The Hotel Collection, represented jointly by Savills and Rothschild, has brought to market a portfolio of 10 regional UK hotels known as Project Solstice for a guide price in excess of £130 million. The properties, which feature 1,433 bedrooms and 111 meeting rooms plus numerous restaurants, gyms and health spas,
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Thursday 3 September 2015) announced the shortlist for the RIBA Client of the Year award. The annual award, supported by The Bloxham Charitable Trust, recognises the key role that a good client plays in the creation of fine architecture. The 2015
Buoyancy for bathroom market in 2016 Published: 29 September, 2016 A new report on the UK bathroom market from MTW Research indicates that sales have remained resilient for most bathroom products in 2016, with consumer spending remaining strong, despite a ‘Brexit blip’ during the summer months. Forward ordering of currencies
The UK’s largest online ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, has been recognising some of its most long-serving staff. A series of awards have been recently presented to employees who have worked for the Basildon-based company for over 10 years. Sue James, Senior Contact Centre Advisor, celebrated her 21st work anniversary at the
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), the UK’s largest organisation for independent inventory clerks, is advising landlords and agents to make sure their investments are protected if they agree to allow tenants keep pets in their homes. “It’s clear that the number of long-term lifestyle renters is rising and
Innovate, invest and improve were the key themes at the inaugural Forticrete Roofing Forum. The event, held at the Forest of Arden last week (July 4), was attended by more than 50 people from across the roofing industry. As well as updates on company activity and the state of the market, a number
The Acoustic Awards, organised by ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants and held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham saw acoustic professionals gathering together in the Midlands to celebrate projects across a variety of environments, as well as excellence in their industry. “The awards recognise world-leading expertise in our industry,” said
Priestley Construction, the Leeds-based contractor that specialises in the refurbishment of historic buildings, has completed the £1 million restoration of a Grade II listed building in the heart of Leeds City Centre. Hanover House, which was previously the head office of Blacks Solicitors LLP, has been transformed into ten luxurious
The Hotel Collection, represented jointly by Savills and Rothschild, has brought to market a portfolio of 10 regional UK hotels known as Project Solstice for a guide price in excess of £130 million. The properties, which feature 1,433 bedrooms and 111 meeting rooms plus numerous restaurants, gyms and health spas, produced a total revenue of £48 million in 2015. In England, the portfolio includes: The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate; The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton; The Redworth Hall Hotel, County Durham; The Imperial Hotel, Torquay; The Billesley Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon; The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool and The Shrigley Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Macclesfield. In Scotland and Wales, it encompasses The Stirling Highland Hotel, Stirling; The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Aberdeen and The Angel Hotel, Cardiff. Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, comments: “We are pleased to be bringing this significant collection of hotels to market. The distinctive heritage and character of each property has been maintained while generating a robust collective income. The portfolio also offers numerous value-add and asset management opportunities to further enhance the long term revenue.” Source link
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Thursday 3 September 2015) announced the shortlist for the RIBA Client of the Year award. The annual award, supported by The Bloxham Charitable Trust, recognises the key role that a good client plays in the creation of fine architecture. The 2015 shortlist is: Countryside Properties – nominated by Proctor and Matthews for the 2015 RIBA National Award-winning housing development Abode at Great Kneighton, Cambridge, as well as the 2008 RIBA Stirling Prize-winning Accordia by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks Architects. The National Theatre, London – nominated by architects Haworth Tompkins for the 2015 RIBA National Award-winning transformation of Denys Lasdun’s Grade I-listed theatre by Haworth Tompkins and Stanton Williams. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust – nominated by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios for the 2015 RIBA National Award-winning Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent. The winner of the 2015 RIBA Client of the Year Award will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize party on Thursday 15 October at RIBA in central London. The RIBA Client of the Year Award is supported by The Bloxham Charitable Trust. The Architects’ Journal is media partner for the RIBA awards, including RIBA Client of the Year, and professional media partner for the RIBA Stirling Prize. The RIBA Stirling Prize is sponsored by Almacantar. ENDS Notes to editors: 1. For further press information please contact Callum Reilly in the RIBA Press Office callum.reilly@riba.org or 020 7307 3757 2. Previous winners of the RIBA Client of the Year Award include Hammerson (2010), The Royal Shakespeare Company (2011), Olympic Delivery Authority (2012), the National Trust (2013) and Manchester Metropolitan University (2014). 3. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Visit www.architecture.com or follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA 4. Almacantar is a property investment and development company specialising in large-scale, complex investments in Central London, with the potential to create long-term value through development, repositioning or active asset management. Since launching in 2010, Almacantar has acquired a number of prime assets with untapped potential in the heart of London, including: Centre Point, Marble Arch Tower, CAA House, 125 Shaftesbury Avenue and One and Two South Bank Place. www.almacantar.com For further information please contact: Finsbury +44 (0)20 7251 3801 Faeth Birch 5. For more information on The Architects’ Journal visit www.architectsjournal.co.uk 6. The shortlist details including nomination citations follow: Countryside Properties Nominated by Proctor and Matthews for this year’s RIBA National Award-winning Abode, Great Kneighton, Cambridge, as well as the Stirling Prize winning Accordia (2008) by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks Architects. Stephen Proctor and Andrew Matthews, Proctor and Matthews Architects, said: “Countryside Properties is one of the UK’s leading house builders, repeatedly demonstrating a commitment to design quality in the creation of exemplary residential neighbourhoods. At a time when Housing has again become central to the political debate, they have retained a position as industry leaders, setting the bench-mark for well-considered, innovative domestic architecture. “They have continued to build on the legacy of the late founder Alan Cherry (a member of the Urban Task Force alongside Richard Rogers in 1998) whose desire to see Countryside Properties develop inclusive mixed-tenure neighbourhoods with a clear identity and sense of place has led the company to appoint some of the country’s leading architects, working across the full range of its portfolio – not just on niche sites in inner London. “The result is an impressive list of award winning projects including Newhall, Harlow – winner of a National RIBA Award in 2005 and the 2008 Stirling Prize winner, Accordia in Cambridge. They continue to be part of the team behind the ground breaking Greenwich Millennium Village and most recently are the developers of Abode at Great Kneighton, Cambridge, the recipient of this year’s RIBA Eastern Region Building of the Year, and a 2015 National RIBA Award together with this year’s Civic Trust National Panel Special Award and Supreme Winner at the 2014 Housing Design Awards. “The success of these projects is undoubtedly due to their focus on design quality with a desire to explore new and innovative responses to changing lifestyles and social patterns. With this in mind, they have demonstrated a determined commitment to design continuity with the retention of its architects through all stages of these award winning developments. It is this approach which has undoubtedly helped to position Countryside Properties at the forefront of residential design and development within the UK.” The National Theatre, London Nominated by Haworth Tompkins for this year’s RIBA National Award-winning work on the transformation of Denys Lasdun’s Grade I-listed theatre by Haworth Tomkins and Stanton Williams. Steve Tompkins, Project Director at Haworth Tompkins, said: “The NT Future team have been a superb client throughout this long and fiendishly complicated project. From the outset Nick Starr, who led the conceptual phases of the process, established an atmosphere of shared creative endeavour, intelligent dialogue and unflappable positive thinking, while Lisa Burger, who led the construction phases, was equally calm under great pressure and endlessly resourceful in negotiating the various twists and turns of this multi-phased, technically daunting build. Nick and Lisa were supported by a chorus of soloists, each an expert in their field, which made the day to day trajectory of the project both demanding and rewarding. “Being in the business of conceiving and delivering ambitious theatre productions, the NT understood better than most the imperatives of hitting deadlines and budgets, but they also knew that the best results would emerge in an atmosphere of shared risk, creative collaboration and constant re-evaluation. But what was most impressive was their refusal to fall back on a conventional, construction industry consumer/supplier relationship when the going occasionally got tough. Rather, they had the sophistication and confidence to protect the creative space in which the right solutions could be found and the probity of the work maintained. The resulting project is a tribute to the
Buoyancy for bathroom market in 2016 Published: 29 September, 2016 A new report on the UK bathroom market from MTW Research indicates that sales have remained resilient for most bathroom products in 2016, with consumer spending remaining strong, despite a ‘Brexit blip’ during the summer months. Forward ordering of currencies and clear strategic planning has offset the impact of a weakening Sterling for most bathroom suppliers so far in 2016, according to the report, though MTW indicates that average prices are now exhibiting some upward momentum. However, the research found that the uplift in prices is related to healthy demand in the higher value bathroom sector as well as the low value of Sterling across low to mid value price points. Total bathroom market sales have increased by more than £230 million in the last six years, according to MTW, reportedly boosted by rising average spending on bathroom renovations and supported by housing transactions increasing by some 15% per annum. Mark Waddy, director of MTW, said: “Growth in the number of ensuites, cloakrooms, WCs under stairs and smaller family bathrooms represents an ongoing stimulus for bathroom suppliers, with UK consumers renovating some 830,000 bathrooms in 2016.” The report identifies a number of current trends in the bathroom market in 2016 with wall hung vanity units and sanitaryware, digital showers and Internet of Things integration currently on trend and providing sales growth. “Bathroom product sales are set to increase by some £170 million in the next four years, despite some sectors experiencing price erosion, indicating a positive future for bathroom suppliers who have clear market positions”, said Mr Waddy. “Technological and aesthetic product development will support sales growth, though the recent MMC ruling on internet distribution policies will prompt suppliers to closely examine their distribution strategies, and implement more rigorous controls in terms of brand protection.” The general tone of MTW’s 2016 report is positive for the bathroom market, though there is a clear polarisation between the lower value end of the market which is more reliant on volume demand whilst rising average prices support higher value bathroom sales. Source link
The UK’s largest online ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, has been recognising some of its most long-serving staff. A series of awards have been recently presented to employees who have worked for the Basildon-based company for over 10 years. Sue James, Senior Contact Centre Advisor, celebrated her 21st work anniversary at the end of June. She said: “I am very proud to have worked for IronmongeryDirect for such a long period of time. It’s a fantastic place to work, and I must have spoken to thousands of customers. The job brings me the satisfaction of knowing that I’m helping each tradesperson find what they need for their business or to improve their home.” Other long serving staff include, Jim Cook, Distribution Centre Team Member (17 years), Keith Harrod, Category Assistant (16 years), Debbie Butler, Executive Contact Centre Advisor (14 years), Norman Calvin, IT Support Analyst (13 years), Andrew Patey, Distribution Centre Team Member (12 years), Tom Ramshaw, Operations Director (11 years), Stuart Caddle, Distribution Centre Team Manager (11 years), Jamie Johnson, Senior Category Manager (11 years), Keith Gray, Distribution Centre Productivity & Project Manager (11 years), Terry Greene, Distribution Centre Team Member (11 years), Lance Warner, Distribution Centre Team Member (11 years), Angela Spelman, Executive Contact Centre Advisor (11 years), Gillian Thurkettle, Distribution Centre Team Member (10 years), Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director (10 years) and Victoria Gregory, Contact Centre Advisor (10 years). Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, has headed up the company for more than a decade, added: “We wanted to make sure that our staff knew how much their hard work and efforts are appreciated. Many of our staff have dedicated many years of their professional lives to the business and have seen IronmongeryDirect transform and advance a great deal. Without them and all of our staff, our success would not be possible.” IronmongeryDirect has also announced that more staff are now GAI (Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) level 2 qualified, enabling them to provide enhanced in-depth technical assistance and support to customers.
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), the UK’s largest organisation for independent inventory clerks, is advising landlords and agents to make sure their investments are protected if they agree to allow tenants keep pets in their homes. “It’s clear that the number of long-term lifestyle renters is rising and this means that more tenants will want to keep pets and therefore be on the lookout for a property which they can truly call home for a prolonged period,” said AIIC chair Danny Zane, who is also the managing director of My Property Inventories. “It therefore comes as no surprise if more landlords decide to let to tenants with pets as it will widen their pool of prospective renters in an increasingly competitive market.” Even though this is a decision that can bring profits, the association is warning landlords to take out more comprehensive insurance, to increase the property’s damage deposit and to make sure that an independent and professionally compiled inventory is carried out. “Furry friends can undoubtedly cause more damage to a property, not to mention additional odours and mess. Therefore, more comprehensive landlord insurance can provide the required cover and peace of mind should an incident occur at the property, while a higher deposit will help to ensure that tenants are committed to maintaining the property,” explained Zane. However, landlords must be wary of charging higher deposits as from next spring it is likely that damage deposits will be capped at a maximum of six weeks’ rent. “Independent inventories, which detail a property’s condition at the start and end of a rental contract, provide landlords and agents with peace of mind and protect tenants from unreasonable deductions at the end of a tenancy,” added Danny Zane. The AIIC has been campaigning over the last year for the government to consider compulsory independent inventory reporting in privately rented properties.
Innovate, invest and improve were the key themes at the inaugural Forticrete Roofing Forum. The event, held at the Forest of Arden last week (July 4), was attended by more than 50 people from across the roofing industry. As well as updates on company activity and the state of the market, a number of educational syndicate sessions held throughout the day gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback in key areas. Sessions included health and safety for roofing contractors, product development, customer support as well as scheduling and ordering. A key message to emerge from the forum was that by working in partnership throughout the supply chain “everybody has the chance to grow their business”. John Lambert, Managing Director of Forticrete, commented: “This forum marks a major undertaking for Forticrete. It was an opportunity for us to share our future plans and generate feedback from the people who are most important to us. Our objective is to improve the customer experience. By listening to our customers, it will help us drive forward future initiatives across our business. The aim of the forum was to have a collaborative approach so we can continually deliver the products, services and solutions the roofing industry needs.” Joe Hudson, Chief Executive of Ibstock plc, also stressed the value of the customer relationships, saying: “Without customers we don’t have a business. The only way we can continue to grow and invest is by having a partnership with you. By focussing on the needs of our customers and working together more closely we can make changes together that create value for everybody. There are a lot of opportunities within the roofing industry, and there is great potential for us all to grow at a very dynamic time in the market. We can achieve this by working in partnership throughout the supply chain.” Forticrete, part of Ibstock plc, is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of concrete construction products including roof tiles, concrete decorative facing blocks, walling stone and cast stone dressings.
The Acoustic Awards, organised by ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants and held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham saw acoustic professionals gathering together in the Midlands to celebrate projects across a variety of environments, as well as excellence in their industry. “The awards recognise world-leading expertise in our industry,” said Robert Osborne of ANC. “They show how ANC members lead the way to improve acoustics for the whole of society and promote high standards and good practice in the industry. We are very grateful to our sponsors and judges for their support.” The sixth edition of the awards showcased the skills of members across five categories. In addition, at the evening of the event, an awards was also given for the best presentation of an award entry, judged by delegates at the ANC conference. Presented by Dr Hugh Hunt, Reader in Engineering Dynamics and Vibration at the University of Cambridge, the winners are: Building Acoustics, sponsored by H&H Acoustic Technologies WINNER: Clarke Saunders Associates – Quadrant 4 HIGHLY COMMENDED: Adrian James Acoustics – Nur Alem Pavilion COMMENDED: Arup – Royal Academy of Music COMMENDED: Hoare Lea – Outer Space Project Education Acoustics, sponsored by Ecophon WINNER: Hoare Lea – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire HIGHLY COMMENDED: Apex Acoustics – The National Centre for the Written Word COMMENDED: WSP – New River College Pupil Referral Unit and The Bridge Integrated Learning Space Environmental Noise, sponsored by ANV Measurement Systems WINNER: Southdowns Environmental Consultants – Crossrail C510 HIGHLY COMMENDED: Temple Group with FLO – Northern Line Extension COMMENDED: Arup – Forth Replacement Crossing Vibration, sponsored by Pliteq WINNER: Atkins HIGHLY COMMENDED: AECOM COMMENDED: Apex Acoustics Smaller Projects WINNER: Bureau Veritas – Sidac Sports and Social Club HIGHLY COMMENDED: RBA Acoustics – Lyall Mews – Site Enclosure Best Presentation, sponsored by Armourcoat WINNER: Adrian James Acoustics
Priestley Construction, the Leeds-based contractor that specialises in the refurbishment of historic buildings, has completed the £1 million restoration of a Grade II listed building in the heart of Leeds City Centre. Hanover House, which was previously the head office of Blacks Solicitors LLP, has been transformed into ten luxurious apartments. “It’s always an honour to be entrusted with bringing a historic building back to its former glory. We have a raft of experience in transforming properties of this nature into much-needed, high quality apartments,” said Nathan Priestley, chief executive officer of the Priestley Group. “With this project, Priestley Construction has created 10 high-specification, luxury two bedroom apartments that were carefully crafted to complement the heritage status of the Grade II listed building,” he continued. The planning requirements had been met by the company’s extensive restoration programme, which has also satisfied the strict conservation standards set by the local authority and English Heritage. In order to retain the building’s original features, Priestley Construction refurbished existing floorboards and windows, integrating the authentic structures with modern technology including advanced music and lighting programmes, to create contemporary living spaces. The building is located on Clarendon Road in Leeds City Centre and its has been sold to a private buy-to-let investor. Local renters can now go and have a look at the show flat. Priestley Construction carried out the renovation work on behalf of its sister business, Priestley Homes, with both companies falling under the wider Yorkshire-based property company, the Priestley Group. Priestley Construction is a main contractor specialising in conversions and refurbishments, offering design and construction to developers nationwide. Having worked exclusively with professional investors, the company now rolls out its services to the general public and the wider investor and commercial market. Projects to date include Boyds Mill and Swallow Hill Works Apartments, Leeds; Airedale House and Conditioning House, Bradford; Stableford Hall, Manchester.
