PROJECT BRIEF: PLAY 1. AIM

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1 PROJECT BRIEF: PLAY 1. AIM The Hepworth Wakefield seeks an architect/artist to produce a design brief and proposals for the design of a play area. The desired end use is an area of fun and engaging outdoor play, which members of the public can explore without supervision. This project will be developed alongside The Hepworth Riverside Gallery Garden project. The play architect/artist will be required to work closely with the appointed garden designer to produce a concept design, brief and proposals, ensuring that the play design complements the garden design. It is also important that the play architect/artist consults with current and future play area users. 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1 THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD The Hepworth Wakefield (THW) opened its doors in May 2011 and brings together work from Wakefield s art collection, exhibitions by contemporary artists and rarely seen works by Barbara Hepworth. There is a programme of changing exhibitions across 10 galleries, and an inventive and engaging learning and events programme for children and adults that promotes enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of visual art. THW is also at the heart of Wakefield s regeneration, and has helped to secure significant private sector funding to restore the listed mills and warehouses in this important conservation area. The Hepworth Wakefield is now in its fifth year and at a key moment in the organisation's development and growth. The gallery has far exceeded expectations to date, welcoming over 1.5 million visitors since opening, winning the Clore Award for Learning in 2013 and regularly receiving regional, national and international press coverage for our acclaimed exhibitions. THW generates 8.5 million tourism spend annually in Wakefield, and through its supply chain and induced spending in the local area around a further 20 local jobs are supported each year. 2.2 THE HEPWORTH RIVERSIDE GALLERY GARDEN PROJECT THW is creating an inspiring riverside garden by a leading international designer which will provide a new free-to-enter public space and visitor attraction for the residents of Wakefield and visitors to the gallery. The development of the garden is in direct response to our audience research with sector-leading specialists MUSE to increase visitor numbers and mitigate the threat to core funding. The garden will be a visitor attraction in its own right attracting an additional 100,000 visits to The Hepworth annually. It is a critical element of our vision for the long-term sustainability and success of THW, as we look to widen our public appeal, attracting new and repeat visitors, and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our local community.

2 The garden will be created on the lawned area between the gallery and Rutland Mills, a former industrial site, currently owned by Wakefield Council and showcase some of our sculpture. The Hepworth Wakefield will lease the land from the council. The total cost of the development, including play, is circa 2.2 million and it is anticipated that the garden will be completed by summer PLAY PROJECT The existing play area is owned and managed by Wakefield Council and is used extensively by local residents and visitors to the gallery. It is located at the riverside and is separated from the intended garden area by a road. There is 24-hour access to the play area. Whilst it is vital that a play area is retained, it needs to be incorporated into the garden design so that it is in keeping with the development of the whole riverside area and reflects the visual and creative arts that are showcased at The Hepworth Wakefield and, in future, within Rutland Mills. The new play area should be developed in consultation with local communities, including children. It should make links with the creative process of sculpture and its variety of tactile materials that are explored in the gallery. It should also make reference and connections with the colours, forms and textures of the garden design. 3. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Create a play area that will entertain, educate, engage and challenge children, enabling them to make, explore, climb, hide, chase and experiment in a safe and compelling environment The play area design must complement and reflect the garden design. The play designer will be required to work closely with Tom Stuart-Smith and his team 4. BUDGET 100K + VAT including design team costs (e.g. Architects/designers fees associated with the play design, Quantity Surveyor, Civil & Structural Engineers etc.) 5. REQUIREMENTS All design submissions will be evaluated against their responses to the following requirements in conjunction with their proposed budget: 5.1 Play Respond to current best practice in outdoor play and play area design Consult with existing and future users of play area 5.2 Design The play elements should be as accessible as possible, including consideration of SEND requirements As a minimum, the play elements should be appropriate for children between ages of 4 and 12, but we are keen to explore the idea of intergenerational play Low-level equipment preferred to avoid need for safety surfaces Creative approach to boundaries with the garden (no fences preferred)

3 Encourage visitors to travel from the play area into the garden and the gallery A designated space for the gallery to run children s workshops 5.3 Artistic Respond to the themes of the gallery s collection Barbara Hepworth, sculpture and the landscape, and the ambition of its learning programme, which promotes multisensory, open-ended play Explore the links between art/sculpture, play and gardens, with particular focus on materials and textures and the processes of making Respond to the themes of Tom Stuart-Smith s garden design and work closely with the garden design team to ensure that play complements the garden. We welcome proposals in collaboration with artists, particularly those whose work will engage local communities. 5.4 Maintenance 24-hour public access garden, therefore play equipment must be robust and durable Lifecycle minimum 10 years Low maintenance 5.5 Security There will be no onsite invigilation or security as the play area will be accessible to the public 24/7 There is 24-hour CCTV 6. CONSTRAINTS Tootal Street and Gallery Walk (roads surrounding the garden) will remain the responsibility of Wakefield Council The play area is located within the Wakefield Waterfront Conservation Area Approximate area of play is 990sqm (30m x 33m) 7. RESPONSE You will need to produce a proposal in response to the above brief by 13 April A visit to The Hepworth Wakefield prior to the deadline can be arranged on Wednesday 22 February, Monday 6 March, or Thursday 16 March, to meet with Nicola Freeman (Director of Learning & Engagement) and Meghan Goodeve (Senior Learning Manager) in order to view the site and better understand its context. As part of your response to the above brief, please provide: A concept design A manufacturer s brief (where applicable) Proposed budget breakdown Detailed timeline for completion (in accordance with Point 9) Ideas and materials for community consultation during the summer An understanding of ongoing maintenance requirements and environmental impact The development of the site will be subject to fundraising, and in order to ensure the success of this, the chosen designers involvement would be important, plus support and involvement in the press and PR campaign

4 Biography of the designer/team From 13 April, the Project Working Group will determine a shortlist who will be invited to present to a panel in mid-may. Please note that all design submissions will be evaluated against their responses to the requirements noted in Point 5 in conjunction with their proposed budget. 8. PROJECT APPROVALS PROCESS An approvals process including meeting schedule has been set out for the garden project including the play project. The strategic meeting schedule includes: Play Design Team Garden Design Team Garden Project Working Group Garden Project Board The Garden Project Board is responsible for delivering the garden project and the play project. The Garden Project Board will approve both the garden and the play designs ensuring that both briefs are met. The Play Design Team will progress the management of the play area design and communicate the design development to the Garden Design Team. The Play Design Team will be led by Laura Whiteman, Business & Capital Development Executive, with attendance by key THW officers, QS, design professionals and others by invitation. Both design teams will report to the Project Working Group who in turn will report to the Board. 9. TIMELINE OF WORK Host site visits with interested parties Feb to March 2017 Deadline for concept designs 13 April 2017 Shortlisted designers present to panel Mid May 2017 Appointment of selected designer End May 2017 Public consultation July 2017 to August 2017 Construction work January 2018 to March 2018 Soft opening 1 April 2018/ Easter holidays Consultation period to assess impact April 2018 Formal opening alongside garden May 2018 (or later) 10. OTHER INFORMATION The garden project is at Stage 2 (RIBA Plan of Work). The garden designer was selected following a design competition and appointed in March The winning designer is Tom Stuart-Smith. Rutland Mills is currently owned by Wakefield Council. It is being purchased by City & Provincial Properties. It is anticipated that CPP will submit a planning application early 2017 with a view to completing the purchase in mid CPPs vision is to create a creative hub, akin to their development at Tileyard Studios (Kings Cross), with creative studios, food and beverage outlets and a boutique hotel.

5 11. CONTACT For more information please contact: Laura Whiteman Business & Capital Development Executive Tel: