Tag Archives: Collaboration

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm

Do you have a story to tell…another Chatham line?

March 14, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Railway Street - Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — Railway Street – Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Public Art, Public Realm, Station Quarter North, Southampton, Transport

Final Champion’s Group ?

March 14, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Tuesday 9th February 2016

I was invited to attend what was possibly the final Champions Group meeting to review the regeneration work coming to a close at Southampton Station Quarter North. This group of people, representing every walk of life in the local area and community, have been responsible for championing, challenging and keeping the project on its toes since the dawn of the scheme way back in 2012. They have been an invaluable part of the project and I hope that they collectively approve of the work done thus far. Pete Boustred – Transport Policy and Sustainable Travel Team Leader at Southampton City Council, led the walk around site, assisted by Antony Cutajar, Site Manager for Balfour Beatty Services & Wilson Massie, Stakeholder Engagement for Balfour Beatty Living Places.

The last time I had been to site was 28-09-2016 – click this link or scroll down to see this post.

The landscape forms – bespoke cast concrete seating, amphitheatre steps, ramp and retaining walls are now all installed. Some snagging was still to be completed and soft landscaping was still in progress. As this was February, there was not much to see in terms of greenery ! Meadow seed planting has been carried out – & hopefully the impact of this will be seen later in the year.

This is a simple photo essay of the walk around the site looking at what has been completed.

A few of the 18 'Champions' who attended the site walk. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping — A few of the 18 ‘Champions’ who attended the site walk. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Steps and Planting structures outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate, Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Steps and Planting structures outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate, Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Pre & during regeneration works - 2011 to 2016, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping — Pre & during regeneration works – 2011 to 2016, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps, Ramp & Granite Paving outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps, Ramp & Granite Paving outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Left: Original site photograph from 2012 by Urban Initiatives. Right: Final Design Proposal by CH2MHill and Christopher Tipping. Southampton Station Quarter North Project.

Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure - aka the 'No. 6 Feature' outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure – aka the ‘No. 6 Feature’ outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Ramp Wall Structure - outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Ramp Wall Structure – outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Project 'Champions' crossing Blechynden Terrace to the Station Forecourt. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — Project ‘Champions’ crossing Blechynden Terrace to the Station Forecourt. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Station Forecourt - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Station Forecourt – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

'Confluence' is part of an LED Lighting Scheme for the project. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — ‘Confluence’ is part of an LED Lighting Scheme for the project. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Junction of Commercial Road and Wyndham Place - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Junction of Commercial Road and Wyndham Place – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan

Titcumbs – Ladies Hairdressers and Beauticians – No 17 Railway Street

March 14, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Kelly’s Directories have listed all trades and businesses throughout the UK since around 1835. They are now an invaluable source of local history, information and insight into local business life. Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre have a collection on microfilm. In the 1961 edition, the businesses along Railway Street and Military Road, make for interesting reading. Here is a selection –

Military Road

Nos 1 & 3 – Burton Montague, Tailors

No 4a – The Salad Bowl – High Class Fruiterers

No 9 – Bliss and Lawrence – Auctioneers

No 13 – Gieve’s Ltd, Royal Naval, RAF & Civilian Tailors

No 20 – Greenburgh Bros. Ltd, Outfitters

No 26 – Naval & Military Arms, Public House

No 27 – Imperial Forces Public House and Paddock Restaurant

No 28 – E.J Whitaker & Sons, Tailors

No 40 – Unifit, Outfitters

No 50 – Chatham Constitutional Club

No 56 – W. Cooper, Outfitters

Railway Street

Nos 1 & 3 – Prince of Wales Hotel

No 5 – F&H Newcombe Ltd, Gowns

No 17 – Titcumbs, Mrs D. Rogers, Ladies hairdressers, specialist & beauticians

Nos 14 & 16 – Scott’s Timber Yard

No 26 – Frank Bannister & Son Ltd. Motor & Motor Cycle engineers.

No 31 – Cameron Thomas, Physician and Surgeon

Station Yard – Newsagent – Elders & Fyffe’s Ltd Banana Importers – St John’s Ambulance

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm, Transport

…making Chatham patterns?

March 13, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

New Road Viaduct - Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Image: Christopher Tipping — New Road Viaduct – Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Image: Christopher Tipping

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm, Transport

…more Chatham patterns & places

March 13, 2016 Christopher Tipping 2 Comments

Every visit to Chatham throws up more detail and insight to add to the Chatham Placemaking Project –

New Cut Viaduct - Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns. Image: Christopher Tipping — New Cut Viaduct – Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns. Image: Christopher Tipping

The open yard seen through the bridge / viaduct is the former Scott’s timber yard site.

New Cut Viaduct - Kent Fire & Rescue Service - Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns. Image: Christopher Tipping — New Cut Viaduct – Kent Fire & Rescue Service – Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns. Image: Christopher Tipping

There is some real potential for change of pace here if the arches could be opened up to new local businesses – coffee / food / cyclists –

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Railway Street - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Railway Street – Image: Christopher Tipping

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Chatham Railway Station - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Chatham Railway Station – Image: Christopher Tipping

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Railway Street Post Office - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Railway Street Post Office – Image: Christopher Tipping

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns -Colour at Sun Pier - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns -Colour at Sun Pier – Image: Christopher Tipping

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns Sun Pier - Colour - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Sun Pier – Colour – Image: Christopher Tipping

Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Sun Pier House - Image: Christopher Tipping — Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Sun Pier House – Image: Christopher Tipping

St John's Church Railway Street. Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Image: Christopher Tipping — St John’s Church Railway Street. Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Image: Christopher Tipping

The Big Screen - Chatham Placemaking Project - Chatham Patterns - Image: Christopher Tipping — The Big Screen – Chatham Placemaking Project – Chatham Patterns – Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

…and a walk into Ashton-Under-Lyne

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Friday 26th February 2016 – Ashton-Under-Lyne

What caught my eye walking into Ashton-Under-Lyne was the architectural legacy of an industrial past. Robust brick architecture with exuberant and self-confident detailing.

Industrial brick architecture in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Industrial brick architecture and ironwork in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Metro Cinema - built 1920. Architectural Faience. Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping — Metro Cinema – built 1920. Architectural Faience. Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

This is an amazing building – wonderful architectural faience ! It occupies a corner site with another fully glazed elevation.

Spectacular & robust doorway. Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Architecture in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Decorative Architectural Ironwork, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Elongated doorway - Architecture of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping — Elongated doorway – Architecture of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Architecture & Streets of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Camden House built 1851, No.2 Grey Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Corner building, Stamford Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Signage in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Commercial Building, Architecture of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Commercial or Warehouse Building, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Patterns of Architecture in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

St Michael and All Angels Church of England, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

12 miles in 6 hours – Part One – 09.30am to 10.52am

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Saturday 27th February 2016

This is the day for our big walk ! Stewart Ramsden is walking with me – he knows the area so well and has done this walk may times – often leading groups in his capacity as Chair of the Tameside Ramblers ! This is one of Stewart’s ‘Ramtrails’!

Our walk will take in Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley.

The weather is overcast and grey, very cold, with a possibility of rain / sleet. I really don’t care. I am so looking forward to this. Everything is new to me – even my hiking boots and weatherproof jacket. We set off from Stewart’s home at around 09.30am.

Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

The first view of Wild Bank in the distance !

Crossing the M67 - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Crossing the M67 – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

A sign of things to come - very wet, very muddy ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — A sign of things to come – very wet, very muddy ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Passing Farm Buildings - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Passing Farm Buildings – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Landmarks and details. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Landmarks and details. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Into a wooded Dell - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Into a wooded Dell – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Signs of Spring - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Signs of Spring – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

A landmark tree - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — A landmark tree – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Footpath Footpath ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Footpath Footpath ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Last year's grasses - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Last year’s grasses – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Marsh and flood - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Marsh and flood – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Over the golf Course - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Over the golf Course – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.30am - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.30am – Stalybridge Celtic Football Ground – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.31am - Down the narrow path by Inglewood Coach House - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.31am – Down the narrow path by Inglewood Coach House – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.32am - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.32am – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.33am - It's like we are in someone's garden ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.33am – It’s like we are in someone’s garden ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Ashes Cottage built 1717 - its been on the telly ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Ashes Cottage built 1717 – its been on the telly ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

...and via a bit of suburbia - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — …and via a bit of suburbia – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.45am - Finally we hit the Farmers' Fields and open countryside. We didn't break the fence ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.45am – Finally we hit the farmer’s fields and open countryside. We didn’t break the fence ! The farmer was muck-spreading – the air was very ripe ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Farm, Horses, Chickens - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — White Farm, Horses, Ponies, Chickens – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Colour ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Colour ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Colourful assemblage ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Colourful assemblage ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

12 Miles in 6 hours – Part Two – 10.52am to 2.13pm

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping 1 Comment

Saturday 27th February 2016

OK – so better get a move on – realised I have already shown loads of images in the space of one hour’s walking ! With 5 more hours to go I had better move quickly on ! –

Map-like tracery on farm windows - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Map-like tracery on farm windows – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Stewart Ramsden looking back towards Ashton-Under-Lyne. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Stewart Ramsden looking back towards Ashton-Under-Lyne. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Stewart Ramsden - heading up the ridge path towards Wild Bank. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Stewart Ramsden – heading up the ridge path towards Wild Bank. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Just after mid-day, both landscape and temperature changes are quite dramatic. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Just after mid-day, both landscape and temperature changes are quite dramatic. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

The path to the top ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — The path to the top ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Triangulation point at 399m summit of Wild Bank with 360 degree views. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Triangulation point at 399m summit of Wild Bank with 360 degree views. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Stewart Ramsden

Stewart at the summit with coffee ! The views are brilliant & images don't do justice to them. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Stewart at the summit with coffee ! The views are brilliant & images don’t do justice to them. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Top of Wild Bank - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Top of Wild Bank – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Bitterly cold up here, the ground is frozen. Can't hang around. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Bitterly cold up here, the ground is frozen. Can’t hang around. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

12.39 - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 12.39 – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Stone had been quarried here - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Stone had been quarried here – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Higher & Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs are now in view - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Higher & Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs are now in view – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Sheltered and protected from the wind in the lee of this massive dry stone wall escarpment - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Sheltered and protected from the wind in the lee of this massive dry stone wall escarpment – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Lower Swineshaw Reservoir in the distance - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Lower Swineshaw Reservoir in the distance – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Three trees & a sign post - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Three trees, a stile and a sign-post. Stopped for some lunch – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Walking around Lees Hill. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 1.36pm Walking around Lees Hill. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Fantastic Moss and Lichens cover stones here...Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Fantastic Moss and Lichens cover stones here…Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Arnfield Reservoir is just to the right of this image - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Arnfield Reservoir is just to the right of this image – Most of the land is criss-crossed with dry stone walls. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Dry stone wall turned green - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Dry stone wall turned green – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Mature trees on path to Hollingworth Hall Farm - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Mature trees on path to Hollingworth Hall Farm – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Lovely detail - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Lovely detail – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Hollingworth Hall Farm - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Hollingworth Hall Farm – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Hollingworth Hall Farm sign - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Hollingworth Hall Farm sign – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Public Footpath No. 198 Stalybridge via Shaw Moor. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Public Footpath No. 198 Stalybridge via Shaw Moor. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Up a narrow path between fields and on towards Moorside Farm - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Up a narrow path between fields and on towards Moorside Farm – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm

Scott’s Timber Yard

March 10, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Railway Street, Chatham has been home to some longstanding businesses. One of them was Scott’s Timber Yard, established in 1864 and owned by Roy and Keith Scott.

The business had been bought out from the brothers on retirement by Sandell, Smythe and Drayson of Maidstone (Travis Perkins). The buildings on Railway Street burned down in the early 1980’s I understand. The Sir John Hawkins Flyover made use of the site. Railway Street was cleaved in two. More details about the business and a lovely image of the Railway Street facade can be seen on the Kent History Forum site (click this link). Scott’s also had an entrance on the High Street. Local maps show the enormous footprint of the business behind the facades. Many local people I have talked to remember the business. It would be brilliant to hear more stories about it.

Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre have a wonderful series of GOAD maps, which contain the most detailed plans and annotations of building along Railway Street and Military Road. Each building is described via a detailed key reference. Scott’s Timber Yard is drawn is great detail and the scale of it’s site becomes very clear. The maps were produced originally for fire insurance purposes – hence the level of detail.

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm

Mr Waghorn

March 10, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

The statue of Thomas Waghorn on Railway Street in Chatham points conveniently along the route of our Chatham Placemaking Project – from Chatham Station / Railway Street / New Cut / St Johns’ Church / Military Road / The Paddock / Waterfront. He is our biggest fan ! He was also a postal pioneer, who developed a new route from India to Great Britain. Can’t be certain that he is pointing to India – but he is certainly pointing to the Old Post Office on Railway Street, soon to become a Wetherspoon’s Pub and named conveniently – The Thomas Waghorn ! Click on the name and you can see the report from Kent Online 28th Feb. 2016, which announced the start of works on site to refurbish the building.

The statue of Thomas Fletcher Waghorn was raised on Railway Street, Chatham in 1888. Image:Christopher Tipping

Old Post Office, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping

The work has now started to transform the building once again into a Public House !

Window Tracery and Waving Man at the Old Post Office, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping

I am very keen to get inside the building for a look around. How much of the original interiors remain is unknown. The building has twice before been transformed into pubs – first the Francis and Firkin & then The Old Post Office !

Handsome facade of the former Post Office Building on Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping