Site Selection and Analysis

Three sites were selected in Fairfield, each with the criteria to support the programmatic elements of the building. In order for the building to integrate into Manchester’s waterway network, the site has to be in close proximity to the canal, which runs through the district. The site also has to be easily accessible by road to facilitate any commuters who use the building as a transport interchange. The area of the site is important, as it has to accommodate the kayak training programmatic element.


Site 1 is an area of disused green space sandwiched between two industrial buildings. The site is directly accessible from both the canal and the road, supporting the program of the development.
Site 2 is a large playing field positioned next to a community centre. The site is bound by Fairfield Road, which runs parallel to the Ashton Canal. The site is bound by residential and industrial buildings meaning that any development would have to respond to conflicting architectural vernaculars.
Site 3 is triangular in form and is a highly vegetated intermediate space between clusters of housing. The site doesn’t directly connect to any major road network in the area but does run parallel to the Ashton Canal.


Site 2 was selected for the design of the hybrid kayak centre. The selected site has adequate room supporting the training facilities that Site 1 and 3 lacked. The existing infrastructure surrounding the site will support the commuting programmatic element.