Wharf plan details to go on show

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

THE man behind the plans to develop Baltic Wharf in Totnes has spoken of his confidence that the area would – eventually – be transformed. Steve Mittler, managing partner of TQ9 Partnership, said: ‘I never doubted. I got concerned when the first application was turned down but I never doubted. ‘People knew it was going to happen it was just about getting the detail right.’ But he did admit the long drawn out process – the site was purchased in 2006 – had been ‘frustrating and slow at times.’ Mr Mittler was speaking in the week before images of the new-look for Baltic Wharf are due to be unveiled at a major public exhibition at the United Free Church on Friday and Saturday. Detailed designs for the riverside area how a winding main street and a public square at the heart of the first phase of the development. Traffic will be one way through the houses, with clear priority given to pedestrians and cyclists. Many of the 95 homes planned for the first phase will reflect the wharf’s marine character, with some key elements of the town’s architecture, such as gabled frontages and projections, also echoed. Mr Mittler dismissed fears that local people wouldn’t be able to buy the riverside homes, saying the development would allow a selection of affordable homes. ‘The purchase prices will be in line with Totnes prices. And although there may be a bit of a premium because they are new, we are certainly looking at the local market to be major purchasers of the houses.’ The plans have been created following extensive consultation with local people to decide how the site would look and feel, and the exhibition will offer the hundreds who gave their views a chance to see how their ideas translated into design. Mr Mittler said: ‘People have been so generous and enthusiastic with their time and ideas. ‘I’m really looking forward to them being able to see how the architects have made something tangible from all those suggestions.’ The first phase will include a co-housing scheme, where householders share a common house with facilities available to all. A detailed planning application could be submitted in June with building beginning early next year. The designs will be on view at the United Free Church from 11am to 8pm on Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Saturday.

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