FARMOOR RESERVIOR
We worked together with ASA Landscape Architects to propose a concept design based on the Thames Water theme ‘Live Wild with Thames Water’.
Proposals look to enhance the existing site and amenity buidlings and provide a more welcoming reception to the reservoir, clearly guide visitors around the site, and promote different activities to attract a broader range of visitors, whilst being sensitive to the existing on-site biodiversity.
These are presented in the following master plan and the subsequent concept designs that look to address the issues highlighted in the Analysis chapter. The proposals have been organized by priority.
This feasibility studies the existing amenity buildings and provide proposals to create a welcoming space, which responds to the multiple needs of the various user groups including the Thames Water Rangers, Fisheries and Nature Warden; the Oxford Sailing Club; the Oxford Sailing Training Trust; and the Oxford Stand Up Paddleboarding Club. .
The site strategy is based on feedback from stakeholder consultation and analysis of existing site conditions and parameters. The key influential characteristics of this site includes the access approach from the main carpark on foot from the back of the site and the desired open frontage onto the water. The challenge of providing a warm welcome from the rear of the buildings to draw visitors to the reservoir edge and to the main entrances has been addressed with a public courtyard style proposal. By separating the Fisheries lodge, there is opportunity to give greater Thames Water presence for an official welcome to the Thames Water site and provide an opening between the buildings to encourage people to the water and to interact with the amenities such as the local sailing club, the café, and the fisheries. This open space offers a first impression of the site where information can be found and a destination point for groups to meet.