In an attempt to revolutionise the theme park industry, Experts Back Stage Technologies Europe (BST) will be launching at London’s ExCeL event its range of innovative and environmentally friendly special effects. With over 500 exhibitors attending IAAPA’s Expo Europe this September, BST will be showcasing its spectacular and sustainable flame,
ONE of the UK’s leading contractors has been appointed to deliver a pioneering Passivhaus leisure centre, designed by the sports and leisure experts at GT3 Architects. Willmott Dixon has been named by Spelthorne Borough Council as main contractor on the £43.5m project in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, which is targeting a Passivhaus certification for low
Construction company, Seddon, turns Shire Hall library into an enterprise centre for Staffordshire County Council and local businesses Stafford’s 224-year-old Shire Hall has received a £2m regeneration, with Seddon turning the former library space into a new business enterprise centre. The new facilities offer a range of 97-323 sq. ft
A new urban sky park created on a disused railway viaduct in Manchester has been unveiled and will open to public visitors from Saturday, July 30. Castlefield Viaduct, a giant 330 metres long steel structure, has been transformed over the past five months into an elevated park with trees, plants
Major construction work at Scotland’s newest leisure and staycation destination, Wavegarden Scotland, got underway today in Ratho, near Edinburgh. The £55m landmark development will be the country’s first inland surfing destination using revolutionary new technology. The Wavegarden Scotland development is expected to open to the public in Summer 2024 –
75% of Welsh tourism businesses see increase in visitors over May half term Bluestone invests £23 million into 80 ‘Platinum’ lodges Timber certified by forestry-standards organisation PEFC Just weeks until bookings open for Summer 2023 The first sustainable timber frame for 80 new lodges arrived at Bluestone National Park Resort
Economic recovery, climate change, communities and tackling inequalities high on the agenda. The role that Scotland’s historic environment can play in supporting economic recovery, contribute to agendas such as net zero, to communities, and in tackling inequalities, is being discussed in Edinburgh today, Wednesday, 29th June. Delegates from across Scotland
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 14th century watermill complex at Blenheim ahead of major dredging work being undertaken to Queen Pool by leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water. The stone structures were uncovered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Wessex Archaeology
A bespoke hotel design that sets itself apart in a sea of monotonous modern structures. Spinningfields is a vibrant district in the centre of Manchester. The river Irwell defines its western edge and history, as the focus of docks and warehouses in the eighteenth century. The traditional pattern of historic
The Saving the Last Major Bellfoundry in Britain Project is entering its next stage as it invites main contractors to tender for a programme of capital works to protect and enhance Loughborough Bellfoundry’s Grade II Listed Buildings and museum, funded by a number of generous donors and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Loughborough
In an attempt to revolutionise the theme park industry, Experts Back Stage Technologies Europe (BST) will be launching at London’s ExCeL event its range of innovative and environmentally friendly special effects. With over 500 exhibitors attending IAAPA’s Expo Europe this September, BST will be showcasing its spectacular and sustainable flame, smoke, fragrance, and fog effects. Just like in any other industry, businesses and their customers are starting to become more aware and conscious of their impact on the environment, which is why BST wanted to take a first step in the theme park industry and deliver effects that have not been heard of before. “Special effects have historically not been very environmentally friendly or at the very least, not from renewable or sustainable sources. Typical examples would be propane flames and explosions, as well as smoke and fog machines which use chemicals such as glycol or greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide to create the effect,” said BST Managing Director John Coller. “We have devised a system that produces smoke and fog but just uses water – Koolfog™. Koolfog is REAL fog, just water and nothing else, so it is environmentally friendly and has no consumables – other than water. Our flame simulation system Fake Flame™ also uses water in the form of steam to create flame and fire effects without the use of fossil fuels such as propane or paraffins. These innovative effects are not only better for the environment, but they are more cost-effective and help theme parks improve their carbon footprint,” he added. From wooden rollercoaster Wicker Man at Alton Towers, to ICON at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to Croc Drop at Chessington World Of Adventures, BST has worked with theme parks across the world to deliver memorable experiences for their guests. Now, with John’s experience of over 35 years in the fireworks and special effects industry, BST can deliver the same experiences, but in an environmentally-friendly way. BST will be delighting the thousands of attendees from across the globe as they descend on London’s ExCeL for IAAPA’s Expo Europe, a major event which is shining the spotlight firmly on the recovering tourism industry in this special Jubilee year for the UK, and putting London at the heart of Europe’s leisure industry in 2022. Returning to London for the first time since 2011, and with a jam-packed programme full of the latest technology from across the globe, IAAPA is set to deliver one of the best Expos yet, with guests able to network with colleagues, explore the latest developments in the industry, discover new products and services and expand their knowledge with the help and support of industry experts. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
ONE of the UK’s leading contractors has been appointed to deliver a pioneering Passivhaus leisure centre, designed by the sports and leisure experts at GT3 Architects. Willmott Dixon has been named by Spelthorne Borough Council as main contractor on the £43.5m project in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, which is targeting a Passivhaus certification for low carbon buildings. The firm has been appointed alongside Passivhaus expert Gale & Snowden and will work collaboratively with GT3 to ensure sustainability is prioritised in line with the UK’s targets for reaching net zero. Spelthorne Borough Council have decided to adopt the Passivhaus approach, due to our net zero commitment, which will be the first wet and dry Passivhaus leisure centre in the UK. The centre will feature modern facilities such as a rooftop 3G pitch, sports hall, gym and competitive, learner and splash swimming pools. Alongside the core features, the design also includes a mini spa, flexible studio space, soft play, Clip n Climb and a community café, ensuring community-wide benefit for the project. Mark Gowdridge, director at GT3 Architects, said: “It’s great to see the progression of this fantastic project, and especially to have the team at Willmott Dixon now joining us with their wealth of knowledge in sustainable construction. “We are working ever closer to the Passivhaus certification for our design, which will save up to 60% in energy costs and ensure the building is futureproofed. We’re very happy with how the project is moving and having the input of Willmott Dixon will only enhance this. We are very much looking forward to bringing a fundamental space for health and wellbeing to the surrounding community.” Willmott Dixon is currently the only carbon neutral construction company and has set several further challenging targets to meet by 2030. Its ‘Now or Never’ strategy, launched in 2020, focuses on achieving operational net zero across all new build and refurbishment projects, being a zero-carbon company without any offsetting, and improving more than 100,000 lives through its social value commitments. Willmott Dixon has also shown its commitment to the environment by establishing the only dedicated in-house sustainability consultancy. Roger Forsdyke, managing director of London and the South, said: “We are hugely excited to be working alongside Spelthorne Borough Council, GT3 and Gale and Snowden on what will be a landmark project. Spelthorne Borough Council’s choice to adopt the Passivhaus approach is a testament to their commitment to carbon reduction. Within Willmott Dixon, we are putting maximum efforts in to supporting our customers to address the climate emergency, with projects like this ensuring we can continue in adopting our expertise to suit the ambitions of our partners. We are looking forward to working alongside both GT3 and Gale and Snowden again ensuring the project’s success will be realised.” Passivhaus methodology was established in the early 1990s and has since become the world-leading standard in energy-efficient design and construction. Passivhaus buildings provide users with a high level of comfort, while also using very little energy by optimising the design of the building and all its systems. Daniel Mouawad, Chief Executive of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be a pioneering authority, demonstrating our commitment to net zero by building an ultra-low Passivhaus leisure centre. Having declared a climate emergency, we recognise the need to lead by example to achieve cleaner and greener lifestyles and a sustainable borough for all to enjoy. This centre is a great example of partnership working and will provide the right infrastructure to meet our communities’ changing needs and will enable residents to stay active in a healthy environment, with low chemical pools and a dementia friendly design.” For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects
Construction company, Seddon, turns Shire Hall library into an enterprise centre for Staffordshire County Council and local businesses Stafford’s 224-year-old Shire Hall has received a £2m regeneration, with Seddon turning the former library space into a new business enterprise centre. The new facilities offer a range of 97-323 sq. ft office spaces, a reception room and meeting areas to facilitate networking opportunities and knowledge sharing, with flexible hot desking and PO box rental also on offer to local businesses. The new business centre will create accessible provisions to help support local small and start-up businesses with flexible tenancies and an on-site support team. Stafford Chamber of Commerce is among the first of the occupants to move into the market square centre, which blends modern office aesthetics with the historical features of the building’s architecture, having been built for use as a courthouse in 1798. During the 28-week project, a bespoke lath and plaster ornate ceiling, an original part of the building, was repaired and redecorated by a specialist. As Shire Hall is Grade II listed, Seddon and its delivery partner, Entrust, worked to standards and expectations set by the Heritage Authority to uphold the integrity of the building, whilst optimising it for its new life as a business enterprise centre. Peter Jackson, managing director of Seddon said: “The Shire Hall project has been an excellent project for us, modernising the interior of one of Stafford’s landmark buildings whilst still keeping its history and integrity in place. Regeneration projects like this are important to both Seddon and the communities we serve. The project is a testament to our relationship with Staffordshire County Council which continues to go from strength to strength.” Staffordshire Council deputy leader, Philip White added: “It’s fantastic to see the Shire Hall open for business and with the first tenants ready to make the most of the superb facilities. “Having Shire Hall open again as a thriving business centre is exciting for Stafford and will play an important part in the wider regeneration of the town. It is an iconic landmark in the heart of Stafford town centre and we’re pleased to have brought it back into productive use for the community.” Taken on by the North West based contractors, the project sees Seddon building on its recent growth in the Midlands, which has resulted in a 117% turnover in the region since 2018 and brings a new era of usage for the Grade II listed building. Seddon’s current projects in the Midlands include the refurbishment and remodelling of Sandwell secondary school in West Bromwich, converting its use from a technical college into a general teaching facility. It is also refurbishing category 2 bioscience labs at the University of Derby, with Seddon now firmly established in the region.
A new urban sky park created on a disused railway viaduct in Manchester has been unveiled and will open to public visitors from Saturday, July 30. Castlefield Viaduct, a giant 330 metres long steel structure, has been transformed over the past five months into an elevated park with trees, plants and flowers in a National Trust project overseen by Salford-based MC Construction. Thousands of plants, shrubs and trees have been planted to ‘green’ the historic landmark. The park’s 3,000-plus plants and its design features take their inspiration from Manchester’s heritage, including the county flower, cotton grass and fern species once collected by Manchester suffragist and botanist Lydia Becker. It will be open for 12 months, during which time visitors will be able to explore part of the structure and find out more about the viaduct’s heritage, the city’s long relationship with plants and trees, and learn urban gardening tips. The National Trust hopes to inspire and capture visitor and community opinions to help shape the longer-term future of the Grade II listed structure. Russ Forshaw, Group Operations Director at MC Construction, said: “It has been a great pleasure partnering with National Trust and the key stakeholders involved in the project. “Regenerating the disused Grade II listed Viaduct that has stood above the historic area of Castlefield for over 125 years has been no easy task. I am thrilled with the end result and I am incredibly proud of the team who have worked tirelessly over the past couple of months to bring National Trust’s vision to life.” Unveiling the park today, Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “Today is incredibly exciting. The idea of transforming the viaduct has been around for a while, but it was always put in the ‘too hard to achieve’ box and set aside. “For that long-held vision to finally come to life is therefore testament to the strong partnerships we have formed and the hard work of many. “What I love about this space is that it encapsulates so much of what the Trust’s work is about: opening up our shared heritage for everyone to enjoy, creating beautiful spaces and bringing people close to nature. It’s about creating something new for the community, while also protecting an ironic piece of industrial history. “We hope hundreds of people will visit and enjoy spending time in nature among the trees, shrubs and wildlife that is already starting to make this space its home. We’ll also be able to learn from this project and really start to understand more about what and how we can bring more green spaces and wildlife to thousands more people across the country in urban spaces.” Visitors will experience a variety of planting displays as they walk along the viaduct, while enjoying the elevated setting above the historic cobbled streets. The plans for Castlefield Viaduct are part of the National Trust’s Urban Places work to increase access for all to nature, history and beauty in, around and near urban areas. In addition to creating a place where people and nature meet, the new experience will also celebrate the industrial heritage of Castlefield which has been reflected through all elements of the design. The design of the planters gives a subtle nod to the industrial architecture of the 330 metres long viaduct which was built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the engineers who worked on Blackpool Tower. The shape of the planters mirrors the curve of the viaduct and their width is the same as the railway tracks that once transported goods across the structure to the Great Northern Warehouse. A section of the viaduct has also been left untouched to provide a sense of how nature has reclaimed the space since the site closed in the late 1960s. Costing £1.8 million, the pilot has been made possible thanks to funding from Postcode Earth Trust supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as well as public donations which will cover two-thirds of the build costs. One hundred people a day will be able to visit the viaduct from next Saturday. Entry on to the structure will be free, but a booking system will be in place to help manage numbers. As part of the experience, visitors will be able to join guided walks on the viaduct.
Major construction work at Scotland’s newest leisure and staycation destination, Wavegarden Scotland, got underway today in Ratho, near Edinburgh. The £55m landmark development will be the country’s first inland surfing destination using revolutionary new technology. The Wavegarden Scotland development is expected to open to the public in Summer 2024 – boosting long term socio-economic, recreational and tourism benefits including creating up to 130 jobs once open, generating up to £11m for the local economy and attracting over 180,000 visitors each year. Civil engineering and groundworks specialists Malcolm Construction is the firm appointed to build the groundbreaking destination which will include – in addition to Scotland’s first surf park – a surf school, overnight accommodation, a waterfront café and restaurant and retail spaces. Malcolm Construction has overseen the construction of some of Scotland’s most iconic sporting and leisure developments, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village, the temporary athletics track at Hampden Park for the games and the 14,000 capacity Hydro arena at the SEC in Glasgow. Doig+Smith will oversee the management of the major project and have enlisted support from environmental design consultants Atelier Ten, architects Oberlanders, landscape architects HarrisonStevens, engineering consultants Ramage Young and property experts Colliers. Andy Hadden, founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd which is developing Wavegarden Scotland said: “It has taken many years of hard work and collaboration to get to this point and we could not be happier to see work begin on Scotland’s first inland surf park. “There has been extensive preparatory work going on behind the scenes with financial backers and with our design team and partners to ensure that this new facility will be a world-class leisure destination. Beginning construction work is a special moment for all of the team and marks a major milestone in our journey. “All of the firms appointed to work with us come with strong reputations in their respective field of engineering and project management and I am pleased they share our vision to deliver one of Scotland’s largest leisure attractions this century.” Walter Malcolm, Managing Director of Malcolm Construction said: “Everyone at Malcolm Construction is excited to be part of this innovative project. We have extensive experience of delivering complex engineering works and we look forward to working with the Wavegarden Scotland team to deliver such an important attraction for Scotland.” Gordon McLintock, Director of Doig+Smith added: “We have been providing project management, cost management, principal designer and supervisor services for the project so it’s incredibly exciting to see the project start to become a reality. We have extensive experience in large scale projects such as this including the new Port of Aberdeen project, substantial works over many years at both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, and multiple education projects across the country in both the private and public sectors. We consider it a privilege to be part of the team bringing Scotland’s first inland surf park to life.” The development, set within a 60-acre country park, will use the latest wave generation technology called The Cove, developed by Wavegarden in Spain. The site will host surfers of all abilities who can ride the 1,000 bespoke ocean-like waves created per hour. Wavegarden is an innovative engineering company and has an extremely high growth potential in the surf park sector with more than 60 projects currently in development across the globe, seven facilities operating successfully and seven projects currently under construction across four continents.
75% of Welsh tourism businesses see increase in visitors over May half term Bluestone invests £23 million into 80 ‘Platinum’ lodges Timber certified by forestry-standards organisation PEFC Just weeks until bookings open for Summer 2023 The first sustainable timber frame for 80 new lodges arrived at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire last week as the latest figures show three quarters (75%) of Welsh tourism businesses saw an increase or maintained visitor levels over the May half term. The delivery of the first timber frame is part of a £23 million expansion development at the resort. Like many tourism businesses in Wales, Bluestone is witnessing a significant increase in bookings from pre-pandemic levels with the new development plans catering for a growing demand for luxury lodge accommodation for short breaks in areas of natural beauty. The Wales Tourism Business Barometer also shows visitor numbers were up 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with restaurants, pubs and cafes enjoying a busy Jubilee bank holiday weekend as 38% of hospitality businesses experienced more customers than usual. In further research from the Visit Britain Domestic Sentiment Tracker, 39% of respondents said they are more likely to choose a UK trip than an overseas trip compared to pre-pandemic. The top reasons for this preference being that UK holidays are easier to plan, and long queues at airports or cancelled flights. “We know there’s growing demand for a sustainable luxury tourism product in Wales and we’re confident we can meet the need for an ecologically sound product in natural surroundings,” said Marten Lewis, Head of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort. “Sustainability is a key aspect across all the decisions on the design and build. Along with the promotion of health and wellbeing, sustainability has always formed an integral part of Bluestone’s business operations and will continue to do so as we move forward,” added Marten. Bluestone reported a ‘surge’ in bookings for holidays in August in late June as uncertainty continued over flight cancellations and delays. The holiday resort near Narberth in Pembrokeshire said Thursday 23rd June was the busiest day for August bookings since mid-March. Sales were even ahead of bookings for August 2019, showing that despite international travel having opened up with restrictions lifted, the demand for staycations is still strong. The new lodges will have their own private entrance with virtual check-in and will offer the most luxurious facilities to date at Bluestone. Visitors will be among the first to book the new lodges later this month in readiness of their official opening in the summer of 2023. The new lodges are the fourth phase of expansion plans for the resort near Narberth in Pembrokeshire, which currently has 344 existing lodges, cottages and studio apartments across 500 acres of rolling Pembrokeshire countryside. Timber and other sustainable materials have been used in the design and construction of the ‘Platinum’ lodges which will be heated by air-source heat pumps. Welshpool-based SJ Roberts Construction will be the main contractors during the project, while the timber frames will be manufactured by sister company Lowfield Timber Frames with the remainder of the supply chain being carefully selected to ensure a quality build is guaranteed, while aiming to use as many local suppliers as possible. All of the timber used is certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the world’s largest forest certification organisation – with a full chain of custody.
Economic recovery, climate change, communities and tackling inequalities high on the agenda. The role that Scotland’s historic environment can play in supporting economic recovery, contribute to agendas such as net zero, to communities, and in tackling inequalities, is being discussed in Edinburgh today, Wednesday, 29th June. Delegates from across Scotland are gathering at Dynamic Earth to discuss the future contribution and direction of Scotland’s historic environment sector, as part of a planned review of Scotland’s strategy for the historic environment ‘Our Place in Time’ (OPiT). The strategy, which was Scotland’s first for the historic environment was launched in 2014, and set out a shared vision for the sector, with key deliverables over that period focussing on areas including Heritage Tourism, Built Heritage Investment, Climate Change, Volunteering, and Skills & Expertise. It also set out a framework for a collective approach to be taken by the sector on a range of areas, as well as providing a platform to bring other sectors into the work of the historic environment sphere. The refreshed strategy, which will set out the ambitions for the sector for the next five-ten years, will build upon the key successes of OPiT, as well as recognising and reflecting on the last two years, since the covid pandemic. This will include a focus on prioritising activity that supports recovery and renewal, as well as further enhancing the contribution the sector makes to national priority areas, and to Scotland and its people. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), as Scotland’s lead body for the historic environment, has been asked by the Scottish Government to lead on a review of the strategy, with the event at Dynamic Earth, forming part of a wider series of engagement, before the draft strategy goes out for wider public consultation later this year. Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said, “The historic environment and our built heritage is important and valuable in its own right, and part of Scotland’s story, but it also plays a key role for Scotland against a number of core agendas, from tourism and skills to green recovery and contributing to net zero. “We have of course lived through, and are continuing to experience, historic times, with the pandemic and growing costs of living, alongside other factors, providing challenges to those operating within the sector and beyond, as well as serving to further highlight inequalities in our society. “Today is a key step in a wider process for us to collectively shape our future ambitions for the sector, and to reflect and reimagine what we want the contribution of Scotland’s historic environment sector to be, as we respond to these challenges and opportunities to use the past to build a better future.” The opening address was delivered by Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and Minister with special responsibilities for Refugees from Ukraine. Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “I commissioned Historic Environment Scotland to lead the review of Scotland’s “Our Place in Time” strategy, and that review provides an opportunity to redefine the context and set the direction of this important strategy. In particular, the shift in prioritisation to activity which supports recovery and renewal will help to create a more resilient and sustainable sector. “For a nation of our size, Scotland has a diverse and impressive wealth of heritage and culture; from World Heritage sites and major archaeological locations to smaller community heritage projects. By working collaboratively we can promote the positive contribution that the historic environment makes not only to Scotland’s economy but to the wellbeing of Scotland’s people and our route to net zero.” For more on Our Place in Time visit Our Place in Time | About Us | Historic Environment Scotland.
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 14th century watermill complex at Blenheim ahead of major dredging work being undertaken to Queen Pool by leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water. The stone structures were uncovered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Wessex Archaeology prior to work commencing to ensure no historical remains are affected. It’s believed the watermill is associated with Woodstock Palace, a royal hunting lodge that played host to no fewer than 16 British monarchs over its 700-year history with everyone from Ethelred the Unready to Henry VIII having spent time there. Demolished in 1720 to make way for Blenheim Palace, it was also the birthplace of the Black Prince and used as a temporary prison for Queen Elizabeth I, who is said to have carved ‘Much suspected by me, nothing proved can be, Quoth Elizabeth prisoner’ on a window sill. Charlie Oakes, Project Manager at Land & Water says, “We are delighted to hear the discovery of some historic findings ahead of the dredge. The project site has been carefully monitored and assessed by Archaeologists so that any significant artefacts can be recorded and protected. “Wessex Archaeology have informed us that the remains found this year comprise part of the stone-lined mill race, directing water from the mill and are surprisingly well-preserved and substantial. They have also discovered stone water channels, which would have been part of a medieval mill site, recorded as being demolished in 1334, and which was partly excavated in the mid-1970s.” The restoration works will see Land & Water begin the first dredge of Queen’s Pool in over 100 years and will look to remove 300,000 cubic metres of silt, enough to fill Wembley Stadium, to return the Capability Brown-designed lake to its original depth of two metres from its current shallows of 30cm. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
A bespoke hotel design that sets itself apart in a sea of monotonous modern structures. Spinningfields is a vibrant district in the centre of Manchester. The river Irwell defines its western edge and history, as the focus of docks and warehouses in the eighteenth century. The traditional pattern of historic narrow streets is relieved by dramatic modern public spaces. Corporate headquarters, shops, fine dining and street food, bars and libraries, nightclubs and opera houses all coexist in this diverse and eclectic neighbourhood that is always busy. Given its 24-hour economy, it’s surprising that Spinningfields has never had a hotel. It’s not surprising however that KE Hotels acquired a site right at the heart of Spinningfields which had been destined to be another corporate headquarters. They had the vision to develop a hotel and started to explore opportunities with hotel designers Ica. The first challenge was getting a hotel layout to work. The site was very deep and square with low rise listed buildings including Invicta House, an eighteenth-century former textile warehouse. Ica maximised the space and included an entire additional floor level within the existing planning consent, condensing 147 guestrooms into the tight 750sqm plot. The hotel also features a living-room-style lobby and a stylish bar. “Ica’s knowledge of the main hotel brands is second to none. They’ve got a great track record in providing creative solutions as and when challenges arise on projects. Having worked with them for over five years, I’ve found them to be of the highest calibre, consistently delivering top quality, cost-effective schemes.” Anil Khanna, Director KE Hotels. KE Hotels found the perfect brand in Moxy by Marriott, a playful concept for the young at heart. The depth of expertise and research delivered by Marriott alongside this non-conforming rebel brand allowed Ica to complete the design with a very strong theme. After the design was refined and perfected, delivery of the hotel on-site was the next challenge. An incredibly tight site surrounded by narrow lanes and buildings, as well as restricted vehicle access, a tall building, façade retention and listed buildings. This was going to be a challenge to build and a challenge to estimate and price. Ica introduced the client to Gilbert Ash as a trusted construction partner with experience in hotels as well as historic and high-profile landmark buildings. They quickly produced a well-considered construction strategy at a competitive price which was negotiated to allow work to start on site quickly. Despite the Covid pandemic, work progressed, and Ica delivered the finished hotel faithful to the original design and vision. This hotel emerges with optimism and energy in a crucial year for hospitality as society looks forward to doing business and having fun!
The Saving the Last Major Bellfoundry in Britain Project is entering its next stage as it invites main contractors to tender for a programme of capital works to protect and enhance Loughborough Bellfoundry’s Grade II Listed Buildings and museum, funded by a number of generous donors and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Loughborough Bellfoundry – which is in the centre of the Leicestershire town – is also known as John Taylor’s Bellfoundry, and is the last major bellfoundry in the UK and Commonwealth. More than 25,000 bells, which can be heard in more than 100 countries, have been cast there since the present bellfoundry was built in 1859, from London’s St Paul’s Cathedral to Washington National Cathedral in the US capital, and from the National Carillon in Canberra, Australia to Cape Town City Hall in South Africa. In 2016, the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust was set up to begin the project of restoring the bellfoundry’s buildings, redeveloping the site’s museum and protecting the bellfoundry and the ancient craft of bell making for generations to come. Plans for the comprehensive restoration of the Victorian site have been drawn up by a team lead by Caroe Architecture Limited and the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust is now in a position to invite tenders from main contractors to deliver the project. Works are expected to begin later this year and complete towards the end of 2023. Main contractors are invited to submit their proposals by the deadline of 16th May 2022. The programme of works will include reconfiguration of the buildings’ archive room, office spaces and workshop facilities, as well as the creation of a new entrance into the historic site. The museum will be improved and enhanced by increasing its footprint to incorporate additional exhibition space and room for an administration office. Chrissie Van Mierlo, museum director at the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, said: “We are incredibly pleased and excited to have issued our invitation to tender on this project. The works are going to preserve and protect these historic and important buildings for years to come and provide a wonderful place for people to visit and learn about the highly specialised craftsmanship that the process of bellfounding entails. “Our vision is for Loughborough Bellfoundry to become the global centre for the art of bell making and learning. We have been very fortunate to have benefitted from funding over the years to address the most urgent repair and conservation works required, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to enter the next stage of this project to secure the legacy of the Bellfoundry’s bells for future generations.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
