June 20, 2023
Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is

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Russell WBHO picked for £48m Gateshead hotel

Russell WBHO picked for £48m Gateshead hotel

Russell WBHO has been appointed to build a new nine-storey hotel in Gateshead. The contract was awarded by real estate company Ask:PATRIZIA to construct the 344 bedroom, 180,898 sq ft, dual branded hotel. Planning permission for the project was approved by Gateshead Council in March and construction is set to

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

June 20, 2023

First of its kind Roman mausoleum unearthed at London development site

First of its kind Roman mausoleum unearthed at London development site

Following the discovery in February 2022 of some of the largest Roman mosaics found in London for over 50 years, further excavations at a new London development site have uncovered a Roman mausoleum described by experts as “completely unique.” The incredibly rare finds have been uncovered at The Liberty of Southwark site, a stone’s throw away from Borough Market and London Bridge Station. Archaeological investigations were led by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), on behalf of Landsec and Transport for London (TfL), who own the site, and Southwark Council. The remains of the mausoleum (a type of monumental tomb) uncovered on Landsec and TfL’s Southwark development include the walls and interior flooring. At its centre, is a striking mosaic surrounded by a raised platform on which the burials were placed. The lowest entrance steps into the structure also survive. Significantly, this level of preservation of the interior makes this the most intact Roman mausoleum ever to be discovered in Britain. Landsec and TfL are working together in a joint venture partnership on The Liberty of Southwark development and are committed to restoring and retaining the mausoleum within the permanent scheme for public display and enjoyment. The future display of the mausoleum will provide a tangible link between the Roman archaeology of Southwark and the site on which the artefacts were found, making these unique discoveries publicly accessible. Antonietta Lerz, Senior Archaeologist at MOLA – “This relatively small site in Southwark is a microcosm for the changing fortunes of Roman London – from the early phase of the site where London expands and the area has lavishly decorated Roman buildings, all the way through to the later Roman period when the settlement shrinks and it becomes a more quiet space where people remember their dead. It provides a fascinating window into the living conditions and lifestyle in this part of the city in the Roman period.” Marcus Geddes, Managing Director – Workplace at Landsec – “These extraordinary finds add great significance to the already culturally rich location of The Liberty of Southwark. We’re pleased to have worked together to ensure these finds were uncovered prior to our construction on site and we’re committed to celebrating Southwark’s heritage in the future of the development. We’ll continue to work with MOLA to preserve and protect the mausoleum and mosaics, and to display them for the enjoyment of the public and our future office and retail customers at The Liberty of Southwark.” Councillor Catherine Rose, Southwark Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks – “The rediscovery of this Roman mausoleum and mosaics is a testament to the rich tapestry of our past. It is a moment of pride for Southwark, as we pay homage to the ingenuity and artistic brilliance that graced our borough in the Roman times. We are extremely grateful to the archaeologists, historians, and all those involved in unearthing these extraordinary remnants. As a council we are committed to preserving and promoting these archaeological treasures, ensuring that they are accessible to the local community and beyond for generations to come. This includes the recent discovery of a stone sarcophagus built into a mausoleum near Harper Road and a 19th century sculpture of King Alfred in Trinity Church”. Victoria Shin, Senior Property Development Manager at TfL – ‘This new discovery builds on the exciting findings already uncovered and develops our understanding of the changing use of the site throughout the Roman period. It is key that as we bring forward new developments across the whole of London that we work hard with others to preserve and reflect the heritage of London whilst delivering the homes and jobs that London needs to continue to thrive in the future.” The mausoleum underwent significant modifications during its lifetime and archaeologists uncovered a second mosaic directly beneath the first – indicating the floor of the structure was raised during its lifetime. The two mosaics are similar in design, with a central flower surrounded by a pattern of concentric circles set within a pavement formed of small red tiles. The walls of the structure were almost completely dismantled, probably during the medieval period, for reuse elsewhere. However, all signs indicate this was a substantial building, perhaps two storeys high, requiring large buttresses in the corners for support. Alongside the mosaics, the mausoleum contained a raised platform formed of tiles bonded with a hard wearing and waterproof pink mortar known as opus signinum. The platform defined the locations for the burials, arranged around three sides of the structure parallel to the walls. The mausoleum would have been used by wealthier members of Roman society. It may have been a family tomb or perhaps belonged to a burial club, where members would have paid a monthly fee to be buried inside. Archaeologists didn’t find any of the coffins or burials that would have originally been inside the mausoleum. However, over 100 coins were discovered, together with some scrap pieces of metal, fragments of pottery and roofing tiles. Furthermore, the area immediately surrounding the mausoleum contained over 80 Roman burials, which included personal items such as copper bracelets, glass beads, coins, pottery, and even a bone comb. This collaboration to safely excavate the site ahead of construction has now concluded. Yet, work to process and fully understand the finds continues. Among other areas of investigation, MOLA specialists will be working to pinpoint an exact date for the mausoleum. The site is being redeveloped as The Liberty of Southwark, a complex of offices, homes and shops that is a joint venture by Landsec and TfL. This will bring exciting contributions to the local area including increasing connectivity, creating jobs, enhancing Crossbones Graveyard, and providing much needed affordable workspace. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Groundworks start for 275-home development at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park

Groundworks start for 275-home development at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park

Groundwork is underway with the first spades in the ground at a development set to bring 275 new homes to the Whitehouse area of Milton Keynes. Ashberry Homes is planning to build the homes at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park, on land south of Watling Street and east of Calverton Lane. It’s part of the wider Whitehouse neighbourhood which has outline planning permission for more than 4,000 new homes. Detailed planning permission for this latest collection of 275 homes was granted by Milton Keynes Council earlier this year. Ashberry at Whitehouse Park will feature a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom houses. Lindsey Davenport, Senior Sales Manager for Ashberry Homes, said: “An exciting project lies ahead with this high-quality contribution to Whitehouse. “With groundworks now underway, we are looking forward to starting construction of the new homes at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park and providing homebuyers with a varied choice of quality new-build properties. “This development will help consolidate Ashberry Homes as a reliable and well-established housebuilder in Milton Keynes, helping to provide the new housing the city needs.” Ashberry Homes is part of the Bellway Group, with Bellway’s Northern Home Counties division currently building 175 new homes on a neighbouring site, Bellway at Whitehouse Park, as part of the consortium project. New community facilities, such Whitehouse Primary School, Watling Academy and Whitehouse Surgery, are also open as part of the wider growing neighbourhood. The Whitehouse project is part of the Western Expansion Area of Milton Keynes which has been earmarked for a total of 6,500 new homes. Lindsey said: “There is already such a welcoming community forming within the Whitehouse consortium and the fact there are schools for both primary and secondary-age children here makes it even more appealing for families. “The development is also close to Milton Keynes, and all the city’s amenities, as well as direct train links from Milton Keynes Central into London.” The first homes are due to go on sale at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park in August this year. For more information, call the sales team on 01908 036312 or visit https://www.ashberryhomes.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties/ashberry-at-whitehouse-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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QIC Trims supplies exquisite finish for award-winning development’s centrepiece design feature

QIC Trims supplies exquisite finish for award-winning development’s centrepiece design feature

QIC Trims’ bespoke new product manufacture and design expertise proved crucial to a ceiling installation that was integral to a multi-million-pound city hall development. The company supplied more than 11,500 lin/m of trim for nearly 350 raft ceilings that were installed at the former Vaux Brewery in Sunderland. The site, which had laid dormant since the brewery’s demolition in 1999, was redeveloped in order to house the new city hall. Sunderland City Council is expected to transfer around 1,200 employees to the seven-storey building in a move that will save the authority an estimated £22million in operational costs over the next 25 years.The council will be one of several tenants within the 17,755m² building, which includes a large amount of office space, a fitness room and an employment centre. For its repurposing, which was designed by Faulkner Browns Architects, the building’s interior required a contemporary aesthetic. This meant being creative with the design of elements of the building fabric. Hence, the specification of a Troldtekt ‘floating cloud’ circular ceiling system, which makes for a stylish, acoustic-friendly addition to large, open plan workspaces.To provide each ceiling with a smart, contemporary finish, QIC Trims was selected by the project’s main contractor, Bowmer and Kirkland, to design and manufacture a trim solution. Its ‘US Ceiling Raft’ range was originated for such purpose, with QIC Trim’s technical team able to assist in the ceiling’s design coordination in several communications held with the architect and sub-contractor prior to installation. After many discussions and prototypes the new US04 aluminium extrusion was chosen for its aesthetics and straight forward install method.The ceiling’s superb design aspect contributed to Sunderland City Hall’s regeneration earning a BCO award. The annual contest recognises projects that set ‘a benchmark for excellence in creativity and functionality.’ The City Hall programme, which won the award for the northern region, earned judges praise for its innovative creation of an uplifting, light-filled, engaged workspace. QIC Trims was proud to have supplied the innovation and solution to ensure a centrepiece feature of this stunning redevelopment has a superbly designed finishing touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Bellway invests more than £4,000,000 into facilities and services in West Sussex

Bellway invests more than £4,000,000 into facilities and services in West Sussex

Bellway South London is investing more than £4,000,000 in local infrastructure in West Sussex, as the company builds new homes at three developments in the county. The developer is delivering a total of 348 homes across sites in Chichester, Crawley and Thakeham, as well as providing new public open space and other facilities for the benefit of local residents. As part of the planning agreement for the developments, the housebuilder is also making contributions which will help fund improvements to roads, air quality, wildlife and allotments.  Daniel Williamson, Sales Director of Bellway South London, said: “Through these three developments, we are contributing a total of more than £4,000,000 to help improve a range of local facilities in Crawley, Thakeham and Chichester. “These contributions are perfect examples of how new homes can deliver wider benefits to the communities where we build. The planning agreements ensure funding is in place to support the local authority as new residents move in, thereby enabling services to be improved or to increase capacity.” Bellway South London is building 88 new homes at Indigo Park, off Shopwhyke Road in Chichester. The development will provide 77 private homes and 11 affordable properties for local people as well as a children’s play area.  The housebuilder is contributing more than £230,000 towards improvements to the A27 in the area and more than £51,000 towards mitigation for the Chichester Harbour Special Protection Area. At Riverbrook Place in Crawley, the developer is delivering 185 new homes, with 111 homes for private sale and 74 affordable homes, and a kick-about space to the north of the site. Bellway is contributing over £127,000 toward outdoor sports space, more than £20,000 towards allotments and £20,000 towards the relocation and upgrade of bus stops on Steers Lane. Bellway is also building 75 new homes at Abingworth Fields, on a site off Abingworth Crescent in the village of Thakeham. The development will feature 49 properties for private sale, including eight two-bedroom houses for the over-55s, as well as 26 affordable properties for local people, plus workshops for local businesses, open space and allotments. Financial contributions here include £31,000 to help Thakeham Parish Council implement its strategy to improve air quality and £28,000 towards the running costs of the village hall. Daniel said: “As part of these planning agreements, we are delivering on a range of commitments which will bring positive benefits to the local communities. Public open spaces and children’s playgrounds will enable residents to get together in an outdoor environment while allotments will allow people to grow their own food. “In addition to this, the employment opportunities provided by Bellway to staff and contractors, who are often local people, and the extra money new residents will spend within the local economy are further evidence of the positive impact these developments will have within their communities. “Our ongoing commitment to building much-needed new homes and creating new communities in West Sussex is further supported by two new sites that we have coming soon. “Work has started to build 287 new homes at Elizabeth Square in Worthing, and a further 247 new homes at Fallow Wood View in Burgess Hill will soon start to be built, and these developments will generate further funding for local infrastructure there.” For more information about Bellway South London’s developments in West Sussex, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-london. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Historic Nottingham cinema to be converted into city centre apartments

Historic Nottingham cinema to be converted into city centre apartments

Previously dubbed the most “luxurious cinema in Nottingham”, the Grade II-listed Picture House building in Long Row will be given a new lease of life after receiving planning permission for its conversion into nine, one and two-bedroom flats at the heart of the city – with the help of heritage specialists at Nottingham planning consultancy Marrons. Designed by local firm CBP architects, Market Square Developments will be funding the significant conversion of the self-contained flats, which will include subdivision of the old main auditorium, the conversion of the first, second and third floors of the front section of the building, and the conversion of the original projection room and reel store. The historic cinema opened in 1912 and was originally designed to seat 670 cinema-goers, with two cafes and a restaurant, electric lifts, 14 internal telephones and 10 electrically-driven clocks. Despite its popularity, it closed in 1930. Since then, the building has seen a variety of occupants, including an arcade, a nightclub and retailers. A betting shop currently occupies the ground floor, while the upper floors have lain empty and unused for the past decade. Adam Partington, heritage expert at Marrons who led the planning application, said: “The space has been empty for a number of years now; its side entranceway makes it a challenging spot for typical high street users but the architecture makes it a totally unique space to create beautiful homes. “The challenge was sub dividing the large internal void to create a series of apartments that all receive natural light from existing openings. The designs show that this is capable while maintaining respect for the important heritage of the building, which is located in the Old Market Square Conservation Area. We look forward to seeing these apartments come to life.” Richard and Stuart Singh, managing directors and partners at Market Square Developments, said: “We’re really excited to get this project off the ground and under construction. It’s an amazing central location for individuals and couples looking to live in the heart of the city and makes the best use of what has been a deserted space for more than a decade.” The apartments are due to commence refurbishment this month and will be bought to the market to sell in January 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is situated close to the A12, and is currently home to several heavy freight uses. Network Rail will work with Maccreanor Lavington Architects to develop a vision for the site’s redevelopment. Possible options for the area include, a new neighbourhood of homes, a logistics and freight hub as well as a new business campus. Commenting on the project, Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail said: “As the last part of the regeneration story for the Olympic Park, Bow Goods Yard is strategically connected by both road and rail. The development has the potential to create London’s largest state-of-the-art freight and last mile logistics hub to serve Greater London, alongside delivering homes, a workspace campus and open space connecting to the surrounding neighbourhoods. “The regeneration of this strategic site demonstrates the huge importance rail infrastructure plays in unlocking the development of brownfield sites and to deliver on London’s sustainability agenda. We look forward to working closely with both communities and key stakeholders on this opportunity.” Reflecting on their involvement, Blazej Czuba, Associate Urban Designer with Maccreanor Lavington said: “We have been developing unique approaches to London’s employment locations for many years and we are thrilled to have been selected to apply them on this unique site. Bow Goods Yard has the potential to be London’s most industrious sites – it is also about its newest park and the evolving residential neighbourhoods around it. “This project needs care and sensitivity in its design, with a fair amount of innovation. The team understands the complexity of London: its communities, its spatial character, its uses, and the mix that will create a new neighbourhood here for the people of Newham and Tower Hamlets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Russell WBHO picked for £48m Gateshead hotel

Russell WBHO picked for £48m Gateshead hotel

Russell WBHO has been appointed to build a new nine-storey hotel in Gateshead. The contract was awarded by real estate company Ask:PATRIZIA to construct the 344 bedroom, 180,898 sq ft, dual branded hotel. Planning permission for the project was approved by Gateshead Council in March and construction is set to commence later this year. The design was created by AHR Architects. Other features of the hotel include, restaurants, bars, business meeting rooms and a residents’ gym. They will be managed by Vine Hotels. A network of pedestrian footpaths and crossings will link the hotel to the wider Quayside development areas and to Gateshead town centre to the west. When complete the hotel will be managed by Accor under its Novotel and Ibis brands. It is expected to host 210,000 visitors a year as well as to generate £13 million for the local economy. Commenting on the project, Russel WBHO Managing director Gareth Russell said: “As a recognised specialist in hotel construction, we are extremely pleased to confirm our appointment to this new project in Gateshead. “We take a collaborative partnership approach to delivery and our team is working closely with the client and the local authority in readiness for a project start later this year. “As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing and social value, we will look to secure labour and materials from local suppliers wherever possible and ensure the project provides training and apprenticeship opportunities for local young people.” Reflecting on the new partnership, John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate on behalf of the Ask:PATRIZIA partnership said: “Russell WBHO has a proven track record in the leisure sector and we are delighted to be partnering with them to deliver this superb new hotel for Gateshead. We’re looking forward to making a swift start on site and seeing the creation of another valuable asset for the Quayside area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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