BSP Masterplanning was commissioned by Brookhouse Group to review the adopted Development Brief for the Mere’s Edge site in Helsby and to prepare a new masterplan for the further regeneration of the area.

The project commenced with the preparation of a Context Study that considered townscape, landscape and public realm issues and provided a detailed assessment of the sites opportunities and constraints. This work informed a new vision and urban design strategy for the area based on the relocation and improvement of the existing community sports facilities which would form the focus for a mixed use development including a retirement village, general housing and employment uses. 

A series of public exhibitions were held to explain the new proposals to local residents and to listen to any concerns. The exhibition included detailed design proposals for a new indoor sports centre and multi-user games area, a full sized all-weather football pitch, two bowling greens and three tennis courts. 

A suite of planning applications was submitted at the end of 2008 which were supported by a comprehensive design and access statement that gave guidance for future design development work.