New Amherst Ltd. retained GSP Group to provide planning and design services for approvals and public realm design within the New Amherst Community in Cobourg. New Amherst is a traditional neighbourhood design prepared by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company that features a grid street pattern, rear lanes, and a series of small parks. True to any traditional neighbourhood design, the public spaces and streetscapes of New Amherst were identified as critical elements in establishing the desired vibrant and mixed neighbourhood.
Implementing this established vision, GSP Group liaised with the developers and Town and reviewed local vernacular to establish a design direction, upon which concepts and detailed drawings were articulated for the main streets, community entrances, and parks. The principal park in Stage 1 is oriented to create a meeting place that is easily identified by a prominent clock tower located in the street median. Another park incorporates an existing barn foundation wall as part of a passive sitting area. A linear park through Stage 2 provides an east-west green spine through the neighbourhood complementing the north-south neighbourhood main street. The design and planting plans for the streets and spaces prepared by GSP Group have created an inviting and comfortable public realm enjoyed by the residents.
