One of the UK’s most successful regional theatre companies lifted the curtains on a brand-new era in its 90-year history tonight (Sep 26) following a £7.5m refurbishment project. Mayflower Theatre took a ‘dramatic pause’ as it turned off the lights for the multi-million pound project back in June. Tonight it
Bath’s vibrant leisure district has been further enhanced by the redevelopment of a stunning Grade II listed building, which has become the UK’s first casino operated by US-based Century Casino. The refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed premises and the brand-new shell and core helped to create a stunning
September 22nd sees people from around the world taking part in ‘World Car Free Day[1]’ as a reminder that we don’t have to accept a car-dominated society. For many this has already become a way of life, as savvy citizens have removed the costly expense of running a car and
Kingsmere, Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited’s development in Bicester, will be welcoming a first-class line up of retailers to its Village Centre in Spring 2019. Brands and retailers which have secured units at the commercial centre include Mid-Counties Co-op, Starfish (Fish and Chips), Domino’s Pizza, Haart Estate agents, Bicester Hairdressers and
Castlebridge Group have announced that they are on site developing a new 75-bedroom Hotel Indigo situated in the city centre of Chester. The first key milestone has been achieved with the erection of the steel super structure. The hotel will be managed by Castlebridge Hotel Management Limited who have a
The construction of three new Waterside Lodges at Center Parcs Elveden Forest is an ambitious architectural and engineering project. The stunning new lodges have been designed to compliment the woodland landscape in which they sit, while connecting guests with the surrounding natural environment. Wood was a natural choice of building
The UK’s first dedicated football stadium for women is in discussions to be built at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Scarborough Group International has submitted a planning application for a 3,900-capacity stadium, which would become the new home of Sheffield United Women Football Club. Designing the £5 million (US$6.5m, €5.6m) Stadium
Retailer John Lewis has completed the pre-let of Unit 3 at South Central, Southampton, at £9 per sq ft, on a 15-year lease, from Peel Logistics and Rockspring. “We were delighted such a household name as John Lewis chose South Central for their relocation and look forward to securing tenants
A new five year framework with UK sports charity, the Football Foundation, has been secured by four firms. The firms appointed to provide services which will improve hundreds of community sports facilities in northern England are industry consultancy Gleeds and specialist sporting architecture firm LK2, along with Couch Perry Wilkes
The first housing development exclusively for clinical staff will open in Salford to help plug an acute staff shortage in the NHS. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with housing association Salix Homes to provide a 26-apartment complex for doctors, nurses and other clinical staff who work at
One of the UK’s most successful regional theatre companies lifted the curtains on a brand-new era in its 90-year history tonight (Sep 26) following a £7.5m refurbishment project. Mayflower Theatre took a ‘dramatic pause’ as it turned off the lights for the multi-million pound project back in June. Tonight it reopened its doors to the public for the first time to reveal the results of its biggest transformation of the last 30 years. The iconic Southampton venue has been completely repainted with a dramatic new red and gold colour scheme. All of the seats in the stall and circle have been removed and replaced with 1,659 brand-new, wider seats while the seats in the balcony have been reupholstered. The theatre has gained an extra seat, taking its total seat capacity to 2,274. New environmentally-friendly LED lighting has been installed, the orchestra pit has been moved beneath the stage and accessibility has been improved, with better facilities for people with disabilities. The multi-million pound project will ensure the theatre remains best in class and continues to draw in hundreds of thousands of people to the city. Every year more than 500,000 people visit Mayflower Theatre and the venue contributes an estimated £75m to the economy. Michael Ockwell, chief executive of Mayflower Theatre, said: “This is without doubt the most significant refurbishment project that the theatre has seen in the last three decades and we were thrilled to lift the curtains on the new look tonight. For us, this project is very much about ensuring Mayflower Theatre remains best in class not just for now, but long into the future.” The £7.5m investment has been welcomed by representatives from the public as well as the private sector. Southampton Cultural Development Trust Chairman Brad Roynon said: “Mayflower Theatre doesn’t just bring in huge shows and hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city every year. It also plays an important part in connecting new audiences with theatre and inspiring young people to get involved in the arts. It’s therefore absolutely vital that we preserve this historic and culturally important venue to ensure it remains, and develops further, as a catalyst for the growth of arts and culture.” Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture at Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “It’s fantastic to see the Mayflower theatre opening its doors again. This iconic building is an integral part of the extensive entertainment offering that can be found in Southampton. The theatre is one of the biggest outside of London and attracts people from a huge area. This essential refurbishment ensures that the venue itself lives up to the reputation that it has.” Mayflower Theatre is the biggest regional theatre outside of London and has seen the likes of Julie Andrews, Laurel and Hardy, Michael McIntyre, Take That and even The Beatles tread its boards over its 90-year history. The venue opened on December 22, 1928 as the Empire Theatre, becoming The Gaumont in 1950 and eventually Mayflower Theatre in 1987. It remains the largest theatre in the south of England and employs 230 staff. Its reopening was celebrated with a gala evening of music and entertainment, commemorating the theatre’s past and celebrating the future with some of the next generation of stage performers. The first official performance will be Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, which runs from September 28 and 29. Tickets can be booked online at www.mayflower.org.uk or by visiting the box office.
Bath’s vibrant leisure district has been further enhanced by the redevelopment of a stunning Grade II listed building, which has become the UK’s first casino operated by US-based Century Casino. The refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed premises and the brand-new shell and core helped to create a stunning gaming space set across three storeys. The work was undertaken by developers, Phelans, overseen by architects Design @ Source, and took 26 weeks to prepare for action. The real jewel in the crown of this construction was the casino’s exclusive Beau Nash Suite: an elegant, lavish top floor gaming room complete with its own balcony looking out onto Bath’s historic cityscape. The building itself has had a much-needed facelift, accentuating its Georgian style and heritage with a stone-clad façade. Each gaming floor will deliver quintessential card gaming and roulette, as well as state-of-the-art technology for those preferring a 21st century casino experience. The US-based Century Casinos brand acquired the building on Saw Close for just £600,000 but invested a further £4.6 million on the overall fit-out and regeneration of the property. Alongside the gaming space, there is due to be a string of additional leisure facilities, along with a four-star hotel complete with 147 bedrooms. The Z Hotel is the chain’s third hotel outside of London, with the Z Hotel Liverpool and Z Hotel Glasgow opening their doors in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Bath’s version comprises of six Georgian townhouses, converted into 114 bedrooms and a magnificent breakfast room. Nevertheless, the gaming action is what will really draw in the crowds to Saw Close. The magnificent Georgian space has opened up to allow 15,000 square feet of gaming floor, complete with 35 slot machines and 24 automated live gaming terminals. Century Casino has been built as a luxury gaming venue along the lines of those that exist in London’s Mayfair district. 18 gaming tables are also in action, with Texas Hold’em cash games hosted every Tuesday and Wednesday as it seeks to become the leading venue for offline poker action in the west of England. Elsewhere in this historic spa city, the University of Bath has also been given the go-ahead to commence the construction of a new £70 million building, acting as part of the Claverton campus’ business management school. Architects, Hopkins Architects have been tasked with designed the structure. This is a firm with a prestigious history of striking projects including the velodrome for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Gibbs building at King’s College, Cambridge and many world-class universities in the United States such as Harvard and Princeton. According to the initial architectural drawings and visualizations, the building – which will create over 100 new jobs for the area – will feature substantial multi-storey glass facades and a striking entrance, complete with a canopy overlooking the lobby area. It’s yet another exciting development for Bath as it attempts to cement its university’s reputation for world-class research and teaching, helping it to compete on a global scale in the post-Brexit era. Just 11 miles down the road, Bristol’s leisure industry was dealt a hammer blow recently when plans to construct a new 12,000-seater concert arena on Temple Island were scrapped. Fears over mounting development costs and the sums needing to be borrowed were the primary reasons behind the project’s collapse. A mixed-use development looks a more likely alternative on this site, with Bristol City Council already exploring options regarding hotel and bespoke conference facilities. visit: https://theinternetslots.com/ca/200-free-spins-200-no-deposit/
September 22nd sees people from around the world taking part in ‘World Car Free Day[1]’ as a reminder that we don’t have to accept a car-dominated society. For many this has already become a way of life, as savvy citizens have removed the costly expense of running a car and joined a car club. At Marconi Evolution, Bellway’s development set in the heart of Chelmsford, residents can make the positive decision to live car free. Based at Marconi, residents can join Co-wheels car club, with its easy online booking system where members only pay for what they use and insurance in included. Co-wheels takes its environmental responsibility seriously and only provides low emission, hybrid and electric cars. For members, the only costs are a one off joining fee of £25 and then a pay as you use cost, removing the expensive annual charges involved in car ownership such as road tax, insurance, and servicing, not to mention funding the vehicle. Marconi is located just a four-minute walk to the nearest supermarket, the train station and indeed the heart of Chelmsford’s city centre, removing any need for a car, that according to statistics is likely to remain stationary for 95% of time. At Marconi the final phase of contemporary apartments is already 50% sold out. The homes offer prospective buyers the perfect opportunity to purchase a new home in an enviable location in Chelmsford. Each is finished to a high specification with the added advantage of an on-site residents’ gym and a concierge service. Paul Timson, Sales Manager at Bellway Essex, comments: “Many of the buyers at Marconi have been first time buyers, taking advantage of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. Generally, there isn’t a pot of money left over for running a car so the car club has been immensely popular with residents and we envisage that as people get more used to this way of life we envisage that the fleet size could increase on site . “Chelmsford city centre is so close to the development that popping out to buy a pint of milk would take longer in a car than by foot.” Chelmsford city centre has a wealth of activities, retailers and restaurants on offer. Bond Street shopping centre has transformed the city, with sought-after brands and wide pedestrianised walk ways, including Essex’s first John Lewis, 25 luxury shops and seven riverside restaurants. In addition to the on-site residents’ gym, active residents are only a short distance from several leisure centres and private health clubs – and with football, rugby and tennis facilities available in the local area, there is ample opportunity to take up a number of sports and fitness activities. Central Park and Admirals Park are only a short distance from the development, with Hylands Park accessible too, providing ample green space within the vicinity of Marconi Evolution. These new homes in Chelmsford are ideally situated for commuting into the capital with rail journeys into London Liverpool Street taking around 35 minutes from Chelmsford train station, which is less than five minutes’ walk from the development. The last remaining homes at Marconi Evolution are priced from £255,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and £299,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information please visit www.bellway.co.uk or call the sales team on 01245 269208.
Kingsmere, Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited’s development in Bicester, will be welcoming a first-class line up of retailers to its Village Centre in Spring 2019. Brands and retailers which have secured units at the commercial centre include Mid-Counties Co-op, Starfish (Fish and Chips), Domino’s Pizza, Haart Estate agents, Bicester Hairdressers and Busy Bees Nursery. “The Village Centre at Kingsmere has a high quality, contemporary design, which will enhance the area and create a place for the local community to shop, eat and meet. The prominence, accessibility and car parking that are already included made it easy for us to find interested parties who will do very well from being centrally located in Kingsmere,” said Ed Sutton, Managing Director of LSP Developments. The Village Centre is situated on Whitelands Way, where the commercial units are currently under construction, adjacent to the new Community and Youth Centres, which were recently handed over to Cherwell District Council and will officially open this September. “We have taken great care to design a Village Centre that will serve as the ‘heart of Kingsmere’, and we are delighted there will be such a tremendous line up of occupants for the use of our residents and the wider community. For a project of this scale, providing first-class amenities and a central point for residents to come together is crucial to its long-term success and vital to ensure the new community can flourish,” commented Andrew Carrington, Director of Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited. “The Village Centre sits centrally within Kingsmere, alongside the community and youth centres and St Edburg’s primary school. The selection of retailers will ensure that people can not only stock up on their daily essentials but also spend time socialising, relaxing and making the most of the new facilities and surroundings,” he continued. Kingsmere is served by excellent transport connections and the development is home to a selection of house styles which have proved hugely popular for a range of home buyers.
Castlebridge Group have announced that they are on site developing a new 75-bedroom Hotel Indigo situated in the city centre of Chester. The first key milestone has been achieved with the erection of the steel super structure. The hotel will be managed by Castlebridge Hotel Management Limited who have a successful background in managing hotels across the UK. The food and drink offering in the hotel will be operated by MasterChef Champion Simon Wood who will open his second restaurant Wood Chester within the hotel. Simon’s first restaurant, which is located on First Street in the city centre, brings Simon’s passion and creativity for food to life with powerful flavours alongside a touch of playfulness. It offers a stylish yet relaxed dining experience with high end food, and has received rave reviews in the Guardian and Telegraph since opening one year ago. This exciting boutique hotel is due to open at the end of 2019. The main contractor on the project is Bowmer & Kirkland who are based in Derbyshire with a regional office in Manchester. They are also building a hotel at Birmingham Airport for Castlebridge Group and a further Hotel Indigo in Manchester City Centre. Regional Director, Neil Brook, said: “It is a pleasure to be working again with Castlebridge and IHG on this prestigious hotel development in Chester.” The Architects and Interior Designers who have been working on the new Hotel Indigo are Franklin Ellis, and the firm’s design team have worked hard to ensure that the hotel guestrooms have a unique boutique feel, taking inspiration from the different aspects and features that make Chester such a great place. Wood Chester will be a sophisticated and relaxed restaurant and bar that overlooks Grosvenor Park Road. Partner at Franklin Ellis Architects, Ben Dudley, said: “It’s been a real joy to be involved in this hotel and signature restaurant project. Led by Castlebridge’s vision for the scheme, our team have been inspired to create something very special. On a personal note, it’s fascinating to work with the Chef Simon Wood and to see how his attention to every detail ensures his guests have a wonderful dining experience. I’m certain this project will be a fabulous new venue for Chester and a delightful place to stay.” Hotel Indigo is a part of the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) portfolio. This hotel will be a part of one of the world’s leading hotel companies with a presence in almost 100 countries. Inspired by the neighbourhood around each property so, just as no places are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same. Each Hotel Indigo property features thoughtful design touches and vibrant restaurants and bars connected to the spirit of the local neighbourhood. This particular hotel will feature rooms based around Chester’s historic architecture, racecourse and famous clock tower. The new hotel will create 50 new staffing positions for which Castlebridge will begin recruitment from early 2019. Wood was introduced to Castlebridge Group – which is managing the project – by national property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), which brokered the deal between Castlebridge and BP Assets (Chester. Commenting, LSH Hotels Director Hugh Anderson, said: “Chester is a strong market for hotels and the new Hotel Indigo and Wood restaurant will provide an excellent addition to the city’s hotel and dining offer.” Castlebridge Group’s Commercial Director, Jenna Dienn, commented; ‘This is a very exciting opportunity for the group, Chester is a great city and we believe that both hotel and restaurant will trade extremely well’
The construction of three new Waterside Lodges at Center Parcs Elveden Forest is an ambitious architectural and engineering project. The stunning new lodges have been designed to compliment the woodland landscape in which they sit, while connecting guests with the surrounding natural environment. Wood was a natural choice of building material, which would blend in seamlessly with the natural forest setting. When designing the new accommodation, the choice of building materials was a key consideration for the architectural practice Jackson Design Associates (JDA). They were faced with the challenge of not only creating a design, which would blend in with the natural surroundings, but also be sufficiently lightweight to achieve the impressive arches, overhangs, and cantilever designs, without needing a considerable amount of foundation works. The only material that could meet all the requirements of the structure was Metsä Wood’s light, yet extremely strong Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber). The use of Kerto LVL enabled an efficient and fast building time, which was a key factor as the project needed to be completed in time for the summer. Innovative design Architects JDA created an elegant shape, reminiscent of a boat turned upside-down. The lodges have two levels; the forest-facing side is situated higher, accessed through a wooden bridge on the first floor. The first floor contains three en-suite bedrooms, two of which open onto a deck and balcony facing the lake. The ground floor combines kitchen, living and dining areas opening out on to a terrace on the waters edge. Luke Hunter, Director at JDA said: “It was important to the Client to develop an exciting and interesting building form that made references to the boating activities of the watersports lake. This concept is continued inside the lodges where the ‘ribs’ of the boat hull are exposed to express the building’s structure and form.” Particularly unique to this project is a two storey ‘leaning’ arch overhanging the lake edge, which is also curved three times to suit the sectional profile of the main roof. While providing an impressive architectural feature, the arch also serves as a shelter to the cantilevered terrace and first floor balcony, which look out over the lake. The architects at JDA needed to find a solution that would make the structure easy to assemble and stay/remain stable from wind action or ground settlement. They choose to use lightweight and versatile Kerto LVL for the portal frames. Paul Kent, Development and Construction Director at Center Parcs said: “We have been delighted to work with Metsä Wood on the supply of Kerto LVL for our new Waterside Lodges at Elveden Forest. The versatility of their product has helped to create a unique design feature in this brand new style of accommodation, complementing the nautical theme and lakeside setting.” Fire safety Another important consideration was fire safety – an issue that often discourages architects from specifying wood. However, in the event of a fire, Kerto LVL performs predictably. As a result of burning, the surface of Kerto becomes charred, which protects the product, insulates it and slows down the burning process. Strong yet lightweight building material Kerto LVL was chosen as the construction material as its solid bonded structure offers incredible strength and dimensional stability, while its high strength to weight ratio allows for smaller spacing in mechanical connections. It is also a versatile and lightweight material, which is easy to work with. Luke Hunter, also said: “Kerto LVL was the perfect choice to help us achieve the leaning arch and thin roof / facia profile on the lake facing elevation. This flexible material helped to overcome the challenge of cutting the leaning, curved roof edge on an angle. A number of systems were investigated to achieve this, however, Kerto LVL was the only material that fully achieved the concept’s vision.“ One of the most complex elements of the structure was an exposed arch at the front, which leans towards the lake. This needed to withstand biaxial bending and compression, while supporting the roof structure with a large cantilever. Kerto LVL Q-panels were used to create the long span to the first floor deck, which was designed to bear the weight of the column horizontally with a spring support. Another factor was that the angled arch had to have a considerable bending moment connection at the top. This had to be manufactured in such a way that there was a perfect connection between the deck and arch, resulting in an irregular shape. Vertical columns were formed with two members spaced to support the first floor’s beams and curved roof beams. Kerto LVL was also used to create a recessed infill detail, closing the gap between the two vertical columns, a bespoke detail developed by JDA and Metsä Wood. Innovative bracing and connections The columns, floor beams and support ribs of the curved roof were created using Kerto LVL Q-panel structural members. This allowed for smaller spacing in the doweled circular bending moment connection and better moisture stability. The bracing of the roof and floor was provided by Kerto LVL Q-panels, which were connected together with 3-dimentional screwing. In this way no steel bracing was required. Engineering firm, BSP Consulting, designed the foundations and the steel platform supporting the frames, which cantilevered over the lake. The Kerto LVL frames, consisting of the arch, two columns and the floor beam, are connected to the steel through metal shoes, which transfer shear and horizontal forces to the platform. Working together to solve the structural engineering Divisional Operations Manager at Cocksedge Building Contractors, Tom Courtney, said: “The project combined a unique architectural approach with challenging structural engineering to great effect. The success of the project demonstrates the technical know-how and expertise of everyone involved. “The use of engineered wood allowed us to overcome a number of challenges that simply wouldn’t have been solved using other materials, while at the same time maintaining a look and feel to match the surrounding natural environment.” “The use of such a versatile and lightweight material
The UK’s first dedicated football stadium for women is in discussions to be built at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Scarborough Group International has submitted a planning application for a 3,900-capacity stadium, which would become the new home of Sheffield United Women Football Club. Designing the £5 million (US$6.5m, €5.6m) Stadium will be Whittam Cox Architects, supported by Arup Sheffield. It will feature a single grandstand, housing hospitality and conferencing facilities, as well as office space. “We’re looking forward to working with all Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park stakeholders as we deliver the Community Stadium,” said Mark Jackson at Scarborough Group. “This will be the start of an important phase in realising the vision of the Park, bringing forward significant private sector investment. We plan to start on site as soon as possible, once we have finalised the necessary documentation with Sheffield City Council.” The plans for a dedicated women’s football stadium come two months after Sheffield United Football Club rebranded its female team as Sheffield United Women, ditching the old ‘Sheffield United Ladies’ name. The club said the name change “reflects the club’s position as an emerging presence within the women’s game”. “The owners, board and everyone associated with the club were in favour of the change, as the excitement continues to build about seeing the women’s team mirror the men’s team in playing in the second-tier next season,” said Sheffield United’s chief operating officer, Andrew Birks. “It’s a decision we feel is right to reflect the modern times of the women’s game and we are focused on having an identity and brand consistency when promoting ourselves within the women’s game.” The 60-acre Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park already houses the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS), iceSheffield, Don Valley Bowl, Oasis Academy Don Valley, UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park campus, 3G pitch and park environment including Outdoor City Run Routes, cycle paths and green open spaces.
Retailer John Lewis has completed the pre-let of Unit 3 at South Central, Southampton, at £9 per sq ft, on a 15-year lease, from Peel Logistics and Rockspring. “We were delighted such a household name as John Lewis chose South Central for their relocation and look forward to securing tenants for the remaining detached units of 40,000 sq ft and 117,000 sq ft which each benefit from high eaves and a secure yard,” said Adrian Whitfield, Director, Industrial and Logistics at Lambert Smith Hampton’s South Coast offices, who advised Peel Logistics. The 46,353 sq ft build-to-suit warehouse facility within South Central will enable John Lewis to deliver a new customer delivery hub service, with additional capacity to service Southampton and the wider south coast region. This facility will replace the retailer’s existing warehouse provision, located nearby in Southampton city centre, with the full relocation expected to be completed by April 2019. “Southampton’s geographic location, infrastructure and industrial heritage makes the city an incredibly desirable place for retailers and manufacturers to position their warehouse and logistics facilities. However, there is a distinct lack of industrial space. At South Central, John Lewis has successfully collaborated with Peel Logistics to strategically build a facility to its exact needs and design which has also been delivered on time and to specification,” said James Haestier, Director, Industrial and Logistics at Colliers International, who advised John Lewis. South Central is a new 205,935 sq ft industrial warehouse development comprising three units that were constructed in July 2018. It is adjacent to J3 of the M27 / M271 motorways and within close proximity to Southampton Port. Colliers International Group Inc. is top tier global real estate services and investment management company operating in 69 countries with a workforce of more than 13,000 professionals. Colliers is the fastest-growing publicly listed global real estate services and investment management company, with 2017 corporate revenues of $2.3 billion ($2.7 billion including affiliates).
A new five year framework with UK sports charity, the Football Foundation, has been secured by four firms. The firms appointed to provide services which will improve hundreds of community sports facilities in northern England are industry consultancy Gleeds and specialist sporting architecture firm LK2, along with Couch Perry Wilkes and engineers BSP Consulting. “We are delighted to take a place on this framework with LK2. Football is the national game and the biggest team sport in England. The Football Foundation has already overseen investment of over £1 billion in improving facilities since 2000, and Sport England has invested more than £70 million into sports facilities over the past four years,” said Gleeds Director, Anthony Cork. “The sports sector is a key focus for Gleeds, and we are rapidly growing our expertise in this area so we are pleased to be part of an ongoing programme of works which will improve community sporting facilities across the north,” he continued. The work will vary depending on individual project requirements, with features including the design, supply and installation of modular buildings to provide new changing rooms and clubhouse facilities. The programme is part of a wider Government strategy to 2021 to improve ‘grassroots’ sporting facilities to encourage more community involvement. Dale Lui, Managing Director of LK2, also commented on the news: “We were keen to support Gleeds with this framework bid acting as a sub-consultant on the framework. Our firms have huge combined expertise in the sporting facilities sector. Together we will provide design and construction consultancy support and help improve large numbers of facilities in the north of England.” “We are very proud to join our peers LK2, Gleeds and BSP on this framework, which is an outstanding example of industry-wide collaboration and will no doubt deliver some truly excellent projects. Grassroots football is one of the key cornerstones of our national sport and improving the facilities local clubs have access to will go a long way to enrich the lives of aspiring sportsmen and sportswomen across the UK,” added Nilesh Mistry, director at Couch Perry Wilkes.
The first housing development exclusively for clinical staff will open in Salford to help plug an acute staff shortage in the NHS. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with housing association Salix Homes to provide a 26-apartment complex for doctors, nurses and other clinical staff who work at the organisation. It comes after the Trust revealed it was struggling to fill 200 vacancies, with the lack of affordable accommodation one of the barriers to attracting people to the area. Ian Moston, group chief finance officer for Salford Royal, said “Like most organisations in the NHS we have a significant number of vacancies. Our partnership with Salix Homes will provide a major benefit to us in helping to attract people to work and settle in Salford. “For the majority of us, the ability to live close to where we work is an important part of balancing work and home life. Through this partnership with Salix Homes we hope to provide people choosing to come to Salford with good quality, affordable housing whilst they establish themselves in the City on a long term basis. “We hope this venture with Salix Homes is the first of many areas where we believe we can collaborate to improve the health and wellbeing of people living and working in Salford, and the area and can become a template for other communities.” Salix Homes has spent more than £2million converting the former sheltered housing complex Alexander Gardens in Broughton into modern one and two bedroom apartments. The project was partially funded thanks to a £780,000 grant from Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme. Alexander Gardens on Gorton Street has stood empty since the Boxing Day 2015 floods after the former residents were re-housed when their homes were damaged by the worst flooding to hit Salford in decades. Since that fateful night, extensive flood resilience measures have been implemented within the facility and the wider area to help protect against future floods. Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “It’s no secret that the country is in the grips of a housing crisis, but it really brings it home when our own local hospital cannot recruit staff due to a severe shortage of suitable and affordable accommodation. “In the year our wonderful NHS turns 70, we are very proud to be able to offer a solution to provide affordable accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health professionals and help ensure our NHS can continue the fantastic work it does for another 70 years and beyond. “We believe this project to be among the first of its kind in the country and shows the importance of the health and housing industries working together to help overcome some of the most critical issues facing our sectors.” Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,000 homes across Salford, has worked alongside its partner contractor A.Connolly Ltd to completely transform and remodel the facility to create 16 two-bedroom and 10 one-bedroom apartments. Salford Royal intends to let the homes to new recruits for a period of six months in a bid to encourage more medical professionals to come to Salford to work, and reduce its reliance on agency staff. The fully-furnished properties, kitted out by north-west based Fusion Furniture, will be let as part of a comprehensive employment package provided by Salford Royal and will be available for single people, couples and families. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This unique project is one we are extremely proud of in Salford. Salix Homes and the NHS have worked closely together to pull this together, in conjunction with our bid to Homes England to support the scheme. “There is a national shortage of affordable homes –and a national crisis in housing – so anything that can support the fabulous staff who work tirelessly for the NHS and bring more of their workers to our city is welcomed.” The project has also provided work and opportunities for local people. Chris Connolly, commercial director at contractors A Connolly Ltd, added: “Supporting communities is important to us and we have employed local people through our partnership with Salix Homes, as well as recruiting two apprentices through the Build Salford project. “A.Connolly Ltd is pleased to have played a part in this unique scheme which will enable more medical professionals to live and work in Salford. “Major refurbishment work is in of our key specialisms and we were delighted to be able to use our expertise to support Salix Homes in bringing this building back into use.” The refurbishment and remodelling work is expected to be completed this summer and it’s hoped the first residents will move in during October.
