Left Village Quarry Park - a post industrial project in China

Located 60km from Guangzhou CBD the Left Village Quarry Park is a unique post industrial project of regional significance. The site contains both a remnant granite mine and a centuries old farm village.

Taking this into consideration the conceptual masterplan by multi disciplinary studio Gossamer, rejuvenates the abandoned quarry and existing farming villages for future agro-tourism, recreation and environmental rehabilitation. New planned programs include; eco camping, nature trails, wetland park, sports and recreation park, multifunctional events lawn and visitors centres.

Left Village Quarry Park is a tourism venture near Guangzhou.

Selected abandoned buildings in the town centre will be repurposed for accommodation and visitor facilities, whilst the existing village community will enjoy access to a rejuvenated town centre with new infrastructure upgrades, jobs and business opportunities.

The design uses the granite mining process as a conceptual driver, using on-site granite as the primary material and retaining large site boulders left behind from mining. The use of this strategy takes on four main design principles crush/pile, cut/slice, stack/step and adapt/reuse.

The project is made up of three stages, each with a unique experience:

The first of the three stage experience - Explore

Stage 1: Explore The Quarry

The first project stage will transform the disused granite quarry into a post-industrial parkland, recreation and events destination. Visitors are greeted by a ‘rockfall’ landscape with an information centre, cafe restaurant, adventure play space, rock garden and wetland. A concealed journey along a dramatic land-cut leads into the main quarry pit, opening up to a an events / camping lawn and amphitheatre space. A corkscrew stair and lift inspired by mining infrastructure ascends the cliffs to a lookout café perched over the quarry void. Here, visitors are guided along a selection of nature trails and cliff-edge walks.

Stage 2: Play - in the fields

Located between the quarry and the village, is a vast farmland allowing for agritourism activities such as sustainable farming tours, cycling trails, horse-riding and camping.

Stage 3: Stay - In tranquillity

The final stage of the project involves the long-term adaptation of existing village buildings and public spaces to preserve authentic cultural experiences and existing communities. Here visitors can walk though the terraced orchards, relax at a spa, eat local produce overlooking the farms.

Agriculture in this zone will remain productive, while existing residences are retained to ensure the ongoing presence and involvement of the local villagers. Architecture across all three stages prioritises adaptive re-use and will recycle on-site materials.

Overall, the masterplan creates a unique post industrial and authentic farmstay experience, whilst enhancing the lives of the local community and environment.