Project Details
We were initially commissioned to carry out a regeneration study of Abergavenny, a bustling market town long considered to be the gateway to Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Subsequently, we were appointed to design a new market square in the town centre, regenerating a neglected area of existing car parking and outdoor market, creating an attractive link space between the High Street and Market Hall.
Highly Commended: RICS Wales (2011)
Commended: Welsh Award for Planning Achievement (2010)
‘Abergavenny is to food as Cannes is to film – an annual festival for spotting rising stars in Britain’s artisan food firmament’ The Guardian
Design Details
- Working in close collaboration with public artist Howard Bowcott, the design language was developed to reflect the history of brewing on the site
- Where possible, local materials were sourced to maximise sustainability – with red sandstone from local quarries used to create a wall ‘frieze’ – a band of 70m of bilingual text engraved into blocks of red sandstone within the main supporting walls - and Monmouthshire oak used to make the bespoke seating
- Originally, the site sloped over a 3m level change, causing problems with accessibility. The new design creates a series of level terraces, providing ample space for outdoor market stalls and events
- Brewery Yard is home to the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, one of the UK’s leading food events
Location:
Abergavenny
Site Area:
0.5HA
Client:
Monmouthshire County Council
Architects:
Martin Stockley Associates / Miller Research
Collaborator:
Howard Bowcott (Artist)
Contractor:
Alun Griffiths
Project Value:
£1.5m
Photographers:
Howard Bowcott / Macgregor Smith