The Design Team's work

We appointed the design team in May 2020. They’ve been working hard to outline what will happen in each phase of restoration. They've also been working on the designs for the first phase.

Heritage architect specialists from Purcell researched and prepared a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Terrace. It identifies the unique qualities that make the Terrace special and how the Terrace and its restoration can be managed in the short, medium and long term.

The design team used the existing CMP material to help them recommend which stretch of the Terrace we should restore for the first phase.  

We completed the Royal Institute of British Architects stages 0 to 1 in early autumn 2020. We agreed a clear brief for the first phase, engaging and working with the advisory panel. We got final approval at the cross-party project board. 

Policy Resources Committee noted the recommendations of the design team in October 2020.

Conceptual design proposals

Between late autumn 2020 and early spring 2021, the Design Team, working closely with the advisory panel, worked through conceptual design proposals for the first phase. 

Key principles proposed in concept design are:

  • a new lift at Royal Crescent steps to create step-free access for everyone
  • an aspiration to refurbish the lift at Madeira Terrace Shelter Hall - we want to explore possible ways it can be used all year, without needing to go through Concorde 2
  • a new lift and staircase adjacent to Madeira Terrace Shelter Hall (Concorde 2) - this will allow step free access to connect with a ‘Sun Terrace’ area above Madeira Terrace Shelter Hall
  • wholesale replacement of the concrete deck
  • conservation and restoration of the green wall using nearby planting in verges and on the deck - this will help improve biodiversity

The Design Team and what they do

Purcell

Purcell are the architects who will lead and co-ordinate the Design Team to produce designs that are possible to carry out. 

The team from Purcell has extensive experience with heritage architecture and cast-iron structures.

They have a good understanding of the challenges that come with using sustainable approaches to a heritage restoration project.

HOP

HOP are civil, marine, and structural engineers.

They will verify the structural integrity of Madeira Terrace to help the team understand how much of the existing structure can be re-used and restored. 

The Terrace needs to be able to cope with today’s crowd-loading standards.

This will allow Madeira Terrace to be used as a linear grandstand, where people can gather on the mid-level deck to watch events on Madeira Drive and the beachfront.

Stantec

Stantec’s mechanical and electrical engineering team are looking at mechanical and electrical elements of the designs.

This includes things like lighting and better access to the seafront for everyone with a new lift. 

They’re also using circular economy principles by exploring how to use the natural resources already available in the area (sun, wind, rain) to provide power and water to Madeira Terrace.

Landscape Projects

Landscape Projects are the landscape architects focusing on:

  • the conservation and integrity of the Green Wall
  • access to Madeira Terrace
  • identifying how to support more biodiversity, create shelter and retain water to help manage the impact of a changing climate

Faithful & Gould

Faithful & Gould (F&G) are specialist project managers.

They’ll work with Purcell to co-ordinate the design team’s work and report progress to us.

They’ll go on to manage and co-ordinate the appointment of the contractors who will do the restoration and construction works.

Robinson Low Francis

Robinson Low Francis are cost consultants.

They’ll assess the costs of restoration options by drawing market comparisons for the materials needed for restoration and construction.

They will make sure all forms of carbon are accounted for in line with our pledge for the city to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Fourth Street

Fourth Street are specialists in business planning for heritage and cultural assets like Madeira Terrace. 

They’ll recommend a business model for the first phase of restoration. 

The whole team will explore how circular economy principles can be applied to the restoration and re-use of the Terrace.

For example, through sourcing building materials locally where we can. 

Designs will respect the structure’s unique heritage and the green wall which predates the Terrace.