Living Sector projects shortlisted for 2015 LABC Building Excellence Awards

Living Sector projects shortlisted for 2015 LABC Building Excellence Awards

We are pleased to announce that for the second year running, two of our recently completed new build residential projects have been shortlisted for the LABC Building Excellence awards West Yorkshire region.
  
The ‘High Lock’ residential development at Mytholmroyd near Hebden Bridge has been shortlisted in the ‘New Dwellings - 2 to 10 units’ category. Consisting of 10 stunning properties each with 3 bedrooms, the development built on behalf of Candelisa is set within a private courtyard and offers picturesque views over the adjacent canal and countryside.  Each of the 3-storey town houses has a top floor living area with a contemporary open plan layout including high loft ceilings and private balcony space.

Our other entry ‘The Poplars’ at New Bolton Woods, Bradford was built on behalf for Skipton Properties and Great Places Housing Group. The scheme has been shortlisted in the ‘New Dwellings over 10 units’ category and consists of 20 affordable and 30 private - for sale units.  This high quality development is clustered around a new contemporary Home-Zone streetscape and is the first phase of the “New Bolton Woods” masterplan, a major residential led regeneration initiative located to the north of Bradford city centre.

The awards event is on the 18th June at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds. 

Saddleworth Close On Site

Following a successful planning application construction work has now commenced on site at Saddleworth Close, North Bransholme, Hull. The scheme comprising of 11, two and three bed family homes is being constructed by Starfish Group on behalf of The Riverside Group Ltd who are one of the leading providers of social housing in the UK. 

Saddleworth Close is the final phase of three sites to be completed from a regeneration master plan and is due for completion in July 2015.  

Outline Planning for New Homes in Bamber Bridge

WBA are pleased to confirm that outline planning consent has been secured for 28 new homes on the site of a former Plumbase builders supplier depot in Bamber Bridge, near Preston.

WBA acted for building materials group and landowner Grafton Group in securing consent from South Ribble Borough Council for the redevelopment of the site.

The proposals will see the demolition of the former depot and its offices to be replaced by the residential development, which will include eight affordable homes; providing much needed homes to meet local demand

WBA are currently working with the Grafton Group to secure similar residential consents on previously developed  land  in Bolton and Barnsley

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Poplars Start on Site

Following detailed design development we are delighted that the Poplars Development has now commenced on site.  This scheme represents the first phase of the “New Bolton Woods” master-plan initiative in Bradford.  The strategic plan was originally commissioned by Canal Road Urban Village Ltd (CRUVL), a joint venture company that includes Bradford Council.  

Watson Batty Architects are assisting the preferred developer, Skipton Properties to deliver this exciting exemplar residential project initially through the detailed planning process and then onto the construction working drawings packages.

The scheme consists of 20no. affordable dwellings for Great Places Housing Group and 26no. private ‘for sale’ units.  Our Appointment also included re-planning the private ‘for sale’ areas to allow Skipton Properties to deliver their own particular housing sales product.  Our challenge was to alter the unit footprints on the site whilst paying close attention to the already approved architectural styles and elevational treatments.  The materials proposed include a contemporary mix of buff coloured facing brick, artificial stone plinths with cast stone contrasting bands and a selection of feature render panels.  Following a number of productive design workshops with the development team and representatives from Bradford Council the resulting scheme is of a very high standard, which reflects the aspirations set out in CRUVL’s original master-plan.

For more info please see Telegraph and Argus article & video link by clicking here

Rossington scheme progressing on site

Watson Batty Architects are pleased to be supporting Termrim Construction in this successful Design and Build project to deliver 14 new-build houses in Rossington, for South Yorkshire Housing Association.

Having cleared the site of existing structures, construction is now well underway on the 2 bedroom dwellings.

Our involvement through the tender process included providing HQI checks for HCA compliance and aiding in the review of cost effective ways to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes credits.  The scheme is currently running smoothly on site and the project is due to complete in February 2014.

This is our first scheme with Termrim Construction and we hope that it is the start of a long and productive working relationship.

Shipley Store Wars and Planning Win

Proposals for a mixed use development in Shipley, Bradford were unanimously approved at Planning Committee on Friday last week, ahead of two rival applications that all aimed to build a new supermarket in the town. Watson Batty Architects brought together two of their longstanding clients; Wm Morrison Supermarkets and Skipton Properties Ltd to develop this exciting mixed use scheme which has been named Shipley Exchange. The proposals occupy an 22 acre piece of land adjacent to Shipley Train Station and comprise of a Supermarket, a petrol filling station, business units, 100 dwellings as well as much needed additional station car parking. For further information on the proposal please click here to visit our website.

Richmond Flats Renaissance

Watson Batty Architects are working alongside Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and Clugston Construction to breathe new life into an existing residential tower block in the heart of Huddersfield Town Centre. Our scheme is underpinned by a robust and exciting design concept that will vastly improve the image of this prominent building.

Each flat will be completely refurbished with all residents being provided with a brand new contemporary kitchen and bathroom. The communal areas will now include a new glazed entrance lobby, lift and intercom security door system.

The project has also received financial backing from the European Regional Development Fund, which targets fuel poverty issues.  This funding has allowed the inclusion of Passivhaus features such as triple glazing. The energy usage of the building shall be driven by the enhancement of the fabric of the building, selection of efficient plant and the employment of renewable on site technologies.  The renewable strategy for the building is to employ the use of photovoltaic cells, installed on the roof, in order to generate electricity.

Positive Chain Reaction in Bradford

The Proposed residential development at Chain Street is the first New-build site as part of the regeneration strategy within the Goitside Conservation area.  Watson Batty Architects have been appointed to support Barnfield Construction, Bradford Council and Incommunities in moving this scheme forward towards a full planning approval and delivery on site.

The scheme consists of 32 No. new build 2, 3, and 4 bed family houses, where the 2 and 3 storey units are arranged around a new Adopted Mews Court.  The design of the proposed development creates a contemporary feel adopting a mixture of regular coursed natural stone on the ground floor facades with render to the upper floor facades. The roofs are formed from artificial slate with asymmetrical roof planes.  A scheme for the adjacent Linear Park has also been prepared in collaboration with Reform Landscape as part of the Chain Street redevelopment.

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. 

Kirklees wins Excellent Homes for Life Project Award

Congratulations to Wates Living Space for their award. For more information Click Here

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.

Reaching New ‘Heights’

We have successfully commenced works on site up at Woodland Heights in Keighley for our new client Skipton Properties.  This scheme was won in competition to deliver 96No. new build family houses including 16No. units for Bradford based Housing association Incommunities.  The first units of this exciting regeneration project will be handed over in December of this year.

Woodland Heights is our first collaboration with Skipton Properties and hopefully this represents the start of a successful long term working relationship.

Success ‘InBusiness’

Following the recent OJEU bid process, we are delighted to announce that we have been appointed onto the InBusiness for Yorkshire Consultant Framework.  This four year framework is being driven by Yorkshire Housing Group in collaboration with South Yorkshire Housing and aims to deliver new build affordable dwellings across the county up to an estimated construction value of £96Million.

We are very excited at the prospect of helping these schemes move forward.

Village Approval

Watson Batty Architects achieved a unanimous seal of approval at the recent Heavy Woollen District Planning Committee meeting for their development at Beech Farm, Farnley Tyas.  Set within the heart of an old ‘estate-owned’ village, the design offers the opportunity to develop a very high quality residential scheme.

The historic urban grain of Farnley Tyas has dictated the form of Beech Farm development, incorporating the local vernacular through looking at existing ratios of buildings to open space, relationships between buildings, roads and view corridors within the village.

The site has been subdivided into smaller ‘paddocks’ of development creating architectural individuality based around a common theme. The Paddock forms recognise the historic plot shape, size, architectural styles and dynamic rhythm and building pattern of the existing village.  

As part of the planning process we prepared a cohesive architectural handbook to provide a subtle palette of materials, details and colours across the development, which was very well received by Kirklees Planning officers and committee.

We are very excited at the prospect of working further with our Client, Radcliffe Developments Farnley Ltd, to deliver this high quality project on site.