1 Comment
Local Architect David Magennis has decided to put his thoughts to paper on how to develop and repair Newry. Getting people living in the centre of town is key, while protecting the character of the town.
Thoughts on Repairing a Town
As with most post industrial town’s Newry has a number of problems stemming from changes in economic fortunes, traffic management problems, lack of investment, lack of facilities. Though like most places there is one root cause - a lack of places that are suitable, comfortable and available for people to live.
If we can get people living in the town again, life will return. The pair of photos illustrate the amount of life we have lost in the city, along with the civic qualities of the characterful architecture that supported this life.
A lot has been made of the large regeneration projects planned, whilst these are commendable they won't solve the issues. A theatre, a park and council offices will only compound the issue of proliferating the need for car journeys into the town to use these new attractions. A town’s worth is not determined by how many things it has when compared to its neighbours, its measure should be how liveable it is.
On top of this there is the additional filter of multiple interests, pushing for their own agenda. The large costs of these large projects increases competition and friction stifling progress and this inaction worsens the situation for the whole city.
There is a simpler solution; reuse our buildings to provide quality, affordable homes & community facilities, bringing life organically back to our streets and opening up our city to the green spaces next to the water, even creating parks on the vacant sites in the short term.
Protecting and consolidating the character of the town is going to be the most successful, sustainable and achievable way to ensure Newry can become a city which people want to live rather than a place they drive to and from. From the qualities of the existing buildings, the street structure of the town we have inherited and our unique connection to water we have the making of a fantastic city. Each of these gifts are in need of careful repair to allow them to act as the infrastructure for our future city.
This is a lot of work, but there are no easy fixes. We need a group with a mandate, power and responsibility to understand the overall picture. To develop a plan, a vision for the city, so they can oversee each of these larger projects and necessary smaller repairs can be achieved side by side without the conflict and infighting that slows everything. This is similar to the Bouwmiester system in Belgium, notably very successful in creating liveable and successful smaller towns.
These committees are headed by an Architects and have representatives from the public, business and council to ensure all views are representatives. They work to create a plan for the city's development which is adaptable and liveable; it is intended to inform and aid developers at all scales. They work in partnership with local governments to develop schemes to aid local, smaller schemes for individuals to get established through rate holidays, or a record of buildings suitable for adaptation.
In summary the key points are:
Make a Liveable City
The provision of places to live, places for life to happen is the key to ensuring any city is sustainable, profitable and likely to survive into the future. This should be the key goal of all development intended for the city.
Repair First
All development should start with the intention to repair, be it a building, a street or neighbourhood. Fixing what we have is more sustainable and will be of better quality than a new quick development.
Make a City plan
A dedicated group to lead the creation of an overall vision for the city, working with anyone with intentions for development (at any scale) in the city to positively impact all citizens.
If you have an interest in discussing any ideas for the town's improvement, a building, a space or any other thing relating to the built environment of Newry please do not hesitate to get in touch with David Magennis via email info@gaanarchitects.com or add your comments to this post.
