32-36 High Street
Retail Redevelopment
ERMC provided the regeneration proposal for the redevelopment of retail premises at nos. 32-36 High Street within the historic centre of Newport, Isle of Wight. This building occupies a key location in the oldest part of the town, with commercial frontages on both the High Street and the pedestrianised St Thomas Square. Enjoying high visibility within the urban landscape, the site is within short walking distance from the local landmarks of the Guildhall and St James Square, making it an ideal subject for developing new strategies for commercial and social regeneration as part of the HSHAZ (High Street Heritage Action Zone) for Newport.
This project seeks to positively contribute to the Newport Town Centre Conservation Area by presenting meaningful development proposals that both maximise the building’s potential as a functional element of the Newport landscape, and utilise a consistent methodology for regeneration that could be transferred and adapted to similar sites throughout the island’s historic commercial areas. Our proposals have been developed through a combination of site-specific research of the historical evolution of the building and its setting alongside our broader knowledge of commercial architectural heritage and the related design principles.
Public realm improvements
A triangular space is formed between the building, St Thomas’s church and the pedestrianised roadway, this is a substantial open space with a mature tree, and is ideal for public seating or furniture associated with the new commercial outlets.
By placing additional planters and soft landscaping, the space can be framed and presented as a social meeting space, and could support modest temporary events such as art markets or food stalls.
Outdoor commercial use
This public space adjacent to the site is less defined than the eastern section, and whilst offering less usable space it nonetheless enjoys more direct sunlight and public visibility due to its south-facing aspect across the wider frontage of St Thomas’s church. The pedestrian flow into and around the Square from both ends of the building requires a coherent vision for public realm improvements that is consistent across the whole rear elevation to create a desirable social space.
This sketch depicts a possible commercial focused use of this area involving outdoor dining and occasional events such as a food festival that could complement the commercial aspect of the reuse proposals.
