3.4.7
Original Document
The new Park Central residential quarter with its urban scale, attractive park (Sunset Park) and its range of accommodation is a much more successful residential environment although its design displays a functionality of appearance that does not speak of diversity or individuality. More flexible approaches to design, scale, public/private space and tenure may need to be developed in the city centre to create mixed city centre communities that are capable of attracting a broad range of people.
Plain English Translation
The new Park Central housing area with its town size, nice park (Sunset Park) and it’s range of housing is a much more successful housing area, although its design is not very individual. We might need more flexible approaches to design, size, the balance between public and private space and a range of ways that people can buy and rent their homes in the city centre to make mixed city centre communities that can attract a wide range of people.
The park facility at Park Central is a great public amenity and should be better publicised so that residents from surrounding neighbourhoods can make use of it too. The design incorporates a perfect ampitheatre and it should be used for open air concerts and festivals. A refreshment area and seating as an amenity would draw people in to increase utilisation of this pleasant environment. However, I am concerned that the park will deteriorate unless the public take ownership of it and it is maintained effectively. This will prove more difficult as the developer moves out unless some action is planned beforehand to make it happen.
The car parking at Park Central shows that the city transport strategy isn't working at present. Even though the development still has lots of vacant properties the roads are congested with parked cars and pavements are obstructed. Either plan for more parking spaces or provide better public transport and policing of parking in the locality.