Rathgael

Rathgael is a small community situated to the south of Bangor town. Northern Ireland. The site was originally used as a juvenile justice centre and has been derelict for many years. The site area is approximately 18 hectares and is zoned for residential development. Our brief required us to review the existing outline planning consent for the site and prepare a new master plan for a resubmission of an outline application to the planning department. This new plan would demonstrated that a clearer understanding of the site and knowledge of its constrains and opportunities, together with a more imaginative design layout would increase the density of the development but also make provision for a new sustainable community that would grow for future years. The new plan is created around the concept of two linked squares and a central boulevard connection to the lakeside.

Rathgael

This new street pattern, together with the destination space at a waterside esplanade is a direct reference to the original street pattern of old Bangor town. A shift away from car use is supported by the scale, location and intensity of uses of the design. Connectivity is promoted by walking and cycle ways that are integrated within a hierarchy of streets and open spaces.
These open public places such as squares, esplanades and boulevards provide an opportunity for character areas within the master plan. The buildings are designed to be at a human scale and their orientation acknowledges the sun lighting of the streets and private gardens area’s. The context of the site has been respected and the plan has been carefully integrated with the existing topography and landscape. The lake and its wildlife will be protected from development, and a network of walks allows pedestrian access to this sanctuary.

Rathgael

Credits

Master plan
Bangor, Ireland.
2007-2008

Client: McGinnis Group
Gross floor Area: 70,000m²
Architect: Guido MacLellan
at Cooper Cromar
Structural Engineer: Arup
Contractor: McGinnis Developments
CGI: Cooper Cromar