Coastal regeneration
approach is being pursued, with new schools, workspaces and restaurants, including the flagship Rocksalt Seafood restaurant. Art festivals such as the Folkestone Triennial also add to the cultural mix, creating an exceptional environment within which to live, work and play. The latter, on the other hand, is regenerating via its roots, revitalising itself through the tourism, leisure and culture industries, re-establishing its golden years as London’s playground by the sea. Take the new 80-room luxury hotel adjacent to the Turner Gallery for example. Differing architectural approaches, but both equally enticing. By no means need the benefits of these architectural gems be restricted to local residents, either. East Kent’s regeneration is leading the fightback in ensuring Brits have competitive holidaying options to rival those on the Continent right on their doorstep. With the Margate experience offering a fantastic destination hotel and days worth of
breathtaking beaches, vivid galleries and sumptuous cuisine, think more kiss me slow than kiss me quick. And whilst London has rightfully earned its role as a global powerhouse, house prices in the capital continue to skyrocket and the cost of living gets steeper. As a result, East Kent’s regeneration is increasingly attracting the capital’s residents, both as an investment opportunity and relocation destination, especially with the recently opened high speed rail Link from St Pancras, which puts Folkestone 56 minutes and Margate 1 hr 20 minutes away. The region’s flourishing lifestyle opportunities demonstrates that many factors can contribute to a region’s resurgence, but fundamental to establishing any attractive living environment is architecture. This is why innovative architecture is more than just a splash of colour or a charming façade. For a town to develop, grow and prosper, it must entice people to visit, to invest and
relocate. It must project confidence, ambition and just a little chutzpah. But throwing money at regions as a means of doing so is not the solution. Architecture and wonderful design on the other hand has the unique ability to attract and inspire, and even determine the entire reputation of an area. Take Birmingham for example, a region once synonymous with spaghetti junction and 1960’s brutalism. Today, thanks to innovative projects such as the Bullring, Mailbox, Cube and New Central Library, the city has shaken off its concrete jungle image and vibrantly glistens. This is the investment that so many that so many other British towns are crying out for. As the economy rises out of the ashes and new regeneration opportunities emerge, as a nation it is vital we capitalise. Let us ensure Margate and Folkestone are just the start.
www.guyhollaway.co.uk
July 2014 Architects Choice
43
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52