KINGS LYNN & WEST NORFOLK BOROUGH COUNCIL (BCKLWN)

Nar Ouse Regeneration Area (NORA)

ELD was commissioned by BCKLWN to produce a new park concept, followed by detailed design of the hard and soft elements, to create a leisure space across a brown field site between new residential, commercial and university areas in South Lynn, part of King’s Lynn, in Norfolk. The design included an extensive footpath and cycleway adjacent to the River Nar that will ultimately link with a new marina to the north. The park is circumnavigated by a network of footpaths to make the site accessible to all, while taking into consideration flood defences and considerable level changes. The central, semi circular viewing platform, was designed to provide a viewing space and raised platform above the main park area for performing arts, music concerts and sculptural exhibitions. A large area for ball games within an oval lawn area is provided, whilst smaller lawns provide privacy within a more intimate, arboretum setting.

Extensive tree and shrub plantnig provides an element of enclosure and shelter to an otherwise exposed site, screening the park from the adjacent ring road and adding an element of height to an otherwise flat, treeless, Fenland landscape. Tree and shrub planting provides increased biodiversity and seasonal variation, incorporating a mixture of native and ornamental species, held together with a structural yew hedge.

ELD worked with suppliers to design the bespoke ‘Fathom’ style of fences, finger posts and cycle stands created from recycled tyres, whilst choosing other items of street furniture from readily available stockists.

Below left: ELD’s coloured masterplan illustrating the linear footpath adjacent to the River Nar.
Below right: An aerial photograph looking south across the NORA project area, as a brownfield site prior to development.

Below: The completed Park with the ‘Fathom’ style of bespoke bicycle stands, fences and spherical bollards made from recycled tyres, with benches and litter bins from a general supplier.

Above: The artist’s impression of the Central Park, looking west towards the River Nar.

Below: A panoramic view of work in progress, looking south across the oval lawn, as planted in early 2008.