A number of residents have expressed some distress at the pile driving across the road at the Feethams North development. Yes, in a building of this type and scale on the banks of the Skerne, driving piles was inevitable, so it appears that we will have to bear it with sanguinity. Today, I have emailed the developers to make them aware of the issue. Here is a copy of my letter. "South Terrace residents (residents off Feethams South) have been, and still are supportive of the Terrace Hill development at Feethams. Indeed we submitted a joint representation in support of it at the planning stage. Pile driving has however been a big concern to quite a number of them - a task that we know is essential for the development. The problem has been one of both noise, and vibration throughout our homes here. I wondered whether you would consider offering our 25 homes here a pair of complimentary cinema tickets by way of recognition of the inconvenience? I sense it would be appreciated as a neighbourly gesture. Stephen Twist, President of the South Terrace Residents Association."
Yesterday, a digger arrived at Feethams South. Dave B opened the side gates and in it went. It dug a little, then left.
Carla H informs me that Esh Group have exercised their option with the Cricket Club to complete their purchase of the football field (as it then was), and it seems that substantial funds have hit the Cricket Club's books. The blogger cannot imagine that Esh Group will have paid out without planning to go ahead with the development, although their web site is rather silent on the matter.
So, does that mean that 2013 will see the start of building works at Feethams? Brian Johnson, Cricket Club Chairman told the Northern Echo in May of last year that building would start later that summer. Was Aido right in his comment last September? Is this the end of Feethams as a World Heritage Site? Do take a look at Shaun Campbell's video for the Arthur Wharton Foundation.
It will be interesting to see whether Esh Group are able to honour their promises to ensure that the development goes ahead without too much impact on South Terrace. I sense that amongst the first steps will be the issue of access - opening and re-building the access road. Of course we will keep you posted of any developments here on the blog. Do contribute your thoughts and fears in the 'comment' box at the bottom of this blog.
Feethams North
For those of you who have not viewed the plans for the new cinema and leisure complex, here is an animated video (click the link), and here is the developer's web site.
The developers have set up a Facebook page. I notice an absence of critical review. Maybe this is just because everyone is delighted at the proposals. For my part, I believe that it will improve the Feethams North area. Whilst the car park was useful, it was a total waste of a highly visible site. I admire the way in which it provides a 21st century focus on the Skerne, which is long overdue.
For those with a spare £30m, now is your opportunity to invest if you follow this link.
And for those who are interested in how the plans match the original vision, below is an extract from the Urban Design Analysis. Note towards the end the mention of "site permeability". Does this mean that we will get our Barker and Stonehouse crossing?
"The southern and eastern flanks of the site are flanked by the inner ring road
and roundabout making the site very prominent for vehicular traffic and as
such can be seen as a 'shop window' for Darlington for through travellers and
as such a key gateway to the town centre. Additionally the proximity of the
area to the main pedestrian exit from the railway station on the East Coast
Mainline further raises the areas gateway status".
"The predominant pedestrian movement desire pattern is across the site from
east to west and vice versa. Many people pass along the edges of the area in
this direction but pedestrian penetration within the area is relatively poor.
There are three pedestrian crossing points across the ring road to the east
with varying levels of deflection. A significant north south route passes by the
western flank of the area predominantly used by pedestrians going between
Sainsbury's store and the town centre. Where permeability exists it is well
used. For example, the small street or lane that runs from Houndgate to
Beaumont Street between the car parks has a higher footfall than its amenity
might suggest. Some of the finer grain historic yards close by are not as well
used as they could be due to poor active frontages and poor amenity.
The River Skerne acts as an edge and as such restricts movement. Leadyard
Bridge is a popular route but the fenced off area at the edge of the Town Hall
car park prevents another crossing opportunity being available. Running
between the River and the inner ring road a pedestrian and cycle path
affords ‘around town’ pedestrian journeys, connected again via Leadyard
Bridge. The chicane outside the Town Hall reduces traffic speed allowing a
relatively safe pedestrian crossing point and the retention of this historic
desire line and route".
"Opportunities exist to improve permeability across the site in all directions.
There is also the chance to create a riverside promenade for pedestrians and
cyclists, overlooked with active frontages".
