Global real estate developer, Hines, has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use project to develop 18 Blackfriars Road, Bankside, London. The site sits in close proximity to the River Thames and is set among some of London’s best loved cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the
Joint venture partners Cole Waterhouse and Tonia Investments have secured a significant amended planning consent for Leeds Urban Village, a £185 million mixed-use, residential led scheme in the East of Leeds city centre. The partnership acquired the 3.8-acre site in May 2022 with full detailed planning permission for 1,012 apartments
We will reap the economic and environmental benefits when we save culturally significant urban centres by breathing new life into towns and cities across the United Kingdom, says Queensberry founder, Paul Sargent. Paul Sargent commented: “Regeneration in the UK acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, with the likes
Property company British Land has unveiled plans to redevelop London’s Euston Tower into a life sciences and innovation hub. The company has entered into discussions with Camden Council about plans to transform the building into a net zero workspace, using a combination of retention, re-use and a new ultra-low carbon
Stepnell has completed work on a new Health and Wellbeing Hub for staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The new building includes facilities such as a state-of-the-art gym, counselling rooms, areas for complementary therapies and group or individual reflections after traumatic incidents. The building is valued at £2 million with the
A £400 million landmark development spearheaded by Gary Neville has officially launched in Manchester. The mixed-use scheme, a collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the market. No.1 St Michael’s, the flagship development within the project, is aimed to
A £100m project which is set to deliver new homes, offices, food outlets and leisure facilities in Falkirk is on course to commence next year, following the signing of a new development agreement. The move, which comes as joint venture partners Hargreaves Land and Fintry Estates have reached agreement with
The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool – that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot
17-storey glass structure in Central Manchester welcomes global pharmaceutical company as first tenant Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has agreed terms with its first commercial tenant at Glassworks, the Group’s first exclusively commercial development located in central Manchester. The tenant, a privately owned, international healthcare company,
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
Global real estate developer, Hines, has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use project to develop 18 Blackfriars Road, Bankside, London. The site sits in close proximity to the River Thames and is set among some of London’s best loved cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the Southbank Centre. Designed by Foster + Partners, the proposed development will centre on a vibrant, new public space, delivering two residential buildings that provide over 400 new homes on site, including 40% on-site affordable homes. The office building moves away from an all-glass design and has a series of bustles gradually reducing in size to the top. The concept is to provide a new form of architecture, departing from the traditional flat tower office building. The proposed use of colour on the façade, terraces and utilisation of natural light throughout change the concept of office buildings, and tech-enabled offices address the demand for premium quality space that support employee wellbeing in a post-Covid world. In addition, there will be 20,000 sq ft of affordable workspace aimed at supporting local and socially minded enterprises. The proposals advance an existing consent on the site for two towers (the tallest of which was 184.2m) by providing three buildings (45, 40 and 22 storeys above podium), with the new office building being the tallest at 199.28m. The design of the public space – the Rotunda – seeks to enhance the existing Blackfriars streetscape. A podium at the base of the new buildings will include retail and food outlets, office and residential amenities, cultural and performance facilities, educational spaces, as well as other flexible uses. At ground level, three interconnected spaces – the Rotunda, Hatters Yard and the playground – aim to create a thriving new social space for London. The Rotunda will hold publicly accessible events linked to Hatters Yard, a new pedestrian connection to the Mad Hatter public house. Hatters Yard will feature the opportunity to hold food stalls and display public art. The design aims to minimise embodied carbon and is targeting a 20% to 30% improvement against the GLA benchmark. The development is designed to avoid all on-site emissions, using an all-electric strategy with ground and air source heating and cooling, and therefore its operations are targeting net-zero. The project will also target new standards of health and well-being. Ross Blair, senior managing director and country head of Hines UK, said: “We’ve been working hard with our architects, the local community and other key stakeholders to bring this land, which has been undeveloped for 20 years, back to life. “Occupiers are demanding more from their spaces to attract and retain the best people, the lines have blurred between workspace, wellness and leisure, and our design truly responds to these needs, offering an inspirational mix of spaces that foster collaboration. In many places around the world, Hines has successfully delivered environments which connect with the local community through a rich arts and wellbeing programme for the benefit of generations to come. “The significant investment we are planning underlines our firm belief in London, and its enduring appeal as a global centre for business. We believe that our proposals for 18 Blackfriars Road will add significant value to the already established growth story of the Southbank and Bankside neighbourhoods, and as a long-term owner and operator we are deeply invested in the future success of the site and the benefits it will bring to the Southwark community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Joint venture partners Cole Waterhouse and Tonia Investments have secured a significant amended planning consent for Leeds Urban Village, a £185 million mixed-use, residential led scheme in the East of Leeds city centre. The partnership acquired the 3.8-acre site in May 2022 with full detailed planning permission for 1,012 apartments across five towers with commercial space on the ground floor. Following the purchase, Leeds-based DLG Architects and landscape specialists Exterior Architects were appointed to review the scheme design with a focus on enhanced placemaking and a significant review of its wind mitigation features. Having worked closely with a range of stakeholders through the summer including Leeds City Council, a Section 73 Minor Material Amendment Application was submitted in December 2023. The planning approval will mean there are wholesale changes to the building’s elevational and public realm design. Wind mitigation measures have also been substantially improved through changes to the towers’ form and massing. Leeds Urban Village will deliver 1,012 residential apartments across five towers ranging from 13-23 storeys and will include 478 BTR apartments. The ground floor spaces will accommodate retail, food and beverage as well as a considered range of resident amenities such as a shared pantry, cinema, gym and a ‘library of things’ – appliances and useful equipment for people to borrow. The public realm, designed by Exterior Architecture, includes features such as a climbing wall and spaces for active play, whilst a large central hub offers opportunities for events, markets and gatherings. The development is targeting Fitwel rating – the world’s leading healthy building design accreditor – and has considered occupant wellbeing and health from the outset of design. In addition, a new cycle hub within the public realm is proposed with direct platform lift access to basement parking and a range of high-quality cycle welfare facilities. Speaking about the scheme, George Smith, planning manager at Cole Waterhouse, commented: “These design enhancements will ensure that Leeds Urban Village is a desirable new urban neighbourhood and a cultural destination in itself, designed to meet and exceed people’s expectations now and in the future. “Located in the heart of Leeds city centre with both the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Great Northern Ballet nearby, we have looked at how we best build on the surrounding cultural offer to deliver a vibrant and meaningful placemaking strategy to strengthen further our engagement with the cultural and creative community in Leeds as our vision for the site develops.” George continues: “We have been working with Colliers to secure development funding and also working on the appointment of a main contractor. We are aiming to start on site in Q2 2024 to deliver the first phases of much needed Built-to-Rent homes for the city of Leeds.” Cole Waterhouse has a strong track record in the residential and BTR sector and has a current pipeline to deliver over 2,000 residential units across its sites in Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
We will reap the economic and environmental benefits when we save culturally significant urban centres by breathing new life into towns and cities across the United Kingdom, says Queensberry founder, Paul Sargent. Paul Sargent commented: “Regeneration in the UK acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, with the likes of London, Manchester, and Edinburgh already experiencing the benefits of investment in their cities. “Regeneration initiatives nurture entrepreneurial spirit by providing a fertile ground for new businesses to flourish. With improved infrastructure, affordable workspaces, and access to skilled talent, our towns and cities can become incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship. “We need to continue to invest in towns and cities up and down the UK to ensure they become magnets for businesses, entrepreneurship, and job creation. This injection of economic activity has a multiplier effect, stimulating various industries and contributing to the overall prosperity of the region. “There are great opportunities to increase tourism through regeneration, too. By preserving historical landmarks, developing cultural venues, and investing in world-class attractions, regeneration projects have the ability to transform cities into vibrant cultural and leisure destinations. “At Queensberry, we believe regeneration is not solely about economic gains; it is about improving the quality of life for all residents and visitors. Thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods, sustainable development, and accessible green spaces foster social cohesion and promote well-being, creating vibrant and inclusive communities that people are proud to call home. “It’s predicted that 340,000 new homes are needed in the UK each year to 2035, and with these new homes, we need to ensure that there are sufficient facilities to drive social mobility and create a fairer, more equitable society. Collaboration between public and private sectors is pivotal to ensure the benefits of regeneration are shared by all segments of the population. “Regeneration efforts prioritise sustainable development, incorporating green building practices and renewable energy solutions. By embracing environmentally conscious design, our towns and cities can reduce their carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. “Sustainable buildings not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of residents, creating healthier and liveable communities. “We are also presented with a unique opportunity to address regional inequalities and bridge divides through regeneration projects in our towns and cities. By investing in infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities, we can create a more level playing field, ensuring that economic benefits are shard across the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property company British Land has unveiled plans to redevelop London’s Euston Tower into a life sciences and innovation hub. The company has entered into discussions with Camden Council about plans to transform the building into a net zero workspace, using a combination of retention, re-use and a new ultra-low carbon structure. The design work for the project is being led by Danish architects 3XN with support from the London-based architecture studio DSDHA. Both companies worked with British Land on Broadgate’s 2FA. The proposed design would retain a number of Euston Tower’s key features such as the foundations, basement and core. The scheme will aim to reduce its carbon emissions throughout construction by retaining, re-using and re-cycling existing material, utilising low-carbon and recycled materials where new material is required and only using certified carbon offsets as a last resort. Commenting on the project, David Lockyer, Head of Development, British Land, said: “This is a unique opportunity to transform a London landmark desperately in need of revival, ensuring it is fit for the future by adopting cutting-edge sustainability practices and attracting leading life sciences and innovation occupiers where it currently lies vacant. “We’re committed to a comprehensive and transparent approach to sustainability, working closely with the London Borough of Camden and other key stakeholders to reimagine this office tower. The desire to retain, re-use and recycle as much of the building fabric as possible while creating high quality, flexible and sustainable workspaces is a blueprint for other projects facing similar challenges.” Reflecting on their involvement, Audun Opdal, Senior Partner and Head of Design, 3XN, said: “We are proud to work on this highly progressive project and feel our proposals will transform the disused Euston Tower into a beautifully designed, sustainable new building, delivering workspaces for the future and accessible and inclusive spaces for neighbouring communities. “Working with our innovation unit GXN, we will reuse and recycle materials throughout the development, and ultimately reach net zero at completion and in operation. As such, we have developed a guiding hierarchy for how we find the best place for any elements that are removed from the existing structure. Where we cannot retain materials in situ we are developing innovative methodologies for recycling and upcycling, working closely with research institutes to further this. Architecturally this will be a new breed of tall building, one that minimises operational energy use through passive design, reducing solar gain with less glazing and increased façade depth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stepnell has completed work on a new Health and Wellbeing Hub for staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The new building includes facilities such as a state-of-the-art gym, counselling rooms, areas for complementary therapies and group or individual reflections after traumatic incidents. The building is valued at £2 million with the funds coming from local charity sources. During the work, Stepnell aimed to add social value to the project by investing in the local area. Three locals received jobs through the scheme with more than 100 hours of support going into employment training at Chesterfield College and Parkside Community School. The company also committed to a local supply chain by ordering building materials within a 30-mile radius of the project, which achieved a 50% local spend, including 36% spend with local SMEs. Commenting on the completed budget, Dr Hal Spencer, chief executive of CRH NHS Trust, said: “We want to be recommended as a place to come to work and for the clinical care we provide. The Health and Wellbeing Hub is pretty unique in allowing us to offer this kind of facility to colleagues. I am especially proud of us opening on the day of the celebrations for NHS75. Along with our Emergency Department, Pediatric Assessment Unit, the Community Diagnostic Centres and much more, we are redefining the role and abilities of this fantastic hospital.” Reflecting on their involvement for the Chesterfield health and wellbeing hub, Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Our team has gone above and beyond to ensure quality throughout the design and build of this new Health and Wellbeing Hub. As well as ensuring the project was built on time and within budget, we were also proud to have supported the hospital alongside local people, communities and businesses to help raise the required project funds. We are thrilled with the end result and the positive feedback received from stakeholders across the project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £400 million landmark development spearheaded by Gary Neville has officially launched in Manchester. The mixed-use scheme, a collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the market. No.1 St Michael’s, the flagship development within the project, is aimed to become the city’s first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development, both in operation and delivery. Construction of the 41-storey tower is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Once complete, the tower will boast a 162-bed 5-star international hotel brand and 217 luxury residences. Relentless Developments is in the final stages of securing a deal with a global hotel operator, which will be announced in the autumn. St Michael’s aims to set new benchmarks in quality, aesthetics, and experiences, positioning itself as a prominent destination for food, drink, and entertainment. The roof terrace will be home to the iconic Nikkei restaurant brand, Chotto Matte, while a refurbished public square will retain the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub, preserving the site’s heritage as the former home of Manchester City Police headquarters. The scheme, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Hodder & Partners, aims to transform the underused area while respecting its historical significance. The interiors, created in collaboration with SOM, complement the building’s high-quality external design. The Manchester development is divided into two distinct phases. Phase one, branded as No.1 St Michael’s, comprises nine floors of top-tier office space designed to achieve world-leading standards in sustainability and well-being. The Chotto Matte rooftop restaurant and two food and beverage outlets bookend the building. No.2 St Michael’s encompasses the tower, which includes the hotel, apartments, and an additional 75,000 sq ft of office space. Delivery of No.1 began in January 2022, led by Bowmer and Kirkland, with completion expected in 2024. No.2, managed by Salboy’s exclusive build partner Domis, will break ground in the coming weeks, and the entire scheme is set to reach completion in early 2027. Gary Neville, Director at Relentless Developments, said: “This is an extraordinary scheme that has been no less than 15 years in the making and we believe it to be the most sustainable commercial space in the city. I’d like to thank all our partners who have been with me on this journey and remained committed to the vision to transform this pivotal area of the city into a global landmark. “We’ve worked so hard to create a development that is distinctive in both its imaginative design and heritage as well as its location connecting the city’s business district with the historic civic quarter. Signing a deal with two of the world’s most reputable law firms and setting a new headline rent as we launch is testament to that. “Progress is now beginning to accelerate as we approach the latter stages of No.1 and we set our sights on the world-class leisure and residential elements that will be delivered for No.2.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £100m project which is set to deliver new homes, offices, food outlets and leisure facilities in Falkirk is on course to commence next year, following the signing of a new development agreement. The move, which comes as joint venture partners Hargreaves Land and Fintry Estates have reached agreement with Falkirk Council, paves the way for a planning application in late summer 2023 for the 27-acre residential and commercial scheme at Falkirk Gateway. The development will see an area to the east of the town, adjacent to the new Forth Valley College and Falkirk Stadium, transformed with an ‘ambitious’ scheme featuring a mix of 100 new homes, a pub/restaurant and a 120-bedroom hotel. More than 120,000 sq. ft. of commercial floorspace to provide retail and leisure facilities, are proposed as part of a package of initiatives that will support the ongoing regeneration and development of Falkirk over the coming few years. News of the agreement signals a further boost for plans to create new opportunities for the local economy and upwards of 400 full and part-time jobs in the construction, retail, office, and hospitality and leisure sectors over the next 15 years. The Council is also carrying out a programme of major road improvements to support the Falkirk Gateway, including upgrading roads around Falkirk’s Westfield roundabout in a multi-million-pound investment to improve the flow of traffic in and around the area. If the developers’ plans get the green light from Falkirk Council’s planning committee later this year, onsite work is expected to start in the second half of 2024 with completion of the scheme anticipated in 2026. Duncan McEwan, director at Fintry Estates, who is a former pupil of Falkirk’s Graeme High School, is the project lead. He said: “I’m very proud and excited to be working back in Falkirk, investing in the area and contributing to another significant chapter in the town’s long and illustrious history.” David Anderson, group property director at Hargreaves Land, added: “We are delighted to secure an agreement with the council, which sees our ambitious plans set to move to the next phase. We are working with Fintry as JV partners to bring forward a fantastic scheme that will deliver new homes and growth for Falkirk, with new jobs and prosperity to follow for years to come.” Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “This is a significant step forward for the economic regeneration of the Falkirk area and brings massive investment as well as hundreds of jobs. “It will transform an area that has been empty for many years and we look forward to seeing the delivery of the project by 2026.” Development advice to the developer was provided by Alastair Biggart of Biggart & Co., to whom all occupational enquiries should be directed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool – that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme. The contract, which will see the firm deliver a full MEP installation, over a 37-week programme, was awarded to the company following its ongoing, successful delivery, at VINCI’s New Victoria scheme for end client Muse Developments. Starting on site in November, and running through to September 2024, the company will also utilise its internal offsite manufacturing team, to provide a modularised roof top plant room amongst other modular items, including risers – to the value of three quarters of a million pounds. Greg Simm, Managing Director for HE Simm Engineering in the North, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract, especially as it comes off the back of the work we are currently undertaking at New Victoria. “It will be the largest commercial scheme delivered by the Northern Engineering Division and we are looking forward to getting going in November.” Gareth Simm, Chief Executive Officer for the company, adds: “This contract award plays well into our continued diversification strategy, which sees more and more of our work completed in sectors including commercial, industrial and healthcare, whilst also staying true to our roots of delivering the very best MEP in the UK residential sector.” HE Simm was founded in 1948, 75 years ago this year. Since then, it has become recognised as a leading player in the design, delivery and installation of MEP, Fire & Security, Maintenance and Offsite Manufacturing capabilities across numerous sectors, for many long-term clients. To read more about the company visit www.hesimm.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
17-storey glass structure in Central Manchester welcomes global pharmaceutical company as first tenant Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has agreed terms with its first commercial tenant at Glassworks, the Group’s first exclusively commercial development located in central Manchester. The tenant, a privately owned, international healthcare company, signed up to a 10-year lease and will occupy 2,000 sq ft on the 14th floor of the Glassworks tower. Founded over forty years ago, the company operates globally and was searching for new premises for its UK Head Office. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted to welcome our first tenant to Glassworks, the destination for its new Manchester base. Our tenant has been based in Manchester for a number of years. The team came to us seeking modern, efficient and well-equipped new premises from which it will continue to benefit hugely not only from Manchester’s vibrant business sector but also the city’s impressive academic and scientific pedigree that’s nurtured by our leading universities.” Salboy and its dedicated construction partner, Domis, achieved practical completion on Glassworks, their first major commercial scheme, in February 2023. Glassworks is a 17-storey tower constructed in the heart of central Manchester. It was designed by Jon Matthews Architects. The scheme is located on Back Turner Street which connects Manchester’s busy Central Retail District to the vibrant Northern Quarter. The new scheme takes its name not only from its primarily glass structure but from the former glass dealership that existed on the site in the early 1900s. The scheme comprises 48,000 sqft of commercial space as well as high spec tenants’ amenities that include breakout spaces, bike storage, spacious showering facilities, an outdoor terrace for socialising and exclusive events, and a modern lobby with barista services. The scheme is also ideally situated within five minutes’ walk of major transport links, a high concentration of restaurants and bars, and the Northern Quarter’s fast expanding tech hub. Ismail continues: “Glassworks’ eye-catching aesthetic in one of the most lively, dynamic parts of the city makes it an ideal destination for companies looking to build a base in the heart of the Northern business community. Whether they are startups looking to scale, or larger businesses that want to upgrade the space they occupy, Glassworks is designed to work hard for its tenants, creating flexibility and enjoyable, productive working environments. We’re excited to see the early uptake from tenants and look forward to seeing Glassworks achieve its full potential at full occupancy before long.” OBI represented the tenant and Knight Frank represented Salboy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
