Phase 2 of York St John University’s Sports Park Complete

A range of new floodlit outdoor sports facilities have recently been completed by York St John University. Representing a second phase of major investment in the former Nestle Rowntree playing fields on Haxby Road planned construction work will now focus on delivering a new £3.5m sports pavilion and sports hall in the Summer.

Watson Batty were originally appointed to masterplan the 80 acre site to provide the University with a high quality sports campus. This led to subsequent commissions for the practice, and our experienced sports sector team,including the design of a new full size 3G artificial pitch, full size sand dressed pitch, 5no outdoor tennis courts (including 2no netball courts) and a new car/coach park. The next phase provides all the necessary changing and teaching facilities to support Phase 2 and grass pitches alongside an indoor five court sized sports hall.  

The new 3G pitch was recently certified by the FA/RFL and RFU and will enable extended community use by York City Knights Rugby League Club and York City Football Club.

Planning Granted for York St John Sports Hub

Full planning permission was granted last week by City of York Council for York St John University’s proposed £3.5m sports hub building. Designed by WBA as part of the 70 acre Haxby Road sports campus development, the new hub building represents a significant third phase of investment by YSJU. 

Proposals for the sports hub come following the recently completed floodlit outdoor artificial sports pitches and courts. The facility will provide team changing rooms for players and officials; a dedicated strength and conditioning suite; a five court sized sports hall as well as flexible learning and social facilities with viewing areas for both indoor and outdoor activities. 

Construction work is due to commence on site this Summer.

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

New Facilities for Craven College progressing well

Work is continuing to complete the new Construction and Engineering Facility at Craven College ready for student use in August 2015. The eco-friendly, built to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating, building will contribute in reducing the College’s carbon footprint and its longer term operating costs; maximising future funding to be allocated for teaching and learning. 

The project is part of an exciting £6.2m series of developments designed to provide first class new and refurbished accommodation for staff and students. The project further consolidates the College on the Aireville site to ensure that even more students have the opportunity to easily access the full range of College services and resources.

The existing Whernside building will be refurbished to provide a modern and exciting learning and social spaces. A Learning Resource Centre will bring the student services together alongside the Enterprise Zone and a Shop.  The Hub building will be refurbished to provide an all new fitness suite, showers, changing rooms, and a Sports Science laboratory.  

Morrisons Birtley readying to open its doors

With early access achieved prior to the Christmas holiday, RN Wooler & Co. Ltd are making great progress with the internal fit out of the new Morrison’s store in Birtley.  

First fix of the stores internal services are almost complete along with internal stud partitions and floor tiles. The store which is Watson Batty Architect’s latest ‘store on stilts’ allowing parking below the store will provide 26,000 sqft of retail space.

Working closely with all involved, Watson Batty Architects will be coordinating the internal fit out works to ensure the successful delivery of the store which is due to open March 2015

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.