.2.2) were discussed based on assumptions about the following:

The Gate Project:  The Gate Project’s influence on both pedestrian and traffic movement into and out of Chinatown is considered critical. However, fundamental details on how the building will function are unclear, eg: where will visitors access and exit the building on foot and in cars, etc.

Redevelopment of the Co-op Site:  The community were again unclear on the exact details of the car park, number of car parking spaces etc.  Many people  at the meeting asked whether a series of consultation meetings with the proposed developers of the car park were planned in the near future.

The redevelopment of the old Stowell Street car park and the one on Corporation Street has left Chinatown without a dedicated parking area.  The community asked whether the Council intends to replace these car parks and where this/these new facility/facilities will be.

Many people are aware that the bus station is due for demolition but are unaware          of the development proposals for the site.

The community are unsure whether the Gate Project will close off vehicular access from Low Friar Street onto Newgate Street.  If it does, what will be the effect be on Low Friar Street and traffic using the private car park off Dispensary Lane? Will there be a “turning head” at the end of Low Friar Street?

4.2.2    Suggested Improvements

            Pedestrianise the southern end of Stowell Street between the NECA building and Friars Street.

            Maintain Stowell Street as a one-way street, reversing the one-way system by   making the entrance into Stowell Street off Bath Lane.

Pedestrianise the top of St Andrews Street between Gallowgate and Stowell Street and make St Andrews Street one-way depending on the direction of the one-way system adopted on Stowell Street

      Create an attractive pedestrian route into Chinatown along Bath Lane from        Westgate Road.

4.3       Car Parking Matters

            People were generally in favour of removing the remaining parking bays along    Stowell Street because of the concerns about possible traffic congestion         associated with the Gate Project development.

            There is a feeling that, since the removal of the car parks in the vicinity of           Chinatown, parking provision has been inadequate.  If there is no provision in the Gate Project scheme for people to access Stowell Street directly from the car park,          additional parking spaces for Chinatown will be required elsewhere.

            The closure of the Stowell Street car park has highlighted the lack of suitable     parking within the immediate vicinity of the Chinese Supermarket .

            The Gallowgate bus stops often cause major traffic congestion at peak times.     These bus stops should be relocated or replanned if access to Chinatown is to           be improved.

            There is concern over the size of the heavy goods vehicles currently servicing the loading area at the rear of the Co-op building.  The Stowell Street/St. Andrews     Street road junction is considered to be too narrow and constricted. Vehicles have   difficulty manoeuvring around this corner. Consideration should be given to        restricting vehicles over a certain size or replanning access in this area.

4.4       Refuse Collections

            Most people consider that the existing wheelie bins should be replaced with an   alternative refuse collection system.

            The following options should be investigated:

            i)          The siting of a compactor/s within the Chinatown area.

            ii)         A private collection service that enters restaurants to pick up rubbish.

            iii)         A private collection service that collects from outside restaurants twice a  day.

            The traders agreed to canvas wider opinion on this matter.

4.5       Maintenance and Cleaning

            The roads in the area have suffered for a long time with mud trafficked from the             Gate Project site.  This situation has recently improved.  No opinion was expressed on the general maintenance of the area.

4.6       Security

            Not mentioned as a problem.