The Village Green
Village greens have a long history of providing a space for communities to take part in local recreation. Within my project, the village green serves as the heart of the site. All surrounding buildings have been designed to look out onto this space. With active frontages, the indoor activities are able to spill out into the green, creating a lively and community driven place.
The village concept is driven by the redevelopment of the miniature railway that visitors are able to ride on around the site. The Heritage Centre's reinvention aims to attract young families, providing an attraction for everyones individual interests. The Ice Cream Parlour draws on Crewe's invention of the Whitby Morrison ice cream van. Showcasing the sites location, the cafe on the second floor offers balcony seating where visitors can observe the passing trains on the two neighbouring active lines.
Traditional construction methods and material choices have been present throughout the development of my design. Carrying out a brick character study of Crewe, I found inspiration from the local brickwork of the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. The use of the corrugated zinc for the exhibition roof is in reference to the existing sites structure. The landscape design features wild flower planting, with paved pedestrian walkways through. Cast iron lampposts, fairy lights in the trees and colourful bunting hanging between, all bring the site to life.
For Crewe, I envision the town becoming more green. With the community’s contribution, pocket parks will become more frequent. The introduction of my village green will form a precedent for surrounding areas, bringing back Crewe’s wildlife and providing outdoor recreational spaces for all. The Valley Brook Corridor will a form a base for the extension of green ribbons that will run throughout the town, offering accessible connection routes between these village greens. Crewe’s future is found within the village green.
