Rowhedge Wharf, Colchester

We developed the Masterplan and detailed plans for the comprehensive redevelopment of the old cement works at Rowhedge Wharf, Essex.

Rowhedge is located on the River Colne and over its history, it has hosted traditional industries, such as, fishing, ship building and a brewery along its wharf-side. The original Wharf site was developed as a mineral and gravel workings, along with facilitating commercial activities associated with the River Colne. This is predominantly a brownfield site.

In developing a Masterplan for this site, one of the key aims was to create healthy, desirable and accessible space for the future occupants. Part of our concept was to maintain a visual relationship between the river and adjacent wildlife reserve that be visually stimulating for the future occupants.

Accessibility was also important, it was necessary to develop a convenient pedestrian link through to the High Street, encouraging travel by foot for the use of village’s key services.

As an estuarine village on the River Colne, Rowhedge has a unique character. Through our analysis of the character of Rowhedge, it was clear that this development required a mixture of character areas, consisting of lanes, frontages and industrial shed like forms, laid out in an informal arrangement. This strategy would mean that the scheme would reflect Rowhedge in both character and layout, as well as recognising the industrial past of the site.

A diverse range of open spaces were created for local residents, each with its own character. These consisted of an open north/south pedestrian link, an open space near the entrance of the site and an open space along the western boundary where Woodland Way meets Haul Road.