Health and Safety Coordinators, We Need You!

Watson Batty Architects are seeking a highly motivated and versatile Construction Health and Safety Coordinator to assist in  the delivery of project health and safety across the practice, including assisting the role of Principal Designer

The successful candidate will be based in our Leeds Studio and must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of all construction health and safety matters from inception to post-handover. A team player you will have the ability to communicate with all relevant parties and have client facing experience.

You will have experience of complex projects of all scales across a diverse range of sectors, and will be willing to work on projects nationally.

Whilst not essential previous experience as a CDMC would be an advantage. The suitable candidate will also have the following experience and qualifications:

• Ability to develop Construction Risk Assessments
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate
• Member of Association Project Safety
• BOHS P405 Asbestos Certificate would be an advantage
• Full Driving Licence

If you are ambitious and are seeking a new challenge please submit details of your experience to Pamela Cooke at the following e mail address: pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com  

Watson Batty Architects are an equal opportunities employer and are Investors in People accredited

Morrisons Birtley ready to open!

The latest Morrisons Superstore is readying itself to open its doors in Birtley, Gateshead. 
Following the delivery of the high street unit shell by developer Morbaine in December, Watson Batty Architects acted as lead consultant in the design and site co-ordination of the food superstore fitout for Wm Morrison Supermarkets. Alongside main contractor, RN Wooler & Co the design team have fitted-out the shell with open departments and sales floor spaces alongside the back of house staff and management facilities. 

The store will create up to 250 jobs in the local area and is due to open its doors on Monday the 27th of April.  The Birtley Morrisons Store marks the sixth fit out project undertaken in recent years with our long established client Morrisons.

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