play promenade
Ilfracombe seafront regeneration
The regeneration of Ilfracombe seafront
has presented some unique opportunities to support the creation of a
new type of seaside playground. Working with North Devon District
Council, Perfect Moment, Gillespies landscape architects and Workhouse
Design architects we have put forward new ideas for this landscape of
leisure, a virtual and physical playing of the coast.
In addition this area includes the Landmark Theatre and Ilfracombe Museum, proposed together as a new cultural centre which includes a new visual arts space where it is hoped both existing organisations will come together to jointly programme exhibitions. The combining of these two specialisms of heritage and performance on one site also represents a unique opportunity to foster interdisciplinary working between them, something which will be explored as part of the public art strategy as offering the potential for new understandings of history, place and public participation.
The project builds on the Victorian character of Ilfracombe. The Victorians themselves were responsible for the popularisation of many outdoor games and sports, football, cricket, tennis and golf for instance. On a smaller scale lawn games became popular such as mini golf, bowls and croquet. These pastimes became part of the culture of their seaside resorts, keeping visitors occupied and amused by providing municipal playing areas for those that could not afford their own facilities. This was also, in part, an element of the seaside resort as a “health centre” where play and sport encouraged gentle exercise and complemented sea bathing and swimming.
In contrast contemporary public spaces often discourage play, marginalising it to designated spaces like playgrounds and skate parks. At the seaside however there traditionally has been, and still is, a licence for all of us, young, old and in between to play again , whether this is at the amusements, on the rollercoaster or on the beach. On the more serious side play in public spaces remains an important part of a healthy society. For example the Commission for the Built Environment states in their new play strategy:
“Spending time in public spaces is a way for children to learn about the world around them and the people who live in it. Well-designed public spaces can also help children to stay healthy and tackle obesity by providing opportunities for exercise…Involving children and young people in public space design projects fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership which can reduce anti-social behaviour.”
The redevelopment of Ilfracombe seafront therefore represents a significant opportunity to create an intergenerational public space where the needs of children are combined with the “grown-up” play spaces of a holiday resort. This is particularly true as the seafront also acts as the local park for many residents, a place to kick a ball, throw a Frisbee. Free activity like this, as opposed to activity that is paid for, is a crucial part of fostering a wider sense of social inclusion.
In addition this area includes the Landmark Theatre and Ilfracombe Museum, proposed together as a new cultural centre which includes a new visual arts space where it is hoped both existing organisations will come together to jointly programme exhibitions. The combining of these two specialisms of heritage and performance on one site also represents a unique opportunity to foster interdisciplinary working between them, something which will be explored as part of the public art strategy as offering the potential for new understandings of history, place and public participation.
The project builds on the Victorian character of Ilfracombe. The Victorians themselves were responsible for the popularisation of many outdoor games and sports, football, cricket, tennis and golf for instance. On a smaller scale lawn games became popular such as mini golf, bowls and croquet. These pastimes became part of the culture of their seaside resorts, keeping visitors occupied and amused by providing municipal playing areas for those that could not afford their own facilities. This was also, in part, an element of the seaside resort as a “health centre” where play and sport encouraged gentle exercise and complemented sea bathing and swimming.
In contrast contemporary public spaces often discourage play, marginalising it to designated spaces like playgrounds and skate parks. At the seaside however there traditionally has been, and still is, a licence for all of us, young, old and in between to play again , whether this is at the amusements, on the rollercoaster or on the beach. On the more serious side play in public spaces remains an important part of a healthy society. For example the Commission for the Built Environment states in their new play strategy:
“Spending time in public spaces is a way for children to learn about the world around them and the people who live in it. Well-designed public spaces can also help children to stay healthy and tackle obesity by providing opportunities for exercise…Involving children and young people in public space design projects fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership which can reduce anti-social behaviour.”
The redevelopment of Ilfracombe seafront therefore represents a significant opportunity to create an intergenerational public space where the needs of children are combined with the “grown-up” play spaces of a holiday resort. This is particularly true as the seafront also acts as the local park for many residents, a place to kick a ball, throw a Frisbee. Free activity like this, as opposed to activity that is paid for, is a crucial part of fostering a wider sense of social inclusion.
