The panel of 5 judges, including Prof. Phil Redmond from Open Culture and Rob Mason of Neptune Developments, praised his work ‘New Brighton Seahouse’, for promoting, in a subtle way, a little tranquillity for the New Brighton seafront. Michael says the whole structure could be built for £2m.
“Michael’s work sees New Brighton as a destination for a different reason than in its past days when it was a thriving seaside resort and playground for Liverpool day-trippers,” said Royal Haskoning Liverpool Director of Infrastructure & Buildings, David Ricketts.
In his submission Michael told the judges his Seahouse is a modern interpretation of two quintessential British institutions, the tea house and the chip shop.
Playful buildings, at the end of a purpose built promenade, would provide the ideal setting to relax and overlook views of both the iconic skyline of Liverpool, the River Mersey and the Irish Sea.
His scheme makes extensive use of ship-building technologies as a means to ‘create charming structures that evoke the character of the area’. Michael, who won £1,000, is originally from Northampton.
After receiving his award he said: “I had been to New Brighton as a visitor before the competition was announced and I was aware of what it had been in the past. But I saw the new New Brighton as a very quiet seafront town, quaint and almost with a sleepy village atmosphere. New Brighton should become a tourist destination for what it is now.
“It would be amazing if my Seahouse was built. I stand by the design as a piece of contemporary architecture and believe it would be a great addition to New Brighton.”
Runner Up and winner of £500 was David Devereau, Year 2 architecture student at the University of Liverpool. His entry, ‘Skipping ‘Cross the Mersey’, featured a series of circular decks, curving out towards Liverpool like the path of a stone skipping across the water. The last stone, a Millennium Dome-like structure, links to a jetty for Mersey ferries. David is from Wavertree.
Highly Commended was Liverpool John Moores University Year 2 student Claire Harrison. Her entry consisted of a series of seven spikes in the water that work as a modern sundial.
Winner of the award for the Most Sustainable Design was Anthony Delleur of Allerton. He is also an architecture student at Liverpool JMU. His design, ‘Walking On Water’, features a Water Folly, Ferry terminal, Winter Garden and Holiday Cabin.
David Ricketts added: “The design competition was organised as part of Royal Haskoning’s contribution to Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture. It has given us a fascinating insight into how the next generation of architectures and planners view the New Brighton of today. I am sure the ideas from our talented entrants will give a lot of food for thought when any future waterside projects for New Brighton are being considered.”
The short-listed and winning entries but can be viewed online at
www.brightennewbrighton.co.uk
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