Works Underway at Longfield Grove, Todmorden

We have successfully commenced works on site at Longfield Grove in Todmorden on behalf of the Together Housing Group. The scheme is the final phase within the regeneration programme of the Longfield area, originally started by Pennine Housing 2000 back in 2006.  The scheme comprises of 11No new build 3-bed 5-person split level family homes, all to Code Level 3 and Lifetime Homes Standards.

Longfield Grove is our first collaboration with Wiggetts Construction Ltd who are the contractors responsible for completing the works on site. 

Plans Approved for Ripon Mixed-use Development

Harrogate Borough Council released a decision notice this week giving planning approval for a substantial mixed-use development on the edge of Ripon. The scheme, designed by Watson Batty Architects on behalf of Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc and Rock Regeneration, will see the creation of a new 37,000sq.ft supermarket,  a 60 Bed Hotel, DIY home and garden centre, plus industrial and office units. The decision notice marks the end of a long running application with Harrogate Borough Council which commenced with pre-application discussions in early 2011. 

PassivHaus Success

STEM at The University of Bradford has successfully passed its final PassivHaus air test. Achieving the exceptionally high levels of air tightness required by PassivHaus of 0.6 air changes per hour.

The new £3m Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) building provides a highly sustainable learning environment within the university's campus. The project utilises very high levels of insulation, high performance windows & doors, airtight building fabric, ‘thermal bridge free’ construction and mechanical heat recovery systems.

STEM is on track to become the UK’s first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and PassivHaus accredited educational building.

Steelwork on Site at the University of Huddersfield

The new £25m Learning and Leisure Centre for the University of Huddersfield is taking shape on site. Approximately 75% of the main structural frame is now in position, and elements of cladding and curtain walling are being installed. The new 6 storey development is the largest and most complex project the university has delivered, and will significantly enhance the student experience through improved provision of sport, social learning space, students’ services, students’ union and catering in the heart of the Queensgate Campus. The main building will be substantially complete in early 2014, with an overall project completion scheduled for Spring 2014.

Planning approval gained for York St John

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to confirm planning permission has been received for new sports facilities at York St John University.

York City Council approved an application for this exciting phased development of the former Nestle Rowntree sports fields to include:

- two new full size floodlit all weather pitches for football and rugby

- new outdoor floodlit netball / tennis courts

- a new outdoor multi sports area

- new car/coach parking and improved vehicular/pedestrian access

Construction works are anticipated to commence late Summer/early Autumn 2013.

Once completed the University’s sports park will include modern sporting and recreational facilities set within mature, attractive and historically significant rural surroundings.

Watson Batty are also currently engaged to deliver a new sports hub building to complement the park potentially including team changing accommodation, fitness facilities, teaching space,

a sports lounge and dedicated spectator viewing areas.

Tour de Wharfedale

Just over a year before the Tour de France visits Wharfedale Peter White, Managing Director, competed in the Wharfedale Off Road Half Marathon, finishing the undulating course, which has over 1800ft of vertical ascent and includes a painful climb of Mastiles Lane in a time of 2hrs and 11 minutes.

The weather on the day was perfect and a dry spell in the preceding week meant that the going under foot was generally good apart from the odd knee deep Yorkshire bog approaching the finishing line!

After a short period of recuperation, next up for Peter is the 'Yorkshireman' in September when he is looking to possibly step up to the marathon distance!

Library Books to be sorted at York St John University

York St John University are further enhancing the student experience on the Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus site with an additional phase of development within the Fountains Learning Centre. The new book sorter will enhance the efficiency of the learning resource centre and create a more straightforward approach returning and organising the books within the library. The project is due to start on site by the end of June and be fully operational by the start of the new term in September 2013.