"great yarmouth, a new pier pleasure pier with a true sense of place" 1st draft

1 Great Yarmouth|Britannia Pier Development

“Great Yarmouth, A New

Pleasure Pier With A True Sense of Place”

Course: Postgraduate Diplomas In Architecture

Module Reference: PROFX 2.2 Module Title: Building Context and Proposal, “The Proposal Booklet”

December 2009

“Submitted in Accordance with the

Requirements for the Postgraduate Diplomas in Architecture:

Context and Proposal”

“Leeds Metropolitan University, Faculty of Arts and Society, School

Of Architecture and Design”

David Marc Drew

Figure 1: Photograph of End of Pier (www.flickr.co.uk)


Contents Page 00 Introduction

Holiday Traditions Traditional Piers European Piers

01 Great Yarmouth Location Context/Nodes Transport Historic Developments Environment Two Main Industries Proposed Future Summary

02 Tourism- „Golden Mile‟ Photo Survey South Photo Survey Central Photo Survey North

03 Britannia Pier, The Site Location Existing Pier Existing Context Existing Site Plan Site Sections Elevations Pier History Design Factors + Limitations

04 The Brief Narrative Accommodation Schedule + Relationships Quality

05 Research + Design Issues Evolution Traditional Pier Contemporary Pier Proposed Pier Summary

Figure 2: Photograph of Great Yarmouth Beach (Great Yarmouth 2009 Tourism Brochure)


Introduction This report is the background studies booklet for the thesis design project in Graduate Diplomas in Architecture. The project will concentrate on the failing seaside town of Great Yarmouth. I grew up in the seaside town and I have a deep understanding of the place. This project is an emotional and academic response to a deprived town which is in desperate need of change for the visiting community and the local community living in the town. This document will study the town, the sites context followed by the site location. As a result of studying the town and its context a brief will be proposed to tackle the problems of the failing town. The following is an introduction into traditional British seaside resorts.


“As demand for the old spa towns

increased (Bath, Tunbridge Wells,)

it became more attractive to go

elsewhere to relax, and after the

1750 publication by Dr. Russell

promoting the uses of sea water in

the treatment of diseases of the

Glands, the gentility travelled to

the seaside, in search of the new

fashion.” (Blackall Books, P62, 2001)

This became the birth of British

seaside resorts.

0.01 British Holiday Traditions

In 1750 a medical publication by Dr Russell was written reporting the remedial affects of the seaside. This report led the way for the increasing popularity of seaside towns with the upper class Victorians flocking to the resorts. The modernisation of public transport and the railways brought ease of access to the working class to visit the seaside promoting the further development of the seaside towns as destinations for health, well-being, thrills and entertainment. Seaside resorts became very successful from the late 1800. The British seaside was symbolised by its pleasure piers and at one time almost 100 piers existed in the UK. The success of the seaside resorts came to a dramatic stop when World War I started. The World War managed to break down the social order allowing even more people to flock to seaside towns. World War II ground the tourist industry to a second dramatic halt. After World War II the seaside tourism industry never reached its previous heights. Introduction of the car, economy holidays abroad and freedom of choice further demised the seaside resorts in the late 1900s.

Figure 3: View Of Britannia Pier (Teun, Michael

1885)

Figure 4: View of Rows (Teun,

Michael 1935)

Figure 5: Great Yarmouth Beach 1950’s (http://www.ourgreatyarmouth.org.uk)

Figure 6: Great Yarmouth Beach 1950’s

(http://www.ourgreatyarmouth.org.uk)


“A most interesting walk, as the

cool refreshing sea breeze is

equally enjoyed here, as they are

at sea.” Guide to Great Yarmouth

1817. This Jetty became the first

development representing a

pleasure pier in Great Yarmouth.

0.02 Traditional Piers

Initially pleasure piers were built to allow paddle steamers to dock at

seaside resorts to transport tourists. However the popularity of the pier in Victorian times as a means of pleasure to walk over the sea rose dramatically and the pier became a symbol of Victorian seaside architecture. Piers can be categorized into three main groups: - fishing, working and

pleasure piers. However these three groups constantly overlap. For instance, people could fish off a pleasure pier or a working pier may have been transformed into a

pleasure pier. Pleasure piers often include other faculties such as amusement arcades

and theatres as part of the attraction. A pier may be open air, closed, partly open or partly closed. Sometimes a pier had two decks. Piers started as wooden structures with iron structures then being introduced in the late 1900s. In recent times there has been the introduction of

concrete pillars.

Figure 7: The Jetty 1950’s


Figure 8: Brighton Pier (http://www.piers.org.uk/)

Figure 9: Cromer Pier (http://www.piers.org.uk/)

Figure 10: Boscombe Pier (http://www.piers.org.uk/)


“The Bath Houses was erected

near the Jetty in 1759. It had two of

sea water, one for the ladies and

one for the gentlemen, the water

was pumped from the sea by horse-

mill.” (Blackall Books, P59, 2001)

Swimming pools were still situated on

the seafront up until the 1980s when

they were replaced to build an indoor

swimming pool, The Marina Centre.

0.03 European Piers

Traditional seaside towns in the UK were developed as spa towns, towns for relaxing, health and fitness. This still exists in many German, Dutch and Polish towns in Europe. Piers traditionally promote promenading and typical seaside games. Piers in Europe also promote swimming in the sea either off the beach or off the end of the pier. This creates a traditional form of entertainment and also improves the sense of place of the pier.

Figure 11: The Swimming Pool


Figure 12: Traditional Pier Games

Figure 13: Kastrup Sea Bath (http://www.archdaily.com)

Figure 14: Heringsdorf Pier (http://www.archdaily.com)


“The seaside piers around the

coast of Britain stand as a

powerful reminder of the

achievements of Victorian

engineers and entrepreneurs. At

the turn of the last century, almost

a hundred piers existed.” (http://www.piers.org.uk/)

0.04 Definitions

Pier/p (r);NAmEp r/noun 1 a long structure built in the sea and joined to the land at one end, often with places of entertainment on it: After lunch, the family went for a walk along the pier (Oxford Dictionary)

Pa•vil•ion /p v li n/ noun 2 a temporary building used at public events and exhibitions: the US pavilion at the Trade Fair 4 a building that is meant to be more beautiful than useful, built as a shelter in a park or used for concerts and dances: his first show at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Blackpool (Oxford Dictionary)

Figure 15: Brighton West Pier Fire

(http://images.google.co.uk/imgres)

Figure 16: Urban Splash Shortlist for Birnbeck Pier (http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3101978)


01 Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is a coastal town located in the county of Norfolk. It is situated 30km from the city of Norwich and 18km north of the town of Lowestoft. Great Yarmouth was initially a herring town in the historic harbour but is now predominately a seaside tourist town with an offshore engineering base for North Sea Oil.

“

“

Figure 17: Great Yarmouth Aerial Photo (www.portworld.com/news/2007/05/67977)


1.01 Great Yarmouth Location

Great Yarmouth‟s River Yare connects directly to Braden Water

which acts as a gateway to the Norfolk Broads. The Norfolk Broads

area is a unique picturesque water way ideal for recreation and

holiday vacations.

Great Yarmouth is formed on a spit with the River Yare entering the North Sea at the point of the spit. The town is surrounded by the North Sea to the east and the inland historic harbour to the west. Currently there are two bridges crossing the River Yare to the northern end of the town. Great Yarmouth is prosperous for its seaside location, significant maritime history and its close proximity to the Norfolk Broads. However the „Golden Mile‟ seafront relies solely on „Kiss Me Quick Attraction‟ to provide its focal point as a tourist industry.

Figure 18: Great Yarmouth Connection to Norwich and the Broads

(http://www.icenibrundall.co.uk/InAndAround.htm)

Figure 19-21: Indication of Great Yarmouth Location (http://www.googleearth.co.uk)

Figure 22: Great Yarmouth Location (http://www.googleearth.co.uk)


1.02 Great Yarmouth Context

Sketch

(Please see appendix 1 for tourist map of Great

Yarmouth)

Figure 22: My Own Context Sketch of Great Yarmouth


1.03 Great Yarmouth Context

Figure 23: Photograph Of Maritime Festival

(www.bbc.co.uk/.../lord_nelson_250_feature.sh

tml)


1.04 Great Yarmouth Transport

Figure 24: Photograph of Great Yarmouth Bus

Station (www.flickr.co.uk)


1.04 Site Location Photos

Figure 25: Photograph of Great Yarmouth historic harbour (www.flickr.co.uk)

Figure 26: Photograph of Great Yarmouth outer harbour (www.flickr.co.uk)

Figure 27-28: Nelson monument and outer harbour (www.flickr.co.uk)

Figure 29: Photograph of Scroby sand wind farm (www.flickr.co.uk)

Figure 30-32: Photograph of Great Yarmouth

seafront (www.flickr.co.uk)


1.05 Historic Developments

Figure 33-37: Historical Images (Hedges, Boon,

Meers 2001)

Figure 38: The jetty after the battle of

Copenhagen and Lord Nelsons arrival back.

(Hedges, Boon, Meers 2001)


Figure 39-43: Historical Images (Hedges, Boon,

Meers 2001)

Figure 44: My photo Great Yarmouth seafront

today. 30/08/09


1.06 Environment

In 1953 devastating floods surged the

east coast killing 307 in the region

and 10 people in Great Yarmouth.

The floods were so harmful because

no warnings were available.

In 2006 Great Yarmouth was flooded

4 times by heavy storms and coastal

flooding.

In 2007 the town was threatened by

similar events of 1953 when tidal

surge combined with high tides

endangered the town with wide

spread flooding.

The town was evacuated but

fortunately the water levels were

lower than initially predicted and only

minor flooding occurred.

In recent years Great Yarmouth has

seen the potential damage the

environment could cause on the town.

Figure 45 +45: Environment Flood Maps (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/)

Figure 46-48: Photographs From 2007

(http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/)


1.07 The Two Main Industries

1.07 The Two Main Industries

The Tourism Industry

Draws in 1.3 million staying visitors a year and 3.7 million

day visitors.

Number of Hotels: 87

Total number of beds in hotels, hostels and B&B‟s: 5,465

Total number of caravan pitches: 10,379.

Problems:

o Only a small number of holiday makers stay for 7

days or more in the town centre.

o Visitors stay out of the town centre in holiday

parks, potentially spending their money in

neighbouring villages.

The Oil/Engineering Industry

The new outer harbour provides more opportunities for

engineering and construction of green industry projects.

Problems:

o If oil stocks are due to expire the town will be

dependent on one main industry.

o There has already been a transition with green

industry engineering taking over some sectors.

There are two dominant industries in Great Yarmouth, the tourism sector and the offshore oil industry. The tourism industry features in two main

areas: - the maritime history around the South Quay in the harbour and seaside tourism along the seafront.

Great Yarmouth as an offshore oil base which provides oil rig servicing, maintenance, travelling workers and engineering. The centre for the

offshore oil base in Great Yarmouth is south of the maritime centre in the harbour.

Figure 49-50: Photographs of the seafront (http://www.panoramio.com/photo)

Figure 51-52: Photographs of the seafront (http://www.panoramio.com/photo)


(Please see appendix 2 for details of the First East

Master Plan.)

1.08 The Proposed Future Great Yarmouth

The 1st East Development Company was set up to transform the towns of Great

Yarmouth and Lowestoft. “1st East is one of 19 Urban Regeneration Companies

(URC) in England. It has been set up to transform the brown field and waterfront

areas of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. URC’s are mainly in big cities like Liverpool

and Sheffield. Getting this status is a major achievement for Lowestoft and Great

Yarmouth.” (www.1steast.co.uk.) The company will help stimulate investment in Great

Yarmouth in both public and private investment in a 20 year plan.

The project for Great Yarmouth focuses around the harbour and South Denes Area.

A new outer harbour has recently been developed off the South Dennes (the point of

the spit.) The outer harbour will allow larger vessels to dock in Great Yarmouth

providing greater flexibility and opportunities for commercial and industrial

companies. This proposal will allow the industrial companies situated in the historic

harbour to move to the vacant area in South Denes taking advantage of the close

proximity of the new outer harbour.

The brown field land left over will be redeveloped creating a unique harbour with a

mixture of office spaces, 2,000 new homes and 2,000 new jobs. The proposal plan is

to create a vibrant town which is positive to work, live and visit providing business

growth and future development in environmental economy on land and offshore. So

far in Great Yarmouth 1st East have implemented the following projects:-

1- £16.3m - inteGREAT an investment designed to improve the special

characteristics and features of Great Yarmouth town centre, the heritage and

seafront areas. St George's Park in Great Yarmouth is currently undergoing a

£2.1 million transformation.

2- £50 million - Eastport UK Construction of Great Yarmouth‟s outer harbour, set

to play a pivotal role in the future development of the UK's offshore industry.

3- £18.5 million – The extension of Market Gates shopping centre by Miller

Developments.

Figure 53-54: Proposed new developments

(http://www.1steast.co.uk)

Figure 55: Master plan of proposed developments (http://www.1steast.co.uk)


1.08 Great Yarmouth Summary

1.07 Great Yarmouth Summary

1st East plans will benefit the town‟s economy, local businesses and local people

living in the town. The inland harbour will be revitalised expanding on the unique

maritime history with a new vibrant place to live and work.

My project will work with 1st East development proposals and its ideals but will focus

in a different area which needs equal regeneration. 1st East are concentrating their

efforts around the inland harbour, my project will focus on the „Golden Mile‟ the

seafront. Great Yarmouth seafront relies on attractions along its promenade to entice

tourists to visit the seaside town. No major new developments have happened along

the sea front in the last 20 years and the attractions are outdated and „tacky‟ hence

the constant declining tourist industry.

The proposal will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the seafront and the

regeneration of the whole town. The projects will symbolise the future direction that

the town is moving in and will become a new focal point for the town. To achieve this,

a new contemporary pier will be proposed. A pier is a symbol of traditional Victorian

seaside resorts, but a new contemporary pier in Great Yarmouth will be a symbol of

the town‟s future.

Figure 56: Proposed Southend Pier (http://www.archidaily.co.uk)

Figure 57: Scroby Wind Farm (http://www.panoramio.com/photo)

Figure 58: Sea Bath Denmark (http://www.archidaily.co.uk)

Figure 60: Sea Bath Denmark

(http://www.archidaily.co.uk)

Figure 59: Margate Regeneration Project

(http://www.archidaily.co.uk)


A pier is a symbol of traditional Victorian

seaside resorts, but a new contemporary

pier in Great Yarmouth will be a symbol of

the town‟s future………..


02 Tourism- “The Golden Mile”

The “Golden Mile” is the main centre for tourism in Great Yarmouth. The “Golden Mile” has been divided into three sections to study the context further. Studying these areas will also provide information to decide the most appropriate site to develop a new pier along the seafront front.

“

“

Figure 61: Aerial Indicating Three Sections of

the Sea Front (www.googleearth.com)


2.01 South Section „Golden

Mile‟

The South Beach is the furthest

section away from the transport

centre and struggles in this sense.

Current attractions in the area are

Miniature Model Village, Crazy Golf,

The Big Wheel and the Great

Yarmouth Pleasure Beach. A

planning application was granted for

a proposed casino, cinemas,

restaurants, and a hotel in the

indicated location.

Figure 62: Aerial Location (www.googleearth.com)


If the third river crossing is proposed

(as indicated on 1st East master

plan) this will create a direct access

to the southern section of the „golden

mile‟ providing greater connectivity

and potential for future development.



2.02 Central Section

„Golden Mile‟

The Central Beach consists of the

two major centres, the Swimming

Leisure Marina Complex and the

towering mixed use Atlantis

Complex. The Hippodrome Circus is

famous and the historic Jetty is

currently closed for health and safety

reasons.



Other attractions are a Butterfly

Centre, Sealife Centre and recently

redeveloped Wellington Pier. The

dashed blue line on the diagram

below indicates a piece of land which

the council owns (buildings too) and

have advertised to clients for

potential redevelopment.



2.03 North Section „Golden

Mile

The North section of the „Golden

Mile‟ is home to several attractions

including the Britannia Pier, Pirates

Cove Mini Golf and Hollywood

Cinema.



Further up the beach there are the

Waterways. Landscaping of this area

has recently been improved creating

a new focal area at the bottom of

Regents Road immediately in front of

Britannia Pier.



03 Britannia Pier, The Site

The Britannia Pier location has been

chosen as the site for a new contemporary pier.

The existing pier is outdated and doesn‟t work

functionally or economically. The pier provides a

perfect opportunity to be redeveloped.

The site is also ideally located with the

pedestrian Regents Road naturally sloping

towards Britannia Pier and the seafront. This

dynamic route creates visual links from the town

centre to the seaside and provides the perfect

location to develop a pier as a catalyst for future

regeneration of the town.

“

“

Figure 101: (1) View down Regents Road (www.greatyarmouth.co.uk)


3.01 Location within Great

Yarmouth

Regent Road is a pedestrian road

naturally sloping east to the seafront

and Britannia Pier. The road

connects directly from the town

centre and bus station and it takes

just 5 minutes to walk down.

Upon arrival on Marine Parade you

are faced directly with Britannia Pier.

A new landscaping project along the

seafront has created a new urban

space between Regent Road,

Britannia Pier, the Hollywood

Cinema and Joy land.

The new urban space indicates the

start of the „Golden Mile‟ and the

Hollywood Cinema with its

decorative façade signifying the end

point. Also connecting off the urban

space is the Longbar Complex,

Great Yarmouth Bowls Club and Joy

Land. Within this location are many

hotels and B&B‟s.

Site Location

Britannia Pier

Regents Road

Historic

Harbour Marina

Centre

Atlantis

Arena

Great Yarmouth

Town Centre

Figure 102: Site Location Map (www.googleearth.com)

Figure 103: Britannia Pier Entrance (my own photo 25/08/09)


3.02 Existing Pier

Upon arrival at the shore head of

Britannia Pier the immediate

entrance is not clear. Pier Tavern

Public House, the entrance to an

amusement arcade and several

food outlets are located on the

entrance façade. The entrance to

the pier is through a narrow

passage to the right.

Once passed through the passage

you arrive on the pier deck

stretching out over the sand.

Several sideshows and

arcades fill the main

promenade allowing only a small

area to promenade to the pier

pavilion.

Site Location

Hollywood

Cinema

Long Bar

Complex

Regents

Road

Joy land

Great

Yarmouth

Bowls Club

Landscaped

Area

Figure 104: Britannia Pier deck looking

towards entrance (my own photo

25/08/09)

Figure 105: Aerial view of Britannia Pier

(http://www.panoramio.com/photo)


The box office and the entrance to the

theatre are immediately visible on the

front of pier pavilion.

Following the path on the south side

of the pier around the pavilion brings

you to the Long John‟s Show Bar and

the Family Café at the end of the

pavilion. At the end of the pier is a

small funfair for young children

followed by a viewing platform at the

very end of the pier.

Currently the pier extends out to sea

only at high tide. When the first pier

was developed in 1858 the depth of

Great Yarmouth beach was only

approximately 20m but over the past

150 years long shore drift from north

Norfolk has caused the beach to

extend. Soon Great Yarmouth will

have three piers of which none will

extend out to sea.

Marine Parade

Figure 106: Satellite view of Britannia Pier

(http://www.googleearth.com)

Figure 106: Britannia Theatre Entrance

(http://www.panoramio.com/photo)


3.03 Existing Context

Figure 107-110: SketchUp model renders (my

own 10/10/09)

Figure 108

Figure 109

Figure 110


Figure 111-114: SketchUp model renders (my

own 10/10/09)

Figure 111

Figure 113

Figure 112


3.04 Existing Site Plan

Current Facilities: 7100m2 +

760m2 basements Front of Pier Pier Tavern Public House 270m2, Café 225m2, Food Stalls 170m2, Basement Arcade 400m2, Joy Land Central Pier Game Side Shows 350m2 + 560M2 End of Pier Britannia Pier Theatre 1065m2, Long John‟s Show Bar 365m2, Family Café 160m2, Fun Fair 1500m2, Lookout Point

Figure 115: (2) Entrance to pier (my own

25/09/09)

Figure 116: (3) Entrance to pier (my own

25/09/09)

Figure 117: (4) Pier deck (my own 25/09/09)

Figure 118: (5) Theatre (www.flickr.com)

Figure 119: (6) Showbar Entrance (my own

25/09/09)

Figure 120: (7) vie of pier from south (my own

25/09/09)


3.05 Site Photo Mood Board

“The forth pavilion was

built in 1958 and called

the Britannia Pier

Theatre. Its appearance

was described as “a giant

shed, which must be the

ugliest pavilion in

England.” This pavilion

still stands today.” Great

Yarmouth Council, (1995) P43

Figure 121: Series of photo’s in a collage of

Britannia Pier. (My own photos, www.flickr.co.uk,

www.panoramic.photo.co.uk)


3.06 Site Sections and

Britannia Pier

Elevations

Regents Road slopes 5 metres from the town centre at its highest point and Marine

Parade at its lowest point. Upon reaching Marina Parade and the new Urban Square the

entrance to the existing Britannia Pier is slightly elevated from the road rising 1 metre. The

piers deck extends out over the beach and sea at the same level.

A

B C


A

B C

At point (A) where the sea wall and path runs parallel to the beach a set of stairs rises

from the path to connect to the pier deck. This is approximately 3.50m high. At Point (B)

the start of the pavilion the pier deck is approximately 5.5m from the beach a second stair

connects the pier deck to the beach. At the end of the pier at point (C) the pier deck is

approximately 8.00m from the beach level and the lookout point is 4.50m from the beach.


3.07 Britannia Pier History

Figure 122-125: Historic images of Britannia

Pier through its development. (Great

Yarmouth Council, 1995)


Figure 126-130: Historic images of Britannia

Pier through its development. (Great Yarmouth

Council, 1995)


3.08 Design Factors + Site

Limitations

Design Factors

1. Revitalise the Britannia Pier.

2. Maximise the Regents Road dynamic route.

3. New focal entrance attracting people from town centre and

down Regents Road.

4. Signifies the start of the seafront and „Golden Mile.‟

5. Extend the town over the sea.

6. Reconnect with the sea and encourage greater use of the

beach.

7. Potential for a good connection with urban square.

8. Create a link with the Norfolk Broad‟s

Limitation

1. The pier extends from west to east with active frontages

predominantly facing south whereas the north face goes unused due

to lack of sunlight.

2. Very close proximity to Joy land at the pier head.

3. Traffic on Marine Parade is very busy and has a negative effect on

urban space.

4. The North Sea is not very clean.

The site has a few limitations. The contextual constraints are mainly around

the pier head. The only limitations on the future promenade and pavilion are

brief restricted. They have no site constraints except for the sand and the

sea.

Figure 131: My own image showing site

constraints, (01/12/09)


3.09 Britannia Pier Summary

Current Pier Problems-

Poor choice and standard of facilities.

Poor planning and circulation of public spaces.

Pier is a series of individual buildings connected by a pier deck.

Orientation means only the south side of the deck is ever used.

Aesthetically unappealing as a pier and focal point for the town.

Existing structure is costly to repair and maintain.

The pier is only a viable business in the summer season and in good weather

conditions.

Facilities on the pier provide small income.

Pier barely goes out to sea.

The site has so much potential but the pier does not deliver.

The Britannia Pier site is a perfect location to develop a new contemporary pier in Great

Yarmouth. The current Britannia Pier pavilion is aesthetically a shadow of its former Victorian

glory and does not work functionally or economically in the present day.

The site has a wonderful integrated relationship with the town. When the town started to

develop outside its original walled boundaries in 1750 and into a seaside town, a series of

dynamic routes from the town centre to the seafront were created. One of these routes was

Regents Road. Today the pedestrian Regents Road is the main route from the town centre

providing a wonderful integrated relationship with the seafront and the start of the „Golden Mile.‟

The current Britannia Pier does not maximise this potential and fails in its planning, faculties

and appearance which a new contemporary design could provide.

Figure 132: My own image showing Britannia

Pier (01/12/09)

Figure 133: Map showing Great Yarmouth

development and Regent Road (Hedges,

Boon, Meers (2001 Blackwell)


This site offers the potential for a new contemporary

pier to be a focal point for the seafront and a

catalyst for future regeneration of the town………..


04 The Brief

“You get a different view of the world from

there, an escape on the water. Everyone

loves a pier. So you‟ve got a guaranteed

audience right from the start. What more

does a developer want?” (The Times, 19/07/09

P20)

Figure 134: Image of the first Britannia Pier Pavilion (www.ourgreatyarmouth.org.uk)


4.01 Great Yarmouth Defined

Great Yarmouth is a town originally started because of rich herring stocks, but in Victorian times was transformed into a seaside tourist town. Today Great Yarmouth is a deprived seaside tourist town with a second main industry based on North Sea oil. Great Yarmouth benefits from its close proximity to the Norfolk broad‟s but fails in its aged, tacky seaside attractions and its desperate requirement for private investment and stimulus. Suburban villages provide a good sense of community which the town centre lacks.

Great Yarmouth Positives

Location to the Broads

1st East Harbour Master Plan for future

Outer harbour development

Historical & maritime heritage

Wind turbines Negatives

Declined fishing industry

No commercial industry

No private investment in tourist trade

Declining tourist trade

Poor sense of place

Deprived seaside town

Poor opinion of the town

Seasonal town

Flooding problems

North Sea oil industry dependency (due to be depleted)

Links to Norwich

Budget tourist resort??

Victorian Architecture

Potential connections to Europe through outer

harbour.

Figure 135: Photo from Britannia Pier which typical shows the character of the

pier (my own photo 25/09/09)

Figure 136: Photo off the lookout point.

(My own photo 25/09/09)


4.02 Narrative- “Great Yarmouth, a pleasure pier with a true sense of place”

“This project will concentrate on the failing seaside town of Great Yarmouth. It will look at regenerating the town through the development of a new contemporary pier as a catalyst for future development. The proposal will address the context issues of the town as well as long term financial sustainability of current pier designs.”

Design Issues

01 Context

Combat town‟s poverty.

Revitalise the town to make it a great place to live, work and play.

Create an attractive environment and market for private investment.

Encourage the tourism industry to develop into the 21st century.

Encourage development in offshore energy, environment economy and environment engineering/construction.

Develop environment education in the town.

02 The Brief

Financial sustainability problems of current Victorian pier designs.

Create a pavilion which is equal to its grand past.

Develop a pier which functions all year round.

Create a pier which does not rely on good weather.

Structural problems of piers in the UK.

What is a contemporary pier?

What does a contemporary pier do?

How does a contemporary pier provide modern sense of place for the town?

Figure 137: Photo of arcade signage.

(www.flickr.co.uk)

Figure 138: Off shore wind farm

(www.flickr.co.uk)


4.03 Great Yarmouth Redefined- Proposed Facilities

The new pier will be a vision of Great Yarmouth‟s future. It will incorporate traditional facilities of seaside pleasure piers (pier theatre, pier bar, restaurants and cafes) with other industrial sectors to create a more sustainable all year round pier. This pier will include environment offices promoting the town‟s future ambitions as an important base for wind farm construction and environmental engineering. This will promote the town‟s commercial office potential and create positive sociological link between the two dominate industries in the town. Incorporating both these industries in one pier will create a financial sustainable pier all year round, promote both industries in the town, and create a link between tourism pleasure, environmental engineering and environmental education in a prominent location and building type. Facilities will be shared throughout the buildings. The theatre could be used as conferencing facility for the green industries during off season months. Residential units will also be incorporated into the scheme to extend the community from the town centre and promote Great Yarmouth as a good place to live. The pier will be a vision of Great Yarmouth‟s regenerated future as a town which is exciting to live and work in and to visit.

Major Accommodation Areas

Residential units.

Traditional pier accommodation. (Pier theatre, games, shops, cafes and bars.) + Tourism Information.

Commercial environment offices.

Figure 139: Britannia Pier at

sunset (www.flickr.co.uk)

Figure 140: Design section

through theatre (my own

drawing)


4.04 Schedule of Accommodation- Pier head

Pier Head Status Room Statement Size

001 Tourist Information Centre

Private Office Administration and secure finance office.

N/A

Public Reception/Counter

Reception counters for information and counter to sell books and souvenirs.

N/A

Lobby + Retail Space

Entrance and waiting space for information. Small retail space selling books and souvenirs.

N/A

Storage Small storage space for back stock.

N/A

002 Cafe Public Dining Space

Series of cafes opening out onto the new landscaped square. Informal dining space for snacks, quick meals and drinks.

N/A

Kitchen/ Servery

Small kitchen come servery for quick meals and drinks.

N/A

Storage Small storage space for back stock.

N/A

Toilet Depending on size of café, a series of unisex disabled toilets.

N/A

003 Shops Public Retail Space+ Counter

Could link with the tourist information space. Small retail space for souvenirs.

N/A

Storage Small storage space for back stock

N/A

Figure 142: Punta Umbria Pavilion (www.archidaily.co.uk)

Figure 141: Space relationship diagram (my own drawing)


4.06 Schedule of Accommodation Residential

End of Pier/ Promenade

Status Room Statement Size

003 Residential

Private Residential Units

Series of mixed units mainly catering for families and couples.

N/A

Living Room + Kitchen

Open plan living dining space with access to external private/communal space.

N/A

Snug For family units, private space for adults.

N/A

Bedroom Mixture of single and double rooms depending on the size of the unit.

N/A

Toilet+ Bathroom

Joint toilet and bathroom. For the larger units separate rooms.

N/A

End of Pier/ Promenade


Storage Adequate sized storage. N/A

Office Separate office space. N/A

Hall Linking space reception for units. Required for fire regulations.

N/A

Public Lobby Communal lobby space for social interaction between families. Provides access to units. May have access to communal outside space.

N/A

Figure 144: Bedzed development (www.archidaily.co.uk)



4.04 Schedule of Accommodation- Theatre End of Pier


001 Theatre

Public Atrium Foyer

Waiting and queuing area before and after the performance. Could be atrium for offices and residential as well.

N/A

Box office Selling and collecting of tickets for performances. Normally a night time box office and a daytime box office. Machines could be used for collection of tickets.

N/A

Toilets Public female, male and disabled toilets. Could cater for the whole public area of the building.

N/A

Cloak Room

Space available to deposit coats and bags. Could be a man cloak room or a series of lockers.

48m2

Auditorium 1200 seat auditorium replacing the existing Britannia Pier Theatre. Theatre to be able to accommodate musical performances and conferences. Maximum distance from stage to seat of 24m

1200 seats

Stage Capable of holding a musical performance. Plus side stage.

N/A

Fly Tower Two and a half times the height of the proscenium with a ventilation gap and a smoke stack.

N/A

End of Pier


Technical Lighting Control Room

A room enclosed centrally at the rear of the auditorium with unrestricted view of the performance space. Sound proofed and with a window.

12m2

Dimmer Room

Should be placed with easy access from either the control room or the stage.

6m2

Sound Control Room

Position within the auditorium with uninterrupted view of the performance space and can hear the performance.

12m2

Sound Mixing Position

Mixing amplified sound, requires a position to hear the same sound as the audience.

4m2

Electrical Rooms

Medium voltage room, low voltage room, battery room, and transformer cells

N/A

Managers Room

Office manager and touring manager rooms

10m2 each

End of Pier


Stage Related Spaces

Quick Change Room

Immediately off the stage for quick change between acts. Two makeup positions and a hanging rail.

N/A

Properties Room

A store room opening directly off the side stage for use during performances.

N/A

Scene Dock

For storage of scenery and has a loading bay for deliveries.

N/A

Equipment Room

For lighting and sound equipment. Direct access off the side stage. Sometimes two separate rooms.

N/A


End of Pier


Performer Spaces

Dressing Rooms

Single dressing rooms, 4 person dressing rooms and communal dressing room. All with table and chair, mirror, storage and showers.

N/A

Make Up Room

Space for specialist to apply makeup.

10m2

Practice Room

Space of actors and singers to warm up and practice before performance.

15m2

Green Room

Essentially a canteen and relaxing space with a kitchen and server.

N/A

Costume Storage

Large warehouse room to store costumes

N/A

Toilets Private toilets for performance and backstage personnel.

Administration Offices Offices for conductor and director. 10m2 each


Figure 146: St Petersburg Dance Theatre (www.archidaily.co.uk)


4.05 Schedule of Accommodation Environment Offices

End of Pier


002 Environment Offices

Private Reception Reception atrium or foyer will be part of the main building. May require a small waiting/reception area before entering offices.

N/A

Office Open plan with acoustic screens. If naturally ventilated, maximum depth of 7.5m single opening façade. 15m for a double opening façade.

N/A

Meeting Dedicated meeting rooms to fit the demand of the occupants. Size depending on the number of uses. Provide a mixture of sizes.

N/A

Canteen Depending on the size of the offices, could be just a small kitchen or a full kitchen, servery and eating space.

Storage Storage for office supplies. N/A

Toilets Toilets for male and female users. Could be independent toilets for offices or combined with toilets for whole building.

N/A

External space

External space for recreation and socialising.

N/A


Figure 148: Office in Preston (http://www.inhabitat.com)


4.06 Functional Areas+

Relationship to Site

The immediate response to the functional areas in relation to the

site is to create a pier head which is a tourist information centre.

This would be ideally located at the pier head as the Britannia

Pier signifies the start of the „Golden mile‟ and Regents Road is

the main access from the town centre. Also located in this area

would be several cafes creating an active frontage drawing in

passes by. The cafes could also open out into the new urban

space.

The original concept of the pier promenade will be transformed

into a new living promenade with residential units and recreation

space. Traditional qualities of promenading over the sea will be

promoted.

The end of pier will consist of traditional facilities which exist on

the current pier. These will be 1200 person theatre, shops,

restaurants and game shows. Also included on the end of pier will

be environment offices. These will create a second function to the

end of pier and will provide revenue throughout the whole year in

office spaces and conferencing.

Figure 149: Function area on site (my own drawing 02/12/09)


4.07 Quality To Be Achieved

The quality of the project will have to meet the aspiration of the CABE and the „Sea Change‟

programme.

“Many seaside resorts have experienced declining economic circumstances as a result of

changes in tourism and issues relating to housing and transport. We believe that public

investment in cultural projects and public spaces can give a huge kick start to local

regeneration” (http://www.cabe.org.uk/sea-change/about 10/12/09)

Sea change develops cultural projects to complement and enhance existing regeneration

plans. Sea change targets seaside resorts to:-

Improve the quality of life for residents.

Attract new and more visitors.

Restructure the economy.

This is exactly what this development project wants to achieve, it is a new cultural pier

complementing 1st East‟s regeneration plans and improving the economy of the town for people

to live work and visit.

CABE and „Sea Change‟ would be a perfect organisation to set as standards of quality for the

design proposal. „Sea Change‟ would be a desirable route to explore for financial support so

following their high standards would be a minimum.

„Sea Change‟ also is in partnership with the following organisations:-

Arts Council England BIG Lottery Fund Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment English Heritage Heritage Lottery Fund Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Regional Development Agencies

Figure 150: Blackpool Seafront

(http://www.cabe.org.uk/seachange)

Figure 151: New sea wall seats

(http://www.cabe.org.uk/seachange)

Figure 152:Blackpool Seafront Cultural space

(http:// www.cabe.org.uk/seachange)

Blackpool: An example of

sea change funding.

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/

http://www.cabe.org.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

http://www.hlf.org.uk/english

http://www.mla.gov.uk/

http://www.englandsrdas.com/


05 Pier Research and Design Issues

“What is a modern pleasure pier, and what does

it do?”

Piers I have visited:

The three piers in Great Yarmouth

The two piers in Lowestoft

The three piers in Blackpool

Cromer

Southworld pier

Figure 131: Proposal image for Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare (wwww.archidaily.co.uk)


5.01 Evolution of the Pier

1. The Docking Pier

Initial piers were built to allow paddle steams to dock at the town and transport

passengers to seaside towns for vacations (many initial piers were built by the

paddle steamer companies.) The Victorian visitors fell in love with the pier for

another reason, the pleasant strolls along the pier out to sea. The pier

transformed from an object of transport to a vital seaside attraction.

2. The Pavilion

As opportunities arose and demands for attractions increased piers changed to

meet the demand. New piers were built with elaborate entrances and grand

pavilions showcasing musical and theatrical performances whilst aesthetically

symbolising seaside town‟s with iconic buildings.

3. The Pavilion With Thrills

As the working class visited seaside towns the piers changed to meet the new

demands for thrills and excitement. Piers often added sideshows and stalls to

the promenade to entertain the new customer but also to increase revenue and

pay for the expensive maintenance costs of the structures. This congested

promenade destroyed the romantic journey of strolling along the pier. In many

cases promenades became clustered with so many objects which caused

circulation issues.

4. The Thrills With No Pavilion

Many piers developed to have as many entraining objects on them as possible.

This maximised revenue but destroyed the architectural spaces, experience and

design thus creating piers which were not iconic symbols of seaside resorts and

did not bring tourists back to the resort a second time. This transformed the pier

from an enjoyable space and beautiful walks over sand and sea to piers of

cheap thrills and mediocre statements of seaside resorts.

5. The Rejuvenated Pier

In recent times pleasure piers have been rejuvenated to attract new visitors to

seaside resorts. Many are simple architectural statements, some are modern

interpretations of the traditional pavilion and some try to push the boundaries to

try and create new iconic symbols for seaside resorts.


5.02 Traditional Piers

Brighton Pier (Palace Pier):- “Symbol of Brighton‟s Cosmopolitan Town”

Brighton Pier was built in 1899 consisting of a theatre which replaced the chain pier.

In 1986 the theatre was replaced with fairground rides and an amusement arcades.

The piers name unofficially changed in 2000 to Brighton Pier.

Both piers are closely located to the town and the transport networks and reflect the

cosmopolitan feel of the town. The pier is a focal image of Brighton.

Clevedon Pier- “The Pier Which Symbolizes the Industrial Revolution”

Clevedon pier is the only pier in the UK which is grade 1 listed. The pier was

constructed in 1869 from iron and is a symbol of the industrial revolution. The pier

initially was used by paddle steamers to create a fast route to South Wales. Today

Clevedon pier is successful for its heritage, unique location and what it offers to the

local community.


5.03 Contemporary Piers

Schevenigen Pier- “The New Dutch Pier”

In the Second World War the original pavilion was used by the Germans and destroyed during

the war. The pier was rebuilt in 1961 and lasted until 1900. In 1991 the pier was taken over by

the government and a new project was launched to create a pier which symbolized the town.

The new pier consists of a restaurant, casino, café, shopping, child amusements, multipurpose

space and thrill rides.

Southport Pier- “The Pier Which the Council Nearly Demolished”

Southport pier was constructed in 1860 and is the second longest pier in the UK. It was

considered to be the first pleasure pier as it did not just cater for pleasure steamers but

entertainment too. In 1990 the council applied for permission to demolish the pier because it

was in financial trouble but the application failed.

The pier has recently been refurbished in 2002. Phase one is complete with the building of the

structure and the pavilion. Phase two will reinstate the tram, lighting and furniture. The new

pavilion is like a museum to traditional penny slot machines. A cafe is also located.


5.04 Proposed Piers

Weston-super-Mare- “The new pier currently being built”

This is the proposal for Weston-super-Mare‟s Grand Pier which was sadly burnt down in 2008

and an architectural competition was constructed to design a new pier. This is the winning entry

by Angus Meek. This design is attempting to resemble the past building in a modern way. In

terms of this thesis project this proposal only reinvents the past and doesn‟t challenge design of

the pier for the future. See appendix ……for details of the losing proposal which did challenge

concepts of piers by attempting to conceptually change the pavilion design to create more

enjoyable spaces.

Atomikarchitecture- “Winners of 21st century pier design competition”

“The Atomik Pier has been judged the most realistic, sustainable and potentially successful

design for a modern pier as part of BURA’s 21st Century Pier competition. The design

incorporates a strong visual identity whilst offering flexible use of space and sympathetic

connections within its environment.” (http://www.dezeen.com/2007/10/10/atomikarchitecture-wins-21st-

century-pier-competition/ 10/10/07)

In terms of this thesis project this conceptual ideas challenges the idea of what should be

located on the end of the pier.


5.05 Summary of Research

The original pier was an evolution of a docking jetty. The pier extended directly out into the sea

from point A (the pier head) to point B (the end of pier.) Over time buildings and objects have

been added to piers for entertainment and revenue, sometimes losing the enjoyment of location

and space.

Future piers in design terms need to reconnect with the initial love of piers, the enjoyment of

appreciating nature and the seaside. A pier is a poetic journey of travelling from land to connect

with the sea, this journey should be celebrated externally and internally with enjoyable

architectural space. In recent times we have seen future proposals addressing the design

issues of the end of pier, what it should be and what should be on it. Equal consideration needs

to be focused on the promenade.

A pier has the potential to create:-

A strong visual identity

A strong sense of place for the town

A strong link to nature

A great cultural destination

6.0 Conclusion + Summary

To conclude this report this project will regenerate Great Yarmouth providing a catalyst for

regeneration along the seafront and 1st East town development plans for the future. The

proposed design will be a symbol of the town‟s future whilst addressing design issues of

current pier designs. The proposed pier will change the poor opinion of Great Yarmouth held by

local people, visitors and investors by creating a new sense of place for the town and an

improved future.


6.1 Bibliography

1. Page 4- “As demand for the old spa towns increased (Bath, Tunbridge Wells,) it became

more attractive to go elsewhere to relax, and after the 1750 publication by Dr. Russell

promoting the uses of sea water in the treatment of diseases of the Glands, the gentility

travelled to the seaside, in search of the new fashion.” (A.A.C Hedges, Michael Boon

and Frank Meeres (2001) YARMOUTH is an antient Town, Blackall Books P62)

2. Page 5- “A most interesting walk, as the cool refreshing sea breezes which are equally

enjoyed here, as they are at sea.” (A.A.C Hedges, Michael Boon and Frank Meeres

(2001) YARMOUTH is an antient Town, Blackall Books P64)

3. Page 6- “The Bath Houses was erected near the Jetty in 1759. It had two of sea water,

one for the ladies and one for the gentlemen, the water was pumped from the sea by

horse-mill.” l(A.A.C Hedges, Michael Boon and Frank Meeres (2001) YARMOUTH is an

antient Town, Blackall Books P59)

4. Page 7- Pier/p (r);NAmEp r/noun A long structure built in the sea and joined to the

land at one end, often with places of entertainment on it: After lunch, the family went for

a walk along the pier (http://www.oup.com/oald-bin/web_getald7index1a.pl 13/11/09)

5. Page 7- Pa•vil•ion /p v li n/ noun

2 a temporary building used at public events and exhibitions: the US pavilion at the

Trade Fair

4 a building that is meant to be more beautiful than useful, built as a shelter in a park or

used for concerts and dances: his first show at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Blackpool

(http://www.oup.com/oald-bin/web_getald7index1a.pl 13/1109)

6. Page 7- “The seaside piers around the coast of Britain stand as a powerful reminder of

the achievements of Victorian engineers and entrepreneurs. At the turn of the last

century, almost a hundred piers existed.” (http://www.piers.org.uk/ 25/11/09

7. Page 18- “1st East is one of 19 Urban Regeneration Companies (URC) in England. It

has been set up to transform the brown field and waterfront areas of Lowestoft and

Great Yarmouth. URC’s are mainly in big cities like Liverpool and Sheffield. Getting this

status is a major achievement for Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.”

(http://www.1steast.co.uk 19/09/09)

8. Page 35- “The forth pavilion was built in 1958 and called the Britannia Pier Theatre. Its

appearance was described as “a giant shed, which must be the ugliest pavilion in

England.” This pavilion still stands today.”

9. Page 44- “You get a different view of the world from there, an escape on the water.

Everyone loves a pier. So you’ve got a guaranteed audience right from the start. What

more does a developer want?” (Tom Dyckhoff, (19/07/08) The National Piers Society:

will Britain's new plans all end in piers? The Times.

10. Page 54- “Many seaside resorts have experienced declining economic circumstances as

a result of changes in tourism and issues relating to housing and transport. We believe

that public investment in cultural projects and public spaces can give a huge kick start to

local regeneration” (http://www.cabe.org.uk/sea-change/about 10/12/09)

11. Page 59- “The Atomik Pier has been judged the most realistic, sustainable and

potentially successful design for a modern pier as part of BURA’s 21st Century Pier

competition. The design incorporates a strong visual identity whilst offering flexible use

of space and sympathetic connections within its environment.”

(http://www.dezeen.com/2007/10/10/atomikarchitecture-wins-21st-century-pier-

competition/ 10/10/07)


6.1 References

Books

1. A.A.C Hedges, Michael Boon and Frank Meeres (2001) YARMOUTH is an antient

Town, Blackall Books.

2. Michael Teun (1995) Great Yarmouth in Old Photographs, Alan Sutton Publishing

Limited.

3. Diana Hanson (1995) Yarmouth Archaeology 1995, A Journal of Archaeology and

Local History Great Yarmouth Council

Newspapers

1. Great Yarmouth Mercury

Internet Sources

1. http://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk

2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk

3. http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/easterncounties

4. http://www.piers.org.uk/

5. http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk

6. http://www.nelson-museum.co.uk/

7. http://www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

8. http://www.ourgreatyarmouth.org.uk

9. http://www.archdaily.com

10. http://www.panoramio.com/photo

11. http://www.1steast.co.uk

12. http://www.dezeen.com

"great yarmouth, a new pier pleasure pier with a true sense of place" 1st draft

Documents

pier summary figure

new pleasure pier

failing town

deprived town

building context

pleasure piers

sites context

thesis design project