Plymouth Central Park Cafe: New Hilltop Cafe

As part of the investment in Plymouth Central Park, the masterplan identified the need for a new cafe by the clock tower where it is bounded by major circulation routes within the park. The site is nearly flat and overlooks the playground on a downhill slope. Whilst small in stature the clock tower is a focal point due to its location and directions of movement within the park. The form of the building responds directly to the radial nature and geometries of the clock tower from original Thomas Hayton Mawson design and the surrounding landscape.

The new cafe provides internal covers as well as generous covered outdoor seating area. It has serving out facilities and also accommodates park toilets.The footprint of the building extends parallel along the clock circle to create a long southern façade with large areas of glazing. This radial nature offers a variety aspects for the cafe space and different views across the landscape. A more solid facade along the circle releases the visitor gradually to the stunning views across the park and Plymouth into the hills beyond. The kiosk selling out point animates the circle and extends the cafe offer to those passing by.

The design concept for the building draws inspiration from the rolling hills and the vernacular rough stone walls of the surrounding local landscape. The undulating green roof landscape is elevated by split block walls, which provide local, contextual character. Rooflights are embedded at the ‘peaks’ of the hills to create animation internally and provide daylight. The concept acts as extension to the park and the new play landscape.