As an integral element in the regeneration of the Harbour area, emphasis was placed on creating a townscape comprising a variety of public urban spaces including squares, arcades, streets and a spectacular waterfront promenade rich with activity. This was achieved by the arrangement of leisure boxes and retail streets, with the active waterfront as the backdrop.
Robust materiality is essential in this maritime environment, whilst also reflecting the heritage of this important historic naval heritage. The waterfront food and beverage frontage is inspired by Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with the oversailing roof and columns reminiscent of the masts and sails of the famous tall ships that regularly frequent the quay.
The Gunwharf Quays scheme includes a combination of 15,550sqm retail space, including 65 designer outlets, and 21,370sqm leisure, including cinema, bowlplex, casino, nightclub comedy club and 20 restaurants and bars, 3,800sqm of offices and underground parking for 1,500 cars. It has become one of the most successful outlet shopping venues in the country and a key asset within Landsec’s portfolio.
The public ‘town’ square provides a defensible space that hosts a wide variety of events and activities that complement the surrounding retail and leisure uses, extending dwell time and experiential shopping in the process.
The proposal seeks to respond to the iconic nature of the adjacent Spinnaker Tower, whilst also being reflective of the contextual nautical environs through its form and materiality.
