George Bancroft Park (Phase 1)

As the first new public green space for Blackpool since the 1920s, George Bancroft park replaces a large and inaccessible surface car park that until the 1980s was occupied by railway sidings. In the face of considerable physical challenges, the objective was to integrate separated communities either side of the site.

The transformation aimed to create a busy community park and distinctive gateway into Blackpool that would support both local and visitor needs through a combination of tranquil gardens and lawns with active themed play and all-weather sports areas. This included strong landform and planting, exciting lighting effects, sculptural walls and two dramatic climbing towers.

Overview

  • Project Name

    George Bancroft Park (Phase 1)

  • Location

    Blackpool

  • Category

    Parks and gardens

  • Landscape Architect

    AECOM

  • Client

    ReBlackpool

  • Brief

    To design a new park along a key route and gateway into the town centre, creating a safe, relaxing and enjoyable green space for Blackpool, along with improved connectivity and views to established resort attractions and local communities

  • Awards

    Highly Commended 2009 LI Awards Design over 5 Ha

Details

  • Project Team

    Lead consultant: AECOM Design and Planning; Engineer: Blackpool Borough Council; Lighting Consultants: Dpa Lighting Consultants; QS: Gardiner and Theobald; Art: Gordon Young, Why Not Associates, Ian Vickers

  • Year Completed

    2007

  • Project Size

    8 Ha

  • Contract Value

    11.5 million

Technicals

  • Planting

    Pine trees within a granite rings are used along the North edge of the play area. Tropical style planting has been used next to the ocean themed play area. Species have been chosen for their hardiness to sea air and suitability to coastal environments. Shrub planting has been used as a buffer between the park and housing, with meadows adjacent. Swathes of Phormium Tenax planting used for areas around the climbing walls

  • Materials

    Galvinised steel used for main structures of the basketball court, flexible resin bound surfacing, and concrete foundations. Stainless steel and anti-vandal fixings used throughout, eg granite cladding, steel and vitreous enamel signs on structures such as the payment canopy and proprietary toilet. Feature street furniture uses granite with anti-skateboard detailing. In conjunction with the climbing walls, bouldering walls have been constructed using a variety of rock types. The climbing walls themselves are large slabs of black concrete which act as landmarks, with contrasting red granite walls alongside these areas.

  • AECOM

    Registered Practice - (21 + Employees)
    Profile

  • Approximate Map Location

    Location

    Blackpool

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