Public Realm delivered for Workington Innovation Centre
First impressions matter. The spaces people encounter as they enter a town or building can shape how they feel about a place long before they step inside.
A new landscape at Workington Innovation Centre, providing new public realm for the wider town centre, while transforming a former car park into a welcoming and resilient environment that supports innovation, movement and economic regeneration.
Workington has a strong industrial identity, but its peripheral position on the Cumbrian coast and decline of traditional industries have created economic challenges and reduced inward investment. Cumberland Council has been proactive in responding, using a series of Town Deal projects to improve connectivity, diversify the economy and strengthen the town centre offer. Workington Innovation Centre forms part of this wider strategy, creating flexible office and laboratory space for start-ups, SMEs and growing businesses.
Located on the edge of the town centre, the site was previously a large, underused car park with little sense of identity or public use. Despite being located on an important route into the town, there was no reason for people to stop, gather or spend time there. High winds across the exposed site added to the poor pedestrian experience. The challenge was to create a high-quality piece of public realm that would support the Innovation Centre, improve movement through the area and establish a stronger sense of place at this important gateway location.
Working alongside Buttress Architects, we supported the project from concept through to delivery, shaping a landscape strategy that responded both to the site’s industrial history and its future role within the town. The concept design drew inspiration from the site’s former use as a railway yard, where coal was transported in and out of Workington. Linear routes, angular forms and planted “coal” shapes were incorporated into the landscape design to reflect this heritage and create a series of distinct character areas across the site.
The public realm was created to function both as a through-route into the town centre and as a place to gather and dwell. A central garden space helps soften the setting around the Innovation Centre and neighbouring NHS hub, creating a more welcoming environment for workers, visitors and the wider public. Material selection played an important role in creating consistency and durability across the site. We specified small-format paving units to planted edges that allowed for movement around corners and changes in direction, alongside hardy evergreen planting and pine trees to provide shelter from prevailing winds.
As the project progressed on site, we worked closely with Morgan Sindall and the wider design team to respond quickly to technical queries and oversee delivery, helping maintain quality throughout construction. Regular site visits and close communication with the contractor ensured the project moved forward smoothly and collaboratively, as recognised in its nomination for the Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Award.
The completed scheme has transformed a former car park into an attractive lush and verdant public space that supports the Innovation Centre, its visitors and Cumberland Council’s wider ambitions for Workington. Now operated by Oxford Innovation Space, the building provides flexible accommodation for innovative businesses and growing SMEs, helping new companies establish themselves in the town.
The public realm plays an important role in supporting that ambition. More than simply a landscape setting, it creates a welcoming gateway, improves pedestrian experience and helps reinforce confidence in Workington as a place investing in its future.
