We were invited as part of a limited competition to submit proposals for a new masterplan for the world-famous Snape Maltings complex in Suffolk. A creative campus that is home to the Aldeburgh Festival, as well as a retail and nature destination for visitors and locals alike, the masterplan will complete the restoration and reuse of the last derelict buildings on the site, as well as solving long-standing traffic and parking issues.

We proposed a public realm-led masterplan based on the historic axis and movement patterns around the site during its industrial period, and an approach to the existing buildings that would retain their current attraction for directors and performers producing site-specific work, while making them technically fit for purpose.

Opening up views and creating a range of public squares and spaces with different characters, would allow a more active spillout of activity and create exciting possibilities for outdoor performance, festival activity and attractive retail and restaurant units. A clear material palette for both public realm and buildings would draw on the distinctive character of the site, and make both wayfinding and exploration intuitive and exciting.