York St John's come 9th in Times Higher Education UK Student Experience Survey

York St John University have moved 49 places, from 58th in 2012 to 9th this year in the Times Higher Education UK Student Experience Survey. They are the first post 1992 University to be placed in the top 10. Watson Batty are their retained Architects since 2011 having completed the refurbishment of the Fountains Learning Centre, and currently supporting the major sports development plan at Haxby Road and the refurbishment of the Holgate Building which started on site April 2013.

We forward our congratulations to the university and wish them every success for the future.

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York St John Holgate refurbishment about to commence

The 22nd April 2013 sees the start of site works for main contractor Illingworth & Gregory Ltd on the £1.2m ground floor Holgate Building refurbishment situated in the heart of the York St John University campus. The scheme looks to amalgamate the core provision of student services, including student welfare, finance and reception into a centralised, easily accessible, vibrant hub. Having already gained full planning and listed building consent including discharge of all conditions, the project is due for completion mid August 2013.

View YSJ University fly-through Video

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