The Site

Background

The former Co-op is situated just off Gillingham Town High Street and has sat unoccupied for circa 10 years, having also been subject to a fire a few years ago. The town is the  most northerly town in Dorset and sits east of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is located in a highly accessible and sustainable location with an abundance of everyday facilities in close proximity, due to the nature of its location on the High Street. Facilities include a number of banks, supermarkets and cafes, takeaway shops, a pharmacy and a church. 

The site comprises previously developed land and therefore represents an opportunity for redevelopment. The existing site does not make efficient use of land and the building is tired, dated and set back from the High Street with limited visual “presence” within the town centre. 

After assessing the site the following opportunities were identified which any new development should seek to maximise: 

• To improve the overall town setting by re-developing the dilapidated building
• To create a new public realm, such as a village/ town square 
• To increase biodiversity within the town centre
• To pay homage to the towns history by taking influence from the historic centre, through design and use of materials
• To implement more energy efficient buildings within the Town High Street

The following constraints were  also identified: 

• Need to respect neighbouring properties 
• Loss of car parking spaces
• Loss off retail space in the former Co-op building
• Developing within a town centre (increased traffic and the need for access points)