Promoting wellbeing

The site is strategically placed to form new links with Daubuz Moor and Victoria Gardens and the development will help to unlock the amenity, health and wellbeing potential that these open spaces could bring.  The Pydar development also seeks to introduce new public open spaces of varied character, maximise views and public realm onto the River Allen to promote visual and physical links, thereby maximising the value of the development and promoting health and wellbeing.

The scheme will protect and increase the ecological value of the area through the establishment of a green infrastructure network that links to the existing parks, waterways and open spaces to increase biodiversity and ecological value of the site.  The river corridor open space promotes and enhances the connection with the existing River Allen.  A number of existing trees will be retained and preserved within the site area, with proposed new trees and ecological assets maximised.  The proposed design retains, enhances and expands areas of mature vegetation and ecological assets and creates a truly walkable, safe neighbourhood that is rich in biodiversity and contributes to improved air quality, health and wellbeing.  The project will help the area achieve greater biodiversity and create new habitats, while protecting and enhancing the existing habitats.

What are the fitness and play benefits?

The scheme aims to be a naturally healthy place to live, facilitating physical and mental wellbeing throughout the development through the improved connectivity and enhanced walking and cycling provision into the City and surrounding areas.  It will be a colourful and attractive place, enticing people to be outside, be it for a stroll or just to sit, relax and be social.  From within buildings, the views will also be of green streets and spaces, reinforcing the connection with nature.  

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It is envisaged that key routes such as the riverside will incorporate fitness and outdoor gym/play equipment and information boards will illustrate walking, cycling and jogging routes around the site.  The riverside square will be used to host functions and the in-ground fountains can be turned off to allow the space to be used for community, cultural, fitness and retail events, all of which will add to the vitality and sociability of the place, aiding wellbeing.

Should people be worried about students being noisy and disruptive?

No. There will be 24/7 on site security to discourage anti-social behaviour. The Student Accommodation and University Facilities will also have their own dedicated security to enforce the rules and ensure excessive noise does not disturb residents and the wider community.  The next planning stage, known as the detailed design or ‘RMA’ stage, will include an acoustic environmental strategy and assess how the buildings, surfaces and greenery can help absorb and dampen noise.

Will extra traffic noise be an issue for residents and the wider community?

No. Following specialist assessment of projected road traffic noise, the proposed development has not been deemed to cause any adverse noise impact.   In addition, traffic calming measures have been integrated in the proposals such as introducing 20mph zone, pedestrian priority crossing points and reduced carriageway widths.  Any noise resulting from construction phases will be carefully monitored and managed by the appointed contractor. Before any works begin, Demolition and Construction Plans will be consulted on with local residents.

How will other noise issues be managed in the development?

Licensing conditions for the commercial/hospitality businesses in the development can also help to ensure noise is not an issue for residents.

You can read the Environmental Statement documents here.