Balkerne Heights
Colchester's Balkerne Heights development (St Mary's hospital site) looks as though it's nearing completion. A combination of location (a short walk to the High Street), topography (steep changes of level and good views for many), building/space arrangement (there are interesting vistas and occlusions), and architecture (a c1400-1850 remix), makes this a unique development in Colchester, and unusual anywhere else, I should think. There's one spot that actually reminds me of Galileo's street in Florence (Costa di San Giorgio). Okay, I may be losing my grip: at another location, I could imagine Shrek and the Donkey plodding into sight on their way to take up Lord Farquaad's challenge. Many dwellings are packed into this set (oops, housing development), and I wonder how it will look and feel in ten years' time. See more pics. For location, see map, waymark 13.
posted by poncrinator at 21:22
3 Comments:
What a lovely looking neighbourhgood.
I can't help thinking of a medieval fortified town when I see these images. Do the residents have to wear traditional costumes when they enter the walls? And who is the enemy? The development could have been improved by building a watch tower - as a counterpart to Jumbo perhaps? We are getting close to the Tuscan town now.
What will historians be saying about such a development in 50 years time? It will be difficult to put a date on the architectural style, if we can call it style. I guess it is all part of the current trend of 'historiana' in current housing developments.
I moved away from Essex 12 years ago and assumed developers had stopped building in this dismal Disney style. Sad to see it's still going on.
Post a Comment
<< Home