Glasgow | Pacific Quay | News & Developments

[maccoinnich]

I'm sure there used to be a thread about Pacific Quay once upon a time, but no more. Anyway, article in today's Mayday! Mayday!:

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com...?id=1818522005

article
Angry box-watchers attack Auntie's 'eyesore'

EDDIE BARNES
POLITICAL EDITOR

TO SOME, it is a classic example of neo-minimalist architecture at its finest. To others it is a giant, ugly, glass brick plonked next door to some of the finest modern buildings in Scotland.

As arguments over the cost and aesthetics of the new Scottish Parliament continue to rage, another costly public building is polarising opinions.

The controversy revolves around the £129m BBC Scotland HQ on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow, which is the latest development in the city's massive river regeneration scheme.

The new building will replace the BBC's current home in Glasgow's West End, where staffers at the Corporation have worked since the 1930s.

Award-winning architects David Chipperfield won the competition to design the building. The firm's previous work includes the acclaimed River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames and the new Figge Art Museum in Iowa.

But to some eyes, the firm's latest efforts in Glasgow have not matched up to expectations. The building is a brutally simple, predominantly grey, rectangular metal and glass box which rises sheer from the banks of the Clyde.

It sits in stark contrast to the adventurous - and widely admired - designs of the adjacent Science Centre and the SECC 'Armadillo' across the river. Architects in Scotland are now lining up to attack the building, describing it as "ugly", "ordinary" and "boring".

Peter Wilson, director of the Manifesto Foundation for Architecture at Napier University, said: "For most people they will just look at it and say: 'Why? Why did we end up with this?' It is interesting in so far as showing what Chipperfield set out to do, which was to create some sense of transparency. But for anyone other than architects it is underwhelming. This a classic example of a particular type of architecture that only certain types of architects appreciate."

Another architect who asked not to be named added: "The specialness of the building is on the inside, we are told. Lets hope so. Basically, it is a square box. Most people think it is very boring."

Charlie Sutherland, of Edinburgh-based Sutherland and Hussey, said: "For the headquarters of the BBC, it needs to be something special, not just an ordinary office building. I think there is an obligation on a public body to do something special. This has been treated a bit like a private development and that is a bit unfortunate."

But the architects and the BBC have launched a vigorous defence of their design. The firm said they deliberately chose a "pragmatic" shape, believing that the dramatic riverside location did not require an extravagant design. They also point out that the simple shape helps to accommodate the warren of recording studios required within the building.

Martin Ebert, the project architect at David Chipperfield, said: "We wanted to make a very simple statement on the river. We didn't believe that this location required a very extravagant shape. It requires a clear and clean statement that has enough power to sit alongside the other buildings, such as the Science Centre and the Armadillo."

He added: "Those buildings try to be more expressive with their shape, but we felt that this was not required in this case. We believed a big crystalline box was the answer."

Ebert said that the firm also envisaged a "transparent" building which would encourage members of the public to visit it, and added that architects also had the Clyde's shipbuilding past in mind. "We wanted to make a building that is very simple and pays tribute to the industrial character of the site."

A spokeswoman for the BBC said: "It was about form and function. We believe it is a stunning building which will meet the requirements we need as a broadcaster."

Of the criticism, she added: "If it is stimulating debate then that is fantastic."

She also highlighted the internal design of the building which puts the broadcasting studios at its heart - a factor which has impressed BBC chiefs.

Other architects in Scotland also hit back at the criticism, praising the design.

Stuart MacDonald, director of the Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, said: "I think it is a really, really nice building and I think we should have more of them. David Chipperfield is one of the best UK architects working currently and I think it is a really elegant and beautifully proportioned building."

The BBC will not move into the new building until 2007.

Have to say, I'm inclined to agree. Haven't seen it up close as yet, but from the train-line and photos I've seen, it's a little uninspiring. Incidentally using glass as a metaphor for openness and transparency rarely works, and was first used by Mussolini.

But who is this Peter Wilson guy? The Napier Manifesto for Architecture? They include quotes in the SOS/Scotsman/Evening News from him concerning anything architectural, particularly Holyrood. Do Barclay House have him on speed dial?

Any recent photos anyone?

[M_Riaz]

Thanks for Putting up this PQ thread up maccoinnich i lost my REGENERATION thread by the Hacker which had various images of BBC and proposed PQ developments on it.


These are other designs which were refused by the BBC before they opted for the Glass Box



Hopefully the Internal Section will compensate for the Blandness of the External, i'm so disapointed in that box



Proposals of paths from Underground stations and river traffic routes for PQ



SMG's New Headquarters @ PQ.

More external life than the BBC's.

[aland]

Well, I'm no supporter of the glass box but it's a considered building.

............you can argue about it's appropriatness but it is architecture. The SMG building simply is not, you could find something similar in every business park in the UK.

[gothicform]

i think we should be asking more if it is an appropiate design for the type of building it is - the headquarters of scotlands national broadcaster as alan says could be found in every business park. should we really expect dumbed down value engineered glass boxes for what should be landmark prestige projects?

[maccoinnich]

Yeah, well, SMG is so banal it's easy not to even say anything about it. BBC has at least enough about it to generate discussion. The internal section looks like it will be fantastic, and I think he's achieved a very clever arrangement of spaces, in the way that the different studios are slotted into the box. The facade just has too little going on to be interesting though. Are they still going ahead with having a glass artist do etchings onto the facade?

Pacific Quay as a whole seems like it could be interesting, but is simply too much like a businesses park. Once people are there it might give a lease of life to Festival Park though, which I hear is permanently empty.

[Vladimir V L]

That is true, we are talking about it, think of all the buildings that are forgotten...

[resistme]

The internal design MIGHT be interesting, but from a on-lookers point of view, it is very bland, especially from the river surrounded by ultra-modern non-rectangular designs; then again the simplicity of it, might give it character - provided the the building is cleverly illuminated at night.

[M_Riaz]

I think once this building is up and running it will then be fully appreciated..also once the Graven Images Project has been put in place it is supposed to set off its true internal lighting features, there was rumor of a plan for a BBC shop and coffee bar that which the Public could Gain Access from the new public Square being created adjacent to the entrance of the building but i dont know it this will come to fruit, a BBC shop would be brilliant as the ones in London,Birmingham and Manchester ones do Extremely well in selling merchandise.

SMG also has a Cafe' Bar planned for the public to gain Access with a new public Square being created also.

[M_Riaz]

Most recent Masterplan of Pacific Quay

L:\Cmtserv\DEV&REGEN\PARENT\MEETINGS\Meetings 2005\2804\item 22.doc
Glasgow City Council
Development and Regeneration Committee
Report by Director of Development and Regeneration Services
Contact: Blair Greenock Ext: 76028
Implementation of City Plan: Pacific Quay Masterplan
Purpose of Report:
To advise Committee of the Pacific Quay stakeholders masterplan proposals for the site and its
adjoining hinterland.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that Committee notes:
(i) the background to the recent project review together with the main issues and
opportunities and the key urban design principles outlined in the revised masterplan;
(ii) that the proposed masterplan layout is intended as an indicative framework for future
development of the overall Pacific Quay site,
(iii) that detailed land use planning, design, environmental, transportation and flooding issues
will require to be satisfactorily addressed at the detailed planning application stage(s).
(iv) that further reports on the proposed implementation of the masterplan will be presented to
Committee in due course.
Ward No(s): Citywide: ��
Local member(s) advised: Yes No Consulted: Yes No
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Any Ordnance Survey mapping included within this Report is provided by Glasgow City Council under licence from the
Ordnance Survey in order to fulfil its public function to make available Council-held public domain information. Persons
viewing this mapping should contact Ordnance Survey Copyright for advice where they wish to licence Ordnance Survey
mapping/map data for their own use. The OS web site can be found at <http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk> " If accessing
this Report via the Internet, please note that any mapping is for illustrative purposes only and is not true to any marked
scale.
L:\Cmtserv\DEV&REGEN\PARENT\MEETINGS\Meetings 2005\2804\item 22.doc
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 A revised masterplan intended as an indicative framework for the future development of
Pacific Quay has been submitted by Gareth Hoskins Architects, on behalf of the Pacific
Stakeholders Group. This replaces proposals from a previous masterplan which is now
considered inappropriate given the wider regeneration now under way along the River
Corridor. The current, and former, proposals are shown on the display board.
1.2 The Masterplan includes land and developments associated with the City Council,
Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, BBC Scotland, Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific Quay
Developments Ltd and The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC)
collectively known as the Stakeholders’ Group. Although consideration of Govan Graving
Docks did not form part of this exercise, being the subject of a separate report to
Committee, connectivity between the two areas and the future use of the Canting Basin,
as represented by the current City Dock proposals, have been fully examined and taken
account of.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1 Between January and April 2005, stakeholders participated in a series of urban design
workshops facilitated by the Council and architects commissioned by BCC Scotland.
With both the BBC and STV developments now under construction, and having regard to
the emerging developments proposals for the Canting Basin and the remaining
developable land east of Govan Road, a major review of the issues and opportunities
surrounding current developments was considered desirable. The aim was to ensure a
cohesive approach to the regeneration of Pacific Quay aimed at creating a satisfactory
‘sense of place’ (display boards 3 and 4).
2.2 Key issues that were addressed by the stakeholders at the workshops included:
• links through the site, eg Festival Park to Govan Town Hall and from the Pacific Quay
Development site east of Govan Road to the Canting Basin, as well as those to Bells
Bridge and the Millennium Bridge;
• links beyond the site including those to the SECC, and to public transport such as
LRT/pre-LRT and Cessnock Underground;
• pedestrian and traffic movement through the site, the role of Pacific Drive and the
access arrangements from this;
• the creation of a multi-level car park. The intention being this would operate as a
shared facility and would facilitate more intense development of the site;
• the opening up of the east side of the Canting Basin to the public and the creation of
a space for the Science Centre for spill out activities to the south of its building and
adjacent to the Basin;
• the requirement to accommodate an electricity sub-station on the site;
• the role of Millennium Square between the BBC and the Science Centre and the
treatment of this area and the Clyde Walkway;
• the desirability or otherwise of development in and around Festival Park.
L:\Cmtserv\DEV&REGEN\PARENT\MEETINGS\Meetings 2005\2804\item 22.doc
2.3 The purpose of the workshop sessions was to develop a masterplan which reflected the
individual aspirations of the stakeholders, but at the same time capitalise on the overall
development potential of the Pacific Quay site at large and its established linkages with
SECC and the Rivers North Bank. Connectivity with the area's existing public transport
network was also identified as an important theme with improved links to Cessnock
Underground a key objective. The resultant masterplan and the associated 3D
representations (see boards 1 & 5) provides an indicative urban design framework for a
mix of uses including business, commercial, local retail, residential, hotel, multi level car
park plus associated, open space and structural landscaping.
2.4 In particular, the layout reflects Scottish Enterprise Glasgow’s proposals for the
establishment of a Digital Media Quarter (DMQ) at the heart of the Canting Basin that will
form a centre of excellence and a dynamic focus for the creative industries in Glasgow
and Scotland and the consolidation of Pacific Quay Development’s river-side business
park development and its emerging proposals for mixed development on vacant land east
of Govan Road. At a more detailed level, the masterplan serves to illustrate:
• stronger links to Pacific Quay / SECC and Cessnock Underground Station;
• improved access and circulation around the Canting Basin, including a new public
square to the south of the Science Centre;
• greater interaction between the Millennium Square and adjoining buildings;
• development footprints designed to achieve greater street containment, legibility and
urbanity along Govan Road;
• improved access to and enhancement of Festival Park and the establishment of a
hierarchy of key view corridors and route ways that exploit established landmark
buildings and established route ways including Bells and Millennium Bridges,
reinforcing direct connections to LRT / pre-LRT proposed on the north bank;
• the Canting Basin as a focus of marine and other water based activities.
2.5 Key to exploiting the opportunities identified by the masterplan was the rationalisation of
existing surface car parking spread across the Pacific Quay site and the construction of
an associated multi-storey cark park capable of accommodating approximately
1,200 spaces. The potential of the City Council developing this facility and funding this
development through the Prudential Framework is being considered. It is envisaged that
such a facility would serve Pacific Quay and the immediate surrounding area.
3. THE MASTERPLAN
3.1 The following five key principles have been identified by the architects as underpinning
the revised masterplan:
• establishing a protected public space at the eastern edge of the canting basin,
designed as a focus for Pacific Quay as a whole;
• improving linkages to surrounding areas, including forming new direct route to
Cessnock Street Underground Station;
• establishing clear east-west corridors across the Pacific Quay area, including from
Festival Park to Govan Town Hall;
L:\Cmtserv\DEV&REGEN\PARENT\MEETINGS\Meetings 2005\2804\item 22.doc
• reducing land take for car parking by investigating options for a multi-storey car park;
• permitting denser development and possibly wider mix of uses on sites effectively
released by the rationalisation of car parking.
3.2 In order to the achieve the broad urban design aspirations of urbanity, mixed use and
connectivity reflected by the five key principles outlined above, there are a number of
detailed considerations that require further development and agreement between the
stakeholders, these include:
• agreement of parking numbers and charging mechanisms between stakeholders and
Glasgow City Council to ascertain viability of construction and operation of multistorey
car park within the Pacific Quay site. Agreement of land / ownership details
between stakeholders and the Council to make land available for construction of car
park;
• assessment of newly proposed development at the heart of site and at the western
end of Festival Park, in terms of density, demand uses, ownership and boundaries;
• assessment of electricity sub-station requirements and agreement as to its location
within the overall site;
• assessment of usage / amenity of Canting Basin (marina, etc), means of bridging
river entry to basin to complete pedestrian circuit, and need / demand for control of
water level within basin (ie lock gates);
• development of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow’s plans for south side of Canting Basin,
particularly in relation to density / definition of built edge along north of Pacific Drive.
Development of SEG site in relation to newly proposed speculative development
along eastern edge of their site;
• investigation of ownership and acquisition of sites to enable formation of new route
through to Cessnock Underground / Paisley Road West;
• investigation of phasing of stakeholder sites and support development such as car
parking and retail facilities and any temporary facilities / access / parking required
during construction periods;
• development of a more detailed plan / set of drawings setting out shared routes,
public spaces, infrastructure and building zones in more detail.
4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 While the masterplan indicates a range of uses, a disposition of buildings forms and
public realm hierarchy, including environmental works to Festival Park, a variety of
building heights and massing, matters such as these would be fully explored at the
detailed design stage, where individual buildings and components would be assessed in
terms of Council and national policies, including the City Plan and River Design
Framework. The loss of open space, provision of suitable amenity space, car parking
and servicing provision, refuse storage and uplift, in addition to day lighting and privacy
standards
L:\Cmtserv\DEV&REGEN\PARENT\MEETINGS\Meetings 2005\2804\item 22.doc
4.2 Council should not at this stage approve such details as siting, density, height, built form,
environmental and infrastructure works, as these all have to be individually, or in
transport terms, collectively assessed. Detailed applications for the whole or constituent
parts of the site (including a phased approach to be agreed with the Council where
necessary) will be supported by Environmental Audit(s), Transport Assessment(s), Flood
Risk Assessment(s), and Design Statement(s) to allow the eventual scheme to be
properly assessed.
4.3 In view of the varied developer interests reflected in the revised masterplan layout and
their contrasting time frames for project implementation, which includes a live planning
application for the former Garden Festival Site East of Govan Road and the new
headquarter developments for BBC Scotland and STV, both now under construction, it is
recommended that Committee notes:
(i) the background to the recent project review together with the main issues and
opportunities and the key urban design principles outlined in the revised
masterplan;
(ii) that the proposed masterplan layout is intended as an indicative framework for
future development of the overall Pacific Quay site,
(iii) that detailed land use planning, design, environmental, transportation and flooding
issues will require to be satisfactorily addressed at the detailed planning application
stage(s);
(iv) that further reports on the proposed implementation of the masterplan will be
presented to Committee in due course.
Development and Regeneration Services
BG
21 April 2005

[Jimbob]

"The specialness of the building is on the inside, we are told. Lets hope so. Basically, it is a square box. Most people think it is very boring."

So basically you have to go into the building to appreciate it? I doubt any random will just be allowed to walk in and marvel at the interior.
It shouldnt have been allowed planning permission. They should have built it somewhere else, theve just wasted prime space..for something that could have been taller and more imaginitive.

[The Boy David]

Originally Posted by Jimbob

"The specialness of the building is on the inside, we are told. Lets hope so. Basically, it is a square box. Most people think it is very boring."

So basically you have to go into the building to appreciate it? I doubt any random will just be allowed to walk in and marvel at the interior.
It shouldnt have been allowed planning permission. They should have built it somewhere else, theve just wasted prime space..for something that could have been taller and more imaginitive.

Wait til' its finished jimbob - ive got a sneaky suspicion that the facade that we can see now is just a protective covering - I think this is still going to look pretty smart.

Especially on a cold winters night - the light coming from it will look stunning - of that I'm sure.

Give it time....

[gorgu]

I agree, I think when it is lit up it will look fantastic, all you doubting thomas' out there (did I just use a religious term there, jesus, there i go again, he he) might be pleasently surprised!

[gorgu]

Oh and SMG is Keich!

He He living in Sydney I have ot used that word in ages he he god I am in a good mood this morning religious quote number three he he.

Should stop putting vodka on my cornflakes

[The Boy David]

Originally Posted by gorgu

Oh and SMG is Keich!

He He living in Sydney I have ot used that word in ages he he god I am in a good mood this morning religious quote number three he he.

Should stop putting vodka on my cornflakes

Must be some strong vodka

Didnt know you were living in Sydney - you like?

[gleegie]

To look at BBC now I see scant evidence of any remarkable architectural metamorphosis, which it clearly needs if it's to approach being decent. if anything it's getting worse with sheds and clutter sprouting round back. Could plant have gone in a basement? Wouldn't titanium cladding gel with the rest of the complex? or indeed could some (any) attempt at visual interest have been made?

We have a background building in a foreground site.

[crusty_bint]

Totally agree with you Gleegie in regards to a background building (ie architectural wood-chip wallpaper). Its a big glass shoe-box, nothing else! Who of us will have the opportunity or desire to see the inside of this building? Sure it may have its merits; but in this location? It blocks one of the most accessable views in Glasgow: the Science Centre from the Kingston Bridge. It just sits there like a big cubic, overly rational, value engineered (I don't care what you say), anadine, shiny, shite baggy turd! It turns it's back on Glasgow and as I result I turn my back on it. At least SMG had the decency to keep thier poxy design relegated to the shadows of the South Rotunda.

[M_Riaz]

I agree with you both wholeheartedly Crusty & Gleegie, it saddens me to think that we have got to look at this box day in day out when there could have been a better design picked with more life on the outside.

Could plant have gone in a basement?

Of couse it could have gone in the basement most of the other designs did have basement parking like this one from Mecanoo Architechts of Germany,
it also has the same exterior lines as chippys but more life with its jutted roofline and balconized top floors for staff relaxing quarters..i also feel there is a more relaxed view of this design, very easy on the eye when passing it from all angles of PQ.. at the moment when driving towards it on Pacific Drive all you see is the Ancilary building obscuring all views of the main box.

Very disappionted

[crusty_bint]

It is very dissapointing Mo, this project could have been so special; a once in a (wot?) three generation treat! Look at the treatment Queen Maragaret Drive had in its day, ffs even AlanD's "Dark Lord himslef" had a shot on it! Today we are imposed with glass curtain walling masquerading as purity of design with a big grey arse-cheek flashing itself to the city centre ...who are they tryin to kid? I wonder if it was a pre-requisite that it had to look shiny for the daft bastards that bought houses in Glasgow Harbour PhaseI?

Tiz a real shame, a total missed opportunity for Glasgow and the BBC.

[gorgu]

Sorry David I only look every few days unfortunately, work is just too busy these days, well I really love Sydney in terms of lifestyle, beauty, freedom of movement, warmth and being able to get a ticket to go to the rugger / footie / cricket.

Didn't have Vodka this morning!

I miss Glasgow because of the atmosphere, banter, history and architecture, oh and cos all of my mates and family live near there (I am from Helensburgh and went to Strathclyde uni), but you makes your choices in life and mine has taken me over here!

[maccoinnich]

From the Scotsman:

http://business.scotsman.com/media.cfm?id=2080862005

BBC's HQ up for sale at £12m

FERGUS SHEPPARD
MEDIA CORRESPONDENT

BBC Scotland's historic Glasgow headquarters, based on a prime site in the city's West End, is going on the market with an estimated value of more than £12 million.

Broadcasting House at Queen Margaret Drive has been home to the corporation since 1936. It sits on a 5.3 acre plot next door to the Botanic Gardens. The BBC is selling the site in preparation for its 2007 move to a new flagship building at Pacific Quay in Glasgow.

A number of buildings house BBC Scotland's newsroom, broadcast studios and administrative offices at Queen Margaret Drive, but two 19th century buildings form the centrepiece of the development.

North Park House was built in 1869 as a country mansion and private gallery for the brothers John and Matthew Bell, who owned the Glasgow Pottery at Port Dundas. In 1884, it was bought by Queen Margaret College, the first college for women in Scotland, which started building Britain's first women's medical school on the site.

The historic buildings fall in the Glasgow West Conservation Area and are category-B listed, which would restrict developers to converting them to residential use. Drew Oswald, at the Glasgow office of estate agents Knight Frank, said: "It is very strong location, although the presence of listed buildings means it's not as straightforward as a new-build site. We would estimate it at being worth more than £12 million."

Ken MacQuarrie, the controller of BBC Scotland said: "This is a significant day in the history of the BBC in Scotland. We all have a fond attachment to Queen Margaret Drive, and the surrounding community, and the building has served us well.

"However, the accommodation is no longer fit for the purpose of broadcasting in this digital age. Our new, purpose-built headquarters at Pacific Quay offers much more opportunity to make better use of space and technical resources."