Warrington Design Code

Year | 2024

Location | Warrington, Cheshire

Client | Warrington Borough Council

From temporary structures to a lasting community space, this project envisions a pavilion that supports art, ecology, heritage and inclusivity while embodying the rich culture and spirit of Sheffield.

Briefing and Research

The Warrington Design Code Live Project aims to develop, test and appraise methods for a combined strategy towards engagement and baseline analysis in three wards in Warrington: Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, and Latchford West. The project focuses on working collaboratively with Warrington Borough Council (WBC) to investigate strategies that will inform a future Design Code in the Borough, addressing specific qualities and characteristics, needs and challenges to help guide sustainable development.

Ward Engagements

93 residents participated in on line surveys, in-person structured sessions and pop-up workshops. Online surveys collected quantitative data from a broad audience, while in-person events and workshops facilitated open, qualitative discussions.

Each engagement method was evaluated and refined in an iterative approach to ensure effectiveness and responsiveness to community feedback, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership among residents in shaping the design code for their areas.

Baseline Study

9 case study typologies were analysed as part of an initial baseline study that covered the three focus wards. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis covered aspects such as locaI and heritage character, density, form and spatial coherence and aspects of specific architectural interest. Example documentation and accompanying resources detail the scalable, replicable and accessible methods required to further develop a comprehensive baseline assessment.

Client Outputs

The accompanying How-to guide, Handbook and initial Baseline Analysis document will prime WBC for future investment in a Baseline Study. These deliverables will support the procurement and future adoption of local policy, marking a foundational step in shaping area-specific Design Codes for Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, and Latchford West.

“The Live Project team worked efficiently to seamlessly integrate into the Council for the duration of the project. The team were professional, diligent and reactive to a challenging and changing political context, navigating this to undertake new, meaningful engagement with residents.”

Mark Stancombe, Client Contact, Architect and Urban Designer - Warrington Borough Council

Credits

Student Team: 

Rebekah Garner, Jade Taylor, Freddie Robinson, Yifan Chen, James Gardner, Lucy Doble, Elizabeth Clarke, Onoseta Felix Ilemhenbhio, Luca Philo, Ricardo Rodrigues, Pei-jun Chen

Mentor:

John Sampson and Sam Brown