THEY were 'outsiders' headed to Hereford for the first time with no preconceptions and only a limited knowledge of its history and qualities. That was about to change.

Mehron Kirk and his team from the Building Design Partnership (BDP) arrived over high ground to the south, where the city sets itself out for all to see.

On reaching the river their picture was less clear. Tightly woven streets and spaces required something of the spirit of the explorer to tease out subtle charms.

Exactly what the team was there to do.

This was a city of discretion. One of the UK's 'hidden urban delights' with attributes well known and protected by its residents, but relatively unknown to a wider world.

The Cathedral travelled well and the Mappa Mundi Museum alongside earned an international reputation.

But it was the overall character and quality of architecture that captured the team's imagination, and the city's close relationship with the River Wye.

Things could happen here.

As a project co-ordinator with BDP, one of Europe's biggest architectural-engineering groups, Mr Kirk was the man to make them happen.

BDP had been brought in by the Hereford City Partnership to create The City of Living Crafts.

They had applied their talents to cities and towns across the continent. This brief was something special, offering a diversity of experience rare in previous assignments.

Scale and size made that so. Within a short walk the 'hustle and bustle' of High Town, for instance, was swapped for the 'tranquillity' of Castle Green.

Initial observations made their task apparent. The time had come to make the most of what this city had to offer, to link its distinct streets and spaces, and to put its creative heritage - in carpentry, stonework, metalwork and sculpture - at the very heart.

Hereford was an 'enormous opportunity'.

The BDP's track record

THE Building Design Partnership's experience includes:

l Preparation of a 'strategic masterplan' for the enhancement of city centre streets and spaces in Marseilles, and a multi-million pound programme of improvements to the roads, pavements and open spaces.

l A new design approach to introduce additional retail facilities and enhance Welwyn Garden City.

l Enhancement of environs to the Royal Albert Hall and associated gardens.

l A new public space at Southwark Cathedral.

l New streetworks in Bridgwater.