A Market Place for Chepstow

The key focus of the project was to provide an engaging and interesting space in the centre of Chepstow high street, creating a space to interact with the town centre by extending elements out into the surrounding squares and street. The primary problem identified within the high street was the existing bank building which created a sense of isolation and disconnection between the High Street and Bank Street with no permeability or access through the building. There was also little greenery, colour, or sheltered seating along the high street.

Whilst adding a permanent market space in the town, the project aimed to create a solution to the above problems by adding a colonnade and arches - inviting people into the building and providing space for seating (including sheltered seating on Bank Square), planters and a grass bank. The ground floor houses individual market stalls with storage and shelves to display products and the ability to sell from both the outside and inside to create a relationship with the two streets. The second floor has studio spaces for artists and creatives with space to make, display and sell their work.

The studios extend out of the building and have oriel display windows allowing greater interaction with people on the streets. There is a central atrium to connect to the market floor and allow light from the coloured skylight to filter through the building. The top floor has a garden space for the community to enjoy and artists to use for their crafts, creating interaction between the floors of the building. The top floor garden includes space for a café so the community can relax and enjoy the views of the Castle and Wye River which otherwise cannot be seen from the street. The circulation spaces to the garden have roofs which facilitate rainwater collection and photovoltaic panels on the Southern roof. The Northern roof collects water which falls through the building and is collected in a pool on the ground floor to be recirculated around the building and also flow out to Beaufort Square to connect with the wider context.

Chepstow, bordered by the river Wye, has a strong relationship with water being used historically as a resource and means of connection, therefore incorporating this was a key aspect of the project. The main circulation space has a staircase spiralling around the falling water and balconies which meander around the existing bank structure. This was inspired by the meandering River Wye and the interesting shape this creates. This allows the building to extend into and interact with the surrounding area creating a further sense of connection.