Greenock’s Oak Mall puts on a sail to draw shoppers
October 9 2018
Comprehensive Design Architects have been brought on board by M&M Asset Management to oversee a contraction in the footprint of Greenock’s Oak Mall in response to a retail downturn and repeated leaks from the A78 road which passes directly over a portion of the site.
Proposed works would seal off the area under the roadway with hoarding, allowing a new setback entrance to be created below the roadway while refurbishment works take place.
This will also allow a daylight ‘slot’ to be carved out, defined by a new plain brick façade and signage with a protruding ‘sail’ element offers a glazed rooflight entrance for shoppers.
Outlining their proposals CDA wrote: “High quality urban realm is proposed to lead pedestrians towards the new entrance, highlighted by illuminated signage, visible from both the approach from Dalrymple Street and Hunters Place, and also from the vehicular approach from the A78 above.
“The ‘sail’ form of the overhanging glazed rooflight references the existing Dalrymple Street entrance, while protecting customers from the elements, and maximising visibility.”
Future phasing could include mixed use developments connecting Clyde Square to the new entrance.
Future phasing could create pedestrian links below the A78
|
4 Comments
I fear the high street is contracting quicker than they can draw up plans.
Very poor plan with a terrible new entrance layout -- Unit 14 has to go if they want to do it right. The plans show that Poundworld is the tenant so it would not be missed.
The A78 is part of the problem -- putting it on stilts does not help in the town centre.
Plus if Greenock has an issue with a lack of flat ground to build on they why do they have so much surface level parking and why don't they spend some money on some serious land reclamation?
Surely the local private sector would love some government help?
However the whole situation points to warped priorities with the current public sector investment work stream.
Auld Reekie Tourist bridge to nowhere = Pass.
NE road network on steroids / call it a bypass = Pass.
Pavement repairs as an economic strategy = Pass
Ayrshire / Tail of the Bank = Crumbs and warm words.
The road network needs to be transformed -- simple upgrades in places plus a total rebuild in others.
Bit of comedy / whimsical architecture would help the whole town.
However not a cheap cut and paste but a bit of quality.
Chevaline design vibe:
If you cant make the decoy look like the target.
Make the target look like the decoy.
Post your comments
Back to October 2018
Like us on Facebook
Become a fan and share
