Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art Manager
Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Limited
Development: Former Royal Worcester Porcelain Works
Address: Severn Street / Portland Walk, Worcester
July 8, 2016
Introduction
This document sets out an introduction and initial brief for the above
project, in order to find an appropriate Public Art Manager / Consultant to
help deliver a coherent scheme of art for the development.
The contents of this document are confidential and are intended only for
the addressed consultant, and to the project which the appointment
relates. This document should not be copied or distributed except with the
express permission of Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Limited.
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CBD-PA | Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art
Project Introduction
The project is located on the site of the former Royal Worcester porcelain
works and consists of two sites – Portland Walk and Severn Street.
Berkeley Homes bought the site in around 2005 following the closure of
the porcelain works on the development. A hybrid detailed and outline
planning consent was granted shortly after this, generating Section 106
public art obligations. More recently, detailed planning applications on part
of the Severn Street scheme have generated the requirement for public
art.
Berkeley Homes are looking to deliver the art requirements for this site in
order to enhance the public realm and satisfy the planning obligations.
In order to develop and inform the project, Berkeley Homes have enlisted
the support, guidance and experience of key stakeholders. They will form
the Steering Group, of which the appointed Public Arts Manager /
Consultant will be part of and report to. The Steering Group is currently as
follows:
· Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Limited (Client, landowner,
developer and architect)
· Museum of Royal Worcester (Neighbour and involved in local and
wider context art and heritage trails)
· Worcestershire County Council, County Arts Officer
To date, we have held two workshops to discuss Berkeley’s requirements
and explore how we take the project forward. From this, we believe that a
Public Art Manager / Consultant with appropriate experience of briefing,
procuring and delivering art within historic and sensitive locations will be
beneficial.
This document is intended to be used to find a shortlist of interested parties
to meet with the Steering Group. At this meeting, we would look to explore
your experience and thoughts in relation to this project with a view to
making an appointment following this.
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© Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd, 2015
Project Initial Brief
The overall requirement for public art is governed by the Section 106
planning obligations relating to the original planning consent (reference
P05D0432), and the planning conditions covered under the recent
applications for site areas B & C (references P13D0297 and P13D0385
respectively).
Under the Section 106, “…a work or works of public art on the
Development … of a maximum of £100,000.00” should be
delivered. Suggested uses for the money include the “enhancement of the
five open public areas on the Development”, “the interpretation of the
history of the site”. Previous discussions with the Local Authority have
indicated that this could be by means of a heritage trail.
The above planning applications for site areas B & C both contain the
following condition: “Full details of public art/realm improvements including
historical representations/display information including any details shown
on the submitted plans shall be submitted to and approved by the local
planning authority in writing prior to implementation as part of the
development hereby approved. The development shall not be undertaken
other than in full accordance with such approved details”.
The requirement for the conditions under the planning applications for site
areas B & C was derived from the proposed development for site area B
partially obscuring a painted elevation to the Museum. Whilst the work(s)
should not be an obvious signpost to the Museum, it may be installed in a
“gateway” location to signify the history of the development and encourage
people towards and in to the site.
The proposed work(s) of art will need to satisfy the requirements of the
above, with at least one piece of work installed on the corner of site area
C in the location shown on the attached plan.
Berkeley Homes will remain the point of contact with the Local Authority
for discharging these obligations.
In addition to the above, the scheme should take in to account the following
constraints/opportunities.
Planning Designation The site sits within the “Historic City”
conservation area within Worcester and
contains and abuts listed buildings including
the Bone Mill (grade II*, also referred to as the
Pan Grinding Shop) and the former Porcelain
Showroom (grade II). Planning conditions and
Section 106 obligations require the provision of
public art as detailed elsewhere.
Heritage The site is perhaps best known as being the
location where Royal Worcester was
established in 1751.
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CBD-PA | Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art
Porcelain works were produced on the site through to the early 21st
century. Many of the original buildings remain
and have since been converted for residential
and commercial uses, complimented by new
buildings designed in a sympathetic
architectural style.
Archaeology Generally, archaeology within the site consists
of remains associated with the former
porcelain works. In addition to this, beneath
the northernmost part of the site sits a
medieval church on to which sat the former St
Peter’s Church (Victorian) both of which no
longer remain, and are accompanied with
associated burial grounds. The remains of the
former medieval City Wall also run from
Sidbury returning under the Old School House
and Museum.
Trees / Hedgerows There are no significant trees or hedgerows to
be taken in to consideration.
Ecology There is no significant ecology to be taken in
to consideration.
Existing Services Mains services run along Princes Drive and
Armstrong Drive and will need to be taken in to
consideration subject to the type of works
proposed.
Watercourses Both the Severn Street site, and Portland Walk
site sit directly alongside the Worcester and
Birmingham Canal. The southernmost part of
the Portland Walk site fronts on to the River
Severn. It is understood that the former would
have been used to service the former
porcelain works.
Highways Roads within the development are not adopted
by the Local Authority. The location of any
work(s) may need to be reviewed to ensure
vehicle movement and visibility is not affected.
Timescales for the project are not fixed and are open for discussion with
the appointed Manager / Consultant. However, a rough indication is as
follows
· Mid to Late 2016 – Interview and appoint the Public Art Manager /
Consultant; develop brief and strategy.
· Late 2016 to Early 2017 – Appoint artist(s) and refine brief.
· Early to Mid 2017 – Approve art work(s).
· Mid 2017 onwards – Installation of work(s), subject to intended
location(s) and construction works elsewhere within the
development.
It is envisaged that the above brief is the starting point for the appointment
of a Public Art Manager / Consultant, and will be developed further with the
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© Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd, 2015
input and guidance of such person alongside the steering group in order to
develop a clear brief for the intended work(s) of art.
Deliverables
The successful provider will be expected to:
· Undertake consultation work with the Steering Group and any
other such stakeholders as agreed
· Write the brief/tender for the work(s) of art and agree this with the
Steering Group
· Provide a shortlist of artists and work with the Steering Group to
narrow this to a single option
· Manage the process and budget on behalf of Berkeley Homes
· Liaise with Berkeley Homes as required in respect of H&S and the
timings and installation of the work(s)
· Report to the Steering Group on a regular basis (say monthly
unless otherwise agreed)
Budget
The overall budget for the public art shall not exceed £100,000 (inc. VAT).
Any proposal above this amount will be rejected. This figure shall include
your fee and all other costs associated with the management,
commissioning, procurement and installation of the art work(s).
Submission
The closing date for expressions of interest in the Public Art Manager role
shall be 12 noon on Friday 2 September 2016. The expression of interest
should be submitted by email only to the point of contact at the end of this
document. The expression of interest should include the following:
· Your proposals for the work(s) of art
· Details of how the proposals will be delivered
· A short statement of your suitability for the role
· A CV or statement of your relevant experience
· Examples of commissions you have been involved in
· A breakdown of the Budget (which must include a detailed
breakdown of your fees which shall be a Fixed Cost)
Selection Process
Submissions shall be made in accordance with the requirements above.
Shortlisted consultants may be required to attend a clarification meeting to
discuss their proposals. Applicants will be responsible for any costs in
obtaining information and preparing their application.
In completing your proposals you must not make any assumptions about
the Steering Groups knowledge of your organization or activities. Your
application will only be assessed on the information submitted.
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CBD-PA | Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art
The timetable for the selection process is as follows:
Public Art Consultant Brief Issued – 15 July 2016
Submission Deadline – 2 September 2016
Evaluation and Potential Clarification Meeting – September 2016
Preferred Consultant Identified – September 2016
Berkeley Homes reserve the right to seek clarification or further information
about any matter covered in the application or clarification meeting.
Berkeley Homes reserves the right not to appoint a consultant if no
applicant satisfactorily demonstrates how they will meet the brief.
Point of Contact
During the project, all enquiries should be directed to:
Alex Burrows, Assistant Design Manager
Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd
Berkeley House, Farnham Lane, Farnham Royal SL2 3RQ
alex.burrows@berkeleygroup.co.uk
