Stranraer’s waterfront was a poorly defined space with a disjointed urban fabric and poor public space dominated by car parking. The aim of the masterplan was to reconnect the existing historic and attractive town centre with the waterfront and create a more attractive lively public domain centred around water activities.
We completed a masterplan and urban design strategy, working in conjunction with economic, community consultation, urban design, transportation and landscape consultants.
The design proposals developed from the context of the existing town. We proposed an intricate sequence of intimate organic urban blocks addressing and extending the existing routes to the waterfront, in particular the route of the town burn through Castle Square and down North Strand Street. Further away from the historic town centre the proposals reflect the more geometric, planned form of dockside buildings. A coastal edge promenade is proposed linking a series of open spaces along the waterfront.
A significant adjustment to the balance of vehicle and pedestrian priority in the streets was proposed, within a defined area of the town centre and the waterfront designed to provide integrated, low-speed streetscapes.
Smith Scott Mullan have retained involvement in the implementation of the masterplan through our projects at Castle Square, the Harbourmaster’s Office, and Stranraer Museum.