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. 

Elland Morrisons Ready to Open

Morrisons are due to open the doors to their long awaited new  store in Elland this coming Monday the 18th of March. 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 both designed and delivered the store as lead consultants. The store is the first completed retail project by Watson Batty which sees the implementation of the store on stilts concept allowing cars to park under the building with shopper using lifts and travelators to access the sales floor.

An enabling contract completed earlier last year rehoused New Swift into a purpose built facility (also designed and delivered by Watson Batty) and the scheme has also included significant highway and landscape works. Watson batty will now oversee the construction of a Petrol Filling Station on what remains of the former Nu Swift factory site, due to open later this year. 

Morrisons Middlewich Opens

On Monday 28th January 2013  Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc opened their latest new store in Middlewich designed by Watson Batty Architects Ltd. Built on the site of the former Boosey’s Garden Centre the store was completed in 24.5 weeks and was not without a number of challenges during the construction period.

Store General Manager Andrew Whelan said: “We’re really proud of the store that has been created here in Middlewich. Our aim now is to offer customers a fantastic range of fresh products at great value and excellent customer service. We’re looking forward to being part of the local community and hope customers come and give us a try”.

CDM Co-ordinator wanted

Watson Batty Architects Ltd offer a comprehensive Construction, Design and Management Coordination Service in line with the 2007 Regulations and subsequent updates. Our in-house CDM coordinator team advise on the implications of CDM 2007 and support its application to all types of construction projects, both internal and external.

To ensure that we continue to deliver a high quality service to our clients, we would be interested to hear from any suitably qualified person who share our aspirations and objectives. If you feel that you have new ideas that can make a difference and are prepared to show commitment and enthusiasm we would like to hear from you.

A copy of a job description can be requested from Pamela Cooke or send your cv to pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com

Works Begin at Farmers Boy

R N Wooler contractors are underway with the a new extension on the Farmers Boy food production factory in Bradford. Originally designed and built in 1998 by Watson Batty Architects, Farmers Boy is a purpose-built fresh food factory. Watson Batty Architects have worked with Wm Morrison Supermarket Plc for a number of years undertaking internal alterations and extensions to keep up with Wm Morrison Supermarket Plc expanding number stores. The new extension will form new state of the art automated pie and quiche production lines.

Watson Batty Architects will be working closely with all involved in the construction phase to ensure a successful delivery of this key production facility. 

University Reception Building Gets A Fresh Look

The £1.2m internal refurbishment of the Holgate Building for York St John University has now received planning permission for the external elements of the design. The project aims to deliver a ‘one stop shop’ for the provision of highly visible, flexible, accessible and exceptional learner support services for the students in the heart of the University.

The new facilities will provide an increased access to flexible areas for group work and social learning. Improvements to the support services will enhance the student experience even further. Other facilities include Student Advice team reception, offices, interview and meeting rooms, IT, media and group learning facilities, promotion and exhibition facilities and the University reception.

Work is anticipated to start in April 2013 with a completion date of September 2013.