What Makes a Great Urban Space?

Spinningfields Manchester UK

We all have our favourite spots in our local towns and cities. These spaces connect with us and influence how we feel about a place. It may be the vibrancy or the intimacy of a place which makes it feel special but the chances are you can’t quite put your finger on what it is that makes a place feel special.

It is essential when developing urban spaces that we truly understand what makes a place ‘good’. If we can adhere to trusted place-making design principles, we can help visitors have a positive experience and encourage them to return time and time again. A place should be designed to cater for both people’s wants and needs; and if successful enough it will leave a long-lasting impression.

If we look at some of the major UK cities there are certain places that you can guarantee will be a hive of activity, full of people enjoying the space. In Manchester, the ever growing area of ‘Spinningfields’ is constantly awash with people socialising, relaxing and using the space creatively. They have ownership of the space and are entertained by pop-up bars and novelty, seasonal activities such as ice-skating. Vibrant Covent Garden in London is also a place of constant, lively activity with locals and visitors alike squeezed into the packed bars and cafes that surround the space. It is also rare to take that spectacular walk through the award-winning Peace Gardens in Sheffield without encountering people enjoying this distinctive space and stopping to relax and eat lunch.

But what makes all these spaces successful? Why are they so good to visit? What can we learn from them?

Bryan Park, New York, USA

Here at Watson Batty Architects we have learned that the most successful urban spaces have a number of effective features, some of which are outlined below;

Firstly, the space needs to be accessible. Good transport links are critical whether by foot, bus, train or car. If these places are hard to reach, will people go? Do these places exist along well trodden routes? Arrival at, and movement through a space should be easy and fluid.

Secondly, the edges of the space are vitally important. Walking along a row of shopfronts is more interesting and feels much safer than being faced with a blank wall. If these spaces are filled with the correct uses natural surveillance is created while providing interest and activity. These are two vital components in encouraging public spaces to be used.

Thirdly, activity and ‘life’ within the space will encourage people to stay. Cafes and Bars for example encourage people to stop and take rest. What will engage the passing visitor? What image does the place portray and will this encourage a certain crowd?

Finally, something which may be taken for granted, how is the place designed? How social is the place? Is it a comfortable space with somewhere robust to sit and relax, meet friends and communicate face-to-face? Does it catch the sun or is it in constant shadow? Are there any great views?

Great social spaces can do lots more than just attracting people. They can help create cohesive local communities, aid people movement and play host to memorable events creating emotional connections with the people who use them.  Next time you are visiting somewhere, why not consider what makes that place feel great?

If you have any great places we would love to hear about them. What place is special to you, both big and small?

Post by Scott Lunn, BA (Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA

Architect at Watson Batty Architects

Plans submitted for the Dixon McMillan Academy

Plans were recently submitted to Bradford Metropolitan District Council ( BMDC) Planning Department apply for permission to convert the existing Bradford College McMillan Building on Trinity Road into a secondary school academy. The proposals will see the demolition of the west wing of the existing building to make way for a staff car park and a sports hall with changing and storage facilities. The front of the academy will be transformed with a 2 storey extension creating a double height multi-functional ‘heart’ space for the school. The extension will see a contemporary glass façade brought to the building allowing views and natural light into the academy. The inclusion of a new entrance within the extension work will create a secure and welcoming arrival point for staff, students and visitors. Together with extensive internal refurbishment and landscape works the proposals will see the existing building gain a new lease of life educating the next generation.

The proposals are due to be determined by the BMDC planning department at the end of February 2015. If the application is approved the school is programmed for completion and opening in September 2015.

We're Hiring!

Watson Batty Architects are seeking a highly motivated and versatile project architect and architectural technician to work with our clients to deliver dynamic, creative and practical building solutions.

The successful candidate will be based within our Leeds or Loughborough Studio and must be able to demonstrate excellent design skills, sound construction knowledge and the ability to work in a fast paced environment. You will be a hands on all-rounder with both job running and client facing experience with the ability to deliver projects within a range of sectors, from initial concept stage through site works to completion.

If you are ambitious and are seeking a new challenge please submit details of your experience, along with samples of work, to Pamela Cooke at the following email address: - pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com

• Applicants must be skilled in AutoCad and computer literate. Revit and graphic presentation skills are preferable. 

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience in managing challenging projects as well as the ability to liaise with design consultants, clients and stakeholders.

• 3 years post qualification experience is preferable.

WBA to assist the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to be working with the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum (ANDF) assisting the group in developing their 'placemaking' masterplan to map out the development of Aireborough to 2028. The masterplan will eventually be examined as a Neighbourhood Plan by the Government Planning Inspectorate to ensure compliance with Leeds' strategic local plan; then it will be voted on in a local referendum to be adopted as a legislative document.


The first stage of the project will see us assisting the ANDF map out evidence of issues, desires and ideas in order to create a vision plan by Spring 2015.

We were delighted to be shortlisted and eventually chosen as the groups preferred consultant having demonstrated our detailed local knowledge of development in the area. The group were also impressed with the range of disciplines offered by the practice as well as our ability to provide initiative solutions.

For further information please visit the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum by clicking here

Exciting future for Guiseley AFC

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to support their local football team Guiseley AFC with plans for the redevelopment of their existing Nethermoor Park ground.  A planning application has recently been submitted to Leeds City Council by the Conference North football club which includes new covered spectator stands, a new changing room facility, and a new two storey community hub building.  Proposed improvements to the ground will increase the spectator capacity to 4000 allowing the Club to meet league requirements when promoted to the Conference Premier division – Step 1 of the national league system – just one promotion from the Football League.

  

The new plans represent a significant long term investment by the Club not only to support their football aspirations but to serve and benefit their local community seven days a week. The new hub building will include a ground floor social enterprise café whilst on the first floor a multi-functional social space provides match day hospitality.

On non match days the upper floor can be divided into three separate spaces with pitch-side views providing areas for learning, meetings, entertaining, and use by various local community groups and local schools. 

A number of established community groups, programmes and prominent individuals have already pledged their support towards the new development including AVSED, Action for Children and Stuart Andrew MP.

Works at Craven College Underway

Work is well underway at Craven College where George Houlton & Sons Ltd are re-cladding and internally refurbishing the three storey Whernside building. The improvement works to the building are due to complete end of February 2015.

While simultaneously undertaking the refurbishment works a new workshop facility is being built which is due to complete August 2015.

On completion of the Whernside refurbishment works to the single storey Hub building will commence to form a sports lab, teaching gym, associated changing facilities, a classroom and office accommodation.

Blaydon Fit Out Complete

Morrisons are due to open the doors to their long awaited new store in Blaydon on Monday the 25th of August. The new store promises shoppers an innovative shopping experience with a focus on fresh produce and traditional craft skills such as butchery, bakery and fishmongery.

The opening of the store marks the latest successfully completed project by Watson Batty Architects who worked alongside the developers design team to coordinate the shell construction and undertook the internal fit out contact with main contractor, Bowman and Kirkland. The store is the first completed retail project by Watson Batty which sees the implementation of the store car park directly above the store allowing cars to park on the car deck above the building with shopper using lifts and travelators to access the sales floor.

Islington Delivery Office On Site

Proposals for Islington Delivery Office are now well underway as the has construction of the new facility commences on site. At 1,745 m.sq the building will play a key part in the royal mail distribution network and will feature the latest Royal Mail Customer and You design standards aimed at improving the facilities on offer to both staff and customers. 

The building also features a number of sustainable credentials allowing making it set to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating. Photovoltaic panels, green roofs, a living green wall and a reed bed in the canal will all contribute to making this a sustainable development.

Miller Construction have taken on the role of principle contractor with the project due for completion spring 2014. 

Progress at Washington Leisure Centre

Following the Ground Breaking Ceremony in February of this year, construction work is underway on the £11m Washington Leisure Centre for Sunderland City Council. 

The steel frame of the building is complete along with the precast concrete floors and stairs. Concrete work for the two pool tanks and the external cladding is in progress.

Using BIM Modelling we have assisted Pellikaan Construction in coordinating consultants and subcontractors information, eliminating any clashes between packages on site and allowing a complete design review of the construction before it gets to site.

When complete, the facility will create a sports hub for Washington and the surrounding areas containing; a 25m, 6 lane pool; a learner pool with water features including two water sides; a 4 court sports hall; an international standard trampoline hall; 2 squash courts; 100 stations wellness centre; 2 dance studios; with associated administration and changing facilities. Externally the site will hold 6 five-a-side floodlit football pitches and a 100 space car park.

The New Leisure Centre also delivers sustainable benefits with the inclusion of a 'green' sedum roof  across half the building. The green roof will provide habitat for insects attracting birds and other creatures while aiding a sustainable drainage solution by holding onto and releasing rain water slowly.

The project is programmed for completion in Spring 2015. Once the new centre is open demolition of the existing centre will commence to make way for the new car park and the external pitches and landscaping.

Liverpool Hope Health Sciences Building set to go

Watson Batty Architects were successfully appointed by Liverpool Hope University in January 2014 to support the design and delivery of the proposals for the £10m Health Sciences Building on the Hope Park Campus. When complete the building will be home to bio medical science and research, psychology, bio mechanics and sports and science exercise, nutrition and robotics. The design team, including Baker Mallett, Allan Hill and Clancy’s, have been working closely with the University and Local Planning Authority to ensure that the Vice Chancellor’s original vision of a high quality scheme supporting excellence in health science learning, was not lost during the detailed design stage of the project. 

Part of the design development works included the redesign of the interior layout of the proposed building. Through a series of detailed end user engagement meetings the design team have completely reworked the interior layout of the building to achieve a more efficient layout that supports and works with the delivery of the proposed curriculum. With only minor exterior alterations required the scheme now has full planning consent allowing the works to proceed when ready.

Contractor expressions of interest have been received for the construction phase of the project. The building is due to be traditionally tendered in August with an anticipated start on site late autumn 2014. Completion is due by Christmas 2015. 

Rufford Park Primary on Track

Works are progressing well at Rufford Park Primary School as the four classroom extension heads towards completion due September 2014.

The extension forms part of the Leeds CC Children’s Services Basic Need Programme delivering additional pupil places needed as a result of the demographic changes across the City.

Watson Batty have been working with the client, Pinnacle psg and Leeds City Council, since December 2012 to develop the most appropriate solution to address the challenges of a steeply sloping site and are now assisting Bermar Construction with the on-site delivery of works.

Ribbon Cut at Beech Farm

Following the official opening performed by Cllr Ken Smith (the Mayor of Kirklees) the newly finished show houses are now open to the public at the prestigious residential development in Farnley Tyas. Developed as a joint venture between Farnley Estates Ltd and John Radcliffe & Sons Ltd, Beech Farm will provide buyers the opportunity to tailor the design their own homes on paper before the building work begins.

Cllr Ken Smith praised the development by saying:

“Looking around me, there’s very little difference between the new houses and the existing cottages in the village. This is due to the thought and high quality materials that have gone into creating this development.”

Having worked closely with the local community, Kirklees Planning Department and various other stakeholders we are pleased to see the successful opening of the show homes. The opening is a key milestone demonstrating the hard work and commitment put it by the team resulting in a well thought out conscious design.  

Further phases of the development are planned with foundations being cast for ‘Paddock 2’ this month and another 7 bespoke units following closely behind.

RIBA East Midlands Regional Awards

We were proud to support the recent RIBA East Midlands Regional Awards 2014. Held in the Newton and Arkwright Building, Nottingham Trent University, and hosted by TV presenter and architectural historian Jonathan Foyle, the prestigious evening included an after dinner speech by award winning architect Sir Michael Hopkins.

An audience of local practitioners, professionals, clients, executives and representative of the East Midlands construction industry, celebrated award winning projects across the region.  Our Managing Director; Peter White, presented the 2014 Client of the Year Award, sponsored by Watson Batty, to Derby City Council.

At Watson Batty we recognise the importance of our clients, some of which we have worked with in excess of 20 years. It therefore felt appropriate to sponsor an award that recognises the client as a key component in the success of a project. The sponsorship of the award comes following the opening of the Loughborough office 5 years ago with our Midlands base now having a number of successfully completed works with many more exciting proposals currently being developed.

Congratulations to Derby City Council and all those who took part in the event.

West Yorkshire LABC Building Excellence Success

Watson Batty Architects were pleased to receive two awards at last night’s West Yorkshire Building Excellence Awards at Headingley Stadium. Three of the practice’s projects nominations were shortlisted; Harold Wilson Court (Huddersfield), Student Central (University of Huddersfield) and STEM (University of Bradford) along with a practice entry for the Partnership Award. 

We are delighted to report that Student Central picked up the award in the Education category with the practice also taking the Partnership Award which recognises our commitment  to team work, the development of long-standing relationships and our co-operative approach to problem solving during the development process.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed towards the success at the awards. The winning entries will now be put forward for the national awards to be held in London on the 11th November 2014.

All Change for Arnold Leisure Centre

Nottingham’s Paralympic silver medallist James Crisp and Commonwealth champion Sasha Matthews, officially reopened the completed refurbished Arnold Leisure Centre. The £1.2m project, completed over three phases during 2013/14, culminated in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the final phase bringing the new village style changing facilities into use along with improvements to the pool hall. All three phases were designed and run from our Loughborough office which now has a number of leisure projects under its belt.  Previous phases of the Arnold Leisure Centre included the refurbishment of the first floor 200 seat Bonington Theatre and Bar Lounge, and a new extension to the Centre’s main reception and entrance foyer.

In a local press interview just ahead of the official reopening Centre Manager Shelley Webster said: 

“Before, the changing rooms were very old and cold, and no matter what you did to them or how hard you cleaned them they looked dirty.  Now, they are really spacious and warm. We’ve had really good feedback already with people saying that the new centre really has the wow factor. It’s a much nicer place to work, and a good working environment makes for happy staff. I feel really proud to work here again.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke added;

“This is a great boost for Arnold, we can now offer local residents a fantastic theatre, newly refurbished swimming facilities and a new car park, with free parking, across the road. We think that residents will be very pleased with the work that has been done and they will be able to enjoy the facilities for years to come.”

Royal Mail Projects Win Further Accolades

Sheffield Mail Centre and North West Parcelforce Hub have been individually awarded merits at the International Safety Awards. The awards come in recognition of the excellent Health and Safety Management which was implemented during the construction of the facilities. This was achieved by promoting a first class safety culture for the duration of the works which resulted in 140,000 man hours worked on site with zero lost time through accidents. Safety was a primary objective for the project team, given that the Mail Centre remained operational. 

The accolades come following success last year where Tyneside and Leeds Mail Centres won at the Association for Project Safety National awards.

Meanwhile further south of the country, Coventry Parcelforce Local Depot recently won the silver Considerate Constructors Scheme 2014 National Site Award. The award recognises the consideration the site made to the public, staff and the local environment. 

Further information on our involvement in the projects can be found on our website here. Alternatively please contact us directly if you would like any assistance or advise on related projects.

Further Success in Liverpool

We are delighted to be appointed by Liverpool City Council to support the design and delivery of their new flagship Lifestyles Gym in Millennium House. The commission for the project which is located on Victoria Street in the Liverpool City Centre comes following our recent success at Liverpool Hope University supporting the construction of the £10m Sports Health and Science Development.

The Millennium House scheme will see the creation of a state of the art fitness centre which forms part of the wider regeneration of the whole building. We will be working closely with the Council and BLOK Architects to extend the design concepts for the gym and develop a new ‘brand’ which will be rolled out across all Council sport and leisure facilities in the city.

Watson Batty Half Marathon Team

On Sunday 12th May, the Watson Batty Running Team limbered up to complete the 13.1 mile course of the Leeds Half Marathon Corporate Relay. With the experience of 116 marathons behind us (115 of those by veteran runner Rosemarie Utley) the team and a well-planned race strategy saw the finish line in a respectable 1 hour 58 minutes and 01 second. We were pleased to be placed 12 out of 25 in the mixed category. 

A big well done goes out to: Alison White, Rosemarie Utley, Pete White, Claire Merrills, Andrew Grindrod and Nick Page as well as the supporters who turned up to cheer the team on their way. 

Repeat Success in the RICS awards.

Success was had at this year’s RICS NW awards for Royal Mail’s, Chorley Parcelforce Hub which won the Commercial Project of the Year category. The scheme saw off competition from 7 other shortlisted entries to take the award to the delight of our client. The hub which began operating last year processes up to 12,000 parcels per hour and is a key component in facilitating Parcelforce’s expansion plans.

The award comes following success last year in the 2013 RICS NE awards which saw Royal Mail’s Leeds Mail Centre, also completed by Watson Batty, win the Infrastructure project of the year. We are delighted to see these schemes recognised in the awards and hope to continue this success further with our new forthcoming projects.

York St John University approve Temple Hall Project

We are pleased to have been commissioned by York St John University to proceed with the renovation of Temple Hall, the main conference room and registration area for functions performances and exhibitions within the university. The Hall is to be modernised to create a state of the art performance space to support the expressive arts, and provide one of the largest lecture spaces on the Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus. When complete the agile space will provide a contemporary venue to support both the academic curriculum and a wide variety of events, concerts and open days.

The project is due to start on site later this month with completion due before the new term starts in September.

The Great Associate Bake Off

As the May Day Bank Holiday beckoned Watson Batty planned to get the extended weekend off to a flying start with a staff get-together over a few slices off delicious home made cake. The competitive side soon came shining through in the planning of the soirée and it was decided that the cake making should take the form of The Great Associate Bake Off!

It may be argued that the skills of Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry were lacking but the effort and enthusiasm was not. Joint winners Keith Southernwood and Catherine Blain managed to see off the competition of Scones, Ginger Cake and a Victoria Sponge with respective treats of Rocky Road and Chocolate Fudge Cake.

A great effort by all got the afternoon and weekend off to a flying start.

4 entry shortlisting for WBA in the West Yorkshire LABC awards

Watson Batty have had 3 projects shortlisted this year in the West Yorkshire Building Control Building (LABC) Excellence Awards 2014 with 2 nominations in the Education category. In addition to the projects, the practice is also one of three companies to be shortlisted for the Partnership Award.

The success follows a dynamic 18 months seeing a number of unique and exciting projects coming to completion from both in our Leeds and Loughborough offices.

In addition to the Partnership Award we have nominations in the following categories:
Education:    STEM, University of Bradford
Education:    Student Central, University of Huddersfield 
Restoration and Conservation – Major Projects:   Harold Wilson Court, Union Street, Huddersfield

Mark Sidding director of the education sector spoke of his delight in the shortlisting success saying;

“ This is fantastic news, a real testament to the quality of projects we deliver and the dedication and commitment of our staff in achieving excellence for our clients ”

The winners of the awards will be announced on the 10th of June at an awards ceremony held at Headingley Carnegie Stadium. 

Troy Street Complete

We are pleased to announce the completion of the Troy Street residential development in Blackburn which we handed over on the 15th April on behalf of our long standing client Twin Valley Homes ( part of the Together Housing Group). The social housing scheme, delivered by PLP construction, provides 6 dwellings each with 3 beds set around a small private courtyard suitable for family living. The scheme also delivers on the latest sustainable objectives meeting The Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.

The development which is of modest size for our client provides accommodation in a key strategic location. The site was identified by Watson Batty in an ongoing stock appraisal masterplan which we are working on with Twin Valley Homes.

Planning Win at Craven College

Craven College has received planning permission for two exciting projects on their Aireville Campus in Skipton. The proposals which were designed and submitted by Watson Batty on behalf of the College include the building of a 2 storey Construction Workshop and the refurbishment of the Whernside teaching block creating a new campus reception, shop, social space and an open plan learning resource centre. The building will also relocate the student services department and include the refurbishment of general teaching classrooms, admin space and ancillary accommodation. 

Improved energy efficiency will be achieved through upgrading the external envelope, improving passive ventilation, maximising natural light and upgrading services and plant with the Construction Workshop aiming to be a BREEAM 'excellent' accreditation.

University of Huddersfield Alumni Celebrate Student Central

Alumni from all over the UK will meet to celebrate the opening of the Student Central building at the University of Huddersfield on the 4th April. 

We are delighted that Mark Sidding our Director for Education, Sport and Leisure, and a member of Alumni himself, has been asked to play a key role in the event. Mark also features as an ‘inspiring graduate’ in the 2015/16 University prospectus. Student Central has received significant acclaim from within the University and has significantly enhanced the facilities on campus for both students, staff and visitors. The event is an opportunity for ex-students to visit and experience the changes that have happened on campus over the last 2 years. The Vice Chancellor, Bob Cryan will be attending, and we wish the University every success for the event.

For further information please visit our website by clicking here

Sheffield Hallam University Framework Appointment

Watson Batty Architects are to continue a successful and ongoing relationship with Sheffield Hallam University for a further 12 months following the extension of the existing framework until February 2015. We were successfully appointed onto the framework in 2011 and have worked closely with both the Estates Department and Faculty of Sport to design and deliver the University’s multi-million pound Graham Solley Sports Development Centre at Bawtry Road. 

We are delighted with the positive comments and feedback from across the University regarding the development. We look forward to working with the University over the next year.

The Extra Care Charitable Trust Framework Appointment

We are delighted to confirm that following a detailed OJEU procurement process Watson Batty has been chosen to assist The Extra Care Charitable Trust in the delivery of a significant capital works programme for Extra Care Retirement Villages, over the next 4 years. 

The ECCT has for the past few years been developing a unique brand of retirement village with very different characteristics from the traditional extra care scheme. They are larger (in excess of 250 units), have a mix of tenure and offer a lifestyle choice that includes a café, woodwork and craft room and gymnasium amongst other facilities within the development. 

We look forward to working with the Extra Care Charitable Trust to deliver their ambitious development plans over the coming years.

Pioneering Free School Officially Opens

Photograph courtesy of the LJFS

The UK's first Jewish Secondary Free School has been officially opened by the first cohort of students. The ceremony, led by Head Teacher Jeremy Dunsford marks the realisation of a vision many years in the making. The Free School is an invaluable resource to the Leeds Jewish community allowing Secondary education to be accessed in the region. The teaching facilities, which came into use in September 2013, have exceeded the schools expectations, providing first class shared learning environments with the primary school. The Zone, a linked community facility, provides a variety of extended provision to the school curriculum further enhancing the educational offer.

The design solution creates a series of linked open plan learning spaces, mixed with specialist teaching areas including food technology, material technology, science and performing arts. The scheme integrates the secondary school within the refurbished existing primary school building, with the addition of a teaching block extension and a new entrance block.

Watson Batty Architects were appointed by Wates Construction for the £3.6m ground breaking project which was a pathfinder for small secondary free schools using the Yorbuild contractors framework. Successful collaboration with Wates Construction over the last 18 months resulted in a creative design solution being delivered on time and budget.

We wish the school and all future cohorts every success in their new facility.

Watson Batty is set to deliver the UK’s first Passivhaus and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ education building

Watson Batty Architects have been working with the University of Bradford and GB Building Solutions to design and deliver the Science, Technology and Engineering and Maths centre (STEM), one of the world’s most sustainable buildings. The new building which forms part of the University’s city campus will be one of the UK’s first Passivhaus accredited educational buildings that is also expected to receive BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation.

The £1.5m development uses a fabric-first building approach utilising high levels of insulation as well as high performance windows and doors. The building is so well insulated that it may not even require heating in the winter! The building also employs passive heating and cooling techniques as well as the use of sustainable materials such as timber cladding to further enhance the ‘green’ credentials of the 400m.sq building. The STEM is set to  be the University of Bradford’s third BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accredited building on campus and is a welcome addition to Watson Batty’s sustainable portfolio.

For more information please visit the links below.

Watson Batty Website

GB building solutions

Passivhaus Trust

Planning Application lodged for £10 million Newark Leisure Centre

Watson Batty have submitted proposals to Newark and Sherwood District Council Planning Department to construct the new Newark Leisure Centre. The plans, if approved, will see a new Leisure Centre replacing the existing, out-dated Grove Leisure Centre in Newark which was built in 1968.

Proposals for the new facility include a 6 lane 25m main swimming pool; a ‘leading edge’ 8.5 x 20m teaching pool;  a 4 court sports hall; 2 squash courts with movable walls between for flexibility of use; a 200 station fitness suite; two exercise studios; a café overlooking the pool, associated administration and changing facilities. 

A new access road with dedicated cycle and foot ways will be formed on Bowbridge Road giving access to the site. Along with the provision of a 175 space car park an attractive  “Civic Hub” is to be formed in front of the main entrance acting as a meeting point for the centres visitors.

Professional Success

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to announce the professional accreditation of three members of staff. Nick Page and Victoria Wood were both successful in becoming qualified Architects and are now seeking chartered status in becoming RIBA members. Both Nick and Victoria have been with the practice for a number of years with Nick's first venture at the practice forming part of his secondary school work placement.

Simon Collins also added to the success when he passed the CIAT Professional Assessment Interview to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist. 

Having seen Nick, Victoria and Simon through their studies, new staff members are already in place at the practice who we hope will achieve similar successes.  

Royal Mail Sutton Coldfield Delivery Office

Royal Mail Sutton Coldfield Delivery Office has been redeveloped into a modern mail processing unit designed and managed on site by Watson Batty Architects. The Grade II listed building has been enhanced, extensively re-modeled and includes the newly re-branded customer service point. 

The new facilities were designed using bold colours and finishes to provide a modern, comfortable environment for both staff and visitors. Efficiency improvements to the building fabric and new building services have improved the energy performance reducing the running cost of the facility. 

Due to the strategic nature of the facility it was critical to our client that the construction work was complete on time and to budget. Both objectives were met and the project handed over as planned.

Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park Shortlisted for RICS Awards

Watson Batty Architects are pleased to announce that the recently completed Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park has been shortlisted for 2 awards at the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2014. The facility has been shortlisted for the Community Benefit and the Tourism & Leisure Categories.

Chair of the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2014 judging panel, Colin Harrop, ‎Director, Jones Lang LaSalle, said: 

“I’m delighted to announce the shortlist for the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2014. The awards showcase the very best in property and construction across the region. Competition this year has been stronger than ever - with 46 projects shortlisted, there is a lot for Yorkshire to be proud of. 

The shortlisting comes following positive feedback on the facilities since it was completed in September 2013 with John Senior, Estate Department, Sheffield Hallam University adding that the facilities offer; - “An extremely striking building designed to high standards. It was very warmly received on completion and continue to please all who visit” 

Washington Leisure Centre Starts On Site

Construction of the new Washington Leisure Centre started on the 21st February 2014. The ceremony was attended by local Councillors, representatives from Sunderland City Council Project Management Team, Sports Operators,  Pellikaan Construction and our team at Watson Batty. The project is programmed for completion in Spring 2015.

When complete, the facility will create a sports hub for Washington and the surrounding areas containing; a 25m 6 lane pool, a learner pool with water features including two water sides, a 4 court sports hall, an international standard trampoline hall, 2 squash courts, 100 stations wellness centre, 2 dance studios, associated administration and changing facilities, 6 no. 5-a-side floodlit football pitches and a 100 space car park.

The site is located on a strategic link between Washington city centre and Princess Ann’s Park and accommodates one of the main public rights of way. The design proposals look to enhance the urban context, creating a welcoming and interactive building, promoting sport participation. 

For further information please click the following links:

SR News

ITV News Tyne Tees

Works Commence at the Royal Mail Chelmsford Delivery Office

Following Watson Batty Architects long standing relationship with Royal Mail, works have now commenced on a new Delivery Office in Chelmsford.

Due to the restrictive site area a deck car park has been designed to provide private staff parking with parking for Royal Mail's operational fleet below.

The project will  include the 'Customer and You' initiative, a redesign and new approach to key areas of the Delivery Office which Watson Batty have played a leading role in developing.

The contractor is VolkerFitzpatrick and works are due to complete summer 2014.

Staff Wanted!

Due to an expanding number of projects, we are seeking to appoint talented Architects and Technicians for both Scheme and Detailed Design. We will be looking to recruit candidates to join our professional and dynamic team, primarily in our Leeds office, although the position(s) will require working on projects throughout the United Kingdom. 

We would like to hear from candidates with a broad range of sector skills and specialisms in keeping with Watson Batty’s diverse client range and background. Commercial / Industrial experience would be advantageous for these vacancies. 

Delivering projects from our Head office in Leeds and increasingly the East Midlands office in Loughborough we are now utilising BIM on most new commissions. Practical experience of Revit is therefore welcomed but not a necessity.

Please click the links below for the details of corresponding positions. If you are interested in joining our team please send your CV, personal statement and where appropriate examples of your work to pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com

Click Here for Architect Job Description

Click Here for Architectural Technician Job Description

Watson Batty go BIM

Watson Batty Architects are taking a major step forward with the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on selected projects across the practice. During the last 2 years the practice has made a significant investment in hardware, software and staff training to enable use of the computer software on some of our live projects. Over the last 12 months BIM has been used to deliver a number of key projects within the practice including the newly opened Student Central at Huddersfield University, the proposed Washington Leisure Centre and new foodstore in Chapel Allerton. Having used Autodesk’s Revit software on each project we have been able to bring the benefits of the BIM software into the design and co-ordination process.

BIM is a process of managing the information produced during the design and construction phase of a project in a single common format that can be utilised from the initial design stage through to construction, operations, maintenance and finally demolitions. BIM is set to become an integral part of the construction process and the investment that has been made by the practice will ensure that Watson Batty has the potential of bringing the benefits of BIM to both existing and future clients.

University of Huddersfield Student Central Open Ahead of Programme

Photographs courtesy of The University of Huddersfield and the Huddersfield Examiner

The new £22.5m Student Central Building designed by Watson Batty Architects opened its doors on Friday 10th January. The ribbon was cut by the Vice Chancellor Bob Cryan and Nosheen Dad the President of the Students’ Union.

Having worked closely with the University to see the project brought to completion, we are delighted with the positive responses which have received. Mr Cyran stated ‘I am absolutely bowled over’, whilst Peter Slee, the Deputy Vice Chancellor responded ‘Just fabulous’. The successful delivery of this project is also thanks to the efforts of GB Building Solutions who we have been working with closely since the project started on site in May 2012. The new building provides new sports facilities, including an 8 court sports hall, squash courts, fitness suite and exercise studios, together with a new centre for the Students’ Union, Student Services and catering on campus. 

The contemporary design has also been well received by the University which features mesh facades onto Wakefield Road providing a fantastic opportunity to create dramatic lighting effects enhancing the impact of the building at night. These were switched on as part of the Christmas celebrations by members of the Huddersfield Giants Rugby Team.

The official opening of the building will be later this year.