Northern Architecture - Promoting better places in the North East

NE1 Design Ideas Competition - Post your questions here

• Date

  5 Dec

The NE1 public realm design ideas competition is now open for entries.  

All the details including the competition brief and registration form can be found on the NE1 design ideas competition page.

Please use the feedback mechanism to post your questions below and please number them in order so that we can respond directly to each question posted.

Questions Answered

1) Would it be possible to have a site plan in CAD format?

Yes, but unfortunately we don't seem to be able to add to the website for download.  If you would like a dwg file emailed to you, please email Harry

This file has been provided by Newcastle University.  The plan is for site location and illustration purposes. As it has been provided by a third party; Northern Architecture takes no responsibilities regarding accuracy or scale of these plans should participants choose to use them in their proposals. Dimensions/ scales must be checked against the site measurements.

2) The competition brief indicates there should be no building structures in proposals can you please confirm exactly what this means. Does this mean no structures such as bridges, tunnels, archways etc. can be proposed.

A building is regarded as an enclosed structure that can be entered, which would include tunnels. Other gateway-type structures as you have suggested can be included. 

While this competition seeks to attract a wide spectrum of entries, it is important to remember that it is a public realm competition in an area where a lot of people pass through. The aim is to give pleasure to these everyday journeys and improve connectivity.

3) Do we need to retain the current number of parking spaces along Queen Victoria Road?

There is no definite rule against removing some car parking spaces. Removing considerable numbers will, however, be considered to be adding cost/ disadvantages to the project. The answer to this question is that the gain to the scheme must well outweighing the losses!

4) Is there a definitive red line boundary to confirm the extents of the area the competition refers to?

No, The brief specifically explains this-

"The ideas competition is for the area of Queen Victoria Road and the very lower end of Richardson Road.  Site boundaries are seen as defused in terms of actual edges and can include entrances to Leazes Park, the top end of St Thomas’ Street, pockets of open space on both sides of Queen Victoria Road, the edges to Richardson Road and access points to RVI and University areas."

5) Is there an existing wayfinding strategy for the university or hospital?

A site visit will confirm the pedestrian routes through university. The brief mentions the new boulevard under construction through the hospital. This is also shown on the plan provided. This route is designed to become a main pedestrian thoroughfare. 

6) Is Queen Victoria Road used by Emergency Vehicles? Is it a blue light route? 

In the new plan, the main entrance for emergency vehicles will be off Richardson Road (see plan), but they are not excluded from using Queen Victoria Rd. The city council may consider speed reduction, possible part narrowing of Queen Victoria Road if this is part of a major public realm/ pedestrian route/ connectivity improvement. 

7) Has a tree/vegetation survey been conducted?

We're not aware of this, but proposals to remove established, mature trees are likely to receive criticism.

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The deadline for submitting questions has now passed