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Vision Information Point

26/02/2008

Xsite Architecture has been appointed by Barnard Castle Vision to create an information point in the market place to highlight the future plans for the town, as it works on a 20 year plan to develop the traditional market town to meet the needs of the 21st century.

 The aim of the study is to establish a shared 20 year Vision for the future economic regeneration and development of the Town and its hinterland. This will establish future priorities for the area, inform investment decisions and help to lever in private investment. The ultimate objective is to create a better Barnard Castle which, through maximising its assets, can contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Xsite’s proposal provides the means by which this information is provided to the town’s residents and its many visitors, and an information point is envisaged in the Market Place, which will be a temporary structure consisting of a strikingly designed rectangular glass box, with a metal frame using spiral engineering, so that each of the sides is made up of strips, fitted at different angles to refract and reflect in a purposeful yet irregular fashion.

The glass structure will provide continuous information on the projects via projected images onto the glass both day and night, and available via Bluetooth technology, creating a focal point of interest and information. The Vision foresees multi-purpose usage including a town centre base for Radio Teesdale and an electronic What’s On billboard for events in the area.

Xsite are also working on the best method for presentation of the ideas relating to ten strategic themes within the Vision, which include tourism, an Science and Innovation Park, sustainable community resources, an agricultural resource centre, a sports village, an Artisan Quarter, a Health Campus, a Craft College, a Market Hall, all with a zero-carbon footprint.

Deborah Jenkins, independent Chair of Barnard Castle Vision, comments; “We chose Xsite Architecture because we wanted to work with an innovative company, and we had been inspired by their work on the Tyne Salmon Trail. We wanted to engage with a company that looked at things with a fresh eye, and could provide a solution that was contemporary yet in-keeping with the historic environment. We are delighted with their designs and ideas, and look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”

Tim Bailey, Principal of Xsite, says: “We have been impressed by the ambitious plans that the Vision has laid out for the future of Barnard Castle, and believe that the information should be imparted to the public in a novel way, that will help people to feel a part of the process, and be easily accessible to all. We believe that our glass structure, in itself an object of interest, will essentially serve as a beacon for the Vision in the Market Place, and get the message across in a very memorable way.”