Design, Plan & Consult: Architecture News
Studio Andrew Trotter, GOMA, Morq and Taller Hector Barroso Unite to Create "Pala Zion," An "Architectural Gallery" of Homes in Utah

Studio Andrew Trotter, GOMA, Morq and Taller Hector Barroso Unite to Create “Pala Zion,” An “Architectural Gallery” of Homes in Utah

With each architecture studio delivering a separate collection, Pala Zion has now launched sales of four of 22 residences Today marks the official unveiling of Pala Zion, an innovative residential development and “architectural gallery” that unifies some of the world’s most innovative firms – Morq, GOMA and Taller Hector Barroso

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RIBA receives Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator support to safeguard architectural heritage

RIBA receives Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator support to safeguard architectural heritage

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will receive the support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program to enable the storage, preservation, and accessibility of digital items within its world-class architectural collections.  The RIBA collections – one of the largest and most wide-ranging architectural collections

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AEW makes two senior appointments

AEW makes two senior appointments

Manchester-headquartered AEW Architects has made a positive start to 2025 with the recruitment of two highly experienced industry specialists bringing a combined experience in excess of 60 years. Associate director, Mark Massey, has returned to the practice following a 22-year tenure at Calderpeel Architects and is joined by Wayne Jones,

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Former live event project manager joins Edward Architects practice

Former live event project manager joins Edward Architects practice

Leeds and London based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect.  The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines. Graham joins from Stage One Creative

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Business : Architecture News

New plans reveal a contemporary banqueting hall is to take the place of Middleton Conservative Club

New plans reveal a contemporary banqueting hall is to take the place of Middleton Conservative Club

Leading Community architects Architecture Unknown has submitted plans to reimagine the former Middleton Conservative Club as a banqueting hall and community space. The elaborate plans, submitted on behalf of local business Kohinoor Banqueting Ltd, show the site transformed into a wedding venue and multi-use function space for the community. The planning proposal includes internal refurbishments and renovation of the existing heritage façade, as well as a double storey contemporary brick extension. The proposed transformation will see the disused area at the back of the building adapted into a car park, containing new plants, green swales and a green-wall with the promise to retain existing trees and where possible improve the biodiversity of the site. In 2022, The Middleton Town Masterplan aimed to bring buildings in the town back to life through creative reuse, enhancing facades and shop fronts. The project was aimed at driving footfall to the area. The modern and contemporary extension, on 77 Long Street, would takes cues from the existing Middleton Conservative Club and the architecture in the surrounding area. Director, Daniel Kelso from Architecture Unknown, said: “The plans for 77 Long Street are contemporary and fresh, nodding respectfully to the buildings heritage while making it fit for purpose – an exciting building that will service the community for events and celebrations, for many years to come. “From conception to plans, it has been a collaborative process with the client to ensure we can put forward a beautiful space Middleton town can be proud of. There has been a real focus in maintaining the green space the local community loves, whilst improving access and making the building a go-to destination for events.” Architecture Unknown is a Manchester-based practice founded by Charlie Butterwick and Daniel Kelso. 77 Long Street falls under the Middleton Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal, a list of buildings of local importance. The development sits within Middleton Town and falls under the influence of the Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RIBA responds to the Government’s plan to deliver new homes and national infrastructure

RIBA responds to the Government’s plan to deliver new homes and national infrastructure

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government’s plans to deliver new homes and national infrastructure. The Chancellor of the Exchequer made the announcement in a speech today in Oxfordshire.  Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said:  “The Government’s focus on delivering new homes and national infrastructure is great news – these are essential drivers for economic growth and moves to unlock land near transport hubs can be transformative.   We need vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods with everything from accessible transport to green space and bustling local centres.   But quality matters when creating new developments. Architecture plays a crucial role in ensuring that new places are sustainable, liveable and fit for the future. We remain ready to work with government to meet this challenge head on.    We look forward to seeing more detail in the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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University of Southampton Jubilee Sports Centre expansion design creates accessibility for all

University of Southampton Jubilee Sports Centre expansion design creates accessibility for all

THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making it one of Southampton’s largest gyms – alongside four fitness studios, an indoor cycling studio, and dedicated climbing and bouldering wall for all abilities. Together with three new squash courts, the new dry side offering seamlessly integrates with the existing wet leisure space, which includes a six-lane pool. Designed in the aftermath of the UK’s Covid-19 pandemic, the new Jubilee Centre represents an important shift in the way leisure facilities can support the wider ambitions of higher educational facilities. The expansion recognised the opportunity to integrate the requirements of the wider local community into a campus facility. The design team worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the final building met not only the diverse needs of the student population – including numerous sports and athletics teams, gym, and social users – but of the wider community too. This robust understanding of user-requirements not only influenced the final building design, but it also supported operator and client aims as they reviewed opening hours, multifunctioning spaces, and identified potential additional revenue streams. Kieran McFarlane, associate architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We designed this centre with people in mind and, while it’s a key part of the university campus, it’s there for the whole community. Every decision has been made with the goal of making sure that anyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can benefit from what the centre has to offer. “Everything reflects a strive to include and welcome a much wider range of users, seeking to support diversity within the average UK student population. Unisex changing areas, adaptive sports equipment, and the option of quiet and private space or louder public spaces have been integrated throughout the facility mix, ensuring visitors of all abilities and preferences can access, train, compete and enjoy everything the centre has to offer. “It was also a priority to ensure the building feels open, inviting and connected to the spaces around it, including Valley Gardens and University Road. The considered design all comes together to create a really vibrant and accessible space designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of all. The state-of-the-art fitness experience embodies this ethos and positions the Jubilee Sports Centre as the central hub for physical activity and community in the area.” A final priority for the university was for the facility to support wellbeing as much as physical fitness, providing safe, welcoming, social-orientated spaces for the student population. Clear sight lines into external green spaces are integrated along primary circulation routes, with visual and physical access to all facilities facilitated through large windows and glazed entry points into the building. The social café opens onto a wide veranda overlooking the adjacent yoga garden, and access to the nearby public park and fitness trails. Consistent communication with the client team through a multitude of channels ensured that every aspect of the scheme was carefully considered to align with project and team ambitions, culminating in a product of enhanced architectural, inclusive, and BREEAM credentials. This collaborative effort across the delivery team assisted in foreplaning for potential complexities in the enhancement works within a live student area, maintaining a fully operational pool facility throughout the construction phase. The tight site required a compact and well-thought-out solution to avoid splitting leisure services across the campus, reinforcing the ethos of accessibility, and providing cohesiveness across the leisure offering. Kieran added: “Getting the connection between the old and new building to be seamless was critical for the user experience, but we also needed to consider how the expanded Jubilee Sports Centre sits within the wider campus landscape. The way we approached the massing of the building works to reflect that of the campus itself, with a stepped down approach to lower-rise residential buildings at one end of the campus – avoiding the sports centre becoming overbearing in its setting.” Designed to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, the building features passive design elements such as natural ventilation and light, with an improved airtightness of 3.5m³/h/m², lowering operational carbon outputs, and constructed with lower embodied carbon in mind, it also aligns the finished scheme with the RIBA 2030 Climate challenge. Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our teams’ work delivering this exceptional facility. Collaborating with such innovators as GT3 has ensured the design was sustainable and considerate at all stages, helping us all support the University’s net zero ambitions. “Our purpose at Wates is to create thriving places for communities, providing opportunities for all to feel included and invested in. We believe this new sports centre is testament to this, helping to improve wellbeing in the local community while delivering a positive social impact throughout the course of its build through extensive Social Value initiatives.” Trudi Vout, director of residences, sport & community at the University of Southampton, said: “The new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre stands as an example of our commitment to enhancing the student experience and promoting a culture of inclusivity and wellness through sports and active participation. “The building design embodies the shared vision of sustainability, seamlessly integrating green spaces into the building through expansive windows that invite natural light and lawns that foster connection to nature. “The harmonious integration with our existing structure is a testament to the thoughtful planning and collaboration with our architects, GT3 Architects, whose vision, creativity and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this design to life.” The project team for the expansion of the Jubilee Sports Centre also included Wates Group, Ramboll A/S, Method Consulting, and Studio Loci. For further information, please visit www.gt3architects.com   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Studio Andrew Trotter, GOMA, Morq and Taller Hector Barroso Unite to Create "Pala Zion," An "Architectural Gallery" of Homes in Utah

Studio Andrew Trotter, GOMA, Morq and Taller Hector Barroso Unite to Create “Pala Zion,” An “Architectural Gallery” of Homes in Utah

With each architecture studio delivering a separate collection, Pala Zion has now launched sales of four of 22 residences Today marks the official unveiling of Pala Zion, an innovative residential development and “architectural gallery” that unifies some of the world’s most innovative firms – Morq, GOMA and Taller Hector Barroso and Studio Andrew Trotter – to create a community of 22 individually designed, standalone private homes situated on a rugged 35-acre plot adjacent Utah’s Kolob Canyon at the footsteps of Zion National Park. Pala Zion marks the first time that these four acclaimed and distinct firms have worked together, each contributing a collection of residences along architectural guidelines. The homes, ranging from 3,000 – 5,000 square feet, are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered in Q3 2026. Pala Zion’s listed properties can be seen here. From a holistic perspective, Pala Zion provides the ideal lifestyle for disconnection, reflection, and self-renewal, while fostering a sense of community among like-minded residents. All homes will have access to the facilities and amenities of the forthcoming Paréa landscape hotel – designed exclusively by Studio Andrew Trotter – which will include restaurants, a wellness center, a spa with treatment rooms, reading and lounge spaces, as well as a program of daily activities and workshops. Pala Zion sits on a parcel of land just a short drive from Paréa landscape hotel via Kolob Terrace Road, which was created by the same development team as Pala Zion. All homes are designed for short-term rentals, whether private guests or guests of the hotel, and can be placed into a fully managed rental pool in association with Paréa landscape hotel. Entrepreneurs Reed Lerner and Robert Babbage commissioned Studio Andrew Trotter to create the architectural guidelines for Pala Zion and to select three different firms to each deliver a series of residences that pay homage to the time and place of the primordial terrain in one of the most majestic desert landscapes in the world. The development features homes ranging from three to five bedrooms, each designed with seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, private courtyards, kitchens and swimming pools that blend harmoniously with the surrounding bluffs and boulders of the primeval terrain.   Each residence will also feature a small spa with a sauna and bath while connecting denizens with nature by offering unobstructed views of the surroundings. Several residences will feature open-air sunroofs, crafted from the negative space of the structures, utilizing natural light, airflow, and local stone, including custom plaster finishes that incorporate raw limestone and sandstone from the excavation process.Studio Andrew Trotter for Pala ZionStudio Andrew Trotter is a multi-disciplinary office working on international projects from architecture and interior design, to product design and design consultancy. With simplicity at the heart of its ideas and a true belief that any design should belong to the place where it is built, works such as Masseria Moroseta and Villa Cardo quickly became icons within the Pugliese landscape. The studio is currently working on projects ranging from private homes to holiday homes, shops and boutique hotels in Puglia, Milan, Todos Santos, Sicily, Jamaica, Athens and the Amalfi Coast, as well as Utah (Paréa). Studio Andrew Trotter visited the site for Pala Zion both in the spring and late fall. To adjust to the seasonal climate changes, the studio created overhangs and orientated the buildings to prevent the summer sun from entering the buildings, keeping them cool in the summer, yet cozy and warm in the winter. Studio Andrew Trotter intends for Pala Zion to be the perfect place to disconnect, to rejuvenate oneself, and while at the same time, become a meeting place for like minded people. The studio’s work for the project and creation of architectural guidelines for Pala Zion to be a place to join rituals, community and private living. “The landscape of Kolob Canyons is truly incredible, especially at sunset, when the colors become vivid and surreal,” says Andrew Trotter. “Pala Zion is a place where architecture harmonizes with this splendor—a realization of a dream.” Five houses in total have been designed by the firm, including a corner house that has incredible views to the north and to the west from the whole building. Two larger houses of the same design mainly look to the north, whilst the living, dining and kitchen have views to the west. The last two houses are more simple, with direct views to the north, one slightly smaller than the other. Each house has many courtyards, which give privacy to the house from the street, allowing for an open flow from the inside out. Each building is separate and a standalone structure. While each house is created separately by each studio, there is a constant dialogue between all four architectural studios so the houses will exist in unison. “It has been amazing to work together, we are all learning from each other, and it’s a great pit of ideas,” says Andrew Trotter. Studio Andrew Trotter has envisioned a community where architecture seamlessly integrates with the wild beauty of Kolob Canyons. Each home will be constructed with hand-applied lime plaster on both exteriors and interiors, embedded within the terrain’s undulating bluffs and majestic mesas. The project embodies a new definition of “quiet luxury,” focusing on a connection to nature through a lens of architecture and aesthetic, supported by environmental impact and promoting natural light and cross-ventilation through sunroofs and expansive glass walls. GOMA Taller de Arquitectur for Pala ZionTaller de Arquitectura is a Mexico-based firm with more than 10 years of experience and continuous innovation in the design and execution of architectural and construction projects. The studio develops ideas and concepts aligned with the vision of their clients and conducts them powered by the inspiration of their leaders with the creativity and passion of each one of their collaborators. For Pala Zion, the studio has created six panoramic houses and one corner solution, designed to provide a rooted connection with the landscape. The house is formed by a

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RIBA receives Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator support to safeguard architectural heritage

RIBA receives Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator support to safeguard architectural heritage

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will receive the support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program to enable the storage, preservation, and accessibility of digital items within its world-class architectural collections.  The RIBA collections – one of the largest and most wide-ranging architectural collections in the world – represent a unique body of knowledge spanning thousands of architects, hundreds of years and dozens of nations. It includes everything from 15th century books, manuscripts and drawings to models and photographs documenting architecture around the world today. However new items received into the collections are increasingly in born-digital formats, in particular Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and digital photographs—reflecting the pervasiveness of digital technology and design within today’s architecture profession.  With Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support, RIBA will develop and implement a state-of-the-art Digital Archive Management System, allowing RIBA to significantly advance its capacity to securely store, manage and protect its growing collection of born-digital items. The project will also support the transfer of existing born-digital materials currently held in unsuitable storage conditions, safeguarding their integrity and ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.    This initiative will aid RIBA’s ambitious long-term plans, as part of its House of Architecture transformation programme, to digitise and catalogue its physical collections to make them more widely accessible online. Digitisation will also contribute to preserving the content of vulnerable physical items that are at risk of deterioration.  As well as enhancing its own organisational expertise and knowledge of best practices in digital preservation, RIBA has pledged to share the insights and learnings it gathers with the broader UK cultural sector and the architectural profession in order to drive digital innovation and collaboration.    Oliver-Urquhart Irvine, Executive Director of Architecture Programmes & Collections at RIBA, said:  “This transformative support from Bloomberg Philanthropies will future proof our architectural collections, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant in an increasingly digital age. By investing in cutting-edge technology and expertise, we are safeguarding our invaluable records of architectural heritage for generations to come while contributing to the broader digital preservation community.  “The RIBA Collections house some of the world’s most significant records of architectural design and history, spanning centuries of global innovation. This project represents a critical step in modernising how RIBA manages its collections and enhances their accessibility for diverse audiences.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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AEW makes two senior appointments

AEW makes two senior appointments

Manchester-headquartered AEW Architects has made a positive start to 2025 with the recruitment of two highly experienced industry specialists bringing a combined experience in excess of 60 years. Associate director, Mark Massey, has returned to the practice following a 22-year tenure at Calderpeel Architects and is joined by Wayne Jones, appointed to the newly-created position of technical lead. The multi award-winning practice, which recently launched a London office, employs upwards of 100 people and has a project portfolio currently in excess of 1,300 live opportunities. In light of the Government’s target to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years, Mark has been brought in to compliment and strengthen AEW’s residential portfolio. Mark has extensive experience designing and delivering a wealth of residential projects for a wide range of property developers, national housebuilders and Registered Providers, together with a broad portfolio of blue light projects. Wayne joins AEW with more than 40 years’ industry experience amassed at several high-profile North West practices, most recently with a 10-year stint as associate director at Leach Rhodes Walker. With vast technical and legislative knowledge, along with a wealth of practical cross-sector experience, Wayne will lead the technical delivery of projects across the practice. This will further enable AEW to continue to meet the highest standards of design and compliance following the implementation of the Building Safety Act (BSA) and associated changes to Building Regulations. Andy Rainford, managing director at AEW, said “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Mark back to the fold who will, along with Wayne, add significant skill and experience to our already extensive capabilities.  “We have a great, growing team and many established clients in a diverse range of sectors and together, we look forward to continuing to deliver places that provide lasting value for our clients, communities and the environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Stanton Williams chosen to design the Fleming Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, London

Stanton Williams chosen to design the Fleming Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, London

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today announced that Stanton Williams has been selected to design the new Fleming Centre, a research and public engagement facility to be built on the St Mary’s Hospital campus in Paddington, London.  The Fleming Centre is part of the wider Fleming Initiative, established jointly by Imperial College Healthcare and Imperial College London to find solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at a global scale. The Centre will provide a space to bring together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, behavioral experts, commercial partners and the public to combine their shared networks, expertise and skills in the fight against AMR. It will also be part of a global network of centres in strategic locations around the world, aiming to catalyse worldwide action.  The selection follows a competitive RIBA design competition and a three-day design exhibition in November, showcasing five concept designs from five shortlisted architects. Feedback from over 300 visitors and 100 written responses helped guide the final selection, ensuring that the winning concept reflected excellence in both design and functionality and is a real asset to the local community.  The next phase of the project will involve detailed design development, public consultations, and the submission of a planning application in collaboration with Westminster City Council.  The Centre is intended to be integrated into a full redevelopment of St Mary’s Hospital which is included in the Government’s New Hospital Programme. The Centre is due to open in 2028, marking 100 years since the discovery of penicillin at St Mary’s by Sir Alexander Fleming.  The other shortlisted teams invited to take part in the design phase of the competition were:  Stanton Williams’ concept design for the Fleming Centre embraces the heritage of its proposed location on the site of The Bays. These former industrial warehouses, dating back to around 1850, were originally used for transport and distribution before being incorporated into the hospital in 1983. Their approach retains and adapts The Bays as a vital link to Paddington’s industrial past while inserting new elements, including the Fleming Discovery Centre, to showcase cutting-edge science and research. The design prioritises sustainability, proposing features such as renewable energy systems, including a water-source heat pump and photovoltaic panels, alongside biodiverse landscaping and a low-carbon structure. Public engagement is central, with the ground floor designed as an open and welcoming extension of the public realm, offering views into laboratories and curated exhibition spaces to bring science to life.   Professor the Lord Darzi, Executive Chair of the Fleming Initiative said: “Stanton Williams has a bold vision for the Fleming Centre and have brought our ambitions to life with a concept that reflects the Centre’s unique purpose and global significance. By providing a flexible space to unite researchers, policymakers, clinicians, behavioral experts, commercial partners and the public in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, we can ensure that the Fleming Centre becomes a global beacon for change in healthcare.”  Professor Tim Orchard, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the Fleming Centre and the planned, wider redevelopment of the St Mary’s Hospital site. The Stanton Williams design concept gave the selection panel great confidence that the building they design will honour both Sir Alexander Fleming’s legacy and our aspiration for continued innovation with local and global impact.”  Imperial President Professor Hugh Brady said: “The Fleming Centre will bring together Imperial’s world-leading researchers with diverse UK and international partners, including from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, policy community and civil society to tackle the challenge of AMR head-on. The new building will also be a key part of the Paddington Life Sciences development and Imperial WestTech Corridor vision. We are excited to be one step closer to starting the transformative work it will enable us to do.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Former live event project manager joins Edward Architects practice

Former live event project manager joins Edward Architects practice

Leeds and London based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect.  The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines. Graham joins from Stage One Creative Services where he was Project Manager with a breadth and wealth of experience leading on large scale events and unusual builds.  Prior to that he was an Architect with Pearce Bottomley Architects. During his project management role, Graham led a range of high profile live events involving complex design from the Eurovision 2023 set build at the M&S Arena in Liverpool to The Art of All Pavilion by Roc Nation and Jay-Z at Olympia in Kensington which involved a 4-week turnaround from contract to completion.  He also worked on Moncler X’s Mercedes Reveal at Olympia which formed the centrepiece of Moncler’s London Fashion Week launch. Graham has also project managed a number of unusual builds including Bulgari’s Serpanti Lit Sculpture in Duke of York Square, Chelsea.   His expertise also spans work across visitor centres, new builds, primary care centres, golf centres and the Leeds Chinese Christian Church. Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects said: “Graham will be a fantastic asset to our team and brings a broad range of experience and expertise which has involved some unique and unusual builds.  This will be invaluable in our accessible design and court protection projects.” Graham Davey commented: “I am excited to join the team at Edward Architects as the business continues to build. The practice has such a breadth of skills and experience and I’m keen to further my own skills by learning from those around me.  I have particularly enjoyed that the values of the practice align with my own, placing the client at the centre of everything we do.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Moxon’s Kepax Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the River Severn, opens to the public

Moxon’s Kepax Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the River Severn, opens to the public

A new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the River Severn, designed by Moxon Architects and Jacobs, has opened to the public. The new cable-stayed structure, located north of Worcester’s centre, is the city’s third bridge solely for active travel. Reflecting the council’s ambition to improve connectivity between the city’s core, residential areas, river and green corridor, the bridge continues a tradition of landmark civic infrastructure in the river valley. Taking its name from the Kepax Ferry, a 19th-century ferry crossing that operated close to the site of the new bridge, the project provides a vital connection between the city and residential quarters to the north-west. It will accommodate commuters, visitors, and leisure users alike. Working closely with specialist sub-consultant Moxon Architects, Jacobs provided multi-disciplinary design services and consultancy to Worcestershire County Council throughout feasibility, planning application, detailed design and technical support during construction. The majority of the Jacobs project team has been locally based during the project, combining their deep understanding of the area and an appreciation of what is important to the local community. Building on their longstanding working relationship with Worcestershire County Council and their term contractor Alun Griffiths, the Jacobs-led design team collaborated throughout the duration of the project including with specialist members of the supply chain, maintaining the high design quality of the holistic solution. To the east, the bridge springs from a high and dry point on the edge of the city’s historic Gheluvelt Park. Initially running parallel to the river, it curves ninety degrees to span over the water and a wooded riverbank beyond. It comes to land within an open field that was previously a landfill site. The distinct ‘hockey stick’ bridge alignment was carefully defined to pass over existing riverside paths and parkland unobstructed. It does this while providing continued access across the city for residents and businesses during periods when the River Severn floods. Following extensive public consultation with stakeholders and local residents, the design balances civic ambition with sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. With a bold, yet elegant form, the new steel bridge provides a safe 4m-wide, 145m-long crossing that comfortably accommodates both cyclists and pedestrians. The deck features a slip-resistant walking surface, and a finely crafted parapet made of a series of inward leaning stainless-steel rods that alternate between supporting a handrail and 1.4m-tall cycle railing. This simple repetition of elements takes on sculptural qualities when arrayed along the edge beams of the curved crossing. An A-shaped, 29m-tall pylon simultaneously tangential to the approach and main spans is nestled into a wooded, northwestern corner of the park. The deck features a slender profile supported every 12m, either by cables or by a series of piers below the western approach. This minimises disruption to the ecologically rich willow carr woodland to the west and the parkland to the east, parts of which will become a natural meadow. The dark blue-green colour strikes a balance with the surrounding vegetation, while highlighting the bridge’s dynamic form. Likewise, the ribbed soffit accentuates the sweeping geometry when viewed from the green spaces beneath. Ezra Groskin, Director of Moxon Architects, said: “Kepax Bridge is an important, climate-change resilient addition to Worcester’s civic infrastructure, forming a much-needed crossing over the River Severn. It connects residents in the city’s north-western suburbs to jobs in the centre and leisure amenities in the adjacent Gheluvelt Park and beyond. While we hope the new bridge will become a landmark that local people are proud of, combining functionality with delight has been our primary concern throughout the project.” Kate Kenny, Senior Vice President at Jacobs, said: “Leveraging our extensive expertise in innovative bridge solutions, we are proud to have contributed to the successful delivery of the Kepax Bridge. This vital infrastructure project now provides a crucial link for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to reduce traffic and support health and wellbeing in the community. The new bridge will significantly enhance connectivity, enrich community life, and benefit the local economy and environment.” Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Today is a milestone for Worcester, and I’m thrilled to see this incredible bridge open. The response at the opening event was fantastic, and I’m confident this bridge will make a real difference for those who walk, wheel, and cycle around the city. Improving active travel routes is a key priority for us, and this bridge is a game-changer for both Worcester and the wider county. A huge thank you to everyone involved in this project.” Rebecca Redfern MBE, Paralympic gold-medalist, officially opened the bridge to the public on 5 December 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Stephen George + Partners delivers ‘pharmacy of the future' for PPH

Stephen George + Partners delivers ‘pharmacy of the future’ for PPH

Pharmacy Plus Health (PPH) has unveiled the first of a proposed 40 new pharmacy stores in West Yorkshire as part of its aim to re-invent the community pharmacy world. Devised in conjunction with the Interior Design team at AJ100 architectural practice, Stephen George + Partners (SGP), the ‘pharmacy of the future’ pilot store in Alwoodley, Leeds, showcases a patient-focused layout, a modern, high-end aesthetic and dedicated consultation rooms for in-pharmacy non-invasive treatments that will both alleviate pressure from local doctors’ surgeries and provide a more efficient service to the patient. The rebrand of the PPH stores, comes following the innovative partnership with HubRx, who are the UK’s first large-scale automated dispensing facility designed specifically to benefit independent pharmacy. The integration of the HubRX automated dispensing system will streamline prescriptions from facility to store, and not only reduce the amount of time pharmacists spend managing prescriptions, but also reduce the need for on-site storage capacity, freeing up floorspace and placing an increased emphasis on seamless face-to-face interactions between patient and pharmacist. SGP Interiors was appointed to develop the brief for the new pilot store, with a view to rolling out the design across a number of pharmacy and retail units that PPH had recently acquired throughout West Yorkshire. Working closely with the client and shopfitting contractor PEC, SGP’s design underwent constant evolution, moving towards a modular approach, fit for all shapes and sizes with minimal changes, keeping time and therefore costs down, while also establishing a cohesive brand identity. Amy Fulford, SGP’s Principal Interior Designer, explains: “There was a clear requirement from the client to keep both costs and the install period to an absolute minimum as any down time or closure of stores could prove extremely costly. By cleverly designing the display units and reception desk to standardised key components, we created a kit of parts that could be mass produced to combat waste and cost. This off-site production method enabled the install team to achieve the tight time scales with minimal shutdown.” Having engaged with key stakeholders through various initial design reviews, it was evident the design should focus on the patient and streamline their experience. A minimalistic appearance evolved as a result, with clean lines, hidden joints, concealed fixing details and futuristic white canvas. Whilst still incorporating display islands, the intention was to keep the floor space as clean and distinct as possible, creating clear sight lines to the reception counter and reinforcing the physical relationship between patient and pharmacist. Daniel Lee, Chief Executive Officer at HubRX, in partnership with PPH, said: “As a brand we are working with innovative technologies to revolutionise the prescription process. With our automated HubRX system in successful operation, we approached SGP, with a clear vision to design the ‘pharmacy of the future’ and provide our customers with a 5-star experience. Amy & the SGP Interiors team rose to every challenge we set out and meticulously worked through the design development, working with us to extract what we really needed. This has resulted in a Design concept that truly embraces our brand identity and has transformed our customer experience”.   To achieve the desired aesthetic, the concept of capsules progressed to creating an illusion of floating displays, raised off the floor on a post. The number of products on the shelves were stripped back to echo the kind of high-end experience you might encounter at a perfume counter. Although products displayed were reduced, stock replenishment was still a high priority for the daily operations of the stores. To keep the minimalist look at the forefront, hidden storage was integrated into the base of the display units, including the perimeter wall units and island capsules. Due to the success of the ‘pharmacy of the future’ pilot store, rollout has now commenced on the interior scheme and kit of parts across further stores, with a second completed and another on site. Alan Soper, SGP Studio Director, concludes: “There is a growing recognition that community pharmacies can play an important role in the delivery of primary care, as well as reinvigorating our high streets and town centres. However, many pharmacies have not been set up or designed to realise this potential. We are therefore delighted to be working with PPH on the delivery of a transformational model of modern, patient-focused pharmacies. Drawing on our strong track record of successful interior design delivery and cross-sector experience in retail, leisure and healthcare sectors, the design of these stores will transform the patient experience, creating an important healthcare hub within the local community and, in the long-term, go some way to relieving pressure on other parts of the health service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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