Building for Life 12: The Axwell Courtyard, Blaydon-on-Tyne

Axwell Park Courtyard, a secluded development set in a landscape of woodlands. Visiting the scheme, it genuinely feels like the countryside. In this post, I will be analysing the development in relation to the Building for Life 12 criteria; designed to help structure discussions on new residential developments to help identify what issues matter to local communities and how development proposals can respond positively [2].

Integrating into the Neighbourhood

1. Connections

• Site is secluded, may be difficult to create new connections.
• Site benefits from bus stop at the edge of the boundary, A694.
• Fits in with surrounding traditional terraced housing and style.

2. Facilities and Service 

• Close drive to local landmarks and amenities, however less within walking distance.
• Residents are entitled to take advantage of historic Park.

3. Public Transport 

• Bus stops Red Kite (45, 47, X45, X46, X47), 890, 899, S893.
• Access to amenities and Newcastle city centre.

4. Meeting local housing requirements 

• 6 property styles of townhouses and apartments (27 units).
• Prices start from £179,950, accommodating younger and older residents [1].

Creating a place

5. Character

• Change in façade – outer vs inner courtyard.
• Palladian architectural authenticity alongside a new modern style, creates a distinctive identity [4].
• Arrangement of townhouses and apartments encourages a sense of community centred at the courtyard.

6. Working with the site and its context 

• Views created within the courtyard.
• Potential to create views towards the park.
• Site works alongside existing Palladian style. [3]
• Axwell Hall can be further developed into a community hub in the future.

7. Creating well-defined streets and spaces

• Streets and spaces are well defined, with no sharp turns.
• Road is wide and mixed-use friendly within the courtyard.
• Open park space well defined for private residential use.

8. Easy to find your way around

• Clear route into the estate defined by woodland.
• No visual impairments around the site.
• Built form creates a well navigable estate.

Street & Home

9. Streets for All 

• 10mph sign on roads.
• Courtyard and surrounding landscape creates social spaces.

10. Car Parking 

• Sufficient visitor car parking available around Axwell Hall.
• One allocated private parking space for residents in the courtyard.

11. Public and Private spaces 

• Courtyard emboldens social interaction.
• 35-acre open park landscape encouraging play.
• Spaces are well managed and attractive.

12. External Storage and Amenity Space 

• Communal bin storage
• Cycle storage within the courtyard.
• Plentiful landscape for residents to interact and play.

Overall, the scheme scored 8 greens and 4 ambers. The scheme respects the surrounding area and history, creating a well-off countryside like estate, enhancing social interaction whilst being nearby the city centre. Overall, this is a well-designed housing development with various positive aspects!

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