Seeking views on the vision for an Innovation Quarter

Innovation Quarter Design Principles

As set out on the previous page (Context & Vision), The Talbot Village SPD document sets out how development at Talbot Village will be implemented, delivering a vision for an academic and employment centre of innovation and excellence, associated with a well-managed wildlife haven to the south and south west.

The SPD also sets out key parameters for development on the TV2 site and these are reflected in the key design principles explained below: 

Landscaped buffer 

The development will ensure a buffer zone of at least 15m from existing residential garden boundaries and a buffer of at least 40m from existing residential buildings.  

The 15m buffer zone will provide an attractive area of biodiversity rich landscaping and could possibly provide a circular leisure route for walking. 

An appropriate scale

All new buildings within the Innovation Quarter will be typically one to three storeys in height, set well back from residential properties in Talbot Village to the west and Talbot Woods to the east, so that visual impact is minimised. Larger buildings up to three storeys will be clustered around the central spine road within the centre of the site and furthest away from residential properties.  

Appropriate uses

As set out within the SPD, the Innovation Quarter could provide up to 25,000 sqm of commercial space with the final uses restricted to those compatible with a location within 400m of Talbot Heath and restricted to uses that are appropriate in a residential area. 

Talbot Way Boulevard

A north-south route for pedestrians and cyclists will form a central spine to the proposed development, acting as a seam connecting to existing uses to the north, such as the two Universities, the model village, and Active Dorset at Slade Farm. It will provide an attractive tree lined route for non-car modes of transport to and from the Innovation Quarter. The route will link to Alyth Road and the upgraded cycle routes towards the Central Gardens, Town Centre and the beach promoting wellbeing across the area. Landscape treatment and planting would separate this from the wider walking routes on the Heathland Support Area and Talbot Heath.  

Community led Farm

In discussions with the local community it has been suggested that a new Community managed Farm might be welcomed.  This would be compatible with the TV2 and TV3 sites. The Charity has looked at community farms elsewhere in the UK and the Masterplan includes an area adjacent to TV2 which could be provided as a hub for a community farm, should there be interest expressed by those wishing to operate and manage such a facility.  

Talbot Place

There is the opportunity to provide a fantastic public square which could act as the link between the new Innovation Quarter, the two Universities, Talbot Village, Talbot Woods and the model village beyond. This new space – Talbot Place – could provide high-quality public realm able to host small outdoor public events. It would be a wonderful place to spend time with friends and family alongside new community facilities and cafes.  

The Charity is asking the community to provide thoughts on what community facilities and other uses they would enjoy in the new Talbot Place.