Merry Hill Square

Client: Chelsfield plc
Year: 2004
Cost: £13m

Description:
The architectural design and development team at INC Design Associates Ltd were briefed to create a vibrant, mixed-use square incorporating a JD Wetherspoon pub, the Abraham Darby, storage and warehousing for national fashion and homeware brand Next and a major piece of public artwork. The scheme included the creation of a sweeping PTFE tensile canopy - utilising the same technology employed at the O2 Arena - external lighting, alfresco seating and Mediterranean landscaping. A striking, three-storey illuminated cylinder provides a landmark at the south-east gateway to the public square. At night, it is illuminated internally with cutting-edge LED lighting - fully-programmable images and colours oscillate from indigo to magenta and cyan and every variance at the touch of a button - giving the illusion of motion. The development also included a multi-storey car park, which provides 1500 spaces over five storeys; which has subsequently won the British Parking Awards - “Best New Car Park” in 2004.