The Trading Haven

The Trading Haven aims to regenerate the whole Lower Town Fishguard harbour by creating connections between the E and W waterfronts through a space for the community to gather and trade in, whether that be resources, such as fresh and cooked fish, or heritage skills and knowledge. Therefore, the scheme introduces a series of buildings taking over both waterfronts.
1. Educational space Classes will be held by craftspeople available for trainees as well as for leisure-makers to increase the number of professionals in a dying craft. Classes on sustainable fishing and caring for the sea would be held in the center to teach future generations about the responsibilities and importance of being 'custodians of the sea'.

2. Crafting studio Crafting studio where fishing systems such as rods, nets and floats will be hand crafted on site and available for purchase, open for the public to see and engage in the manufacturing process. Hand making such systems on site assures the maintenance of a healthy fish stock through discouraging over-fishing.
3. Pedestrian bridge with truss installation Creating a new pedestrian route that connects the two waterfronts and the whole Lower Town to Fishguard center. The truss installation over the new pedestrian bridge physically connects the two waterfronts and frames views, taking charge of the public realm by creating new routes and introducing a formal boat parking space.

4. Market hall & restaurant Where both fresh and cooked fish from local vendors will be sold to the general public. The market is permanent to activate the harbour all year around, closed to create shelter, and it introduces loggia & hall elements to create circulation through the market from the waterfront to Quay Street, which resembles the beginnings of a high street. Inside, the repeated pattern of the exposed timber roof structure is reminiscent of a fish skeleton. Restaurant at loft level offers views towards the sea as well as into the market hall through the timber frame structure, establishing connections between the two spaces.
5. Auction space Most of the fish caught will be iced, sorted and sold at the auction to wholesale outlets and local eateries, while the rest will be sold at the on-site market. Openings allow views into the space, creating a transparent experience for the visitor to watch the formal process of trading.

More than just a fish market, the Trading Haven will be a place to gather and trade in, a place to shop, eat, craft, learn and enjoy as a community. The scheme takes over the whole harbour, creating visual connections between the two waterfronts through the stone and timber architectural language that is established by integrating the original stone wall on site into the structure.