University of Huddersfield Student Learning and Leisure Centre Gains Planning Approval

The new £22.5m Student Learning and Leisure Centre for the University of Huddersfield received planning permission during a special committee meeting on the 10th September. The facility provides much needed sports accommodation including an 8 badminton court sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts, a climbing wall, and a range of studios and a spa. To compliment the leisure activities the new development integrates social learning and catering facilities, student services, students' union and the existing library  accommodation, and a new corporate suite.

The striking appearance and use of modern materials crates a unique identity on a key gate way into the town.

Demolition and enabling works are currently ongoing with the main phase of construction work due to start on site before Christmas. The project is due for completion in Spring 2014.

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WBA appointed for Limehurst High School, Loughborough

Watson Batty Architects have been appointed by Limehurst High School as Project Architect to deliver a Property Strategy to determine the best option for the redevelopment of the High School.

WBA are working closely with the school headmaster, teachers, governors and the Project Managers AA Projects to deliver this exciting development. 

Graham Solley Sports Centre starts on site

Construction work has started on the first phase of an exciting £4.8 million development of the site at Bawtry Road, Sheffield. Works at this phase involve heavy engineering ground works relating to the reinstatment and reseeding of 5 grass pitches for football and rugby.

A second Planning Application has been submitted to Sheffield City Council for the wider site development including 2 full size synthetic turf pitches, flood lights for 3 grass pitches, a new sports hall (future Development), two storey pavilion with 12 team changing rooms, bar, function rooms, kitchen and other ancillary accommodation.   

WBA appointed for Queens Park Sports Centre, Chesterfield

Watson Batty Architects have been appointed by Chesterfield College as Lead Consultant and Project Architect to deliver a feasibility study to determine the best option for redeveloping the Queens Park Sports Centre.

WBA are working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and design team colleagues Buro Happold, Turner & Townsend and Knight Kavanagh & Page. 

The study is due to complete by the end of September reviewing and advising on various refurbishment and redevelopment opportunities for the existing 1960s and 1980s sports centre site. 

Morrisons contend for NACS award second year running

It has been announced that the National Association of Convenience Stores will be touring the UK in September 2012 visiting leading convenience formats. The tour will see the NACS visiting Morrison’s M-local once again with an opportunity to meet the store team behind the new c-store concept. 


M-local was highly commended in Insight NACS’ 2011 International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award for its innovation with fresh food in a small format. Watson Batty were pleased to assist Morrisons as Lead Designers in delivering the first M-local store in Ilkley, followed by Wilmslow with a third store due to open in Widnes.


Watson Batty wish Morrisons the best of luck with there forthcoming visit! 


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Olympic Torch reaches Loughborough University Stadium

Hundreds of local school children greeted the London 2012 Olympic Torch as it passed through the recently completed Loughborough University Stadium designed by Watson Batty Architects.  The torch entered the stadium to huge cheers from the near capacity crowd before embarking on one circuit of the ground and then being exchanged between the Torch relay runners. 

Loughborough University is the official base camp for Team GB in the lead up to the Olympic Games where some of the recently completed WBA sports projects will be used by our Olympians.

Watson Batty Architects wish all concerned and Team GB the very best of luck.

Student Success for Watson Batty

Stewart Brewer is our third successful employee to achieve their Higher National Diploma in Building Studies, after successfully completing the three year part-time course at Leeds Metropolitan University. Stewart is now focusing this attention on internal CPD’s and gaining recognition through the CIAT to support progression in the ever demanding industry. 

Congratulations Stewart!

Watson Batty Furthers Sustainability Credentials

Watson Batty Architects on-going sustainability credentials have been boosted by achieving certification for ISO 14001:2004. Encompassing environmental management systems for architectural services including building design, contract administration, construction monitoring, project management, disabled audits and advice, CDM co-ordination and building condition surveys.

Stephen Jones, Project Architect commented “the ISO 14001 accreditation has made us aware of the environmental implications we have as a business and how simple changes can make a big impact. As a company we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment.”

Watson Batty has also achieved BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Certification, the internationally recognised assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems. Certification will ensure that the company meets its health and safety obligations in the key areas of hazard identification, risk assessment & control, training and performance monitoring.