Masterplan
Will Hayter
SITE ANALYSIS:
How do you solve a problem like the Essoldo?
the process of restoring a Landmark
How the demise of the Art-Deco cinema has fuelled my own initiative for Stretford.
These are just some of the words used by the people of Stretford to describe the Essoldo. How a once bustling hub of social activity has now been reduced to a “waste of space” suggests that time has not faired well for the cinema.
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The unusual shape and legacy behind the Essoldo has been both a blessing and a curse; in its heyday, it was instantly recognisable, serving as a place for going to the pictures or even a spot of late-night bingo. Now, it’s viewed more as an “eyesore”, a beacon of lost prosperity within Stretford, exacerbated further by its proximity to a 6-lane intersection.
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My project hopes to reinstate social values once found within the Essoldo. Through recognising the importance of culture to a town, the refurbishment of this once-loved cinema can provide the stimulus for further prosperity.
Perspectives around the Site
East
North
The relationship between the Essoldo and the public hall is vital in the move to revitalise Chester road.
The recent repainting of the Essoldo has left the stark blue colour, easily noticable by day, but blending into the sky at night. Perhaps use of tasteful lighting could create a more recognisable form at night.
West
South
The 6 lane intersection right by the Essoldo causes a threat to its use.
The view of the back of the Essoldo from Edge Lane. This area of the canal at the moment seems barren and unused. It is integral to my project that I redevelop the canal as a central social space.
SOLUTION:
How the strategised demolition of the back of the Essoldo can create a breeding ground for new activity.
Before
The back of the Essoldo obstructs views and paths between Stretford and the canal, and is an unused eyesore within the area.
Economy
The flow of money into the renovated Essoldo cinema will be used to construct the new Arts Factory and the surrounding landscape.
After
This demolition enables the people of Stretford to circulate into the area and through to the canal, creating a new opportunity for a hub within the area
Strategy
The demolition of the back of the cinema enables a master plan to be formalised with an emphasis on how this intervention can provide the stimulus for change within Stretford.
Sun Paths
This demolition creates a new opportunity for large solar gain into the site, with the building favouring a south-facing facade to enhance this.
Materiality
How the re-harvesting and recycling of the existing materials from the demolition will help to fund the project and reduce the schemes environmental impact.
The Wider Context
The position of the Site in relation to the area of Stretford and the wider part of Manchester.