Evaluation
The distance of the seafront from the town centre isolates it from the main activity areas. However, although the brief for rejuvenation of the central promenade did not extend to addressing pedestrian links between the two, the resulting scheme has breathed new life into this once 'shabby' and utilitarian promenade, creating an attractive destination and helping visitors and residents to enjoy the seafront. On-street parking is available along Marine Drive, and Eastgate car park lies directly opposite the new café. A local bus route also stops along Marine Drive. The designers have addressed the potential conflict between Marine Drive and the promenade by sinking the garden spaces below the level of the road and constructing a granite wall to from an effective boundary, which screens the line of parked cars.
The scheme provides a variety of spaces of different scales, from the open and exposed linear promenade, to the more intimate, enclosed and sheltered 'groyne gardens'. The facilities also cater well for all age groups and provide opportunities for both active and passive pursuits. The space appeared to be well used and observed activities included; people eating lunch; parents and grandparents walking along the promenade, enjoying cups of tea in the café or sitting in the sheltered garden spaces; young children playing hide and seek, climbing on the walls or chasing each other across the grass mounds. Although cycling is discouraged, older children were using the space to ride their bikes and practice stunts, an activity that did not appear to be causing a great deal of conflict with other users or damage to the facilities. This sustained, year round activity has resulted in the new café opening throughout the winter months extending the seasonal opening times originally planned.
The concept and design for the promenade drew heavily on the landscape of the local coastline characterised by longshore drift and a series of existing groynes which create a distinctive rhythm along the beach. This is clearly translated in the layout of the promenade and the dramatic views along the coast, available from the crows nest look-out points, allow the visitor to see this relationship of forms. Whilst not entirely original, this 'coastal concept' and other more general use of nautical imagery, in materials and detailing, does help to establish an identity.
A series of timber framed boards provide interesting information on the geography of Hornsea, tidal patterns and other area of local nature and wildlife interest.
In spite of the careful selection of materials to cope with the harsh coastal environment, the resin bound gravel is cracking in some areas, and the marine grade stainless steel used for signage and the balustrade is showing signs of discoloration. The extensive use of low granite walls serves a number of functions such as the sub division of space the provision of a sheltered microclimate (clearly to the benefit of the well established planting) and for use as informal seating. However, the light coloured jointing poorly contrasts with the deep grey granite blocks.
The beach huts are underused which the designers blame on the high rental charges, though this may be a result of their relative isolated location. The level change between the promenade and the sea is also at its most severe at this point.
Overall the project has created an inviting public space that appears to be popular with visitors and local residents, and the scheme won the top award for design at the North West Landscape Institute 75th Anniversary Awards.
