Arch Studio 5 - Leicester Textiles Hub
Project Brief
The project investigates development of an industrial island in Leicester, with the aim of revitalising the site to a welcoming hub of activity across the river soar, and functioning to connect the two postcodes on each side of the river, separated due to a lack of river crossings. The client for the project was to be the Leicester Textiles Hub physical presence, as a place to support designers and workers in the industry, as well as provide a space to showcase and celebrate the diverse talent Leicestershire's textile industry gives way to.
St Mary's Mill Leicester - Site Plan
Proposal Masterplan - Leicester Textiles Hub
Design Concept
The driving idea behind the textiles hub was to create a place that connected communities, providing a social hub on the island sat between two residential sites, Aylestone and Braunstone. The site also provides easy access to the Aylestone Nature reserve to the South of the site, and access to the city centre following the river North.
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The Textiles hub and Bridge concepts were programmatically combined to accommodate workshops, marketplaces, catwalks and pedestrian and cyclist access. With reuse of demolished material playing an important role in the development, the access to the bridge is decorated with brick planters from the demolished empty industrial units to transform the industrial car park to a welcoming place to observe wildlife, go on riverside walks and take a break from the busy centre of Leicester.
Concept Aerial Render
