An exciting, new holiday resort destination just 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre is set to open this summer as 18 luxury lodges, available for rental all year round, get under construction on the picturesque banks of the Clyde. The £2.5m investment project is being undertaken by River View Luxury
Everton is proud to reveal the fourth and final phase of ‘ALL’ seasonal memberships at the club’s iconic new waterfront stadium. Village Street and Trinity Place Bar, located in the West and East Stands respectively, offer supporters the chance to experience a range of vibrant bars and traditional style pubs
Improvement works to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick have been completed, including a revamped play area with a unique, ‘dragon fort’ feature, which is the first of its kind. The bespoke play equipment includes the unique dragon fort and climbing ‘bloqx’ that were developed with input from local schoolchildren and
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has promoted and appointed Kirsty Berry as the Company’s new Head of Estates. Kirsty joined Travelodge in 2022 as Regional Estates Manager and has been an integral member of
Leeds City Council has submitted plans to transform an ageing leisure centre site into a state-of-the-art and wellbeing hub. The council has had long-standing ambitions for Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton to be replaced with a facility that is fit for the 21st century. This could soon become a reality,
HAVING discovered the headline-grabbing RAAC concrete in the roof above its stage, the 400-seat Key Theatre in Peterborough was forced to close in September over safety concerns. However, thanks to quick work from Pick Everard and Lindum Group, the curtain has now been able to up for panto season. To
International hotel operator MEININGER is expanding into Edinburgh after agreeing a deal with property development company S Harrison, which will see a 1970s office building in the Haymarket area transformed into a stunning new hotel. York-based S Harrison acquired Osborne House in 2018 and has worked with Edinburgh based architect
WORK is well underway at the innovative Jesse’s House project in West London, with the leisure offering of the new family club venture being delivered by international modular pool provider Myrtha Pools this month. Partnering with distributor Barr + Wray, the firm is set to deliver its signature outdoor and indoor pools for
Improvement work to the external façade of the Health Hydro leisure centre in Swindon has commenced. Owned by Swindon Borough council the centre closed earlier this year, extensive surveys have been carried out, which could not be done while the building was in use. Now, scaffolding has been put up
The historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to be handed over to Everton for the next phase of works. Painstaking work has been undertaken over the past two years to restore the Listed building, dating back to 1883, to its former glory. And with the
An exciting, new holiday resort destination just 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre is set to open this summer as 18 luxury lodges, available for rental all year round, get under construction on the picturesque banks of the Clyde. The £2.5m investment project is being undertaken by River View Luxury Lodges, whose site is located by the end of the M8 at West Ferry, Langbank, Renfrewshire. Ground has been broken this week and the owners expect to welcome their first visitors this summer when the first tranche of 6 lodges open. Situated right on the southern edge of the river Clyde, with spectacular outlooks, each lodge will have uninterrupted views of Dumbarton Rock and beyond. Easy access is a key attraction, either from the M8 or Langbank railway station which sits on the Glasgow Central – Gourock line. Guests will be able to choose from two and three-bed high-end self-catering lodges, complete with jacuzzi, barrel steam room, a full suite of on-demand TV packages and BBQ. In addition there will be a dedicated space for weddings and other events. Popular local attractions include the Finlaystone Country Estate, with its woodlands, play areas and garden centre, hotel and leisure complex, Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, Coast Bar and Restaurant and Ingliston Hotel and Country Club. River View Luxury Lodges is a venture led by Calum Melville, CEO of Edison Capital, whose operations include East Kilbride-headquartered Principal Building, which will construct and install the lodges. Mr Melville said: “It has been a long road getting to this point but now that we have all the planning permissions in place, we are looking forward to seeing our vision made a reality. “The popularity of luxury self-catering lodges in Scotland over the last ten years is well-documented and West Ferry will offer not only a relaxing stay in an idyllic setting but is also readily accessible to a huge swathe of Scotland’s population, being just 10 minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre. “Langbank is a lovely, friendly village with a fine golf course and a hospitality venue that attracts wedding guests and others all year round, so we anticipate that the local economy will be given a welcome economic boost by the River View Luxury Lodges and the steady number of visitors we hope to attract. “In the wider area there’s something for everyone within a 30-minute drive including prestigious golf courses, fine dining, historical landmarks, and fantastic outdoor activities and scenery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Everton is proud to reveal the fourth and final phase of ‘ALL’ seasonal memberships at the club’s iconic new waterfront stadium. Village Street and Trinity Place Bar, located in the West and East Stands respectively, offer supporters the chance to experience a range of vibrant bars and traditional style pubs that will entertain Evertonians on matchdays within the stadium footprint. ‘ALL’ delivers a revolutionary re-set of traditional football hospitality by allowing supporters to choose from a variety of bars, restaurants and experiences at Everton Stadium, designed to reflect the matchday rituals of fans. Ranging from fine dining and international cuisine restaurants to sports bars, traditional pubs and tapas-style venues, the choice of ‘ALL’ experiences on offer at Everton Stadium are unprecedented. They are also proving hugely popular, with the three earlier phases selling out ahead of schedule a demonstration of the demand for this new approach to premium experiences. This final phase incorporates names that are clearly associated with the fabric of Everton’s history and which are set to become go-to destinations before and after home games. Access to either Village Street or Trinity Place Bar is offered through a seasonal membership, which includes food and drink as well as some of the best seats in the stadium, spanning the half-way line. Village Street takes its name from the road in the city where St Domingo’s FC became Everton Football Club in 1879. It will now become home to a new era of matchday memories. Located in the heart of the west stand, this vibrant pre-match destination is home to four individual pub and bar spaces, offering a unique experience never seen in football. All offer different types of food and have been inspired by moments in the Club’s history, as well as legendary players and managers. One of two traditional pubs, The Queens Head, is named after the historic Village Street hostelry where, in November 1879, local football team St. Domingo’s FC was renamed Everton Football Club. The design of The Queen’s Head will provide a modern tribute to the aesthetics of the old pub, with a wooden bar and rich upholstery as well as a traditional beer menu. A second authentic pub, inspired by the vibrant matchday spirit of Evertonians, will help to be shaped by supporters to replicate the sights and sounds of traditional fan-favourite public houses. Also taking its place on Village Street is Kendall’s, a lively social bar named in honour of one of Everton’s finest players, and the Club’s greatest ever manager, Howard Kendall. This contemporary social space will offer supporters a vibrant place to enjoy some authentic beers and enjoy pre-and post-match entertainment. Dixie’s Sports Bar, named after the iconic Dixie Dean, completes the Village Street establishments and features big screens and televisions to keep track of all the latest sporting action from around the world. All seasonal memberships for Village Street are inclusive of food, wines, beers and soft drinks, for pre-match and half time. In addition to access to any of the four pubs and bars, members also benefit from premium padded seats spanning the half-way line in the upper tier of the West Stand. The second membership on offer is Trinity Place Bar, located in the east stand, adjacent to the Fan Plaza. The name is instantly synonymous with Everton fans of all ages through its link to the Club’s ‘Holy Trinity’ – Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey and Alan Ball. Trinity Place Bar celebrates the Club’s history through immersive media and treasured memorabilia, which members can explore each matchday. Live entertainment adds to the pre-match atmosphere and fans can stay close to the pre-match build-up across the many big screens. A key feature of Trinity Place is the striking central island bar, making it the perfect space for Evertonians to socialise, eat and drink within in a unique matchday environment. As well as complimentary drinks and a choice of freshly prepared street food dishes, Trinity Place Bar members also enjoy direct access to some of the best views the stadium has to offer on the halfway line, close to the pitch and with convenient access to the bar. Village Street and Trinity Place Bar complete the Club’s innovative portfolio of bars, restaurants and experiences available to all supporters at Everton Stadium, with demand for both these memberships unprecedented. The dedicated Everton Stadium Sales Team is currently managing consultations by private appointment, and fans can request information about securing Seasonal ‘ALL’ Bar Memberships by visiting the Everton Stadium website at www.evertonstadium.com/all and completing the Register Your Interest / request form. Highlights of the ALL portfolio, including the already seasonally sold-out Restaurants and Experiences can also be found at www.evertonstadium.com/all. Keep up to date with the latest developments on the construction of Everton Stadium at evertonstadium.com or @evertonstadium on twitter / X. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Improvement works to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick have been completed, including a revamped play area with a unique, ‘dragon fort’ feature, which is the first of its kind. The bespoke play equipment includes the unique dragon fort and climbing ‘bloqx’ that were developed with input from local schoolchildren and members of the public. Young people and the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees marked the completion of the installation of the items at the play park on Thursday (11 JAN) to officially open the new equipment. The children, from nearby Barley Fields Primary School in Ingleby Barwick, were on the site to use the dragon fort for the first time. The dragon’s features include a climbing wall, net and rock climber, a slide, balancing discs and intricate play panels. Other additions to the playpark include a new basket swing and repairs and replacement of existing items in the play area. In line with the Council’s ambition to make the Borough’s parks more inclusive for as many families as possible, the park also includes three new in-ground trampolines, accessible features on the dragon fort and a new sensory trail with musical instruments. A community garden on the site and a planting scheme with trees, shrubs and benches are also part of the overall improvements. The growing area will allow direct access from All Saints Academy school for young people to enjoy as well as wider community groups. There will also be better access to the platform near the Barwick Pond nature reserve and a re-marking of the Multi Use Games Area, which will allow children and young people to play various types of sports. The work has created a key visitor attraction as part of the town’s leisure offer and is part of the Council’s town centres investment programme, ensuring they are vibrant places and fit for future generations. Councillor Jim Beall, Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, said: “It’s great to see the plans for Romano Park become a reality so that the Borough’s young people and their families can enjoy the open space and play equipment in a safe environment. “The improvements provide another useful addition to the active and healthy lifestyle offer for the residents of Ingleby Barwick, alongside the new leisure centre. “They combine with Council investment in the likes of IB Leisure Centre to play an important part in serving the community.” As part of the scheme, improved signage, replacement litter bins, additional benches and CCTV cameras were also installed, as well as an extension of the hard standing surfacing around the existing war memorial so that pop-up food and beverage concession opportunities can be explored. The improvements are a result of the ‘Let’s Talk About Our Towns’ public consultation that took place in 2020. The consultation showed support for more community leisure facilities, parks and gardens, as well as activities for young people. The Council worked with pupils at Myton Park Primary School, St Therese Primary School and Winstone Primary School to come up with ideas that would create a stand-out play area for families to enjoy. New swings, a dragon theme, climbing boulders and trampolines were just some of the ideas that children created and drew up to help shape the plans. The play equipment design and installation was completed by KOMPAN and the wider park improvements were completed by BCE Northern Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has promoted and appointed Kirsty Berry as the Company’s new Head of Estates. Kirsty joined Travelodge in 2022 as Regional Estates Manager and has been an integral member of the UK Estates team since. With a background consisting of a vast range of property experience with a number of multi-site businesses including Domino’s UK and Majestic Wines, Kirsty has been crucially involved in various sublet deals and lease regears. This includes leading a unique sublet agreement for one of the UK’s first Popeyes Louisiana Chicken drive-thrus, at the Travelodge Northampton Way site, which the Group announced last year. Over the past year, a key strategic priority for the Property and Development function of the Travelodge business has been expanding the Estates team and its remit, due to the Company’s growing hotel portfolio and opportunities to improve its assets. The team is dedicated to supporting the hotels and the wider business with general estate matters and is also responsible for asset management, rent reviews, service charges, business rates, sublets, insurance, asset management, lease renewals and landlord approvals. Members of the Estates team are field-based so that they can make regular hotel visits, allowing full access to the Travelodge hotel portfolio and providing hands-on support for Travelodge’s hotel colleagues and its landlords. Reporting into the Chief Property and Development Officer, Kirsty will be overseeing all operations of the Estates function, made up of six team members, and is currently looking to expand the team further by the appointment of a Regional Estates Manager (South). For more details of this vacancy, please visit: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/careers/ Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer, Travelodge, comments: “We are delighted to be promoting Kirsty to the position of Head of Estates, as she has proven to be integral to the recent success of the Estates function. Kirsty’s industry expertise and experience represents a significant benefit to Travelodge as a business, and she has already played a crucial role in the growing and improving Estates Management team since joining in 2022.” Travelodge has a significant estate of nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, with over 580 of these hotels located throughout the UK. In addition, the group has a large sublet estate, with over 150 subtenants. Furthermore, with over 200 Bar Cafes, Travelodge is also one of the largest Food & Beverage operators in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds City Council has submitted plans to transform an ageing leisure centre site into a state-of-the-art and wellbeing hub. The council has had long-standing ambitions for Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton to be replaced with a facility that is fit for the 21st century. This could soon become a reality, with good progress being made towards identifying funding for a scheme that would deliver a significant boost to communities facing sizeable social and economic challenges. The council’s plans would see a new wellbeing centre being built on part of the King George V Playing Fields, a 28-acre green space that is home to the current Fearnville facility. Indoor amenities would include a large main swimming pool, learner pool, sports hall, fitness studios, spin room and a 120-station gym as well as a community café and adventure play area. Major improvements would also be made to Fearnville’s outdoor offer, with an all-weather pitch, tennis courts, skatepark and play zone among the proposed features. Tree-planting and soft landscaping would increase the site’s biodiversity, with insects, birds and other wildlife giving people fresh opportunities to get in touch with nature. The new-look centre would encourage more take-up of physical activity among residents in Gipton & Harehills and Killingbeck & Seacroft – densely-populated wards which suffer from low life expectancy and high obesity rates – as well as benefiting wider east Leeds. Local demand for sports and leisure facilities is set to grow in the coming years, with thousands of new homes planned through the East Leeds Extension and related development sites. Fearnville also offers essential learn-to-swim provision for more than 30 primary schools – part of the largest programme of its kind in the city. If plans are approved, it is hoped that work could get under way in the middle of 2024. The existing centre would remain open while the new facility takes shape on a part of the site that at present is occupied by a disused artificial football pitch. Then, once construction is complete, the current building – which dates back to the 1980s – would be demolished. The bulk of the funding for the scheme is proposed to be sourced from a mix of external grant support, the council’s capital programme and developer contributions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HAVING discovered the headline-grabbing RAAC concrete in the roof above its stage, the 400-seat Key Theatre in Peterborough was forced to close in September over safety concerns. However, thanks to quick work from Pick Everard and Lindum Group, the curtain has now been able to up for panto season. To gain a full picture of the situation, Peterborough City Council contracted multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard to carry out building surveys and feasibility studies to assess the next steps. These surveys showed there was an immediate ‘red’ failure on RAAC reports. To ensure the theatre’s seasonal production could go ahead, a plan was immediately mobilised to design a secondary roof system underneath the main roof inside the main auditorium. With a timber design, materials were able to be procured very quickly utilising the local supply chain, allowing contractor Lindum to be completing the installation of the structure within a matter of weeks. Jenny Curtlin, Director at Pick Everard, said: “Panto season is such an important one for theatres, particularly from a business perspective in the current climate, so a key aim remained making sure that could go ahead. “That very pressing timescale meant that permanent removal of the roof was not an option until further down the line, so the project team mobilised a temporary solution with the secondary roof structure. Being able to pull together to get the work underway so quickly was critical, and the most impressive part of this project has been the speed from everyone involved. “We’re very proud to have played a key role in making sure theatregoers in the area will be able to enjoy the production of Aladdin – and that work was completed in time for the Key Theatre’s 50th anniversary too.” The new internal roof provides further structural support for the main roof, around which the lighting and sets have been installed as normal and ensures the safety of public, staff and stage crew. Councillor John Howard, deputy leader of the council, said: “It seems the genie granted Aladdin his wish and everyone who has booked tickets for the panto will be able to enjoy the show this Christmas, I’d like to thank the contractors who worked at pace to complete the project on time.” The council has also confirmed that a longer-term solution is already underway, with a complete roof replacement already in the design phase to make sure the theatre can remain a key part of Peterborough’s landscape for years to come. For more information, please visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International hotel operator MEININGER is expanding into Edinburgh after agreeing a deal with property development company S Harrison, which will see a 1970s office building in the Haymarket area transformed into a stunning new hotel. York-based S Harrison acquired Osborne House in 2018 and has worked with Edinburgh based architect Comprehensive Design Architects on the transformational plans for the building, which will include 157 bedrooms and incorporate a bar and lounge area on the ground floor. The building, which is located just West of Edinburgh’s city centre, is close to the Haymarket tram stop, and only a short walk from Princess Street. A key player in the hybrid hotel market, all MEININGER hotels have their own individual style and offer flexible and affordable modern accommodation alongside a reception, lobby, lounge, breakfast room and bar, as well as a guest kitchen and games zone. Since MEININGER unveiled its first hotel in Berlin in 1999, it has grown considerably and now offers more than 19,000 beds in 26 European cities such as Kraków, Cologne, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Rome and Vienna. The 157-bedroom Edinburgh hotel will have 549 beds in a mix of rooms including classic doubles, and private multiple-bed rooms. It will also have a taxi drop off area, disabled parking and secure cycle store. Work will start on the new hotel early next year. Ann Scott, managing director at S Harrison said: “We’re very pleased to agree this deal and look forward to seeing our vision for Osborne House begin to take shape. Edinburgh remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations for tourists and business travellers, hence our decision to hold this asset to further strengthen our investment portfolio. “MEININGER has established an enviable reputation for offering modern, well-designed hybrid hotels in key cities throughout Europe that appeal to all types of guests. “When all this is combined with Osborne House’s location, in a very vibrant area, just a five-minute walk from Haymarket station and close to both Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh city centre, there’s no doubt it will become a very popular hotel.” Ajit Menon, CEO at MEININGER Hotels added: “We are excited to bring the proven and successful MEININGER hybrid hotel concept to Edinburgh, re-entering the United Kingdom and further expanding our presence in Europe. We believe that Edinburgh, with its lively, diverse and unique nature resonates with the MEININGER culture. Edinburgh attracts families, couples, backpackers, school groups, friends and business travellers alike, making the city a perfect fit for our brand.” S Harrison has made a substantial investment in Edinburgh in recent years and this latest hotel project follows the company delivering the landmark boutique hotel for Malmaison in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. The work saw the Grade A listed Buchan House, on the north-west corner of St Andrew Square, converted into a stylish 72-bedroom hotel complete with Malmaison’s renowned Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie. The developer also recently secured planning permission for two purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) schemes consisting of 64 studio apartments, on East Newington Place, off Newington Road and 76 studios within the historic surroundings of Canongate, just behind the Royal Mile. In addition, S Harrison recently submitted exciting proposals for a residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith for planning approval. Time Out recently named Leith as one of the ‘world’s coolest neighbourhoods.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORK is well underway at the innovative Jesse’s House project in West London, with the leisure offering of the new family club venture being delivered by international modular pool provider Myrtha Pools this month. Partnering with distributor Barr + Wray, the firm is set to deliver its signature outdoor and indoor pools for the Jesse’s House concept – a combined offering for remote working parents and their young children that promotes education, relaxation, and wellbeing under one roof. The stainless steel pools, which are manufactured offsite to minimise installation time and boost project efficiency, will be the first under the Jesse’s House banner in Parsons Green. The new facilities will include a nursery, fully equipped gym and exercise studio – closely mirroring Little Houses Group’s (LHG) first site, Jaego’s House, in Kensal Rise. Kate McKnight, country manager UK & Ireland at Myrtha Pools, said: “This project is all about grassroots development, giving parents and children the opportunity to learn, relax and unwind all within one central space. It is a fairly unique concept and an exciting venture to partner on, especially with this being the first pool to be used under the Jesse’s House banner. “We’re looking forward to working together closely to bring this brand new offering to the public in West London, which provides something for absolutely everybody.” Craig Steele, sales + estimating manager at Barr + Wray, said: “What Jesse’s House is getting is really modern pool technology. Myrtha Pools offer unrivalled benefits in energy efficiency, as well as corrosion and leak prevention that futureproofs pools for decades to come. “We’re excited to begin this new chapter for Jesse’s House, combining all the offsite benefits that come with modern methods of construction (MMC), with sustainable and integrated pool solutions that allow families to enjoy water and swimming from an early age.” Set for late spring 2024 opening, the newest offering from Jesse’s House will follow the LHG’s formula of providing spaces that are ‘unpretentious, fun and practical, providing families with a place to play, hang out, eat, work, and exercise.’ Rosie Moss, head of property at LHG, said: “The new pools installed by the team at Myrtha and Barr + Wray are the next step in facilitating environments that offer numerous health, wellbeing and relaxation benefits in one central space. “Myrtha Pools is a market leader in the leisure industry, so it was a natural decision to partner with them and begin this fantastic new indoor and outdoor space for the community of Parsons Green. “We now look forward to welcoming the general public in 2024 with a facility that will make a difference in people’s lives through education, support and enjoyment.” Myrtha Pools offer a 45% smaller carbon footprint than traditional methods of construction – which use tile and concrete – and cost savings of up to 20%. For more information, visit https://www.myrthapools.com/en/dealers/myrtha-pools-uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Improvement work to the external façade of the Health Hydro leisure centre in Swindon has commenced. Owned by Swindon Borough council the centre closed earlier this year, extensive surveys have been carried out, which could not be done while the building was in use. Now, scaffolding has been put up in order to repair failing roofs and sections of the stonework and windows. This work is part of a £6.9 million refurbishment programme which is being funded using money from the Council, the Government’s Towns Fund and Historic England. When complete, users will experience substantial improvements with enhanced changing facilities, a new entrance and fitness suite in the former washing baths hall and a new mechanical, electrical and plumbing plant system to service the main pool and improve the building’s environmental performance. As this is only the first phase of works, further funding is needed for the £5.7m second phase. Last month a £4.6m grant bid was submitted to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which will aim to fund the completion of the restoration and enhancement of the main pool hall. Overall, the Health Hydro project will repair and insulate the main pool hall roof, deliver substantial improvements to the building’s environmental performance and undertake conservation works to the exterior and interior including the spectator gallery and stained-glass window. The project will also focus on how to showcase the building’s remarkable history and its role in informing the blueprint for the NHS. The success of the first stage of this bid will be revealed in March 2024. If successful, a second application will then need to be prepared and submitted. Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art and Culture, said: “This bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund signals a new era and wave of optimism for Swindon’s heritage and marks an important milestone for the restoration and regeneration of this building. “The Hydro is an important landmark for the town and it’s one we want to see restored to its former glory and available for future generations to enjoy. “We have recently embarked on developing a new Heritage Plan, which will chart our next priorities for unlocking the value and opportunities from Swindon’s rich heritage, not only including the Hydro but also in the rest of the Railway Village and the Borough as a whole.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to be handed over to Everton for the next phase of works. Painstaking work has been undertaken over the past two years to restore the Listed building, dating back to 1883, to its former glory. And with the external remediation works close to completion, including salvaging and reinstating existing brickwork, extensive re-pointing and the installation of new windows and doors sympathetic to the original design, the next phase of internal works to help breathe new life into the structure will commence next year. Emily Watson, Assistant Section Manager at Laing O’Rourke, explained: “We’ve have had to undertake a lot of remedial repairs and original make-safe works to get the building into a safe spot. “There has been some major re-pointing work, some new roofing elements installed and some structural work to make the building safe for the next stage. “The heritage aspect has always been a careful consideration. Originally, there were a lot of plans that needed to be signed off by Liverpool City Council, planning consultants CBRE and Heritage Project Management. “We’ve had close relationships throughout, and they have carried out inspections throughout the process too. There have also been Listed Building conditions that we’ve had to sign off and go through just to make sure that everyone was happy with what we were doing to the Grade II Listed structure. “That includes providing samples and showing them drawings, such as the windows and doors, so they can keep in touch with progress. “There was another Listed Building condition that meant we had to get sign off on the brickwork, so it could match the original design as much as possible. “In fact, the bricks from the old station master’s office, which was taken down because it was unstable, were all salvaged. The rebuild was actually done with all the existing brickwork, to keep it exactly the same.” Complementing the major project to renovate the Hydraulic Tower and Engine House has been an extensive amount of work to restore heritage assets to the site, particularly across the Fan Plaza. With the help of a £15m grant from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, historic maritime features such as railway lines, capstans, mooring bollards and cobblestones – a feature during the dock’s heyday, when Liverpool’s docks dominated global trade – have been recorded, tagged and carefully reinstated. In total, more than 400 heritage assets have been preserved, with any additional items used as either exhibition items, or to be bequeathed to Liverpool City Council or Peel Waters for future development. And with the Fan Plaza currently being paved, and decorative benches featuring the famous Archibald Leitch truss design installed – the jaw-dropping entrance to the stadium site is gradually coming to fruition. The main feature, however, is sure to be the imposing Hydraulic Tower, which will even feature the original air raid siren bolted back onto the side of the building, following yet more work to restore it and cover it in a protective coating. Emily added: “When we first came, the air-raid siren had to be taken off, so we could replicate the original bracket on which it hung. “We’ve now refitted it onto the building and it has had a special coating, so it can remain there” “We now have the last ongoing works with the glazing, the louvres and the doors, and we’ve started to layer the roof, then there will just a few final touches, such as flashing and give it one last clean over before it can be handed over.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
