Open Competition – Central Promenade Site, Morecambe

This new competition seeks an exciting team to produce a strategic framework plan for a 4.7 hectare (12 acre) Central Promenade Site in Morecambe. The competition is being organised by the RIBA Competitions Office on behalf of property developers Urban Splash, and Lancaster City Council.

Urban Splash has been selected as preferred developer by Lancaster City Council, the freeholder of the site, to deliver a comprehensive mixed-use development on a site which lies on the glorious sweep of Morecambe Bay. The site is adjacent to the Art Deco classic Grade II* Listed midland Hotel, which Urban Splash is refurbishing. Urban Splash is seeking a design team which shares its ambition to produce an inspirational and imaginative mixed-use development, and which realises the potential of the site and reinforces the regeneration of the broader Morecambe area.

The competition will be open, and held in two stages.
The historic seaside resort of Morecambe is situated in North Lancashire, approximately 50 miles north of Liverpool and Manchester, and adjoins the attractive city of Lancaster. Lying on the glorious sweep of Morecambe Bay, the resort enjoys an unrivalled natural setting and looks out on a panorama of Lakeland peaks.

The northern and eastern sides of the site command dramatic views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District hills. The western site is part bounded by the Midland Hotel, and by the recently upgraded stone jetty incorporating pieces from the Tern Public Art project. To the east is the Eric Morecambe statue.

The site is the only significant development opportunity on the seaward side of Marine Road central. Previous uses on the site have included a railway line, a shipbreaking yard, Europe’s largest lido (the super-swimming stadium) and a water based leisure complex. Today this under-utilised site is occupied by a temporary fairground: an events arena “the dome”, a war memorial, surface car parking and a variety of public footpaths and waterways.

The competition brief will include photographs, site plans, historical photographs, and a mini-move showing the site and wider context.

Competition Structure
The competition will take the following format : Stage 1 : Seeks concept designs (presented on a maximum of 3 A1 sheets) which will be judged anonymously. Proposals should focus on initial ideas and thinking, and approach to creating architecture that people would love to live, work and play in. A shortlist of approximately five will be selected and the authors invited to proceed to the next stage.
Stage 2 : The five finalists will be required to attend an interview to discuss their ideas with the Jury Panel. Each competitor will be given feedback on the judges’ comments prior to interview.

The Judges
Ken Shuttleworth, RIBA
Sarah Wigglesworth, RIBA Architectural Adviser (Chair of Panel)
Joyce Bridges, English Heritage
Geraldine Smith, MP Morecambe & Luneside
Ian Barker, Council Leader, Lancaster City Council
Hugh Pearman, RIBA Architectural Critique
Paul Spooner, Regional Director, English Partnerships
Brian Gray, Chairman, North West Development Agency
Professor Paul Welling, Chairman, Lancaster Vision
Tom Bloxham, Chairman, Urban Splash
Bill Maynard, Director, Urban Splash
Jonathan Falkingham, Chief Executive, Urban Splash

Competition Timetable
Brief available: 12th September 2005
Registration deadline: 31st October 2005
Submission deadline: 8th November 2005
Stage 1 judging: end November 205
Stage 2 judging/interviews: mid-January 2006
Winner announced: mid-February 2006

Prize Money
Stage 2 finalists will each receive £3,000. It is the intention to appoint the winner to work closely with Urban Splash to take the project forward.

Eligibility
The competition is open to registered architects or designers in collaboration with other design disciplines.

How to Register
To register and receive the competition brief send a cheque for £50.00 (including VAT), payable to RIBA Competitions. Please note we do not have credit card facilities.

Enquiries
All enquiries should be addressed to the competition organisers:
RIBA Competitions Office, 6 Melbourne Street, Leeds LS2 7PS
T : ++44 (0)113 2341335 F : ++44 (0)113 2460744
E :
W : www.ribacompetitions.com

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20.09.2005