Place Names of Calne: Beach Terrace

The creation of Beach Terrace, dated November 2000.
From the collection of Don Lovelock, reproduced with the kind permission of Calne Heritage Centre.

Beach Terrace as we know it today was created as part of the massive redevelopment of Calne, known as phase 2 and costing around £5 million[1]. After the demolition of the Harris bacon factories, which was completed in 1985, both sides of the very straight Marden were put to grass. At this point the area began to be known as the 'beach', which must be why this terrace got its' name. In this area tug of wars competitions were arrange between different pubs and clubs. The way is was is missed, but the redevelopment has created a wonderful feature out of the river.

The 2018 rememberance display at Beach Terrace.
Created by many local schools.

The Marden was re-meandered, with stone, gravel, and planting to create a more natural river channel. The planting of yellow flag iris, marsh marigold, and purple loosestrife, has brought much life to the area.

The river wall has fantastic bas reliefs made by Richard Cowdy and Vivien ap Rhys Price, which include: mammals, birds, fish, plants and people; which all go with the theme of ‘Breath of Life’.

This is particularly relevant to Calne, which has ties with Joseph Priestley, who lived in Calne when he discovered Oxygen at Bowood, and Jan Ingen-Housz, the scientist who discovered Photosynthesis and now lies at St. Mary’s Church.

The inner bends of each meander have cleverly been configured to allow the public very close access to the river. This area is well used throughout the summer, particularly at events such as The Lions Duck Race and the Calne Bike Meet. 

Beach Terrace as it is now, Calne Bike Meet 2019.

The creation of the terrace also included the buildings seen to the left of the photo above, which includes some popular local shops and accommodation, along with the Calne millenium library. Nicholas Pearson Associates, the consultancy firm the built the library won the 2003 Civic Trust Award for their library design[2].

A short video about Beach Terrace and the River Wall can be viewed below:

 
References:
[1] Project Details - Viewing Images. 2019. Project Details - Viewing Images. [ONLINE] Available at: https://members.architecture.com/custom/bespoke/directory/view_images.asp?id=117636&Type=O&CaseRef=81115&imgName=n829156_7.jpg. [Accessed 09 August 2019].
[2] Awards. [ONLINE] Available at: https://npaconsult.co.uk/awards/ [Accessed 09 August 2019].