A new coastal community for Cornwall
Just as the turquoise tide reveals the shifting estuary sands, so our landscape approach uncovers narratives of the site’s proud industrial past.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of St Ives Bay, Hayle North Quay is a small working harbour on the North Cornish coast. The quay forms part of the wider fabric of a UNESCO World Heritage site, which celebrates the area’s unique mining heritage. But while the fisherman’s quay still buzzes with boats, much of the site has fallen silent since local industry declined.
We are working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to reimagine the harbour as a vibrant new coastal community for Cornwall. Phase I – now under construction– provides 300 homes, commercial spaces, and a generous new public square. Our landscape narrative draws heavily on the harbour’s past – with public spaces gently referencing the coal heaps and railway lines that left their imprint on the landscape.
Materials feature a Cornish palette of local granite and cast iron, with concrete and weathered timber furniture, and patinated copper adding highlights. The working harbour and quay will remain at the heart of the community, with active commercial spaces for local businesses sitting alongside new homes.
Given the sublime setting, our planting approach is deeply rooted in the estuarine landscape, harnessing the local micro-climate to invite local flora and fauna back into the heart of the site. A highlight will be the lush sub-tropical gardens planned for an old industrial yard – a botanical explosion of scent and colour.
Phase 2 – now in for planning - expands the development with an Arts Centre, community hall, hotel, water sports yard and a fisherman’s quay. Low-slung houses are nestled into the dunes above the quay, while another neighbourhood has been tucked behind a shelter belt of pines above the estuary.
In each area the unique sense of place saturates the designs – whether in vernacular detailing, dune-inspired planting or simple robust materials which recall Hayle’s industrial past.
“Our aim has always been to deliver a project which enhances the local area and brings lasting benefits to the community - while also protecting and promoting its extraordinary heritage.
The landscape design has been absolutely integral to the success of this project and Churchman Thornhill Finch have really captured the unique essence of the place. Their design helps usher in a proud new chapter in Hayle North Quay’s ever evolving story.”
Simon Wright – Director, Sennybridge Hayle