Presentation
of Preliminary Concept Drawings Meeting:
29th
November, 2001
1.0
Present
Approximately 20 representatives from the local community
attended the presentation.
2.0
Scope of presentation
The
presentation addressed the following matters:-
-
Summary and recap of previous consultation event
with the Chinese community on 19th
October.
-
Further consultation undertaken by Griffiths Thompson
Partnership since 19th October.
-
Preliminary design ideas for redeveloping Chinatown
derived from discussions with the Chinese community
to-date
-
Chinese ceremonial Arch, gateway features and
lantern designs.
Discussions
on the preliminary design concept took place around
drawings prepared by Griffiths Thompson Partnership
and Creative Landscape (see attached). These drawings
focused on 3 zones:
Stowell
Street – north end to junction with St.
Andrews Street / Gallowgate
Stowell
Street – south end to junction with Bath
lane.
Bath lane.
Design
options for Chinese Ceremonial Arches, gateway
features and lantern designs were presented
on display boards. People attending the presentation
were invited to comment on these and select
their preferred design.
3.0
Main points of discussion
3.1
General concept
There was general support for the proposals presented.
3.2
Pedestrianisation of Stowell Street
A
few people expressed reservations about pedestrianising
Stowell Street on the following grounds:
-
Disabled access to the restaurants and supermarket
could be restricted - Griffiths Thompson Partnership
explained that a pedestrianised street would be
more ‘disabled-user friendly’ than
the current arrangement which is congested with
parked vehicles and has kerbs to negotiate.
-
Access to the supermarket for service deliveries
is restricted - Griffiths Thompson Partnership
explained that gates or rising bollards at each
end of the pedestranised section of Stowell Street
would allow the street to be opened up to through
traffic at times required by the Chinese community
(and agreed with Newcastle City Council)
e.g.: on Sundays. It was agreed that this is largely
a management issue that the Chinese community
will need to give further thought to.
3.3
Tree Planting in Stowell Street
There was general support for the idea of introducing
tree and shrub planting in Stowell Street although
some people expressed concern on the following grounds
-The street is too narrow for tree planting
-Tree planting could obscure shop front
signs and the overhead lanterns
Griffiths Thompson Partnership and Creative Landscape
explained that the types of trees proposed have
very open foliage and will be planted far enough
apart to not to cause these problems. It was agreed
that Griffiths Thompson Partnership will present
details of these trees to the Chinese community
for approval.
3.4 Wing Hong Chinese Supermarket
The
Wing Hong is recognised as a key facility and
focal point within Chinatown. There are existing
car parking and servicing problems associated
with the supermarket and the masterplan proposals
should attempt to address these. It was
agreed that Griffiths Thompson Partnership will
carry out one-to-one discussions with the supermarket
management and City Council Highways Department
to try and resolve these issues.
4.0
Other Matters
Prior to the presentation Griffiths Thompson Partnership
were handed photographs of smiling Buddha statues
and a Chinese chess board for consideration as gateway
features.
5.0
Distribution of Notes
Mr.
Barry Speker, Samuel Phillips and Co.
Mr.
Tony Chu NECA
Mr.
Clint Woo, NECA
Mr.
Barry Yu, NECA
Mr.
Tony Yau, Dragon Project / NCT-Network
Mrs.
Amanda Chan, Chinese Centre (North of England)
Mr.
Peter Howe, Newcastle City Council Planning
and Transportation
Mr.
Mark Jackson, Newcastle City Council Planning
and Transportation (Highways)
