re:thinking endcliffe park & the porter valley

RE-THINKING ENDCLIFFE PARK & THE PORTER VALLEY

E ndcliffe Park represents a cornerstone in the develop- mentofSheffieldasacity;itsproximitytothePeakDi- strict National Park allows the park to be a conduit between theurban fabricofSheffieldand theunspoiledbeautyofthePeakswhilstbeingoneofthemostpopulargreenspacesusedbymanygroupsofpeople.

Despite it’s popularity, on closer inspection there are areas ofconcern and potential improvements that could be made for un-derrepresentedgroupsofpeoplesuchasyoungteenagers,whoareperceived toengage inantisocialbehaviorby thegeneralpublic.

SheffieldCityCouncil Parks&CountrysideDepartment askedthe Live ProjectTeam at theUniversity of Sheffield School ofArchitecture to look at howEndcliffe Park could be improved.Creativepublicconsultationcanestablishwheretheproblemslieandwhatstrategiescanbeimplementedtoimprovethecurrentcondition.

RE-THINKING ENDCLIFFE PARKPublishedbyTheSheffieldSchoolofArchitectureLiveProjectTeam09Thiseditionpublished2007http://09liveproject07.wordpress.comhttp://www.shef.ac.uk/architecture

Allimagesandtextwithinthisdocument©2007TheLiveProjectTeam09exceptwhereotherwisestated.

RE-THINKING ENDCLIFFE PARK

& THE PORTER VALLEY

Prepared for Sheffield City Council Parks & Countryside Department by the Sheffield School of Architecture Live Project Team 09

Luke BrownAdam DainowRyan HamillRachael HarrisJordan J. LloydChris PatienceCaroline PaynePhil MillerPat SkingleyAlex Southall

with Prue Chiles

RE-THINKING ENDCLIFFE PARK & THE PORTER VALLEY

Live Project.indd 1 19/12/07 16:56:54

RE-THINKING ENDCLIFFE PARKPublished by The Sheffield School of Architecture Live Project Team 09Sheffield School of Architecture, Arts Tower, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN

This edition published 2007http://09liveproject07.wordpress.comhttp://www.shef.ac.uk/architecture

All images and text within this document © 2007 The Live Project Team 09 except where otherwise stated Printed by The Sheffield School of Architecture & The University of Sheffield Printing Services Department

E ndcliffe Park represents a cornerstone in the development of Sheffield as a city; its proximity to the Peak Di- strict National Park allows the park to be a conduit between the urban fabric of Sheffield and the unspoiled beauty of the Peaks whilst being one of the most popular green spaces used by many groups of people.

Despite it’s popularity, on closer inspection there are areas of concern and potential improvements that could be made for un-der represented groups of people such as young teenagers, who are perceived to engage in anti social behavior by the general public.

Furthermore, the park and the Porter Valley as a whole yields a rich tapestry of Sheffield’s industrial heritage through the nu-merous mills have quite literally helped to shape the legacy of steel that has made Sheffield a world famous city. The Shepherd Wheel grinding workshop is an example of this industrial heri-tage, however the site is struggling to achieve it’s full potential.

Sheffield City Council Parks & Countryside Department asked the Live Project Team at the University of Sheffield School of Architecture to look at how Endcliffe Park could be improved. Creative public consultation can establish where the problems lie and what strategies can be implemented to improve the current condition. Furthermore, the Live Project Team have been asked to look at how an enclosed activity area for educational purposes can be inserted into the fabric of the Shepherd Wheel site.

The Live Project Team 09 would like to thank the following people and organisations for their support: Janet Lawson & Ian Mitchell at Sheffield City Council, all the park rangers at Sheffield City Council, Ann Le Sage and The Friends of the Porter Valley, The Friends of Endcliffe Playground, South Yorkshire Police, Ste-phen Watts and Grow Sheffield, Ashley Charlesworth and all the staff at Endcliffe Park Café, Forsyth Sheffield United Academy, U Sport, Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, Football Unites, Racism Divides, Activity Sheffield, High Storrs Secondary and Sixth Form school, King Edward VII Secondary and Sixth Form School. Thank you to all the people who have commented on our Internet blog site, took part in our consultation events and ev-eryone who gave their time for the project ‘Re-Thinking Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley’. A contact directory can be found in the appendices section at the back of this document.

PREFACE

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THE HISTORICAL LEGACYOF THE PORTER VALLEY

PUBLICCONSULTATION

ANALYSINGTHE PARK

THE HISTORICAL LEGACYINTRODUCTION

THE PARKS OF SHEFFIELD:AN OVERVIEW

ENDCLIFFE PARK &THE PORTER VALLEY

URBAN GROWTH THE PORTER VALLEY

HISTORICAL POSTCARDSOF THE PORTER VALLEY

THE PORTER VALLEY: THREADING THETIMELINES, 1200 AD - PRESENT

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ANALYSING THE PARK INTRODUCTION

ANALYSING THE EXISTING PARK ENTRANCES

ANALYSIS OF SEATINGIN ENDCLIFFE PARK

ANALYSIS OF GRAFFITTIIN ENDCLIFFE PARK

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SIGNAGEIN ENDCLIFFE PARK

OTHER MAPSOF ENDCLIFFE PARK

USERS & USE: WHO USES THE PARK & WHAT DO TO THEY USE IT FOR?

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PUBLIC CONSULTATIONINTRODUCTION

1. POSTER CATALOGUE [1]

2. PERGOLA WRAP/ SERENDIPITY SHELTER

3. POSTER CATALOGUE [2]

4. EXPLORING ENDCLIFFE PARK: A CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP

5. THE DIARY ROOM

6. A LITTLE LIVE MUSIC NEVER HURT ANYONE...

7. WILD FOOD WALK WITH THE ABUNDANCE PROJECT8. EXTENDED OPENING HOURS9. YELLOW RUN / PIT STOP 2

10. MIDNIGHT SOCCER

INITIALDESIGN PROPOSALS

INITIAL DESIGNFEEDBACK & EXHIBITION

ENDCLIFFE PARK PROBLEM MATRIX

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THEDESIGN PROPOSALS

APPENDICESTHESHEPHERD WHEEL

THE DESIGN PROPOSALSINTRODUCTION

ENDCLIFFE PARKMASTERPLAN PHASE MAPS

EVENTS 1: PROPOSING AN EXTENDEDEVENTS SCHEDULE FOR ENDCLIFFE PARK

EVENTS 2: EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULECAR BOOT JUMBLE SALE

EVENTS 3: EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULEA LITTLE LIVE MUSIC NEVER HURT ANYONE

EVENTS 4: EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULEWILD FOOD WALK

EVENTS 5: EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULEEVENING DE-LIGHTS & CHILDRENS WORKSHOP

EVENTS 6: EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULECOMMUNITY ORIENTATED ACTIVITIES

INTERVENTIONS 7:RE-BRANDING ENDCLIFFE PARK

INTERVENTIONS 8:PERMANENT SEATING AREA

INTERVENTIONS 9:SMALL AMPHITHEATRE

INTERVENTIONS 10:CONTINUATION FOR CYCLISTS

INTERVENTIONS 11: ROUTE LIGHTING THROUGH ENDCLIFFE PARK

INTERVENTIONS 12:RE-BRANDING ENDCLIFFE PARK

INTERVENTIONS 13: GENERAL MAINTENANCE & SUBTLE MODIFICATIONS

INTERVENTIONS 14: ENTRANCE RE-DESIGN & STRATEGIC LANDSCAPING

INTERVENTIONS 15: REVISION OF BOUNDARY TREATMENTS

INTERVENTIONS 16: SMALL & MEDIUM SCALE INTERVENTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES

INTERVENTIONS 17: A NEW GATEWAY

DESIGN PROPOSALSUMMARIES

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SHEPHERD WHEEL INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1:INTRODUCTION

SECTION 2:BRIEF OUTLINE

SECTION 3:HISTORY

SECTION 4:DESIGN PROPOSAL

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APPENDICES

CASE STUDIES

TRANSCRIBEDINTERVIEWS

CONTACT DIRECTORY& REFERENCES

09LIVEPROJECT07BLOG SITE

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THE PORTER VALLEY YIELDS NUMEROUS LAYERS OF HISTORY THAT MANY OF THE PARK USERS TODAY ARE UNAWARE OF.

THE HISTORICALLEGACY


8 9

S heffield’s historic parks and gardens present a mark of its social and cultural development. The identity of Sheffield is based upon the inheritance of a rich fabric of open spaces both that are rich in variety. Like architecture the rate of development of such green spaces has a direct correlation through geographical influences; the economic and cultural growth of the city; and the effects of government legislation.

Historically in Sheffield like many other northern industrial cities there has been a strong contrast between the western and east-ern sides of the city. Sheffield’s industrial growth is primarily based on the geology of the area. Exposed coal measures con-tained iron ore, which was used in medieval times. Clays were used for refectory linings used in steel manufacture. Sandstone outcrops were used to add an edge to the finished blade in the cutlery industry. Streams have provided waterpower from the 15th century onwards.

In the 18th century the main town extended from Park Hill in the South East to Netherthorpe in the North West. The rest of the parish was still a network of fields and woodland, with small clusters of buildings at the meeting of roads, with Ecclesall Woods being the largest area of woodland within the region. The traditional areas for recreation at this time were commons.

The 19th century saw the rise of the Industrial Revolution in Sheffield. The building of canals and railways had a major influ-ence on its industrial development in this period. Huge complex-es of steel works were created with owners and workers work-ing on one site. This rapid development brought vast prosperity, however living conditions for the employer and employee were often poor due to the high density of houses, lack of amenities and air pollution.

Around this time many steel magnates relocated to the west of the city, where the air was cleaner and the geology resulted in spectacular views. Large Victorian settlements with gardens were imprinted into clustered village settlements. Many of the gardens used recycled materials from the foundries. The Bo-tanical Gardens opened in 1836 designed by Robert Marnock, influenced local villa owner’s gardens. Even new nurseries de-veloped species that could survive in the air pollution of the city.

Gardens in the workers cottages would have been limited and used primarily for growing food. The need for open spaces at the time was a local and national issue which was highlighted in the 1833 report of the Select Committee on Public Walks.

At this time Sheffield Botanical Gardens was only semi-public with restricted access by subscription only, there was major social unrest and a gulf between the classes. There was a belief that if there were contact between the classes in parks this would promote pride. The perception being that this would improve the lower classes and reinforce the family unit.

Norfolk Park in Sheffield was one of the first parks to be opened to the public in Britain. Laid out between 1841 and 1848 it was a simple design with open spaces for football and cricket, path-ways for walking, and designated seating areas. This provides a relief from the pressures of work and made the land desirable for development around the park.

In 1860 the Public Improvements act was created enabling lo-cal authorities to levy rates to pay for the maintenance of open spaces. Before 1860 local authorities had been dependant on aristocratic public benefactors and private help to maintain

THE PARKS OF SHEFFIELD: AN OVERVIEW

THE HISTORICALLEGACY OF THEPORTER VALLEY

THE PARKS OF SHEFFIELD:AN OVERVIEW

affairs. This was a huge breakthrough and resulted in many new parks nationally and a great improvement in civic pride.

In Sheffield this created the start of the major networks of parks across the city with the opening of Firth Park and Weston Park in 1875, and the subsequent openings of Meersbrook Park (1890), Hillsborough Park (1892), the acquisition of Endcliffe Park (1885), Crooksmoor Recreation Ground (1887), Whiteley Woods (1897) and Norfolk Park (1909).

In 1903 the combination of the completion of the electric tram system with low fares and the creation of many small recreation grounds in the densest parts of the city created a large network of parks with good connectivity.

In the 1920s Patrick Abercrombie was asked to prepare a plan for the whole city for its future needs including transport, open space and housing. He promoted a substantial open space net-work within the city. The result can still be seen today through a corridor of naturalistic parks that loosely link the urban fabric. This can be seen in Endcliffe Woods where nature is drawn into the city in one direction and invitation of the wild landscape in the other direction.

‘The topography of Sheffield has had a major influence on its development. The city lies on the border between Mercia and Northumbria, at the point where the northern and western uplands end and the eastern lowlands begin. The physical contrast between these two types of land-scape has strongly influenced the growth and character of Sheffield. Heather moorland and peat bogs halt abruptly on sandstone edges creating short, steep sided valleys cascading to the lowland. The intimate mingling of river valley and hillsides embraces the city with huge waves of landscape, crests and troughs, allowing a mixture of elevated prospect (so important in the sitting of the ‘green necklace’ of the city’s Victorian parks and villas), and valleys presenting the ideal location for industry.’ [1]


10 11

E arly industrial development grew around the Porter Val ley due to its local resources. Acid grindstones in the area were used for shaping knives and forks. Cutlery manufacture concentrated around the steep streams in the valleys in the west of the city. The River Porter was dammed which provided power for grinding mills, however as coal took over as the main source of power industry moved to the Eastern half of the city, leaving the workshops in the West derelict. This left the valley as a suitable area for recreation for the growing city, this was highlighted in Abercrombie’s City Plan (1927). Endcliffe Park was acquired in various stages in 1885, 1888 and 1927.

The council purchased Endcliffe Woods for the public at the price of £7,500 for the following reasons:• It was easily accessible and an ideal setting for the proposed park.• To provide a park which would give relief to the cramped streets and poor working conditions.• A new sewer could be built across this land, preventing the sewerage running into the streams and rivers as of the time. • The fall of the river over the land was a valuable resource for power.

William Goldring (1854-1919) a respected urban designer at the time, was commissioned to adapt Endcliffe Wood for public use in 1885, and the park was enlarged by 9 acres. Two monuments were relocated at the time into Endcliffe Vale Park, the monument to Queen Victoria at the Hunters Bar entrance and the Jubilee Obelisk. In 1927 H.K Stephenson donated five and a half acres to the park for public use.

The once popular bandstand used for brass concerts was removed in 1957 when it fell out of fashion and in 1958 the park became the venue for the ‘Sheffield Show’, which was popular at the time. The show was moved to Hillsborough Park in 1966 due to its increasing crowds.

Endcliffe Park is still as relevant for recreation and amenity as it was when it was created in the 19th century. It provides a direct link between the city and the countryside beyond. The park is unique it in its setting and atmosphere, it also gives a key insight into the cultural and industrial development of Sheffield.

ENDCLIFFE PARK &THE PORTER VALLEY


ENDCLIFFE PARK & THE PORTER VALLEY

‘A sequence of parks and green spaces forming a green link from near the city centre to the edge of the Peak National Park. The sequence follows the course of the River Porter. Endcliffe and Bingham Parks at the city end provide a formal entrance to the green link and provide active recreational pursuits, with a hint of informality to come higher up the valley. ….The green leafy structure provided by the parks gives a special and distinctive quality to the adjoining neighbourhoods and provides a popular amenity for the locality’ [1]

‘In the course of its descent the Porter falls some 340 meters through a con-stantly changing landscape.’ [2]

‘The Porter Valley Sequence is a special development of the open space which the natural conformation of Sheffield would be likely to induce; and it is a form that is of special value in the systematic provi-sion of parks in a town plan. The Porter Brook Parkway, consisting as it does of a string of contiguous open spaces, is the finest example to be found in this country of a radial park strip, an elongated open space, leading from a built–up part of the city direct into the country…. As compared with the finite quality of an ornamental park of more or less square shape, there is a feeling of movement in a continuous park strip …….the human being ….is lead onwards until the open countryside is reached.’ [3]

‘A User Survey completed by the Friends of the Porter Valley in 2001/2 suggests that half a million people may use the Valley every year; and that over 30% come from parts of Sheffield other than the nearby relatively affluent wards of Broomhill, Hallam, and Ecclesall.’(2)


12 13THE HISTORICALLEGACY OF THEPORTER VALLEY

URBAN GROWTH INTHE PORTER VALLEY

TURBAN GROWTH IN THE PORTER VALLEY

oday Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley are seen as a green corridor from the urban heart of Sheffield out to the Peak District National Park, bringing the countryside closer to the city, however this was not always the case. Through study of historical Ordinance Survey map information the development of this area of Sheffield and the Porter Valley can be clearly seen. The images opposite show the development of the Western suburbs of Sheffield in 1894, 1956 and 2007. The rapid expansion of Sheffield’s urban area and the loss of arable land and pastoral land is clearly evi-dent. Where once the distinction between park and countryside was made with only a road or field boundary, now row upon row of housing and shops fills the hillsides surrounding this vital green space.

IMAGE KEY01 The Porter Valley In 189402 Urban Growth in 195601 Present Condition 2007Credit: OS/P. Miller

03

02

01


14 15

HISTORICAL POSTCARDS OF THE PORTER VALLEY [1]

THE HISTORICALLEGACY OF THEPORTER VALLEYHISTORICAL POSTCARDS OF THE PORTER VALLEY [1]

“I have always had an interest in old paraphernalia and when I found an old postcard of one of Sheffield’s golf courses I started to look around for more. I discovered post card fairs and started to go to them - and as many dealers have their cards split into towns and cities it was quite easy to find some of Sheffield’s parks which I am of course very interested in. I decided to look for cards posted around the early 1900’s and these form the bulk of my collection.

As my collection grew I realised that the same black and white negative could be used by various printers and as many of them were hand coloured prior to printing (to give the appearance of a colour photo) various colour variations came to light. I am particularly fond of two cards of Endcliffe Park with people walk-ing along the path near to the bandstand, in one of them there is a young boy in the foreground, on the other card he has beenpainted out, something that today would be easily done on a computer! It is interesting to read the comments on the cards, sometimes only a few words are written, this adds an interesting human touch.

My cards are a source of historical information as some of the features have long since disappeared from our parks, in End-cliffe this includes the aforementioned band stand, the ornate drinking fountain, rustic bridges, riverside stonework, the bath-ing pool (old mill dam) with thatched rustic shelter, and the old mill buildings.

Finally it is interesting to see which parts of the park are most photographed, in Endcliffe the Hunters Bar entrance features strongly but it is the Stepping Stones that I have most post-cards of, I wonder which area of the park is most photographed today? - Ian Mitchell

“Had a delightful weekend here.

Weather splendid. Kind Regards

R.W”

“

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10 11

07 08 09

04 05 06

01 02 03


16 17THE HISTORICALLEGACY OF THEPORTER VALLEY

HISTORICAL POSTCARDS OF THE PORTER VALLEY [2]

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04 05 06

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IMAGE KEY01 Bathing Dam, Endcliffe Woods. 02 Stepping Stones, Endcliffe Woods, 190503 Endcliffe Woods c.190504 Stepping Stones, Endcliffe Woods, 190305 Poter Glen Dam c.190006 Whiteley Woods c. 190807 Whiteley Wood Road over the Porter. 08 Boating on the Porter Glen09 The Porter Brook, unspecified10 Fountain and Shelter in Endcliffe Woods, c.190511 Endcliffe Woods, unspecified date12 The entrance to Endcliffe Woods off Rustlings Road, unspecified

13 - 15 Written comments on the back of the postcardsCredit: I. Mitchell, The Friends of The Por-ter Valley


18 19

1779: Forge Dam recorded in operation

1900: Advertised for recreational use in postcards

1938: Additional 49 acres acquired from the Graves Trust

1938: Additional 49 acres acquired from the Graves Trust

1838: New Cutlers Hall built

1743: Thomas Boulsover, working around the Porter Valley area invents “Sheffield plate”1740s: Benjamin Huntsman, a clock maker in Handsworth invented a form of the crucible steel process Benjamin Huntsman, a clock maker in Handsworth invented a form of the crucible steel process

1638: The first Cutlers Hall built

1624: The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the townThe Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the town

1387: Geoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal IndustryGeoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal Industry

c1200s: Metalworking begins at Abbeydale Metalworking begins at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

1900: Sheffield City Council acquires the land sur-rounding the Shepherd Wheel from the Duke of Nor-folk, who had owned the land for three centuries

c1780: Current buildings on the Shepherd Wheel lo-cation built, named after tenant Edward Shepherd

1584: Shepherd Wheel was passed to the sons of William Beighton in his will

1616: The land Shepherds Wheel is sited on passes over to the Duke of Norfolk

1962: Shepherd Wheel reopened as a museum by the Sheffield City Council following campaigns by local historians

1997: Shepherd Wheel closed again and passed into the care of the Sheffield Museums Trust in 1998

2007: Shepherd Wheel lottery bid due

1930: After over a century of occupancy by the Hinde Family, the Shepherd Wheel closes

1724: Holme Wheel Dam built. Goldring ornamental outfall built.

1749: Nether Spurgear Wheel built. Goldring outfall and orna-mental waterfowl built

1724: Holme Wheel Dam built. Goldring ornamental outfall built.

1897: Acquisition of land beAcquisition of land beAcquisition of land be-gins

1760: Cottages around Wire Mill Dam built

1754: Leather Wheel recorded in operation

c.1900:

Wire Mill Goit to Forge

Acquisition of lands for recreation completed

1913: Further acquisition of lands for recreation

1911: Further acquisition of lands for recreationTHE PORTER VALLEY

1927: Acquisition of lands for recreation completed

1911: Acquisition of lands for recreation begins

1754: Ibbotson Wheel is documented in operation


THE PORTER VALLEY:THREADING THE TIMELINES1200 AD - PRESENT

FORGE DAM

NOTABLE METALLURGICAL EVENTS IN SHEFFIELD

THE SHEPHERD WHEEL

BINGHAM PARK

WHITELEY WOODS

ENDCLIFFE PARK

1958: Endcliffe Park hosts the ‘Sheffield Show’

1957: Bandstand removed

1956: Hunters Bar roundabout built. River Porter straightened and culvert built.

1944: B17 Bomber ‘Mi Amigo’ crashes into Endcliffe Park, killing all 10 airmen

1938: Bathing pools filled in

1885: 20 acres originally ac-quired for public recreation and sewage improvements

1886: Goldring River and sur-rounding land formally land-scaped with addition of the Step-ping Stones and Bandstand

1885: William Goldring commis-sioned to landscape park for Pub-lic Use

1887: Stone Jubilee Memorial commemorates a further 9 acre acquisition for people of Sheffield

c.1900: Bathing pools added

1904: Jubilee Obelisk moved to Rustling Road entrance to End-cliffe Park

1927: A further 5 and half acres is acquired after a donation by HK Stephenson

1928: Rustlings Road built

1936: Pavilion and Arts & Crafts lodge listed Grade II. Queen Victo-ria statue moved from Town Hall

THE PORTER VALLEY 1200 AD - PRESENTCredit: The timeline information is kindly supplied by the Friends of The Porter Valley

Forge Dam recorded in operation

Benjamin Huntsman, a clock maker in Handsworth invented a form of the crucible steel process Benjamin Huntsman, a clock maker in Handsworth invented a form of the crucible steel process

The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the townThe Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the townThe Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the townThe Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the townThe Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was formed to oversee the cutlery trade in the town

Geoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal IndustryGeoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal IndustryGeoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal IndustryGeoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal IndustryGeoffrey Chaucer references Sheffield’s Metal Industry

Metalworking begins at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Shepherd Wheel was passed to the sons of William Beighton in his will

The land Shepherds Wheel is sited on passes over to the Duke of NorfolkThe land Shepherds Wheel is sited on passes over to the Duke of Norfolk

Acquisition of land be

c.1900: Boulsover Monument listed Grade II erected by Flather

2001: Wire Mill Goit to Forge Wire Mill Goit to Forge Wire Mill Goit to Forge Dam refurbished

1932: Acquisition of lands for recreation completed

lands for recreation

Ibbotson Wheel is docu-

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A STUDY OF THE PARK WAS CARRIED OUT TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE PARK WAS USED. THIS ANALYSIS WOULD INFORM LATER DESIGN PROPOSALS.

ANALYSINGTHEPARK


22 23

HUNTERS BAR ENTRANCE AREA

ANALYSING THEPARK


• Artificial lighting, opportunity to focus new lighting around park

• Existing bike locks, could become designed rather than an afterthought

• Tree acts as gateway into park, visual entrance marker.Possible to make more of tree through architectural lighting

• Seating, lacking no. of seats, dated design, gives dated look to park at first impression

• Existing sign opportunity to change

• Bike locks, area could be changed to new seating area

• Poor branding for park, no coherent style

• Pergola should be adapted to meet needs of today, refurbished, possibly enclosed, new lighting needed

• Backdrop of trees and slope give indication of structure of park, could be exploited through strong lighting

• Opportunity for new planting, seating, lighting

• Advertising board, should this be used by the park for its brand-ing, key point on roundabout highly visible, could change on a daily basis • Gates, tired and old lacking

scale, need refurbishing issues of branding

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24 25

RUSTLINGS ROAD ENTRANCE

ANALYSING THEPARK


• Bridge poorly lit

• Path in poor condition

• Route wraps through park

• Gates poorly maintained and dated

• Large Villa houses built around the park

• Tree acts as marker for en-trance to park

• Steps only part of architecture to symbolize entrance

• Winding paths link the urban context with the park

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26 27ANALYSING THEPARK

ANALYSIS OF SEATING IN ENDCLIFFE PARK

ANALYSIS OF SEATING INENDCLIFFE PARK

here are four notable variations from that of the traditional metal frame and wood bench, the converted tree trunk bench, horizontal tree trunks appropriated as seating and designated seating areas that relate to specific activities such as the café. Within Endcliffe Park many of the traditional metal frame and wood benches have been placed in memory of park users, these include (a) Kosru 1983 –2001, (b) NETHER SPURGEAR Wheel Dam - donated by Endcliffe park cafe and the FoPV, (c) In Memory of Margaret Sanderson [scotty] 1919 - 2006 “who loved to walk this way on Sundays”, (d) Tom Roder 1962 – 1997.

When one analyses the map, it becomes clear that there is not a coherent style of seating throughout the entire park.

SuggestionsAs part of an overall rebranding scheme for Endcliffe Park, new coherent designed seating and bins could be introduced into the locations illiustrated on the map.

TConverted tree trunk bench

Traditional metal frame and wood bench

Horizontal tree trunks appropriated as seating

Designated seating



ANALYSIS OF GRAFFITI IN ENDCLIFFE PARK

TANALYSIS OF GRAFFITI INENDCLIFFE PARK

he majority of the graffiti is located in very specific areas around the park; the North boundary of the park, the pergola and the boundary wall of the tennis courts.

The North boundary backs onto residential housing and there are signs of people breaking the boundary fencing at points. The graffiti located along the North edge is also surrounded by trees and is high up against the boundary walls, away from the pedestrian routes. This graffiti is out of view from the majority of people who use the park.

The pergola is located slightly back from the entrance. Due to the accessible location and the seating that attracts people, graffiti artists have made their mark on the structure. The ma-jority of the graffiti on the pergola is located around the back, which faces the river, as it is not over-looked by the road. If the pergola was lit up at night this could deter graffiti artists from using the structure as an art gallery.

SuggestionsIf blank wall areas especially around the Tennis Courts were covered in climbers or hedges this would create less space for the graffiti artists to vandalise.



ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SIGNAGE IN ENDCLIFFE PARK

TANALYSIS OF EXISTING SIGNAGE INENDCLIFFE PARK

here are four main points along Endcliffe Park and the start of Whiteley Woods where signage is located; by the Hunters Bar entrance of Endcliffe Park, the café area, the Rustlings Road entrance of Endcliffe Park and Whiteley Woods.

The signage can be broken down into different information sec-tions:

• Dogs (7 signs)• No cycles (6 signs)• Facilities (5 signs)• Park entrances (3 signs)• Designated walks (3 signs)• Cycle paths (1 sign)• Notice board (1 sign)

This breakdown shows the perceived importance of the sig-nage, due to the quantity of signs throughout the park. The dog signs have a higher perceived importance than notice boards.

SuggestionsImplementation of more notice boards to advertise any events happening in the park and increase awareness of Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley in general. A branding colour scheme would give Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley a unique identity. Clear signage would create a harmony that could consolidate all the great existing features. This could also start do clarify restrictions and distinct uses such as cycling routes. Colours that compliment the natural surroundings but are clear from the greenery should be chosen for the signage and physi-cal facilities.



OTHER MAPSOF ENDCLIFFE PARK

TOTHER MAPSOF ENDCLIFFE PARK

he diagrams illustrate noise, meeting points and light ing in the park. The diagrams help to analyse vul nerable areas of the park, areas that need improve ment and opportunities available in the park to use to its advantage. The diagrams also help us make decisions for the overall master plan and later strategic moves.

The noise diagram highlights the loudest areas in the park. The diagram exposes the areas of the park, which are most suitable for quieter activities to take place, such as Thi Chi and Chess. The loudest areas of the park are shown in red, going yellow, purple and to blue being the quietest.

The lighting diagram shows the areas of the park, which are lit once it is dark. This shows the most vulnerable areas in the park, the areas people feel most insecure. The diagram highlights where new lighting paths or interventions will be most useful.

The meeting points diagram shows the main areas of com-munal groups andindividual meetings, this is shown by a red overlay. The grey overlay shows the areas that people use depending on where they meet. This diagram is used toinform areas which are suitable for different activities. Areas around the main entrance point and café are used for several meeting points, this suggests that these places have a captive audience and are suitable for new buildings or interventions.

01

IMAGE KEY01 Lit areas at night02 General noise levels03 Meeting points in the parkCredit: Live Project Team

02

03



USERS & USE:WHO USES THE PARK &WHAT DO THEY USE IT FOR?

D iagram to represent the raw data from our initial user survey. The diagram graphically describes the correlation between user groups and use (activity) at three times on a typical Saturday. The left side of the wheel represents the time of day with the bars reflecting the regularity of users. The right side of the wheel collects the data into an overall figure for each user group over the period of one day. The diagrams on the following page physically plots the data onto a map of Endcliffe Park.

USERS & USE: WHO USES THE PARK & WHAT DO THEY USE IT FOR?


36 37

TUSERS & USE: WHO USES THE PARK & WHAT DO THEY USE IT FOR?

he following diagrams illustrate the physical aspects of the park and how they are used over a daily period. Wheras the diagram on the last page quantified our survey results, the same data was used to map out the differences physically. Each coloured line represents the dif-ferent user groups with a thicker line denoting regularity at that period in time.

The page opposite presents a schematic of the park with exist-ing features highlighted.

ANALYSING THEPARK

USERS & USE:WHO USES THE PARK &WHAT DO THEY USE IT FOR?

Walking Dog

Walking with pushchair / pram

Cycling

Jogging

walking

Overall

Walking Dog


Cycling

Jogging

walking

Overall

Walking Dog


Cycling

Jogging

walking

Overall

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IMAGE KEY01 Data Results at 11:00 AM02 Data Results at 14:00 PM03 Data Results at 17:00 PM04 Physical map of Endcliffe ParkCredit: Live Project Team

03

04

LINE KEYBROWN Dog WalkersYELLOW Pram WalkersGREEN CyclistsBLUE JoggersRED WalkersBLACK Overall

ROUTESThe majority of pedestrian move-ment is via a primary through-route that links the entrance points at the east and west edges of the park. It channels users to sources of activity, such as the café, playground and duck pond. However, due to the lack of designated, alternative routes, much of the park remains unused. Subsequently, activity is restricted to this primary route.

ENTRANCESThe main entrances are located at the east and west edges of the park, feeding the primary route. There are secondary entry nodes positioned at the boundary near the centre of the park. However, the unequal distribution of access points restricts accessibility and creates an impermeable boundary between the street and the park.

SEATINGThe seating strategy of the park is centred upon the primary route, most concentrated at the area near the café and playground. Many of the park’s benches are in memory of local descendents, providing sources of meaning and identity. Seating is often positioned according to existing activities, which can drain the rest of the park of users and activities.

BUILT INTERVENTIONSBuilt interventions in the park con-sist of the park ranger’s office, a pergola, several small-scale monu-ments, a café, and a private tennis club, which are mainly positioned along the primary route. In particu-lar the café provides a social hub for the local community.

SURROUNDING CONTEXT

ENDCLIFFE PARK

ROUTES

ENTRANCES

SEATING

BUILT INTERVENTIONS


PRESENTED HERE ARE A NUMBER OF CREATIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENTS DESIGNED TO ENGAGE WITH THE PARK USERS AND INFORM THE SUBSEQUENT DESIGNS.

PUBLICCONSULTA-TION


40 41PUBLICCONSULTATION

1:POSTER CATALOGUE [1]

oggers ‘Pit Stop’ Postersoggers ‘Pit Stop’ PostersInitial consultations focused upon the idea of creatinga ‘Pit-Stop’ for runners and walkers, which engagepeople in conversations about their park. An eye-

catching stall was set up on which cups of water and orange pieces were offered as enticement and as an ice-breaker to dis-cussion. Posters were strategically positioned along the route to the pit-stop which made suggestions about the park that provoked deliberation. Questions based on the client’s initial brief were put to users in order to establish personal interpreta-tions of the park. By creating a focal point users were eager to answer questions and express their opinions on the park. Com-mon themes that were established throughout the day included;

A designated cycle route through the park that does not interfere with walkers and runners.

A place for the older children, teenagers; suggestions were for activities, specific to them, to keep them occupied and out of trouble.

More general facilities, toilets, bins, recycle bins, and dog bins. The general appearance of the seating and fencing to the café and to the fun fair area should be upgraded.

Lighting strategies during the evenings and darker months of the winter, for safety purposes.

This consultation method was successful as people were willing to answer questions and openly expressed their opinions on what they considered the park needed. This initiated our think-ing on conceptual scenarios for the park.

1: POSTER CATALOGUE [1]POSTER CATALOGUE [1]

J

THE PARK IS FINE AS IT IS.

?

80 YARDS TO GO.

RE: THINKING ENDCLIFFE PARKSHEFFIELD SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 09LIVEPROJECT07.WORDPRESS.COM

A PARK FOR ALL AGES.

?

60 YARDS TO GO.


CHANGE ISGOOD.

?

40 YARDS TO GO.


HOW DO YOU USE YOURS?

20 YARDS TO GO.


HELLO,PITSTOP.

YOU ARE HERE.


Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41Live Project.indd 40-41 19/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:2519/12/07 16:58:25


2:PERGOLA WRAP/SERENDIPITY SHELTER

fter Saturdays intervention of having wrapped the pergola we decided to leave it up for a 48 hour period and to periodically return documenting any changes or uses it might encourage. It was a decision that led to a crucial discovery. Since having starting the Re:Thinking End-cliffe Park Project one issue has repeatedly cropped up, that being the Polices request for a ‘Youth Shelter’ in the park.

We have questioned the idea of having a specific shelter for ’youths’ mainly because there is no accurate understanding of what form of shelter is required andfor whom it is being provid-ed. The very nature of shelters are to sit out of the direct affects of weather and climate but are often very inactive places, ensu-ing acts of boredom. Our thoughts are to encourage activity, movement and participation in the community as supposed to separation. With this in mind the group we have seen least of on our numerous days spent in the park are ‘youths’ or young adults. There has been the odd one or two just walking through, however we have been unable to speak to in great detail re-garding ideas of having a defined place in the park for them and

2: PERGOLA WRAP/ SERENDIPITY SHELTER

Athey have been reluctant to speak to us. As we approached we could see that a few of the sheets of fabric had been unfas-tened at the bottom and where gently blowing in the breeze. As we got closer we caught a glimpse of some activity in the pergo-la. There appeared to be some bikes standing up against a wall and also sitting around and within the pergola were a number of teenagers. Others were chatting and cycling around it.

By making it possible for these young people to use this space they inadvertently have shown us that if they had a shelter of some form that it would be used, but also if the shelter was mul-tipurpose then activity and protection from the elements could be combined to create a space that would be popular with this sometimes overlooked, but important part of our community.



3:POSTER CATALOGUE [2]

4 Hour Endcliffe Park. Following on from the initial success of the’ Yellow Interventions’ event the previous week, the Live Project Team expanded the scope of the public con-sultation as a series of events that could take place in the park over a period of a day. The posters were hung up around the park and the local area to attract existing or new park users to the event which took place on the 27th October 2007.

3: POSTER CATALOGUE [2]

2

03 050201

04

IMAGE KEY01 24 Hour Endcliffe Park poster02 Poster for the Diary Room03 The Yellow Run04 Flyers for Midnight Soccer05 The Wild Food Walk posterCredit: Live Project Team



4:EXPLORING ENDCLIFFE PARK:A CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPT

4: EXPLORING ENDCLIFFE PARK: A CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP

he consultation with the children produced some really inspirational ideas for Endcliffe Park. The children were asked to use a number of different drawing and modelling techniques to portray what they would like to see in the park. They inserted their ideas onto a basic outline of the park. This allowed the children to point out specific areas that they thought had potential for change and alter the existing park for their use. Many of the children referred back to parks they had previously visited with family members. They included elements of other parks that they thought were successful and fun:

Eaton Park – ZiplineGraves Park – Sculpture Trail and Orbit RoundaboutOxford Park – Peddle/Ore BoatsChatsworth Park – MazeBotanical Gardens – RiddlesMillhouse Park – Walkway activities

Other ideas mentioned:“More carved sculptures like the frog to climb on.”“A climbing wall with bark on the floor so it doesn’t hurt when you fall.”“Funky railings with ducks on top.”“Creative animal bins.”“Tent in the park like a den.”

The children’s ideas are fun and creative. They enjoyed the event so much some even made two maps. Among the ideas generated certain ideas were reoccurring: animals seemed to be a common theme that the children found appealing and a den of some sort was a way in which the children could escape from adults and play undisturbed. Some of the older children found the existing play area too small and wanted activity cours-es, a larger bouncy castle and exciting climbing frames. Overall the ideas show that the existing park needs more child friendly elements dotted, almost surprisingly, all around the park and not just in one designated area. An activity route could be created in the park with a series of information points and games to inte-grate learning about the park and its wildlife. This would provide a more exciting and dynamic park where children’s activity are integrated throughout the entire park.

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0403

MAP 01• Designated football pitch• Swing for the older children• Punch and Judy show• Animal bins• Maze like in Chatsworth Park• Den• Zipline• Adventure course in woods• Boats on pond• Activity benchCredit: Live Project Team

MAP 02• Den on field• Bread shop near pond• Sand pit with zipline• Trees in woods• Hills on field for playing on• Big bouncy castle for older children• More colourful café

MAP 03• Bonfire/large climbing frame• Water on field with bridges• More butterflies and wildlife• Arches to run through

MAP 04• Goalposts for football• Wembley Arch



5:THE DIARY ROOM

5: THE DIARY ROOM

he Diary Room functioned to record the thoughts of Endcliffe park users in person. This allowed park users to discuss with us their feelings of the existing Park and what they envisage happening in the future.

We recorded the different Diary Room interviews using a video camera in the pleasant settings of the once again strategically wrapped pergola. It is in these surroundings that conversa-tions frequently occur, but often fall on deaf ears, something we aimed to take full advantage of by incorporating into our study of Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley.

The Pergola, [aka temporary diary room] beside the Hunters Bar entrance was transformed into the Diary Room from 3 until 5pm. Material that was used to ‘wrap’ the pergola from the or yellow intervention was re-used to create a covered/protected space within the central section of the existing structure. The pergola was covered using the help of local teenagers who had been walking through the park at the time and showed great ini-tiative in the construction process. Finally a video camera was setup facing the existing benches in the Pergola that provided for “09liveproject07 Diary Room”.

In order to compare and contrast people’s thoughts, we asked five specific questions to be answered in turn by each interviewee[s]. However if the answer could be expanded upon, further questions were asked and to further engage in their response.

The Diary Room interviewees contained a wide cross section of park users, however the choice of user groups were limited by those who were happy to be recorded, the time of day that the diary room operated and by other related factors such as the event day taking place within the school half-term holidays and the cloudy, cool and partially wet conditions. Despite these external factors, the many and varied responses were fantastic and will help evolve a more inclusive understanding of what it is park users want and feel about their park.

T


50 516: A LITTLE LIVE MUSIC NEVER HURT ANYONE...

utside the Cafe from 12:00pm till 2:30pm the Music Society Saxophone Quartet and a violin soloist played live music. All performers played beneath a gazebo that we used a designated performance space located close to the previous bandstand that was removed having fallen out of fashion. Strips of yellow material were laid in front of the performers and were for park users to use as they wished. The Saxophone Quartet and Violin solo played a range of pieces both classical and contemporary. The time of day the performers played was selected as the most likely for park users to be lunching and using the cafe facilities and therefore live music would be audible by the maxi-mum possible number of people, but also unobtrusive to the other park activities.

Due to the windy conditions of the prevailing westerly wind on the day of the event the saxophone quartet was audible from the eastern edge of the tennis club, however due to the ‘piano’ nature of the violin nothing of the performance was audible from beyond 25 metres from the instrument. A further investigation into sound reflective materials may be in order to produce more concentrated sounds.

OPUBLICCONSULTATION

6:A LITTLE LIVE MUSIC NEVER HURT ANYONE...

It was noted that there was no hierarchy amongst music piece or style of music being appreciated more so than any other and that all the pieces played appeared to be enjoyed by those sitting outside the cafe and walking past. Families in particular appeared to interact with the music and the yellow seating ar-rangement, moving and humming along to the music.


52 537: WILD FOOD WALK WITH THE ABUNDANCE PROJECT

uring the initial consultation event, the Live Project Team across Stephen Watts, an avid food grower and project coordinator for the Abundance Project; a group of fruit harvesters that picked excess fruit from trees all over Sheffield and re-distributed it for free.

Stephen regularly organises wild food walks at Endcliffe Park and his expert knowledge of edible fruits and leaves made for an informative discussion regarding how public park space can be converted essentially into free orchards for the public to enjoy. The idea that Endcliffe Park could become a resource of food free of pesticides and other processes was enticing. By strategically placing various species of fruit trees in pockets around the park and into the woods beyond that could be man-aged between the rangers and Abundance Sheffield, the park would yield a sustainable use beyond leisure pursuits.

The Live Project Team decided to generate an image of this idea as part of the alternative time table and present it to the public, whose overwhelmingly positive response prompted the team to organise another food walk with Stephen, with the intention on bringing in a more diverse crowd by advertising the event in the park and around the university.

At noon on the 3rd November 2007, 21 edible food enthusiasts (or just the down right curious) gathered at the Hunters Bar entrance to Endcliffe Park and spent the next few hours walking around the park and the Porter Valley with Stephen offering expert advice on the various types of vegetation that yielded edible leaves or fruits, culminating in a visit to Stephen’s own allotment in the Porter Valley where there were several variet-ies of apples to munch on, courtesy of the Abundance project. All those who turned up did agrred that real organic fruit was more delicious than their supermarket counterparts. With the success of the walk, could there be an opportunity to implement several pockets of fruit trees around the park?

DPUBLICCONSULTATION

7:WILD FOOD WALK WITH THE ABUNDANCE PROJECT

8:EXTENDED OPENING HOURS

9: YELLOW RUN / PIT STOP 2

8: EXTENDED OPENING HOURS

rom consultation one of the publics main concerns whilst in the park is safety in the evenings. The café could be the solution to this problem by extending its opening hours later into the night. This would create activity in the park at later times, thus increasing sense of secu-rity and occupation in the park.

This could also help reduce vandalism and anti social behaviour in the park. The later opening hours in the park would coincide with the new series of late night events in the park such as late night football, and also more specific events organised by the café owners and user groups. This would be a key step in the park becoming a truly cosmopolitan and 24-hour park.

F

D9: YELLOW RUN/ PIT STOP 2

ue to the success of the initial ‘Pit-Stop’ consultation we held it again as part of the 24 hour event. As we experienced problems with stopping joggers in the previous event, we introduced the ‘Yellow Run’ that proposed to time how long each runner could complete a lap of the park. This assisted in initiating conversations with joggers. From initial consultations, we produced images that expressed potential solutions to problems and demonstrated how the park could be improved. In this way we visually instigated conversa-tions at the ‘Pit-Stop’. We set up at half-six in the morning with the intention of targeting early runners, however this was not successful as the park only came to life once the sun has risen. At which time congregations of people formed to listen to our explanations and creative thinking. Some people expressed opposition to some of the imagery, however by answering ques-tions we were able to address concerns and re-evaluate our ideas from different perspectives.

01

IMAGE KEY01 Wild food walkers02 Stephen Watts shows his expertise in edible plantsCredit: Helen Munro

02



10:MIDNIGHT SOCCER

idnight soccer was held on Saturday 27 October it is a community football programme for young people aged 8 to 17 years based in Endcliffe Park, Sheffield. It aims to develop sport and to support many pertinent social issues including park maintaince, youth provision and crime diversion.

We had great support from local soccer organisations includ-ing: Sheffield & Hallamshire county FA, Football Unities Racism Divides, U Sport and Sheffield United Academy, all of whom expressed an interest in permanently establishing mid-night soccer in Endcliffe Park.

Aside from the football, we are hoping to establish a range of workshops focusing on health, crime and park awareness, and we want to provide opportunities for volunteers to undertake accredited coaching qualifications. Therefore, it will support the development of sport, but also the future development of the park and its skilled volunteers.

MIDNIGHT SOCCER SHEFFIELD IS AFFILIATED WITH:

M10: MIDNIGHT SOCCER

IMAGE KEY01 THE PITCH IN ALL IT’S GLORY02 SHEFFIELD AND HALLAMSHIRE COUNTY F.M03 THE CROWD04 SOCCER IN SESSION

01

02 03

04


IN ADDITION TO THE EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE LIVE PROJECT TEAM, INITIAL DESIGN PROPOSALS WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC FOR FEEDBACK.



58 59

B ouldering In the above image the climbing boulders have been placed on grass which is covering a former Mill Pond. To encourage activity and exercise in children and adults we have envisaged a new boulder park with numerous climbing surfaces that allow people of all climbing ability to have fun and work out in a safe environment.

PUBLICCONSULTATION


levated Tree Walk Here is an image of a proposed treewalk. The walk would create an attraction in Endcliffe woods allowing exploration of of the woodland at all levels. At its summit users would get a view of the whole of the Porter Valley and out to the Peak District, showing the parks wider context. Successful examples of similar projects can be seen around the country such as Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire.

E


60 61

O utdoor Cinema The rear of the new pergola is opened up to create an outdoor cinema. This opens up the rear areas of the park beyond the river, attracting different age groups to mix and to actively use the park at different times into the evenings. The pergola will hold a fold out structure which will protect cinema dwellers from the Sheffield weather.

PUBLICCONSULTATION


B iking Trails Currently the wooded areas of the park are underused. This image shows the potential to increase the use of these areas by introducing mountain bike tracks and BMX jumps.


62 63

J oggers Paradise. A new lighting and running surface, which encourages use throughout the day. Lighting is incorporated into distance markers which indicate how far runners/walk-ers have travelled, whilst also providing resting points.

ensory links Ideas to draw and connect the park together through small interventions of the senses smell and sound which could develop the experience of the park.S

PUBLICCONSULTATION



64 65

T he existing main entrance on Hunters Bar roundabout portrays no indication to the importance of the park in relation to the users, location and historical heritage. The entrance should signify the point of entry into Endcliffe Park that links straight to the Peak District. An initial idea is an elegant gateway to emphasise the route through the park to remind people about the significance of the park, to draw people in and get their attention. Lighting can be intro-duced so the entrance is illuminated throughout the night and will not be hidden in the shadows. The use of steel highlights the Porter Valley’s industrial past and creates dynamic reflec-tions from the passing traffic. The existing entrance has been used as a template for which the steel rods have been placed around. This shows how a simple addition can alter the appear-ance dramatically and shows how the existing entrance does not do justice to Endcliffe Park as a gateway to so much more.

PUBLICCONSULTATION



66 67

I nterweaving Endcliffe Park The boundary acts as a filter between the park and the street. The boundary moves organically through the landscape, providing more entrance points, interactive surfaces and intimate spaces. The walls are made from inter-weaved bands of steel and willow, blurring natural and urban environments.

PUBLICCONSULTATION


S hepherd Wheel Sitting Area With a lottery bid to rejuvenate the Shepherd Wheel as a heritage Museum, the increasing number of groups visiting the Wheel will require a seating area; mainly for school groups but all visitors are catered for. A ramp zig zags up a small hill to reach the facilities block. Along the ramps are seating areas which merge into small areas to work or relax, allowing the public to make the most of the Wheel.



INITIAL DESIGN FEEDBACK& EXHIBITION

WILD FOOD WALK

ELEVATED TREE WALK

WHITE ELEPHANT JUMBLE SALE

GATEWAY TO THE PORTER VALLEY

BIKING TRAILS

OUTDOOR CINEMA

BOULDERING

JOGGERS PARADISE

INTERWEAVING ENDCLIFFE PARK

A LITTLE LIVE MUSIC NEVER HURT ANYONE

The above diagrams are the physical results from the proposals exhibition outside Endcliffe Park cafe. Users were asked to place a sticker in the appropriate box to indicate whether they felt the park would benefit from these ideas.



ENDCLIFFE PARKPROBLEM MATRIX

ACTIVITY ACTIVITY


THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF THE PUBLIC CON-SULTATION EXCERCISE. THIS SECTION CAN BE SPLIT INTO TWO SEPERATE CATEGORIES:EVENTS & INTERVENTIONS.

THEDESIGNPROPOSALS


74 75

MASTERPLAN PHASE I

MASTERPLAN PHASE II

DESIGNPROPOSALS

ENDCLIFFE PARKMASTERPLAN PHASEMAPS

PHASE IPhase I is about small interventions that have small cost impli-cations. Each of the icons is connected to an event or small in-stallation; these have then been located upon the map to show initial sites that are suitable for these events. the positioning has been derived from the consultation periods in which areas needing improvement or attention were identified.

PHASE IIBegins to build upon the earlier interventions, this stage will have considerations such as man power, time and funding issues. In the second phase these become associated with specific areas and more permanent interventions are formed. this also begins the slow process of visually changing the area; consultation made it very clear that any changes made would have to respect the current nature of the park. Through this method progress is less obtrusive and more sympathetic to the park, and people are slowly introduced rather than surprised by the whole package of change.

PHASE IIITakes the ideas one step further. These are the design con-cepts that push the boundaries; they are for the future of the park. These ideas are focused on large projects, that could in time and with appropriate planning produce a commercial revenue. Phase III is also the stage where the installations can be seen and changes are clear; with the development of the previous stages the intention that the larger installations will make less of an immediate impact.

MASTERPLAN PHASE MAPS

MASTERPLAN PHASE III

Cycling and Walking

Walking only

Boundaries and Entraces

Performance Space

Funfair

Fruit and Food Trails

Phase 1

Cycling Lane

Pond Dipping

Workshops

Cafe and Seating Area

Tai Chi

Performance Space

Cafe & Seating Funfair

Rowing

Table Tennis

Chess

Slide

Phase 2

Boundaries and Entrances

Film Projection

WC facility

Performance Space

Cafe and Seating

Bouldering

Tree Walk and Assault course

Funfair

Gallery

Phase 3

Boundaries and Entrances

Joggers

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76 77

WPROPOSING AN EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR ENDCLIFFE PARK

hy do it? Currently there seems to be no unified system for presenting cycle of events that occur on a regular or irregular basis, with park users resorting to seeing snippets from flyers in or around the park or on the internet. In addition, there is no central display for posting up events for the park users. Therefore, our first proposal before any ‘architectur-al’ interventions is to improve the current condition by collating existing events in a typical monthly cycle and supplementing the calender by adding some events that could happen in the future. Note that evening events may carry on after dusk, as there is scope for public activity to occur even when it gets dark, rather than the park being abandoned at night.

This events schedule is shown to give an idea of how the park can be used on a monthly basis for one or several events hap-pening in the park. Many of the events listed are real and ongo-ing, where as some are our proposals for supplementary events that can occur if there is enough interest.

If a framework for collecting the events can be arranged, then the postings can be altered on a large board somewhere in the park and in one or several locations on the internet, which can be added to by interested parties.

DESIGNPROPOSALS

EVENTS:1.PROPOSING AN EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR ENDCLIFFE PARK

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

• HEALTH WALK AT 13.30 - 14.30 PM MEET AT THE ENDCLIFFE PARK CAFE.


• ‘24 HOURS OF WILDERNESS LIVING’ WITH THE SHEFFIELD PARK RANG-ERS. BOOKING ESSENTIAL• MIDNIGHT FOOTBALL FROM 9PM TO MIDNIGHT ON THE PLAYING FIELDS.


• ‘CAR BOOT JUMBLE SALE’ DO IT YOURSELF MARKET, NEAR THE PARK CAFE. 10 AM - 4 PM• KITE MAKING WORKSHOP 1 PM - 3.30 PM ON THE PLAYING FIELDS.

• FARMERS MARKET. BUY LOCAL PRODUCE FROM LOCAL FARMERS!• ‘FUNNY FUNGI’ MUSHROOM WALK FROM 10 AM - NOON

• ‘LOVE BIRDS’ EVENT - HELP THE RANGERS BUILD BIRD BOXES TO TAKE HOME. 2 PM START

• AFRICAN DRUMS CLUB IN THE WOODS BY THE DUCK POND. TURN UP AND PLAY, NO EXPERIENCE NEC-ESSARY.

• ULTIMATE FRISBEE, COME AND JOIN THE ULTIMATE FRISBEE SOCI-ETY FOR AN INTRODUCTION!

• PRACTICAL WORK DAY EVENT

• TREES IN THE PORTER VALLEY WALK WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE PORTER VALLEY. MEET AT THE VIC-TORIA STATUE AT 10.30 AM

• FRIENDS OF THE PORTER VALLEY BAT WALK. CHECK FOR DETAILS. NO DOGS PLEASE.• FIREBUILDING EVENT WITH THE SHEFFIELD PARK RANGERS.

• ORCHARD MANAGEMENT WITH THE PARK RANGER AT 12 NOON• CYCLO-CROSS WITH THE NORTON WHEELERS FROM 11 AM - 3 PM

• PATH FINDERS EVENT. 3PM - 4.30 PM, HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE GET MORE ACTIVE.• ABUNDANCE SHEFFIELD: WILD FOOD WALKING EVENT 12 NOON ONWARDS.

• CHESTNUT HUNT AT ECCLESALL WOODS. JOIN THE RANGER TEAM AND COLLECT YOUR OWN CHEST-NUTS TO ROAST LATER. BOOKING ESSEMTIAL.

• PRACTICAL WORK DAY EVENT• PATH FINDERS EVENT. 3PM - 4.30 PM, HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE GET MORE ACTIVE.

• PRACTICAL WORK DAY EVENT• ‘WATERCOLOUR CHALLENGE’ WITH ROLF HARRIS BY THE DUCK POND AT 2 PM. REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE ON THE DAY

WEEK 4

MORNING 6 - 9 AM

MORNING 9 - 12 PM

AFTERNOON 12 - 3 PM

AFTERNOON 3 - 6 PM

EVENING 6 - 9 PM

EVENING 9 - 12 AM• CAFE CLOSES AT 10 PM TONIGHT• MIDNIGHT FOOTBALL SESSION 9PM - MIDNIGHT

• JAZZ BAND AT ENDCLIFFE PARK CAFE

• GIANT CHESS TOURNAMENT ROUND 2

• GIANT CHESS TOURNAMENT• AFTERNOON TEA AT ENDCLIFFE PARK CAFE

• COFFEE MORNING AT ENDCLIFFE PARK CAFE• WATERCOLOUR PAINTING WORKSHOP AT DUCKPOND

• ENDCLIFFE WOODS BIRD WALK


• SEE DAILY BREAKDOWN HERE >>

• ORIENTEERING EVENT WITH THE SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY ORIENTEER SOCIETY. CONTACT FOR DETAILS.

• YOUNG RANGERS CLUB. AN AF-TERNOON OF ENVIRONMENTAL GAMES FOR CHILDREN 7 - 13 YEARS OLD TO INTRODUCE THEM TO THE PARKS.

• REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY WITH THE SHEFFIELD OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS.

• PATH FINDERS EVENT. 3PM - 4.30 PM, HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE GET MORE ACTIVE.


78 79DESIGNPROPOSALS

EVENTS:2.EXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:CAR BOOT JUMBLE SALE

TIME TABLE EVENT

CEXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:

ar Boot Jumble Sale A well established idea in the UK, the basic premise is that areas of park can be given over once a month to hold such an event.



EVENTS:3.EXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:A LITTLE LIVE MUSIC NEVER HURT ANYONE...

TIME TABLE EVENT

AEXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:

little live music never hurt anyone. Since the demise of the band stand in 1957, live music in the park has been a little hard to come by. As part of the extended framework strategy, we propose an almost casual relaxed performance that will appeal to all park users, especially on weekends and holidays.



EVENTS:4.EXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:WILD FOOD WALKS

TIME TABLE EVENT

WEXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:

ild Food Walks Abundance Project Sheffield currently organises regular wild food walks up the Porter Valley starting from the Hunters Bar entrance to Endcliffe Park. We propose small clusters of fruit trees that only require a moder-ate initial phase of maintenance into the parks for the public to enjoy and for the Abundance Project to grow.


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T he existing café is situated in the heart of the Endcliffe Park along the main pedestrian route. It is in the ideal location for visitors. At present the area opposite the café is being used for temporary seating. The chairs and tables are scattered sporadically around the area and have no strategic placement. Stackable, lightweight bench seating and tables arranged around a semi-circle, with a temporary bandstand located in the centre, would create a more uniform arrangement, making the space work as a whole.

In the evening, lined pathways and up-lighted trees guide the visitor safely through the park entrance towards the atmospheri-cally lit café; the ambient lighting on this journey is considerate towards the natural surroundings of the park. The café provides the laughter and background hum to create a feeling of security in and out of the park.

The café and funfair were not working in harmony together and worked as separate entities despite their close relation. The funfair’s fencing made the area look temporary and unfinished. The funfair could do with some inspirational and more creative elements. The metal gates, enclosing the equipment, make the area look unwelcoming and temporary. If the gates were cov-ered with a transparent coloured polycarbonate the first impres-sion of the funfair would be more appealing. The gates could also hang pictures created in the children’s workshop event for added interest. Other ways of improving the funfair would be to carry out basic painting of the existing equipment and resurface the floor with a temporary rubber matting to define the space for children.

EXTENDED EVENTS: EVENING DE-LIGHTS & CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS

DESIGNPROPOSALS

EVENTS:5.EXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:EVENING DE-LIGHTS AND CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS

IMAGE KEY01 Visualisation of the Cafe at night, with minimal uplighting in the trees02 The existing cafe & fun fair03 Proposed scheme for Phase ICredit: LPT

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EVENTS:EVENTS:6.EXTENDED EVENTSSCHEDULE:COMMUNITY ORIENTATED ACTIVITIES

IMAGE KEY01 Communal pond dipping as a leisure and educational activity02 Tai Chi classes for excercise03 Introducing boating back into the park04 Rope swings in a safe area05 Periodic craft workshopsCredit: LPT

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s a result of the group’s consultation, we were able tos a result of the group’s consultation, we were able togain access to the opinions and experiences of thegain access to the opinions and experiences of thepark’s users. As this process developed it becamepark’s users. As this process developed it becameapparent that the park did not need large scale projects, apparent that the park did not need large scale projects,

but small scale interventions which will enhance people’s experibut small scale interventions which will enhance people’s experi--ences. This section of the document looks at developing events ences. This section of the document looks at developing events throughout the park, it is hoped this approach would encourage throughout the park, it is hoped this approach would encourage alternative use throughout the day. These events are divided into alternative use throughout the day. These events are divided into three phases, which represent the ease and cost of implementathree phases, which represent the ease and cost of implementa--tion. tion.

Tai Chi/Yoga:Tai Chi/Yoga: During the consultation many residents stated that During the consultation many residents stated that they would like to see small scale events, such as Yoga and Tai they would like to see small scale events, such as Yoga and Tai Chi. Many people thought this would help bring the community Chi. Many people thought this would help bring the community together and give men and women an alternative approach to together and give men and women an alternative approach to exercise. These types of events would be relatively easy to operexercise. These types of events would be relatively easy to oper--ate and require little organisation and cost.ate and require little organisation and cost.Late Night Football: Late Night Football: From our consultation, it became apparent From our consultation, it became apparent that a significant amount of youths ‘hang out’ in the park at night. that a significant amount of youths ‘hang out’ in the park at night. Rather than erecting a shelter for these people, we decided to Rather than erecting a shelter for these people, we decided to take an alternative approach, which focused on providing approtake an alternative approach, which focused on providing appro--priate late night activities. The success of the late night football priate late night activities. The success of the late night football event proves that these types of events are relatively easy to event proves that these types of events are relatively easy to organise and provides supervision for youth.organise and provides supervision for youth.Workshops:Workshops: Conversations with residents indicated the enjoy Conversations with residents indicated the enjoy--ment the park’s users experienced from previous craft fairs. This ment the park’s users experienced from previous craft fairs. This proposal focuses on providing more craft fairs and workshops. proposal focuses on providing more craft fairs and workshops. These events would require some organisation, however, the These events would require some organisation, however, the event would give local businesses the opportunity sell their prevent would give local businesses the opportunity sell their prodod--ucts, as well as promoting their companies.ucts, as well as promoting their companies.Pond Dipping:Pond Dipping: During the consultation, many children spoke of During the consultation, many children spoke of their enjoyment of paddling in the river. This proposal builds on their enjoyment of paddling in the river. This proposal builds on this, by providing river walks and pond dipping events. This event this, by providing river walks and pond dipping events. This event would take little organisation and would be an educational expewould take little organisation and would be an educational experiri--ence for a local children.ence for a local children.Rope Swing:Rope Swing: Conversations with local youth revealed stories of Conversations with local youth revealed stories of a rope swing which was erected within the park. This proposal a rope swing which was erected within the park. This proposal aims at establishing permanent rope swings within the park. aims at establishing permanent rope swings within the park. Whilst there are obvious health and safety issues with rope Whilst there are obvious health and safety issues with rope swings, risks could be reduced if they were tested and erected swings, risks could be reduced if they were tested and erected in in suitable locations.suitable locations.

EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULE:EXTENDED EVENTS SCHEDULE:COMMUNITY ORIENTATED ACTIVITIESCOMMUNITY ORIENTATED ACTIVITIES

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INTERVENTIONS:7.RE-BRANDINGENDCLIFFE PARK

B randing is thought of as a tactic of modern consumerism, however it can be used to give identity and consistency to a range of ideas not concerned with economic gains. Endcliffe Park would benefit from a branding exercise, using selected colours in order to tie together elements of the park, which at the mo-ment are disconnected and isolated. The unification of various elements held together by colour is beneficial in giving the park an instantly recognisable identity (brand) which can be used to boost its credibility as one of the best parks in Yorkshire. As well as having this function, branding the park in this way makes makes the elements more legible to user. The park is tied together through a series of subtle signage proposals which aim to sit well in the natural surroundings of the parks, whilst conveying information clearly, often subliminally to users.

INTERVENTIONS:RE-BRANDING ENDCLIFFE PARK



INTERVENTIONS:8.PERMANENT SEATING AREA

his proposal is intended to initiate a longer term plan for how the café functions during the day. Is it possible to relocate the bench seating by the side of the café, where the existing funfair is currently situated? This area has views on to the river and provides natural shading. A new flooring surface to define the designated picnic area would make the space work as a continuation of the café. A foldable overhead cover, attached to the café, would provide a suitable shelter from the elements and act as a direct extension to the café in an unobtrusive way.

It is possible to move the funfair to other side of the stepping-stones to increase the flow of movement with a larger site. The existing area is too small for the activity that it represents. Our proposal introduce new creative perimeter railings that are designed to work in harmony with the landscape and dynamic children’s activity. Furthermore, The children’s ‘workshop con-sultation event’ provided information that older children would like some larger play equipment or rides. Increasing the area of the funfair would enable a few more items to be included for an older age group. These could be either rides or a bespoke activ-ity den that merges into the natural landscape.

This proposal also deals with the issue of the facilities block; The toilets block looks unsightly, often large queues appear outside and it is not uncommon to queue for the hand wash-ing facilities. The toilet block could be clad in wood slats and painted green to work in harmony with the café and could be redesigned to suit the location to merge with the existing café and have more facilities inside.

INTERVENTIONS: PERMANENT SEATING AREA

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IMAGE KEY01 The existing seating and funfair area02 Phase I visualisation of relocated fun fair and seating03 Phase II visualisation of the permanent seating area with canopy04 Phase II elevation of proposal04 Model study of the canopyCredit: LPT

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I n the past a traditional bandstand held performances during the day and the evenings to the delight of the park visitors. Through our research we have shown how this could again become a common occurrence and feature. Phase III is about introducing bands and perfor-mance back into the area.

Once the idea of regular performances is established and flour-ishing; the next stage is to designate a permanent area where these performances can take place. By creating a landscaped space where people can sit and be provided with a viewing plat-form for performances, an unobtrusive, naturally sympathetic performance space can be formed.

This stage provides an official covering for shows that can be taken down when the performance has ended. This area is then official; but maintains its sympathetic temperament by folding away when it is not in use. The overall mentality is to provide space that can be used all the time but doesn’t change the dynamics and atmosphere of Endcliffe.

INTERVENTIONS: SMALL AMPHITHEATER

DESIGNPROPOSALS

INTERVENTIONS: 9.SMALL AMPHITHEATER

IMAGE KEY01 Visualisation of the sunken ampitheatre in Endcliffe Park02 An existing ampitheatre 03 Landscaped seating area02 Credit: Swarthmore College

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INTERVENTIONS:10.CONTINUATION FOR CYCLISTS

T hrough the groups consultation the issue of cyclists in Endcliffe Park was raised as a point of concern by many pedestrian park users. There is a perceived danger of injury between pedestrians and cyclists us-ing the park and this perception of danger is most acute by the cafe and playground where the density of people using the park is usually at its highest and where there are a high number of young children. There is also the fact that cycling is not per-mitted in Endcliffe Park but is allowed in Bingham Park. This contradiction causes confusion for cyclists who assume cycling is allowed throughout the parks along the porter Valley. Our recommendation is that a cycle lane be introduced into Endcliffe Park to allow cyclists to cycle in safety as well as giving clear in-dications to pedestrians where they can walk without the danger of being struck by a passing bicycle. Below is a map and guide to the alterations required in order to create a new user friendly cycle lane.

INTERVENTIONS: CONTINUATION FOR CYCLISTS

ROAD CROSSING ON RUSTLINGS ROADThe lack of a safe place to cross between Endcliffe and Bingham Parks can be resolved by the introduction of a toucan crossing in order to allow both pedestrians and cyclists cross the road safely and reduce the distinct seperation of the two parks.

Credit: LPT

NEW SURFACESThe path that runs behind the cafe and passes the stepping stones and “Mi Amigos” memorial is a patchwork of surfaces often nothing more than earth. To ensure an even and good quality to cycling through the park it is proposed to lay a new hard surface to this section of path.

Credit: LPT

PATH WIDENINGIf a cycle path is to be a safe and effective addition to the park then a programme of path widening will be necessary to ensure that both cyclists and pedestrians have enough space to proceed in safety especially in areas close to water and other hazards.

Credit: LPT

NO CYCLING PERMITTEDAlthough it is proposed to have a continous cycle path through End-cliffe Park it is very likely that many cyclists will wish to use the Cafe facilities. The perceived danger of accidents here is very high so it is proposed not to permit cycling here but provide bike storage instead.

Credit: LPT

Existing path to have cycle lanes added

Existing path to be widened and cycle lanes added

New path and cycle lane

Existing path to be resurfaced for cycle lanes to be added

Extent of path with no permitted cycling

New cycle storage

NEW PATH & BRIDGEThe lower pond is unsuitable for path widening due to its constrained site high above the brook. It is proposed that a new path and bridge over the brook be constructed as a safer and more economical alter-native which will open up this area of the park.

Credit: LPT


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L ighting could be provided through the park that would allow joggers, dog walkers etc. to use the park at all hours. Lighting would also make the park safer for other users when it is dark. The main problems with providing lighting is the possibility of light pollution and the dis-turbance of wildlife, so the lighting has to be carefully designed. The solution is to provide low voltage LED’s at regular intervals along the ‘main’ footpath through the park. This means that the majority of the park is left undisturbed by the light. The LED’s aim is to provide a permanent ‘low level’ glow to highlight the path when it is dark. Movement sensors built into the light fitting, which are fitted to the path edging, increase the output of the adjacent lights when movement is detected. This means that users walking or jogging along the path will be surrounded by a brighter glow and the environment in their immediate surround-ings will become more visible. The result seen from the road is a soft pulse of light which moves along the path with the users. The powering of the lights will come from an initiative to install a water turbine in the stream, which itself will become an attrac-tion in Endcliffe Park.

INTERVENTIONS: ROUTE LIGHTINGTHROUGH ENDCLIFFE PARK

DESIGNPROPOSALS

INTERVENTIONS:11.ROUTE LIGHTING THROUGHOUT ENDCLIFFE PARK

IMAGE KEY01 1:10 Detail of the Route Ligting02 1:50 Plan and Cross Section03 Route Path Diagram04 Visualisation of conceptCredit: LPT

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20 M

Ground Move IP67 LED Light

Movement Sensor

Concrete Edging with light inset

Path Surface

Sharp Sand Base

Hardcore Under Base



INTERVENTIONS:INTERVENTIONS:12.ENDCLIFFE TREE WALK

Consultation with park users indicated that a tree walkwould be very popular in the the woods beyond thestepping stones in Endcliffe Park. A number of issueswere raised as to how successfully a tree walk of this

kind would or could operate in an ‘open’ park. A number of suc-cessful examples of tree walks can be seen around the country, however these mostly operate in closed parks or forests, ensur-ing that access is restricted.

Due to the popularity of the idea during public consultation, it can be surmised that a tree walk in the park would be a great attraction and extend the use of the park to less well used areas. The two main issues to consider are vandalism and user safety as the tree walk cannot realistically be ‘manned’ 24 hours a day. Therefore special detail must be paid to the design of the entrance of the walkway. A suggestion is that the first 20 metres of the walkway forms a covered box with spiky or thorny plants covering the exterior, to stop climbing and graffiti and to allow the box to be closed by the rangers out of hours. This also cre-ates the impresion that the walk is ‘exploding’ out of the ground. Could an tree walk exist successfully in an open park?

INTERVENTIONS: ENDCLIFFE TREE WALK

IMAGE KEY01 Potential View at the top of the Tree walk02 Route diagram03 Location Map04 Visualisation of entranceCredit: LPT

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INTERVENTIONS:12. [CONT.]ENDCLIFFE TREE WALK


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F rom our initial site analysis and consultation events, it became evident that the park’s boundary and its entrances points could be improved. Problems identified included a lack of entrances, poor quality fencing, an understated main entrance space, and a lack of interaction with the surrounding streets. From conversations with users about our initial ideas for the entrance and boundary, it became clear that any intervention would need to be sensitive to the existing use and natural essence of the park. The three proposals can ordered by ease of implementation, which can be followed as a sequential process via acquisition of funding.

INTERVENTIONS: GENERAL MAINTE-NANCE & SUBTLE MODIFICATIONS

Perimeter Fence: The existing perimeter fence on the South-ern boundary appears worn and dishevelled. All fencing to be re-painted and repaired where necessary. The black fencing at the entrance to be repainted green in correlation with the rest of the park. The edge conditions on the Northern suburban perim-eter should be maintained for security reasons.

General Fencing: Fencing within the park should all be metallic and painted green to create visual consistency within the park.

Entrances: On the Southern boundary, three more gated en-trances to be implemented in relation to surrounding road junc-tions, allowing better access from the street. Positioned away from the river and ponds for safety.

Main Entrance Area: The central gate to be removed and replaced by a galvanized steel bollard that can lower into the ground to allow vehicular access. Obstructive and unsightly signage and billboards to be removed.

DESIGNPROPOSALS

INTERVENTIONS:13.GENERAL MAINTENANCE & SUBTLE MODIFICATIONS

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New Entrance

Existing Entrance

Connecting Streets

New Entrance Bollard

BEFORE

BEFORE

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IMAGE KEY01a The existing Huters Bar Entrance 01b Proposed Removal of undesirable elements02a Existing Rustlings Road Entrances02b Proposed removal of fencing at strategic points03a Existing condition of fence03b Same fence after repair04 Location MapCredit: LPT

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INTERVENTIONS: ENTRANCE RE-DE-SIGN & STRATEGIC LANDSCAPING DESIGN

PROPOSALS

INTERVENTIONS:INTERVENTIONS:14.ENTRANCE RE-DESIGN & STRATEGIC LANDSCAPING

erimeter Fence: Sections of the Southern fence to beremoved at safe points, allowing for better integrationbetween the park and the street. Instead, strategiclandscaping can create subtle boundary conditions.

The planting of new trees / vegetation and the implementation of grassed mounds will define new routes and more intimate spaces for activity, whilst simultaneously maintaining a barrier between the street and the park.

Main Entrance Area: To create a more iconic and inviting main entrance, the treatment of the space and boundary at Hunters Bar roundabout could be upgraded. The existing stone wall will be maintained. The metal fencing could be removed and replaced by weaved bands of galvanized steel that better define the entrance. It will act as a feature in itself, instigating interest and physical interaction. Timber seating to be incorporated into the sweeps of the bands, providing a more socially interactive space. At the opening, galvanized steel strips project vertically, subtly defining a gateway to the Peaks. ‘Endcliffe Park’ to be embossed in correlation to the park’s branding scheme. ‘Grass-crete’ surfacing to be applied to the immediate space outside the entrance, communicating the transition between the urban and the natural.

++ New Entrance

Grasscrete

New Entrance Treatment

Exposed Edge

Strategic Landscaping

IMAGE KEY01 The existing Huters Bar Entrance 02 Location Map03 Visualisation of main entrance area04 Visualisation of new boundary treatmentCredit: LPT

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T he same treatment at the entrance in the previous proposal could be applied at other boundary conditions, providing the park with a common character. Bands of galvanized steel and green trans-lucent polycarbonate interweave create an ambiguous composi-tion of boundaries, entrances, routes and intimate spaces.

Boundaries move organically through the landscape, integrating with surrounding trees, vegetation and the undulations of the ground. Sweeping bands can be in-filled with timber to provide seating and leaning points. ‘Grasscrete’ can be applied to the boundary edge and primary routes, promoting the integration of the street and the park. This would provide a partially natural surface that can accommodate intensive use.

INTERVENTIONS: REVISION OF BOUNDARY TREATMENTS

DESIGNPROPOSALS

INTERVENTIONS:15.REVISION OF BOUNDARY TREATMENTSGrasscrete

New Entrance Treatment

Exposed Edge


New Boundary

IMAGE KEY01 Visualisation of revised boundary treatments02 Location Map03 Proposed Seating DetailCredit: LPT

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INTERVENTIONS: 16.SMALL & MEDIUM SCALEINTERVENTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES

IMAGE KEY01 Table Tennis intervention02 Chess in the park03 ‘Adventure’ Slide04 Phase II pergola visualisation05 ‘Adventure’ Zip LineCredit: LPT

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hess: Many elderly residents spoke of their desire to partake in leisurely activities, such as chess. This proposal, is a direct response to this, and provides residents with a sturdy chess board, which could be easily maintained.Table Tennis: Along with the chess, many residents revealed their desire to play pool and table tennis within the park. Whilst pool would be impractical, an outdoor table tennis table would be feasible and would promote alternative activities within the park.Slide: Conversations with residents revealed their disapproval with the current playground as it only caters to young children. This proposal aims to use the gradient of the valley to provide an alternative adventure play ground for older children.Rowing Boats: Our consultation revealed several stories about the rowing boats that used to be situated in the lakes. This pro-posal intends to re-establish the rowing boats. Whilst there are several health and safety issues with this scheme, boating could also provide a valuable income to the park.Pergola: From the consultation, it became apparent that the majority of people felt that the pergola was the worst aspect of the park. Rather than demolishing the structure, our proposal is to refurbish the existing pergola. Through several cost effective measures, such as planting a Wisteria and establishing new plant beds, the pergola could become an attractive environment which people want to spend time in.Tree Top Adventure: Following from the success of the tree walk idea, we propose a second intervention, which could work along side or separately from the tree walk. The Tree Top Adven-ture consists of several stations which provide a range of activi-ties through the tree tops. The stations will be aimed at a range of age groups and would only be accessed by several rope bridges. The setup costs and health and safety implications would easily be overcome by the income generated and supervisors who would run the events.

SMALL & MEDIUM SCALE INTERVENTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES

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T he new gallery is possibly the biggest and most dramatic visible change to the park. The much disliked pergola is replaced, in its footprint a new small, simple gallery to house exhibitions from local artists . This exploits the busiest entrance of the park and the commercial opportunity with its proximity to Hunters Bar roundabout. The building acts as a new gateway into the park and more impor-tantly the peaks as a whole.

From consultation feedback the gallery takes a subtle architec-tural approach, keeping in scale with the existing much loved low tree. The building can be seen as a wrap coming out of the land and subtly adapting to its position in the park. The rear of the building creates a new public drama and cinema space,using the slope of the hill for seating and the flow of the water to muffle traffic noise. The gallery’s external elevation becomes the new notice board for the park, thus becoming the new hub of the park.

This gallery advertises to the whole of sheffield the changes that lay ahead in the park,setting the tone to the ‘park re-thought’. The gallery is a key step in the park starting to be run as a sustainable business, with buildings paying for themselves and making a greater social contribution to the park.

INTERVENTIONS: A NEW GATEWAY DESIGN

PROPOSALS

INTERVENTIONS:17.A NEW GATEWAY

IMAGE KEY01 Location Plan02 Sketch Schematic of the proposal03 Phase III visualisation04 Landscape SectionCredit: LPT

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DESIGN PROPOSALSUMMARIES

ISSUE COMMENTS DESIGN PROPOSAL MAINTENANCE

External Café Seating

The temporary nature of the furniture means it gets moved around and looks untidy.

Re-locate seating by the side of the café to give views on to the river and provide natu-ral shading. At a later stage provide a foldable shelter over the seating area.

Minimal maintenance needed as seating is stacked away in storage when the café closes.

Performance Area There is no designated per-formance area.

Landscape the ground to cre-ate a semi-circle seating area and create a semi permanent acoustic screen.

Keeping the grass mowed and storing the acoustic screens.

Facilities Block The toilets block looks unsightly, often large queues appear outside and it is not uncommon to queue for the hand washing facilities

Initially clad the toilet block in green painted wood slats to match the café. At a later stage, redesign a larger toilet block with more facilities.

Check toilets at regular inter-vals to clean and stock up on necessities.

Existing Funfair The funfair looks temporary, has an unattractive fence and only accommodates young children.

Re-locate the funfair to other side of stepping-stones and at a later stage design a new bespoke activity area.

Checks for vandalism and store temporary equipment. Have police patrolling area for vandals.

Tai Chi/Yoga Alternative forms of exerciseshould be available.

Groups to be established andoperate within the park’s open spaces.

- No maintence costs.- Little start up costs.- Someone is required to run and promote the events.

Pond Dipping - Children stated they would like to paddle in the park’s river.- Parents did not allow chil-dren due to satey fears.

- Establishing a regular ponddipping classes, which are fun and educational.

- Small start up costs.- No maintence costs- Supervisor required forhealth and safety.

Rope Swing - Youths stated they enjoyedrope swings erected in the park.- However they are often tak-en down due to safety fears.

- Establishing a permanent rope swing that will conform to health and satefy regula-tions.

- Little to no start up costs.- No maintence costs

Workshops - Children and adults stated they enjoyed previous craft fairs and workshops.- Many said that there could be more.

- Establishing regular.workshops which children and adults can enjoy.

- Little to no start up costs.- No maintence costs.- Promotion for local busi-nesses.- Opportunity for companies to sell their products.

Chess Tables Alternative forms of eventswhich all age groups can enjoy.

Concrete chess tables to beestablished throughout the park.

- Low maintence costs.- Relatively expensive to build.

Table TennisTables

Alternative forms of eventswhich all age groups can enjoy.

Concrete table tennis tables to be located throughout the park.

- Low maintence costs.- Relatively expensive to build.

Rowing Boats People stated that they wouldlike to see rowing boats return to the park.

Rowing boats and a new boathouse to operate on one of the park’s Mill Ponds.

- Relatively expensive to build.- Requires maintence- Needs supervision.

Adventure Slide Many older children felt thecurrent playground didn’t cater for their needs.

- Establishing a new adven-ture playground catering for older children.- Located on the valley sides.

- Quite expensive to build.- Needs supervision.

Wood Walk(NB: Not Tree Walk)

- People said they needed tomake more use of the forestareas.- People liked the tree walk idea- Needed more activities forolder youths.

- Designed to be separate to the tree walk.- Adventure playground located in the tree tops.

- High setup costs.- High maintence costs- Requires supervision.

Cycle Path Pedestrians and cyclists should be seperated to avoid accidents.

New cycle Path.Design to involve new brook crossing and “No Cycling” zone.

Regular checks on state of path. Repairs carried out at first signs of wear.

Signage Signs are widely ignored and unenforceable and grafitti covered.

New none verbal signage were required. Signage to be incorporated into landscape.

Minimal maintenance re-quired. Checks for vandalism.

ISSUE COMMENTS DESIGN PROPOSAL MAINTENANCE

Route Lighting Lack of lighting reduces parks use at night. New lighting could damage parks image.

LED lighting to illuminate the main path at night.Sensors to minimise waste.

LED has little or no mainte-nance requirements.Annual cleaning only.

Tree Walk Most popular design idea at the 24hr Endcliffe event day.

Tree Walk to explore the vertical nature of the park. Show views over city and countryside.

Wood treated to be long last-ing. Annual checks for signs of degradation.

Existing Boundary Treatment

- Poor mainenance makes the boundary appear un-sightly. - Lack of entrance nodes.

- General repair and repaint-ing of fences. New entrances onsouthern perimeter.

Preserve visual quality through regular maintenance.

Main Entrance Unsightly and understatedmain entrance.

- Removal of main gates andrepainting of fences. - New design treatment.

General up-keep of entrancearea.


More integration with thestreet desired.

New vegetation and mound-ing creating more intimate spaces, alternative routes and entrances.

Mounding and vegetation kept in an adequate condi-tion. Route surfaces moni-tored for wear.

New Boundary Treatments

More inviting and interactiveboundary treatment.

Weaved bands of steel andpolycarbonate creating morespaces, entrances and routes.

State of new boundary fencemonitored and repaired whennecessary.

Notice Board No centralised notice board or events timetable.

Provision os a prominent events board at a key loca-tion in the park, such as the cafe.

Little maintenance required, however events to be up-dated regularly.

Park Usage Usage generally ends at night.

Introduce new extended events such as Midnight Soc-cer and late evening meals to extend opening hours.

Organisers are the main issue. Strategies must be implemented to fund sugges-tions.


AN ENCLOSED ACTIVITY AREA FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES HAS BEEN PROPOSED FOR THE SHEPHERD WHEEL SITE.

SHEPHERDWHEEL


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A s part of our direct involvement with Sheffield City Council, Friends of Porter Valley, and the many user groups in Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley, we have been asked to look at the progress of the Shepherds Wheel site and to make creative suggestions about the current building designs and the future development of the surrounding area, along with designing a structure that will pro-vide shelter during times when the site is open to educational group’s.

It will form part of Janet Lawson’s grant bid being submitting to the Heritage Lottery (Heritage grants scheme), however the other key organisation is English Heritage. This part of the site is not part of the Scheduled Ancient Monument, so monument consent is not necessary, however they will have a view to the style and purpose of any shelter. Therefore it must reflect or enhance the heritage and style seen in the buildings and landscaping.

PREFACE TO THE SHEPHERD WHEEL

SHEPHERD WHEEL

SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION1.1 PREFACE1.2 CONTENTS

SHEPHERD WHEEL INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1:INTRODUCTION

SECTION 2:BRIEF OUTLINE

SECTION 3:HISTORY

SECTION 4:DESIGN PROPOSAL

114 - 115

116 - 117

118 - 119

120 - 121

122 - 131


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1994 Friends of Porter Valley established.Apr. 2002 Visitor consultation survey completed.Mar. 2003 Friends of Porter Valley (FoPV) vision for Porter Valley written.Feb. 2005 Conservation management plan – process started.Jun. 2006 Shepherd Wheel identified as priority site for the Porter Valley.Jul. 2006 Shepherd Wheel Project Working Group established.Oct. 2006 Project Development Officer appointed.Nov. 2006 Options Analysis for dam restoration carried out. Condition surveys commissioned.Feb. 2007 Public consultation.Aug. 2007 Visitor survey carried out. Architect & Engineer appounted.Oct. 2007 Mill Pond designs completed to Stage DNov. 2007 Live Project Team Shelter design initiated.End 2007 Heritage Lottery Bid due.

2.1 TIMELINE OF EVENTS

• Sheffield council in conjunction with Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust began outline proposals for the regeneration of Shepherd Wheel and the millpond.

• Janet Lawson, project officer for porter valley, parks and countryside introduced us to: the outlined proposals of refur-bishing the shepherd wheel-grinding workshop in the porter valley. With the product of our study contributing to form part of a Heritage Lottery Fund application.

• FoPV have held a number of consultation days at Shepherd Wheel and have been proactive in funding for the regeneration.

2.2 BRIEF FORMATION

- Lack of facilities for educational groups- Disconnection to WC facilities- Missing flag stones on pond surround- The site is adjacent to the allotments- Safety- Lack of facilities - Lack of shelter- Locked gates- Overgrowth of undesired vegetation - Bins- Education Area- Access - Lighting- Public bench - Poor path surfaces- Security Fence- Embankment subsidence

2.3 ISSUES IDENTIFIED

SHEPHERD WHEEL

SECTION 2 | BRIEF OUTLINE2.1 TIMELINE OF EVENTS2.2 BRIEF FORMATION2.3 ISSUES IDENTIFIED2.4 AIMS

1 Consultation of Porter Valley users regarding the Shepherd Wheel and Dam.

2 Design proposals for the conservation and restoration of the dam pond, workshop buildings and machinery.

3 The design of a covered structure in order to facilitate school visits to the site in case of bad weather.

4 To respond to the nature of the site as an area of natural beauty and importantly for any design proposals to be in keeping with the Shepherd Wheel Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

5 Analysing the existing entrances and accessibility to facilities including WC.

6 Additional seating to accommodate informal talks / discussions regarding the industrial heritage of the wheel.

7 Investigation of activities to directly benefit from a successful Heritage Lottery application bid giving life once more to the dam.

2.4AIMS


120 121SHEPHERD WHEELSECTION 3 | HISTORY3.0THE INDUSTRIAL LEGACY OF THE PORTER VALLEY: AN OVERVIEW

T he industrial heritage of cutlery in the Porter Valley, and indeed the whole of Sheffield was notable by the 14th century, given it’s convenient location sprawling in between several rivers and the abundance of natural ores in the surrounding hills. By the 16th century Sheffield had become the primary source of cutlery production in England. Records show that a cutler by the name of William Beighton left the Shepherd Wheel (then known as Potar Wheel) to his sons in his will as early as 1584. The rise of water powered wheels used for industry exploded during the Industrial Revolu-tion in the 18th and 19th century, with no less than eight mills being built along the River Porter above Hunters Bar, each with its own mill pond by 1780, with another twelve water powered sites built by 1948. These water powered wheels functioned primarily in the cutlery trade, with forging, grinding and roll-ing processes powered by water to create the finished article. However, cutlery was not the only industry to reap the benefits of the River Porter; in 1761 the metallurgical pioneer Thomas Bolsover (the inventor of ‘Sheffield Plate’) constructed the Wire Mill; a dam whose output included tools for the industrial trade, such as saws, edge tools and scythes.

Advances in technology after the Industrial Revolution super-seded the water powered processes, and by the early 20th century, the Shepherd Wheel remained as the only working commercial water powered site until 1930, after it’s acquisi-tion by the Sheffield Corporation. After various campaigns the Wheel was viewable to the public with Sheffield City Council reopening the site as a Industrial Heritage Museum in 1962 on certain days of the year. The Shepherd Wheel has been under the care of the Sheffield Museums Trust since 1998 following a brief closure in 1997.

Quarrying and Mining in the Porter ValleyThe Western end of Porter Valley towards the Peak District has been the site of extensive quarrying from the 18th century. The Duke of Norfolk (who owned much of the land in the Porter Valley at this time) initiated a small two man operation to quarry the sandstone in the areas between Ringinglow and Fulwood, in addition to the the Brown Edge quarry owned by the Duke. Quarrying expanded well into the 1900s by which point the two man operation had become a 50 man operation, with the main produce being ‘stone slate’, thin flagstones used in paving and roofing materials, in addition to grinding stones used by the cutlery industry thriving in the area. The decline of the quarry trade in the Porter Valley can be attributed to the rail corpora-tions substituting the stone slate with the much cheaper Welsh slate variety.

Coal Mining and Brickmaking also flourished in the Porter Valley, with bricks being produced for housing for the whole of Sheffield by several brick companies operating in the early 20th century who sited their brick pits in the Porter Valley. The land also yielded coal seams in several areas within the Porter Valley, which were excavated for commercial use. Most of the mines closed in the early 20th century, and the legacy of the coal pits can be seen in Ringinglow Moors and High Storrs.

Notable Industrialists around the Porter ValleyIn the 1740s, Benjamin Huntsman pioneered the crucible steel process which would produce better quality steel. In the same era, Thomas Bolsover discovered the ‘Sheffield Plate’ process; fusing copper with a thin layer of silver plate to create a silver aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. A memorial to Thomas Bol-sover currently resides in the Whitely Woods.

THE INDUSTRIAL LEGACY OF THE PORTER VALLEY: AN OVERVIEW

IMAGE KEY01 Aerial View of Shepherd Wheel02 The ford at Shepherd Wheel, 1900Credit: ‘Shepherd Wheel 1584 - 1984’Leaflet Sheffield City Museums 1984

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“This town of Sheffield is very populous and large, the streets narrow, and the houses dark and black, occasioned by the continued smoke of the forges, which are always at work: Here they make all sorts of cutlery-ware, but especially that of edged-tools, knives, razors, axes, &. and nails; and here the only mili of the sort, which was in use in England for some time was set up, (viz.) for turning their grindstones, though now ‘tis grown more common. Here is a very spacious church, with a very handsome and high spire; and the town is said to have at least as many, if not more people in it than the city of York.” - Daniel Dafoe

“ Ay by his belt he baar a long panade, And of a swerd ful trenchant was the blade. A joly poppere baar he in his pouche; Ther was no man, for peril, dorste hym touche. A Sheffeld thwitel baar he in his hose. Round was his face, and camus was his nose; ”

– Geoffrey Chaucer, ‘The Reeve’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales

“All my interest terms titles and posses-sion which I have in and upon one watter whele called Potar Whele which I have of the grant of the said Lord” - William Beighton


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O ur vision for what the Shepherd Wheel could be is based on the implementation of a number of ideas that are designed to enhance the character of the mill pond. On the whole these are natural interventions such as reintroducing flora such as reed beds back into the pond which also filters the water. It is hoped that a careful land-scaping strategy with a provision for breeding will re-introduce birds back into the area.

The human element of the vision focuses on two aspects; firstly the heritage of the industrial legacy of the Shepherd Wheel which is the primary focus of the interventions. Secondly, reintergrating an educational approach to local flora and fauna through observation. With this in mind there is a strategy to include a small boardwalk and a ‘bird walk’, explained later.

The construction of the shelter is basic - an open ended box in essence with enough volume to comfortably shelter class groups for educational purposes. Given the proximity of our proposal to the Shepherd Wheel, we are aware of the heritage

4.1SHELTER PROPOSAL PRECEDENTS

status of the building. Therefore we have chosen a reflective material to clad the shelter to blend the shelter in with the new landscape. The images above convey a flavour of some of the materiality and devices that would create the vision.

SHEPHERD WHEEL

SECTION 4 | DESIGN PROPOSAL4.1SHELTER PROPOSALPRECEDENTS

IMAGE KEY01 Reed beds in Norwich02 A typical boardwalk03 Memetic House, Ireland by Dominic Stevens ArchitectsCredit: Google Image Search

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124 125SHEPHERD SHEPHERD WHEELWHEEL

SECTION 4 | DESIGN PROPOSALSECTION 4 | DESIGN PROPOSAL4.2SHELTER PROPOSALOPTIONS

IMAGE KEY01 Preferred Masterplan option02 Initial Design Proposal03 Option where the roof of the shelter becomes part of the ladn-scapeCredit: Live Project Team

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T his visualisation of our proposal for the educational shelter illustrates how it sits within the immediate landscape. Given the Shepherd Wheel’s historical legacy, this modern design aims be sensitive to the Wheel through the use of reflective cladding so that the shelter can literally blend in within the surrounding environment.

Selective planting encourages birds to reinhabit the mill pond and enhances the existing landscape. The boardwalk passes in front of the shelter to access the bird walk on the other side,

4.3SHELTER PROPOSAL

whilst not obstructing the main aspect of the shelters orientation looking directly out onto the pond. By allowing a dual aspect, the shelter literally and symbolically bridges the gap between the mill pond and the Shepherd Wheel.

A simple fencing strategy means that access to the shelter is controlled through the existing gate that leads to the sitting area so that the bird walk and the shelter exist as two seperate enti-ties.

SHEPHERD WHEEL

SECTION 4 | DESIGN PROPOSAL4.3SHELTER PROPOSALVISUALISATION


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A new “Viewing Walkway” is created to allow linear viewing for Bird-Watchers over looking the relined and re-inhabited Shepherds Wheel Pond. The circula tion takes place parallel to the pond on the Northern- edge working with existing movement through the landscape.

A screen made from naturally felled branches of local tree spe-cies and running the length of the embankment conceals the visitors so the birds are undisturbed. The embankment joins up with a walk continuing along the river towards the peaks in one direction and integrates an observation/educational building at the other.

4.4SHEPHERD WHEEL BIRD WALK

SHEPHERD WHEEL

SECTION 4 | DESIGN PROPOSAL4.4SHEPHERD WHEELBIRD WALK

IMAGE KEY01 Existing Mill Pond02 Visualisation of the bird walk proposal03 Screen visualisation04 Location MapCredit: LPT

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T he Friends of Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley have in two dam clearance days ripped out most of the nettles, rushes, rosebay, and willow and ash saplings. This hand on approach is aiding the progress and the drive to find funding for Shepherds Wheel along with holding numerous consultation days with passers-by.

In several meetings with professional advisers and English Heritage, the Conservation Group sorted out the options and design approach. Jacob’s engineers (a company with an inter-national reputation) and the accredited conservation architect Peter Pace have now produced their final outline designs for the regeneration of the Shepherds Wheel dam and buildings restoration. The dam design will adopt a modern engineering approach using an advanced form of liner. The English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments has given support in principle for this approach.

Ann le Sage has submitted a bid to grantscape for a first tranche of funding and they respond in December 2007.

Janet Lawson, Shepherd Wheel project officer, aided in the grantscape bid and is in the process of putting forward a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a sizeable amount of what is required to regenerate this complex of dam, wheel and machine stop.

The immediate next step is to continue the fundraising in addi-tion to the application bids and to remain as hands on with the site and users of Shepherds Wheel Dam.

4.5THE WAY FORWARD SHEPHERD

WHEEL

SECTION 4 | DESIGN PROPOSAL4.5THE WAY FORWARD


APPENDICESSUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING CASE STUDIES, TRANSCRIBED INTERVIEWS, A CONTACT DIRECTORY & OTHER REFERENCES.


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I n 2002 Muf were commissioned to redesign a com munity park and garden in Tilbury, Essex. The site was a barren open stretch of land, which was predominately used by children, dogs and Joyriders. However, it became apparent during site visits that a number of horses, belonging to neighbouring residents had been illegally grazing on the site.

This discovery proved to be a conundrum for Muf, as the horses challenged the ownership and definition of their site. Despite the fact that the land was privately owned, the presence of the horses and the local residents reluctance to see them leave, questioned ownership of the space. Who really owned the land, it’s owners or the general public? It seemed as though the public had staked an emotional claim to the site, despite the fact that it did not even belong to them.

In response, Muf asked a group of children from a local school, to make a horse costume for two of their fellow students to wear. They were later asked to wear this costume and follow a horse trail around the site, which attempted to explore the resi-dents relationship with the horses. The photographs from this event were then later turned into posters, which were placed in bus stops and other areas within the public realm. At the bottom of these posters was a question, “What makes a place feel like it’s yours?”, this question was intended to trigger political conversations within the public realm, whilst questioning their relationship to the site and the horses.

Muf’s final designs removed the free movement of the horses, they acknowledged the public’s relationship with them by implementing a horse dressage area. Projects such as these highlights that participation, does not always need to have an obvious outcome. Muf’s participation, simply made people aware of their relationship with the site and established political forms within informal places.

MUF ARCHITECTS CASE STUDY:‘THE HORSES TAIL’, ESSEX 2002

I n 2002 the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott organised an Urban Summit at The International Conference Centre in Birmingham to articulate his new policies for ‘sustainable communities’. In response to this, Midlands Architecture and the Designed Environment (MADE), Public Art Forum (PAF) and Public Art West Midlands (PAWM) commissioned Muf’s Pumpkin Logic to be exhibited in Centenary Square, outside the rear entrance of the conference centre.

Muf’s installation consisted of two hundred pumpkins, which had removable lids and individually carved faces. The pumpkins were chosen to challenge people’s perception of art. As the organic nature of the pumpkins questioned the temporality of art in a city of permanence.

On the morning before the conference Muf scattered the pumpkins throughout the square, this provoked smiles and even some frowns from the general public. Despite this the majority of the interest came from children, who danced and ran around them, together with the elderly, who looked on with puzzlement.

The installation was removed at the end of the second day, but Muf’s installation had made its point. They had highlight to the ‘powers that be’, how art practice could benefit regeneration in a number of ways. Firstly, by using cheek and humour they almost bullied a response from the passers-by, thus involv-ing otherwise unknown people within the act of regeneration. Secondly, art based participation can encourage unpredictable responses, by accepting and recognising them as equal to oth-ers. Lastly, collaboration with artists can allow different agendas and priorities to emerge, as they are liberated from many of the constraints placed upon many professionals. Therefore, they are more able to think outside the box, thus enabling them-selves to gain better access to society.

MUF ARCHITECTS CASE STUDY:‘PUMPKIN LOGIC’, BIRMINGHAM 2002

APPENDICES

CASE STUDIES OF INTERESTING PARK & PUBLIC SPACES:MUF ARCHITECTS, 2002

IMAGE KEY01 Muf’s Dressage Installation02 Local students interact with the horses in this posterCredit: MUF Architects

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IMAGE KEY01 John Prescott walking past the pumpkins on his way to the Urban Summit02 The general public interacting with the installationCredit: MUF Architects

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W hilst in Studio 5, Richard Gaete-Holmes discovered that there used to be a river running through Accrington town centre. This river was partly responsible for the growth of the town during the in-dustrial revolution, as it provided many of it’s industries with the necessary power and transportation needed during that period. However, the river has since been hidden by an underground channel that runs beneath the town, with many of the town’s resident’s unaware of it’s existence, let alone it’s heritage.

Richard and Kirstin chose the river as the inspiration for their consultation. They decided to pretend to fish in the gutters that existed along the path of the river, whilst dressed in fishing attire. The sight of someone fishing in a gutter on Accrington High Street provoked quite a stir amongst many of the town’s residents. As a result, many of the surprised and puzzled faces approached them asking them what they were doing and they responded by telling them about the river and it’s history. Many residents became engaged in conversations with them and thus told them stories of their lives in the town and memories of the river.

Not only did this method of participation create a spectacle on an otherwise mundane day, it also proved to be an excellent method of engaging the town’s residents. Many residents that would not normally attend consultation events, were provoked into engaging with Richard or Kirstin and divulged their personal stories of Accrington.

STUDIO 5:‘THE GUTTER FISHERMEN’, 2006

C laudia Amico Tudela was part of Studio 5 in 2005-06 and decided to investigate public space through dancing. Originally from Peru, Claudia decided that it might be interesting to perform some traditional Peruvian dances within Accrington’s public spaces.

Early one morning Claudia and the rest of her studio erected a makeshift stage outside the Accrington’s Town Hall. Claudia dressed in traditional Peruvian clothing climbed onto the stage and performed an array of dances, whilst her fellow studio members handed out cakes and engaged in conversations with the gathering spectators. Many of the residents thus revealed several stories about other events that have taken place in Ac-crington over the years.

Claudias work shows how a simple act of dance can be used to successfully participate the general public in consultation. Her performance created an unusual event in the town, which naturally attracted people who actively exchanged their hidden narratives.

STUDIO 5:‘DANCING IN THE STREETS’, 2006

APPENDICES

CASE STUDIES OF INTERESTING PARK &PUBLIC SPACES:SHEFFIELD STUDIO S

IMAGE KEY01 Richard fishes for local stories in AccringtonCredit: Studio 5

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IMAGE KEY01 Claudia dances outside the Town Hall in Accrington.Credit: Studio 5

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C entral Parks are a series of 5 interlined 19th century Grade II Listed parks divided by an existing road network and spreading over 21 hectares of Southampton City Centre. The historical layout appears to have evolved from cross routes and ornamental promenades. Alterations made to the individual parks over the centuries have deteriorated the original unison of the five parks.

Regneration Strategy: In 1996 LDA Design were appointed to propose a 50 year Design Development Plan for the parks with partial funding from the Heritage Lottery Funds Urban Parks Programme. The regeneration work was completed in June 2001.

CASE STUDY:CENTRAL PARKS, SOUTHAMPTON, UK

Consultation: The design for the restoration and improvement needed to the park was identified through research and con-sultation exercises with the local community, disability groups, organisations, businesses, council departments and English Heritage. Four main elements defined the public consultation: user surveys and observations, postal questionnaires, public exhibitions and group meetings. Additions: Public artwork was commissioned to create a num-ber of new additions to the park, including a Mosaic Garden and a sculptural metal work at key entrances. The Queens Peace Fountain and the Enclosure sculpture act as visual markers along a route.

APPENDICES

CASE STUDIES OF INTERESTING PARK &PUBLIC SPACES:CENTRAL PARKSALEXANDRA PARK

A lexandra Park is a 19th century park, landscape designed by Robert Marnock and officially opened in 1882. The park is a Grade II Listed narrow park that follows the Old Roar Stream through the centre of Hastings, with residential areas closely flanked on both sides. One of the main attractions is the diversity in character through-out the park which is achieved through the unusual linear plan.

Regeneration: In July 2005 regeneration work was completed with Heritage Lottery Funding. A series of restoration projects to improve and enhance the existing park for 21st century users were implemented.

CASE STUDY:ALEXANDRA PARK, HASTINGS, UK

Consultation: Consultation of the community and local or-ganisations was an important part of the acquiring research to drive the proposals. The Council instigated the setting up of a ‘Friends of the Park’ group, with local people in the community, to support the restoration project and get involved with the de-sign of the scheme. The Disability Forum was also consulted to establish suitable gradients and materials for pathways.

Additions: The objective of the public art commissioned for Alexandra Park is to enhance the environment, create identity and to encourage people to make use of the park in a positive way by making them more enjoyable.

IMAGE KEY01 The introduction of a new band stand was designed due to popular demand during the public consultation exercise.02 Improvements to; seating, litter bins, new boundary railings and a tree management strategy to ensure a coordinated uniformity across the parks.03 A Robust pergola has been introduced on one of the existing footpaths.04 A new fountain makes an additional new feature.05 Key entrance is reinforced with a new sculptural gateway marker.06. A mosaic references a previous water feature.Credit: CABE Website

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IMAGE KEY01 Scuplture adds a worthy addition to any public park02 Timber boardwalks addresses level changes and creates a clear public route03 Replacement of balustrades for safety in the park

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04 Regenerated water features such as lakes have had structural work and de-silting for the public to enjoy05 Park plan. Note the linear footprint similar to Endcliffe Park & the Porter Valley


140 141APPENDICES

CASE STUDY:PUBLIC SPACE THEORYT

he Industrial Revolution brought with it a desire for increased convenience and efficiency. This had a dramatic effect on the social interaction of the Wester nised world. Society wanted faster, cleaner and cheaper ways of living. With the invention of the machine, communi-ties became more insular. Privatised automobiles promoted the acceleration of our lives whilst at the same time built a barrier between the physical and social interaction of people in com-munities. Social engagement with the neighbour since has been in decline with more people commuting to other areas and not feeling a sense of ‘identity’ with their immediate surroundings. Endcliffe Park was designed for a community who worked in the local steel and glass industry. The community had a sense of ownership over their public space. It is difficult to create a sense of ownership over a public space, which is essentially owned by the community as a whole, without spending time experiencing the surroundings of local public spaces.

Time spent in public spaces can be theoretically broken down into three categories:

Reactionary – The acknowledgement of one’s surroundings, to ‘’accept’’ the space and react to the immediate environ-ment. By becoming involved with events and interventions in the public space, time decelerates.

Participatory – This is a balance between reacting and ob-serving one’s surroundings where the public space is being engaged but only in the context of an individuals existence in that space.

Observatory – Being disengaged from public space physi-cally and only observing. Time accelerates as no connection is made with the space to alter thoughts and events experi-enced.

This demonstrates how time is not constant and is dependant on one’s ability to connect with their surroundings. Time can be decelerated, to achieve a more rewarding experience of an urban space, when one becomes more connected physically and mentally.

The everyday imposes monotony and it becomes important that people can react to their surroundings in a more instant and impulsive way. Interventions at different intervals, where people can interact with their landscape, can reassert our attention and produce a more stimulating environment.

Interaction = Functional & Vibrant Community

If the three categories of speed can be mapped throughout the urban space then points of reaction, participation and observation can be shown. As the space becomes more engaging and reac-tionary / time decelerates the line gets thicker and as the public space becomes more of an observation / time accelerates the line gets thinner. The points of intersection can provide a means to visualise the position where relevant interventions are needed.

PUBLIC SPACETHEORY

IMAGE KEY01 Space Theory Visualisation

“There is a secret bond between slowness and memory, between speed and forgetting. Consider this utterly commonplace situation: a man is walking down the street. At a certain moment, he tries to recall something, but the recollec-tion escapes him. Automatically he slows down. Meanwhile, a person who wants to forget a disagreeable incident he has just lived through starts unconsciously to speed up his pace, as if he were trying to distance himself from a thing still close to him in time. In existential mathematics, that experience takes the form of two basic equa-tions; the degree of slowness is directly proportional to the intensity of memory; the degree of speed is directly proportional to the intensity of forgetting.” – Milan Kundera, Slowness (Faber & Faber Ltd., 1996)

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142 143PIT STOP PART 1 INTERVIEWS:LUKAS & PETER [25 - 30]

Live Project Team: Is there an activity in the park you like to do?Peter: I quite like over there if there was a couple of flat bits so that you could have a proper game on it. You can play but it’s not flat enough to play a proper match on it.Lukas: we don’t know what the park has in it, were not really sure how big it is, when we were running, we just didn’t know when it was going to stop. LPT: Could be the longest run in the world...LPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Lukas: I think that that’s quite hard to define. No.LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?Peter: Statues, artwork?LPT: Something like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park?Lukas: Basic infrastructure, I don’t think that it needs anything more than that maybe a couple of physically working toilets and maybe a café that just has horrible plastic chairs outside of it. Perhaps even a space for some kind of event, I bet that’s there’s not even an infrastructure for like electricity, and water mains if there was ever to be some kind of little festival or little kind of fair or something like that.LPT: Is there a time that you don’t use the park but would like to?Lukas: Not really.LPT: So you don’t feel intimidated running through it at night or anything? Peter: Thing is who uses the park at night? No one really. Unless you live over there. But you still wouldn’t use it; it doesn’t really provide much of a short cut or anything but its still a good faculty to have. I don’t think that time is really an issue with the park, because nocturnally I tend to go to the pub rather than the park. LPT: What makes this park different to others?Lukas: Its got water, when we got to the top, of the park this is - you can say this about Sheffield as well - the further up you get the more perspective you get on where you are in the city an this bit in particular, it grounds you into a certain place and we got to the top and we looked around and all you could see were tiny little spires and roofs tops as the majority of what you can see is just green and autumnal kind of leaves. And that’s a really great thing for a city to orientate itself around by green. You get to a kind of flat spot and all you can see is trees, and green and good coverage. LPT: If you could change anything about the park, what would it be?Lukas: That’s a pretty hard one the thing is you don’t really need to change anything do you? Well your project is called reinvent-ing Endcliffe: why would you want to reinvent it, isn’t it fine as it is, well that’s my question to you. Seriously don’t you think that that’s a valid thing to say? It’s just like adding a little couple of bits to it? LPT: We just want to start to analysis what is needed, we just want to work out how it works and if a few little touches would help, a subtle regrinding to give more people access to more activities. Some things don’t work at the moment so it is needed to find out what those things are and see if there is room for improvement. Just re-using the park in a differ-ent way. This park was designed over 100 years ago, and the needs of people have changed over the past 100 years. So it does need to be pushed and pulled a little bit. But it doesn’t need to be radically changed.Lukas: Maybe you could add a kind of narrative for the park, be-cause it is so linear you could like maybe suggest the park lacks a narrative a start, a middle, and an end. It got a lo-keyed start apart from this tree, which is pretty awesome, but it is a pretty poor event to the playground.

LPT: Is there an activity in the park you like to do?Sabina: nothing more than I currently do which is running and walking the dog.LPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Sabina: Young mums not really enough facilities for them, it might be a group with physical disabilities, not enough good access. Modifications for wheel chair access, Refreshments and stuff, I haven’t been in the café so I cant speak first hand but there’s not anywhere for the dog. I dare say she could sit with me as they do have seats outside, but she’s not particularly sociable so I don’t sit. LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?Sabina: I think it’s a really nice park, no the only thing that I sometimes have a problem about is litter but that’s the only problem, whether people could be made more aware of putting litter in bins otherwise I like it as it is.LPT: Is there a time that you don’t use the park but would like to?Sabina: If I were running I wouldn’t use it at night. I wouldn’t feel particularly safe. So when the clocks go back I will be using it less in the evenings. LPT: If there were lights in the evening would that make you use it more?Sabina: well that then would create light pollution so you don’t want to do that, and spoil the atmosphere of the park suppose that’s its nature and you don’t want to damage that, so you just have to go running during the day. Or you don’t go running at all type of thing. Pollution might spoil it.LPT: What makes this park different to others?Sabina: I like it the fact that its not just a tarmac park that you can actually go across the woods that’s what I like about it. LPT: If you could change anything about the park, what would it be?Sabina: I would make it bigger. Ha ha other than that I can’t think. Then you can extend into the parks, which is nice to maintain the continuity with the other parks.

SABINA BOOTH [40]

APPENDICES

TRANSCRIBED INTERVIEWS

STEPHEN WATTS [FRAGMENT]

Stephen: ...Actually it’s a long shot but would be nice if a forest garden was created, actually designing the park around food, so I kind of wander around the park thinking well there is lots of wonderful things, apples fruits pears, its like a free orchard, by planting more hazelnuts more chestnuts, things that can look after themselves that don’t need maintenance, then once they are established*. Well maybe they will need like a years mainte-nance to make sure that they don’t get knocked down. But once they are up and running the public can just come and use them. Have you ever heard of Ponderosa? LPT: No.Stephen: Ponderosa is a community orchard that was planted about 15 years ago. Organised by a guy called Richard Clare, who is the local Sheffield kind of planting guru, so no one knew what to do with the space so at the time naively they thought ‘well lets just plant the place’. So they paid with their dole money got a bunch of volunteers and planted a community or-chard. Now it is used by the whole of the public, it is maintained and all the fruit gets picked. You have to look after it for the first 5 years, but after that just a few days per year. Definitely an option. LPT: Well it does go beyond just a couple of park benches, and things like tha really uses the space.Stephen: It makes people really value the space, in a deeper way and they connect to the space for people. The problem is that you have all these rules and regulations about what a park is supposed to provide, but it probably doesn’t meet any of that, its just a random brown fill site which is why they got away with it. The fact is that people don’t realise, I mean I do these walks in this park and if people knew how much they could get from the park they would be surprised and especially so close to the centre. Its because I connect quite quickly to people here a lot of students and town people could come on these walks and just wander in from town, where as if your heading to the country side you’ve got to get in your car and it seems a bit controversial. I’ve been urban foraging for the last 4 years almost probably more. And never have come across any health problems. The other side of the city is a little more of a problem due to industrial waste. But actually you should go.

IMAGE KEY01 Peter demonstrates the length of his run.02 Stephen Watts shows a daily consumption of chestnuts for one person that could easily be found in the Porter Valley.Credit: Live Project Team

*Editors NoteBased on this interview, the Live Project Team proposed this very idea with an image as part of the 24 Hour Endcliffe Public Consulta-tion Event. Out of 32 votes, 31 voted in favour of ‘Fruit Tree Pockets’ around certain areas of the park.

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144 145PIT STOP PART 1 INTERVIEWS [CONTD]:DEN WILLIS [25]

LPT: Is there an activity in the park, which you don’t do, but would like to do?Den: None springs to mind.LPT: All your needs are catered for what you want to do?Den: Definitely yeahLPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Den: There must be someone; I don’t really know.LPT: What is missing from the park?Den: I don’t know, nothing.LPT: Nothing it all works fine for you?Den: Yeah, Yeah I quite like it. Trees and grass yeah floats my boatLPT: Is there a time that you don’t use the park but would like to?Den: NoLPT: So you feel that you can of come quite late and you feel safe or early in the morning.Den: Yeah I don’t do but I don’t think I would have a particular problem with it. I’ve just got other things to do at those times. SleepLPT: What makes this park different to others?Den: I suppose it’s being on the edge of a city, and then the way that it wields into the peak district. That transition is special.LPT: If you could change anything about the park, what would it be?Den: I would probably make it more private gardens; separate from other people would be good for the park, more space for me.LPT: Yeah your own private park!Den: So we should really just build a big manor house, ha ha LPT: Thanks very much.

LPT: Is there an activity in the park, which you don’t do, but would like to do?James: ReadLPT: Are all you’re needs catered for in the park?James: vendorsLPT: Can I just go back to your first question when you said reading: do you think that it is an easy park to read in? Or do you think that it needs something else? More seating or something?James; Oh no, there’s nothing laid out that way its just the sort of thing that you can do. That the sort of thing that being a peaceful place. You no as and when.LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?James: Mmm well standing next to a little shelter that is empty so you know that could be used as something low key and park orientated. Environmental as well. From Sheffield I hope that you are addressing thatLPT: That’s one of the issues with the park. What would be useful in your opinion? Of that been used for to bring people into the park?James: I can’t really think to tell you the truth. Its just I guess it would be best if it was slightly commercial so that someone was paying for the rights to the space.

PETER [44] & IRENE CHOICE [48]

LPT: Is there an activity in the park that you would like to do?Peter: I cycle through the park every day and the one thing that I would like is some sort of designated cycle areas, the sort of route through the park as there is in Bingham Park actually. I know that it can’t be exclusively for cyclists, just because people might be scared of a certain area. In terms of activities I cant really think of any.Irene: I walk through but otherwise I can’t think of any.LPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Peter: well it caters for my needs; not being of a different age group it’s difficult to say. When our daughter was quite little we used to come in here, and the facilities were almost the same, and she enjoyed the playground here so that helps. LPT: So every age group that you have been involved with has worked? Irene: Yeah my mum obviously is elderly and everything was accessible.LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?Irene: I’m always quite concerned about the dogs, obviously they run around and there’s always people playing sports out there. That’s one of my issues. People want to come and walk their dogs in a nice area, which is great but dog poo!LPT: Is there a time that you don’t use the park but would like to?Peter: actually that’s a good point lighting; in the early eve-nings as well, yes well I used to work for Hallam University, we worked for the schools recreational department an one of things that I think, we cant run running clubs in the winter evenings, through the park, and it would be a lot safer for woman espe-cially if there was some good lighting. And how you do that can be very imposing, environmental aspects of doing that. Light pollution and things like that.LPT: What makes this park different to others?Irene: Its just it’s just a short walk and you have the shops here, and it’s just a nice oasis between the shopping and the city, it’s a bit of a treat.Peter: it’s that corridor from home to within 400-500 yards of work. That is great. Takes the angst out of cycling to work.LPT: If you could change anything about the park, what would it be?Irene: I really don’t know, there’s the horrible big green building but other than just using it during the day I just don’t know.Peter: Looking around there is graffiti, whether that could be policed or if assume more obvious policing of the park by the police or by the rangers could make the park less insecure. In the Sheffield parks I always feel rather secure. The graffiti could be policed and reduce that as an issue.

“Hi I know that there are some issues about the park café, it’s a meeting place and I think that anybody feel comfortable going and sitting in it. If it was started to up market it, think that would drive people away. There’s such a wide range of people there, and to try and make it exclusive to people whom want specialty food and stuff like that, I think that that would spoil that.”

JAMES [LATE THIRTIES]

[FRAGMENT]

APPENDICES


A RUNNER

LPT: Is there an activity in the park you like to do?Runner: I like running in the park.LPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Runner: Oh I’m really not sure.

LPT: Is there an activity in the park you like to do?Gillian: I use it for the dog and the children but that’s it really.LPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Gillian: Teenagers there isn’t much for them. It would be nice to see some skateboard stuff. Etc.LPT: Do you have children in that age group?Gillian: Yeah one is 12 the other 15LPT: And there’s not much for him to do?Gillian: Well yeah he just sits around, with his mates and they don’t really do anything, there is not really much for them to do.LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?Gillian: Nothing I really like it I’m quite happy with it.LPT: Is there a time that you don’t use the park but would like to?Gillian: Yeah after dark I don’t its not very lit and after dark there is some funny characters around and about. So if the dog needs a night walk my partner does it. LPT: What makes this park different to others?Gillian: It’s friendly, even though it’s in a nice area you don’t get the snobby element like you do in the Botanical Gardens. The café is very friendly and it’s an awesome place to go.LPT: If you could change anything about the park, what would it be?Gillian: Maybe a few shelters, I mean what’s the point in that (pointing to pergola) its got no roof on it!

LPT: How do you use the park at the moment?Woman: I usually use it as a short cut to get home. Otherwise I use it as a way out at weekends and walk through out the park. I think that the parks already have a structure in a way, if you just follow the park its convenient but not too under control as in your walking under the trees. And along the dams and things. I’ve never really thought about making changes to it, as it’s a mature place. I think that the café could do with improvement I know that it’s a family place but it just feels a little bit old. It could have an outside terrace and just to make it more con-sumer friendly. LPT: Do you use the park at night?Woman: No I don’t, I’ve never thought about it I’m not sure that lights make that much of a difference for women. I think that it’s a place that is used by everyone.LPT: If there was something that you could change?Woman: This might sound a little silly but I would put more bridges across. The stream as I really like that and it’s a cool feature.

GILLIAN ANDREWS [40’S]

UNNAMED WOMAN


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The last thing that we would like to see there though is a café Nero or something and that would be such a travesty as it’s not about that at all. It’s a place to bring parent’s friend’s kids, and it’s easy down there. Architecture is an interesting thing in the park as you wouldn’t think that there’s much that you could do but then I’m sure that there is. LPT: We were looking at this idea of shelter, is that flexible?Woman: You do actually get school kids using it after school and it segregates them and that then keeps them away from the children’s play area and then the benches are a place for the tramps to sit on.

Mother: The 5 year olds all love the playground area but that’s being done up anyway, what they really like watching is when they put the skate park there, when we go to mid Wales it’s a tiny village where their Grandmother lives, and even in that tiny village they have a skate park, that has been popular. And of course it stops them hanging around street corners when they have nothing to do. It’s a good city because there is plenty of sports stuff for the kids to do, but you cant always afford to do that every night, so in the evenings you have got some where to go, see your friends and do something. LPT: What is the best part of the park?Little boy: All of it.LPT: Do you like the playground?Little Boy: It’s my favourite part, it has big boy swings. LPT: Do you go on them and do you go very high?Little Boy: Yeah I go really high.LPT: What about the bouncy castle? Little Boy: I love that; it needs an even bigger one with a roof for when it is raining.LPT: So you bounce and you don’t get wet! Little Boy: Yeah bouncy. John said that’s the man who owns them have said that if your head touches the top then it won’t rain. Mother: I know something else that you like; when we go to the duck pond you like that there is a secret way to get there, the steps down by the water fall.LPT: What there’s a secret way, well you don’t want to tell anyone or it wont be a secret for much longer. What about sports? Football or rugby?Mother: We sometimes do, we definitely like the space of it. I like playing cricket.

UNNAMED WOMAN [FRAGMENT]

PIT STOP PART 1 INTERVIEWS [CONTD]:DAVE WALSH [49]

LPT: Is there an activity in the park you like to do?Dave: I tend to use the park for running, walking the dog and that’s it basically. When my daughter was younger I used to bring her down to the park to feed the ducks and stuff, but we have always been really happy with the park that way that it is. LPT: Are there a group of people in the park that are not catered for?Dave: I suppose its not so much a problem for the park as for the area, but generally my daughter is now a teenager and I don’t think that they are very well catered for at all basically, I mean off the top of my head the café is a good resource but its sad to see teenagers hanging around that place where the little kids play area is because there’s no where else to go. Then there is nothing for them to do. Some sort of place I think that a band comes along sometimes and provides some sort of enter-tainment for teenagers not really sure what that’s about.LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?I think a few more bins would be nice, might encourage people to use them a bit more rather than dump litter. These days gen-erally I think that it is pretty well looked after; I think that there was a time that it fell into disrepair a little bit but these days its pretty well looked after. I think that the river could be cleared better, or maybe something in particular to attract certain kinds of wildlife. If we could encourage that.LPT: Is there a time that you don’t use the park but would like to?Dave: Me personally no, but I do know that my wife, who also walks the dog doesn’t like to be in here after dark, and maybe there needs to be better lit, obviously not the whole area as it is a natural area and that wouldn’t really fit in the character of the place. It might be nice if the café was open a little further into the evening and that area could be better lit. So that people feel safe to bring their dogs in and perhaps walk in from the entrance to that part of it. LPT: What makes this park different to others?Dave: I don’t know the main thing is that it’s on my doorstep, that’s the main reason that I use it. I have always lived around and since I moved here as a student when I was 18 its an area that I known and always walked around. I like the variety I love the trees, I think that’s there’s something every part of the year and I particularly like the walk to fords as its different and it changes with the seasons, the dam is very tranquil and peace-ful and very special to me. The people that you meet in the park it’s the type of place where you meet exchange greetings Etc. I think its great in this day an age.LPT: If you could change anything about the park, what would it be?Dave: the only thing that bothers me that between the parks there needs to be better crossing areas. But as for the park itself I think that its fantastic and in a way its got the right sort of balance between being wild and being maintained and some sort of balance is needed. I think that that needs to be kept. This area here is a bit of an eye sore. I’m very happy to have this sort of place on my doorstep.

Woman: It’s a great park and we have raised nearly 200 grand for the playground and the council still wants us to pay them to maintain it. I don’t think that they necessarily think that coming down to the café vender and we think that ash does a brilliant job a café for the people but obviously they want to change it.

MOTHER & SON [FRAGMENT]

APPENDICES


RICHARD BENTLEY [34]

LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?Richard: A pub.LPT: And do you think that a pub would be well used in the park?Richard: Yes it would be used, I’ve always thought that the café would be nice if it had a license and then on a summers after-noon you could get a drink or something.LPT: Is that something that your group of friends would use as well? LPT: Is there an activity in the park that you would like to do? Richard: I like to cycle. This first part of the entrance is not really for cycling, so I just walk to the next bit. It would be nice if you could cycle the whole way up. There is a definite thing that it needs and that is a zebra crossing across the road a coupe of parks further up. Not this park at the end of Bingham Park, and its really dangerous as you can’t really see so there could do with a crossing. I think that the park is a fantastic park for all ages. LPT: Is there a time when you don’t use the park but would like to?Richard: No I’m quite happy in my use of the park, I don’t think that you would really go to the park late at night anyway other than events and when they are on I always feel safe. Recently they was a big wood festival and it was brilliant, I went to the one last year where they had a burning man which was wicked, I think that late at night there is a bit of trouble, with teenagers hanging around. I live near to the park and we have had the odd bit of trouble with gangs of kids but nothing really major. LPT: What makes this park different to you?Richard: It goes all the way to the peaks, basically joins the city to the peak district and that’s what I love about it on a summers days you can go up to the café and then you can walk all the way to the peak district, its quite a long way but you could its like a connecting vein to the peaks. I find it very hard to move away. LPT: If you could change anything in the park what would it be?Richard: I would love to be able to cycle all the way up into the peaks. This entrance could do with a little more as this is the area where all the tramps hang out. He’s a bit of a character he’s always dancing when I come home from work. Welcome back.

LPT: How do you use the park at the moment?Lady: We use it for our daughter, 2-3 times a week.LPT: Is it really part of the community that you live in then?Lady and Husband: YesHusband: We live really close so we come a lot.LPT: What aspects do you like about the park?Lady: It’s easy to get to. There’s the guy with the rides, I go run-ning around hereHusband: Obviously the park and the swings are a little dilapi-dated. I think that that’s due for an upgrade. Lady: The café, there’s some plans to make it a stupid wine bar which I think would be rubbish, we don’t need a wine bar in the park. LPT: I think that they are looking to modernise it but not sure about a wine bar.Lady: Exactly you don’t need that, it has cheap coffee [cont’d]

UNNAMED COUPLE

IMAGE KEY01 A mother and son.Credit: Live Project Team

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LPT: Do you use the park at night?- “No. I’d come to this bit, but I wouldn’t walk through, it’s threatening.”LPT: Is there anything which would be done to change this?- “Maybe lighting, but I don’t think that would make much difference.” - “I’d rather take the long way round.”- “If it was well publicised that the park was well patrolled by police at night, then maybe that would make a difference. Like the way they’ve got police on bikes in town.”LPT: Are there any activities that you are unavailable to do in the park at present?- “No basically it’s fine as it is and it probably caters for quite a lot of people really.”- “In the summer when everyone decides that they’re going to have a barbeque there aren’t anywhere near enough bins and that’s horrid. On a Monday morning it’s really revolting.”LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?- “It would be nice if there were a few more organised activities, regularly on a Saturday morning.”- “There could be a fitness circuit on something.”LPT: What makes this park different from other parks in the area?- “Apart from it’s my nearest one, it’s a gateway right out into the Peaks. For me there’s something almost magical about that.”- “The other thing that I really like about it is the old industrial archaeology that you can see and that which aren’t native to Sheffield. That’s always fascinated me as it’s so tied into the landscape, things like the Sheppard Wheel and the Mill Ponds I think are wonderful.” LPT: Would you like to see anything done about Shepherd’s Wheel?- “Well I would like to see it open more often, but apart from that no.”LPT: If the park was open at night, would you use it more?- “I thought the park was open at night!”- “I don’t use it at night, but I’ve just got a Puppy, so I’m very likely to use it at night.”- “I think it’s more of an issue of lighting at night.”- “I think there’s a bit of a trade off there, because we don’t want it lit up like Christmas.”- “I think there are real issues with lighting things, because it stops it from being a natural area.”- “It would need careful thought.”LPT: Are there any groups that aren’t catered for at present?- “Not specifically, you always see a fairly representative mix of people, but I really only use it at weekends.”Are there any other issues with the park.- “Well currently there is only one dog bin in the park that I know of.”What’s your views on the café?- “I think it’s alright. It’s ok.”- “Well I used to like it when it was a really grotty run down dump, but I’m certainly in a small minority there.”- “I does make a nice focal point and I know that parents use it as a drive to get their kids down here.”- “It’s very nice to have it there.”Users seem very against change.- “It’s highly managed, but it doesn’t look like it and I think that’s what people like about it.”- “It’s very important to me and it was certainly one of the reasons why I decided to buy a house in the area.

PIT STOP PART 1 INTERVIEWS [CONTD]:UNNAMED COUPLE

[cont’d from last page] ...the kids like it, they can run around.Husband: it’s a real community down there, in a very affluent area where there is only so far that the community thing can go, but it does have the green type of angles down there. The wood fair that they had that was amazing. I was in complete awe of it. Maybe just a better part for the kids maybe some more trees.LPT: What about lighting?Lady: I certainly don’t come jogging when its dark, but then you have to worry about light pollution.LPT: If there were one thing that you would like to change about the park what would it be?Lady: Update the children’s play area a few more things in there.Husband: It just needs some modern creative thinking but it has to be in tune, I like the sculpture park, where the sculptures are made out of natural materials and kids can play and investigate and then people can sit down. Something like that, someone needs to be creative about it but not ruin it, it’s like the wine bar, I like a drink but we need another wine bar in Sheffield like we need a hole in the head. Maybe a tiny shopping mall if we are going to do that.

LPT: How often do you use the park?- “About three or four times a week.”LPT: What activities would you normally do?- “Running through mainly.”LPT: Are there any activities which you would like to do in the park?- “It would be good if there was more water fountains around, which runners could use.”LPT: What is missing from the park?- “Nothing really I like it.”LPT: What makes this park different from other parks in the area?- “The fact that it leads out into the peaks.”LPT: Are there any groups that aren’t catered for at present?- “It’s quite good, because there’s the café in the park and the playground for the kids.”Do you use the park at night?- “Occasionally for a walk, but not that often.”LPT: If there was lighting would you use it more?- “Yeah I guess so.”LPT: What do you think about the park?- “It’s good, it could do with being a bit bigger.”- “It’s more like a big open space which is nice in a way.”LPT: What activities would you like to see in the park?- “Well they already do quite a lot, like football and other things, but it would be good if they had more municipal sports stuff. Especially with all this all this conversations about people getting obese.”LPT: What types of activities would you like to see?- “I don’t know, you can have yoga and Tai-Chi.”LPT: If there was one thing you would change about the park, what would it be?- “You could put up a bouldering wall, there’s such a lot of space.”

UNSPECIFIED PARK USERS [FRAGMENTS]

UNSPECIFIED PARK USERS [FRAGMENTS] APPENDICES



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LPT: What makes this park different from other parks in the area?- “I live next to Norfolk Park the other side of town, but this park seems more natural, it’s like walking into a woodland.”- “I’ve only walked to the end of the park and I’m dying to walk further.”- “I used to come here years ago and it’s better maintained now than it was years ago.”LPT: Are there any groups that aren’t catered for at present?- “Teenagers always get a bad press don’t they.”- “I saw some graffiti, so maybe an area where they can do some real graffiti art.”LPT: Do you think the park should be used a lot more in the evenings?- “Lighting brings problems, because it attracts young people. This might bring drink and drugs into the area.”LPT: If you would change one thing what would it be?- “Just to keep it maintained.”LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?- “Well the playground needs dealing with.”- “It’s nearly twenty years old now.”- “The café is brilliant, even though there is debate about if the owner should be running it.”- “He has created a really great community café, it cheap, local people come to it, he takes part in fun raisers, he’s the one who’s responsible for getting the toilets here.”- “It used to be quite a dilapidated café.”- “A lot of people with younger children use it and I did when I had mine, it’s great.”- “Low level lighting would be nice, because not many people use the park at night.”- “It’s a great park, because it’s so natural with the river and the woods. It would be a shame if they did too much to take away from the natural side of it.”LPT: Are there any groups that aren’t catered for at present?- “No I don’t think so, because you see all age groups here. Although it mainly caters for people with children.”- “I don’t tend to stop but I walk through it regularly, but I don’t stop, because it doesn’t really offer me anything. Although I don’t know what it could offer me?”- “It does need repaving because of the floods, and new benches. But we don’t want it to be too modern, because it’s a wood.”LPT: What about the entrance, how do you think that could be improved?- “I quite like the old wall to be there.”- “If you did remove it would you replace it with anything with better quality? You don’t!”LPT: What’s your opinion on a youth shelter?- “Young people do tend to congregate and we do get a few winos, but there not a problem.”- “You could say that the pergola could be a youth shelter.”

PIT STOP PART 1 INTERVIEWS [CONTD]:UNSPECIFIED PARK USERS

LPT: Are there any activities that you are unavailable to do in the park at present?- “No I would like to see it stay the way it is at present.”LPT: Are there any improvements which would be made to the park?- “Well the only improvement I can think of is the tarmac or bins.” - “We have a lot of issues every year. Loads of people use it, the council know that, but they don’t provide any bins.”LPT: What makes this park different from other parks in the area?- “It’s got everything, it’s got open spaces, it’s got woods.”LPT: Are there any groups that aren’t catered for at present?- “No it’s quite universal. It’s got a lot of open space so everybody can use it.”LPT: Loads of different people currently use the park, runners, cyclists, dog walkers etc.- “I think that’s the key reason not to change it, as I think you could end up attracting only one group or excluding another.”LPT: Would you like to use the park at night?- “I personally would say that I wouldn’t like to see lighting, as you’re never going to provide enough for everybody’s safety needs. Also in summer it would attract certain groups of people to the park at night.”LPT: What’s your opinion on a youth shelter?- “They do need somewhere to go, but a youth shelter would only likely cause friction, as they would see it like some one was controlling them.”- “The fact that they are not patrolled is good for them and good for everybody else.”LPT: What’s you opinions on the café and the funfair area?- “I think they’re great. The café is fantastic.”LPT: There’s talk about changing the leaseholder, do you think it should change?- “No not at all. I think it should stay with the guy that is currently running it.”- “It’s used by people that use the park, if it was any bigger than potentially you’re going to attract people from further away and then you’ve got all the parking issues.”- “It caters for the people that live locally.”LPT: Are there any activities that you are unavailable to do in the park at present?- “No, it’s paramount that we keep the green spaces in Sheffield, so that existing trees that are on their way out can be re-planted.”- “Keep the tracks and paths well maintained so that people can get away from the noise in the morning.”- “Maybe for walkers like myself, some measurements of how far you have been walking.”LPT: Is there anything missing from the park?- “No really no, you need green spaces.”- “I don’t want swings and what-not, I want to get away from the noise and stress of the city.”

APPENDICES

TRANSCRIBED INTERVIEWSLPT: Every year at the Architecture Department of the University of Sheffield, conducts a Live Project where we work on real life projects with real life clients. This year we have been given the task to re-think Endcliffe Park.Resident 1: Why do you they think there is a need to re-think the park?LPT: It’s a question of consultation and finding areas where it can be improved.Resident 1: We use it for lots of different purposes. Me and my partner have lived here since we were kids and it hasn’t changed very much. I quite like that about it.Resident 2: There’s enough facilities here, there’s enough wildness, it’s just fantastically used.LPT: Is there any activities which you would like to do, but are currently unable?Resident 1: No off hand no. I think it caters for most people’s needs.Resident 2: Being able to use it in the evening would be great, because when the café has night time activities in the winter it is fantastic.Resident 1: It becomes a sort of a dead zone at night, so being able to do night time walks would be fantastic.Resident 2: Nice ambient lighting would be nice.LPT: What makes Endcliffe Park different from the other parks in Sheffield?Resident 1: It’s a conduit out into the country in a really congested part of Sheffield. Within fifteen minutes on our bikes we’ll be out on the Peaks.Resident 2: It’s like a big green lung running out from Sheffield.LPT: What do you think about the Café.Resident 1: There’s a very interesting relationship between the commercialisation of the park and what local people actually want.”Resident 2: The café has got an interesting dilemma, because Ash has been there for six years, he’s had two terms of a lease. The council are faced with a problem, because if they don’t give the lease to Ash, then you’ve got to ask the question, what value are they giving to public support.Resident 1: It’s the local café and people want it to stay like that.Resident 2: We don’t want Ecclesall Road in the Park, we’ve got enough posh trendy cafes. We want something which can include all incomes.LPT: Are there any activities that you would consider doing at night if there was sufficient lighting?Resident 1: Mostly cycling and walking through.Resident 2: At night it serves a very different function, because it’s a place where teenagers can come and do what teenagers can do. It’s something which I quite like about the park. Therefore if you open it up for all then they’ll lose something.LPT: There was talk about a youth shelter, what’s your opinions on that?Resident 1: That throws up all kinds of issues about how it can be manage what goes on there, but I imagine that it could be a really nice idea.Resident 2: The park is a well loved institution, therefore any change and you’ll get some reaction to it.LPT: If there was one thing that you would change about the park what would it be?Resident 1: I’d get rid of the bouncy castle.Resident 2: Noooo, I like the bouncy castle!Resident 1: Also the lighting, but that would have to be all the time, maybe the weekends so you can go on night time walks.

LOCAL RESIDENTS


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SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Janet LawsonRole: Project OfficerTel: 0114 273 6951Email: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Ian MitchellRole: Regeneration OfficerTel: 0114 273 4342Email: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Rebecca MaddoxRole: Area Panel CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Jason GallagherRole: East Area Ranger Team LeaderTel: 0114 268 6196Email: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Jon BarkerRole: Parks OfficerTel: 0114 273 5066Email: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Peter JonesRole: Districts Park OfficerTel: 0114 273 5599

SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICEContact: Angela KirkpatrickRole: Point of ContactEmail: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE DEPARTMENT Contact: Nick SellwoodRole: Woodlands ManagerTel: 0114 273 6387Email: [email protected]

LOCAL AUTHORITIESCONTACT DIRECTORY

THE FRIENDS OF THE PORTER VALLEYContact: Ann Le SageRole: ChairTel: 0114 230 2372Email: [email protected]

FRIENDS OF ENDCLIFFE PLAYGROUNDContact: Jo ClarkRole: Point of ContactEmail: [email protected]

ABUNDANCE PROJECT SHEFFIELD Contact: Stephen WattsRole: Project CoordinatorTel: 0796 2961194Email: [email protected]

ENDCLIFFE PARK INTEREST GROUPSCONTACT DIRECTORY

SHEFFIELD SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTUREContact: Prue ChilesRole: Project CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

FOOTBALL UNITES, RACISM DIVIDESContact: Simon HyacinthRole: CoordinatorTel: 0114 2553156Email: [email protected]

OTHER INTEREST GROUPSCONTACT DIRECTORY

U SPORT SHEFFIELDContact: Vinnie WillisRole: CoordinatorTel: 0114 2226966Email: [email protected]

SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE COUNTY FAContact: Brian PeckRole: Point of ContactTel: 0114 2414992

FORSYTH SHEFFIELD UNITED ACADEMYContact: Matt MorleyRole: Point of ContactTel: 0114 3560021

ACTIVITY SHEFFIELDContact: Paul SteelRole: Sports Development OfficerTel: 0114 273 5630

SHEFFIELD ORGANIC FOOD INITIATIVEContact: Richard ClareRole: Point of ContactTel: 0114 2686727

APPENDICES

CONTACT DIRECTORYREFERENCES

THE HISTORICAL LEGACY OF THE PORTER VALLEY[1] Sewell, Joan D. A Strategy for the heritage parks & green spaces of Sheffield, Sheffield City Council, September 1996[2] Friends of the Porter Valley, Vision for Sheffield’s Porter Valley, leaflet produced by the Friends of the Porter Valley, 2003[3] Abercrombie, Patrick, Civic Survey for Sheffield City Council, pg 38, 1924

THE SHEPHERD WHEELDefoe, Daniel (1723–27). A tour thro’ the Whole Island of Great Britain. London: G. Strahan. Peatman, Janet. Shepherd Wheel 1584 - 1984 A Sheffield City Museums Publication 1984Friends of the Porter Valley, The Porter Valley: Wildlife & History, leaflet produced by the Friends of the Porter Valley, 2006Kennet, Peter, Delving into the past: Mining and Quarrying in the Porter Valley, leaflet produced by the Friends of the Porter Valley, 2007

APPENDICES | CASE STUDIESCABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment)Case Studies: ‘Public Space’ http://www.cabe.org.uk

REFERENCES

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09LIVEPROJECT07BLOG SITE

09liveproject07 | [email protected] |Hi Niki,I was involved with the children’s workshop. The ideas generated were about the park as a whole. Overall the ideas show that the existing park needs more child friendly elements dotted, almost surprisingly, all around the park. An activity route could be cre-ated in the park with a series of information points and games to integrate learning about the park and its wildlife. This would provide a more exciting and dynamic park where children’s activity is integrated throughout the entire park. As part of the 24Endcliffe event, we thought a children’s workshop could be held on a weekly basis, as it was so successful. The plan for the playground looks very interesting with lots of different elements that the children will really enjoy. It is a shame it is only a 6week project as there is so much to consider in Endcliffe Park and the Porter Valley.Caroline ‘Re-Thinking Endcliffe Park’ [Nov 1, 9:26 PM]

Niki | [email protected] | endcliffeplayground.org.uk | The playground ground group is meeting with the council architect this Monday 9am to go through the plans. If anyone has a contri-bution to make after seeing the plans I forwarded and would like to take part I can check if we can add one more to the meeting. Let them know asap so that I can ask the others, thanks[Nov 1, 5:06 PM]

Niki | [email protected] | endcliffeplayground.org.uk | The playground ground is meeting with the council architect this Monday 9am to go through the plans. If anyone has a contribution to make after seeing the plans I forwarded and would like to take part I can check if we can add one more to the meeting. Let them know asap so that I can ask the others, thanks[Nov 1, 5:05 PM]

Niki | [email protected] | endcliffeplayground.org.uk | What do you think of the plans for the new playground in Endcliffe? I’ve sent them already-if you’ve not got them get in touch with me![Oct 29, 9:13 PM]

Ian | [email protected] | I think you have done a wonderful job, a park where I live is used mostly by undesirable folk and I certainly wouldn’t go there after dark. Football sounds good though; it’s far easier to keep going when the sun isn’t baking you! Keep up the good work.[Oct 24, 7:11 PM]

09liveproject07 | [email protected] | Hi Peter,We are very keen to bring back some of the historical heritage of the park. At our last public consultation quite a few people brought up fond memories of the boating lakes. They seem to be a missed attraction.Thank you for your comment. I hope to see you at our next event this Saturday.Caroline ‘Re-Thinking Endcliffe Park’[Oct 24, 5:29 PM]

Peter Bayliss | [email protected] | Perhaps more ambitious than Flora’s idea, but there used to be 2 of the dams in the valley with rowing boats, namely Forge Dam and Holme Wheel Dam. It would be good if this could be restored and revived. Not at Forge perhaps, which is now a thriving wildlife habitat, but perhaps at Holme Wheel, which is close to the main part of Endcliffe Park. There used to be a number of boating lakes in Sheffield parks, and as far as I am aware there are none now. (Of course I could go the whole hog and suggest we dig out and restore the filled-in Endcliffe Wheel Dam as a swimming pool, as it was in the past!)[Oct 23, 2:09 PM]

09liveproject07 | [email protected] | Hi Flora, your comments are just what we need to further our research. The paddling pool is a really nice idea. I know the water feature in the Peace Gardens has also been well received by the public. Please keep looking at the blog to see what we have planned for our next consultation, as your views would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Caroline ‘Re-Thinking Endcliffe Park’[Oct 20, 12:55 PM]

Flora Owen | [email protected] | Since hearing about the study, I’ve spoken with friends & got some new ideas for Endcliffe Park.It was compared to Rivelin, which has been greatly improved recently. - In both parks, the Cafe is tremendously important. In Endcliffe, no one wanted to see any changes. The re-opening of the Paddling Pool in Rivelin was praised; could there be a small one in Endcliffe, when the playground is re-designed?More traditional seats, alongside the main paths, would be wel-comed & a few rustic benches in the steeper parts of the woodland would encourage people to walk higher up.Another wish is for a new collection of birds for Bingham Park. There used to be pairs of swans, mandarin ducks, Egyptian geese and little grebes, not so long ago.The bareness of the ancient woods in Endcliffe was compared to the wealth of flowers higher up the Porter Valley. Native snowdrops & wild daffodils (not garden varieties) would look well in the woods & could be planted in a Community activity, involving schools.[Oct 14, 10:49 AM]

Ros Hancock | [email protected] | This doesn’t agree with the results of the User Survey we (Friends of the Porter Valley) carried out in 2001. Perhaps the use of the word “development” was the problem? No-one wants development (in the sense of buildings, etc) in the Porter Valley parks and wood-land, but many people want maintenance work - major work such as repairing the dams and minor things like keeping the footpaths up to scratch, and providing enough seating.[Oct 11, 11:32 AM]Thanks,Niki

Ann Le Sage | [email protected] | portervalley.fsnet.co.uk | Hi allI have just spent a rewarding hour with a team of students of Archi-tecture at the University. They have just started a 6week commu-nity consultation on the future for Encipher Park (and by extension the Porter Valley as a whole). This is an important piece of work that may well shape Sheffield Council thinking on this parkland. Janet Lawson is the main Council contact.I ask you please to post them your comments and those of oth-ers +other useful contact details as soon as possible. The same message will appear in the FoPV newsletter due out by early next week. They will not be issuing a fixed list of questions but want live, informal, fresh comments. The outcome of their project will coin-cide roughly with our FoPV AGM on 7 November so a summing up may be possible then, but their work programme (even split between the 10 of them) is heavy because of the short time. Don’t leave feeding your views too late.Ann le Sage Chairman Friends of the Porter Valley[Oct 9, 11:17 AM]

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