Public Realm & Regeneration

The Potteries, Pantiles

Project Details

Client
Dandara
Location
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Year
2017 – 2021
Services
Landscape Architecture

Overview

“The knowledge of man is as the waters, some descending from above, and some springing from beneath; the one informed by the light of nature, the other inspired by divine revelation” – Francis Bacon

Define provided landscape architecture services for this prestigious and historic public realm and private courtyard in Tunbridge Wells. The existing site consisted of a 1960’s building (Union House) that had a reputation as a local eyesore and was surrounded by a streetscape uncharacteristic of ‘The Pantiles’ Conservation Area.

The new proposals redeveloped the building into a mix of apartments with a vibrant ground floor including restaurants and shops, all looking out onto a new public square.

Our designs

Our designs for the public square transform the existing road into a shared surface whilst locating an all important new water feature and destination at the end of the Pantiles, creating a much needed and enhanced pedestrian experience in this beautiful historic landscape.

We worked closely with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Water in the Wells to deliver a public realm design that contained sympathetic materials alongside detailing relevant to the local vernacular and history of the site.

As part of the proposals, a new private courtyard was constructed that sat above 2 levels of car parking below. The designs were complimented with a vibrant planting plan and hard detailing input that combined to create a peaceful garden for the residents to enjoy.

The outcome

Working alongside architects Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, Define helped solve this long-standing jigsaw puzzle and were able to submit a full detailed planning application which received consent in Spring 2017. The project is was completed in 2021.