Red Bank

OPEN supported the preparation of the masterplan and outline application for the development of 4,800 new homes at Red Bank, which forms part of the wider £4bn Victoria North regeneration and development programme.

As part of the design team, led by architects Maccreanor Lavington, OPEN are working closely with Danish public realm specialist Schulze+Grassov to deliver a strong landscape led regeneration of the brownfield Irk Valley site through a ‘wild urbanism’ concept for the new neighbourhood.

Wild urbanism prioritises nature, biodiversity, and active travel. This is reflected in the plans, which feature extensive landscaping, such as tree planting, resurfacing, widened footpaths, and new cycle lanes. The brownfield site includes the first phase of a new City River Park, new public realm and doorstep play, set within the context of retained woodland and historic railway viaducts.

As part of the application our work is being developed alongside ecological consultants to develop a strategy to meet the ambitious Biodiversity Net Gain targets, along with developing site-wide strategies for open space, play and sustainable drainage. Our work is also helping to support and deliver a £52m package of infrastructure works forming part of the wider Victoria North regeneration and development programme.

Parallel to supporting the wider masterplan, OPEN developed the landscape and public realm proposals, as part of a detailed planning application, for the first three development plots, which will deliver c.1,550 new homes and a commercial high street, across seven new buildings ranging from six to thirty four storeys. The design includes the creation of new pedestrian friendly streets with commercial spill-out space, doorstep play and communal podium courtyards.

Alongside landscape design OPEN also provided TVIA services to both the masterplan and detailed first phases aspects of the project.

Designers: Maccreanor Lavington, Schulze+Grassov
Visuals: Pillar Visuals, Adriette Myburgh