York St John's come 9th in Times Higher Education UK Student Experience Survey

York St John University have moved 49 places, from 58th in 2012 to 9th this year in the Times Higher Education UK Student Experience Survey. They are the first post 1992 University to be placed in the top 10. Watson Batty are their retained Architects since 2011 having completed the refurbishment of the Fountains Learning Centre, and currently supporting the major sports development plan at Haxby Road and the refurbishment of the Holgate Building which started on site April 2013.

We forward our congratulations to the university and wish them every success for the future.

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York St John Holgate refurbishment about to commence

The 22nd April 2013 sees the start of site works for main contractor Illingworth & Gregory Ltd on the £1.2m ground floor Holgate Building refurbishment situated in the heart of the York St John University campus. The scheme looks to amalgamate the core provision of student services, including student welfare, finance and reception into a centralised, easily accessible, vibrant hub. Having already gained full planning and listed building consent including discharge of all conditions, the project is due for completion mid August 2013.

View YSJ University fly-through Video

Kearns Village

Watson Batty Architects recently submitted a planning application on behalf of Skipton Properties for 22 family homes at Kearns Mill in Waterfoot, Rossendale. The development will contain a selection of 3,4 and 5 bedroom high quality detached units that will help to attract new householders to the area.

The 2 and 3 storey development is located on an existing mill site and the design, which proposes the use of natural stone and slate was driven by the existing aesthetics of the Kearns Mill facades and the fantastic rural context of the challenging site topography.  A planning decision is expected at the end of May and Skipton Properties are looking forward to a prompt start on site.

Troy Story 2

Following a disappointing planning refusal in 2009 of the Troy Street proposals, Watson Batty was re-commissioned by Twin Valley Homes to submit a second application.  The updated scheme met the criteria set out by the council and planning approval was granted at committee in February 2013.

The approved scheme located in the heart of Blackburn comprises of 6, two storey quality new build residential family dwellings which are appropriate for the BME community.  Twin Valley Homes feel providing these homes will improve opportunities for home ownership and also provide high quality homes for rent, particularly for the vulnerable and those in housing need.

PLP Construction have been appointed  Main Contractor and works on site commenced in April 2013.

Best of luck to the WBA Tough Mudders

On the 4th of May Adam and Joe will be participating in the North London "Tough Mudder" event to help raise money for the charity 'Sue Ryder Care'.  For the last 60 years, Sue Ryder have been providing care for people with life changing illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease as well as a number of others and also elderly people who can no longer look after themselves. 

Tough Mudder is a hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by the special forces to test your all around strength, stamina, determination and camaraderie. Adam and Joe have been ‘training’ for the event for a number of weeks and we wish them both good luck for the event and a safe return, preferably with no broken bones or severed limbs.