Landscape architecture practice Influence Landscape Planning and Design is celebrating the completion of North Walsham Market Place – its second High Street Heritage Action Zone project. As part of North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone, the completed works have been delivered to improve the balance between pedestrians and vehicles
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has commenced its first project under the Lincolnshire County Council highways framework contract; the General Works’ Lot contract is to deliver new infrastructure assets as well as infrastructure improvements
A new skills academy has given future students a taste of what it would be like to be part of landmark regeneration projects such as Meridian Water. Delivered through a partnership by Enfield Council, Capital City College Group and Countryside Partnerships, the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opened on 14
Nottingham City Council has announced that Nottingham Castle will reopen on 26 June, following redevelopment work. The redevelopment includes a new visitor centre and cafe at the castle’s entrance. It will also include a new adventure playground in the moat in addition to modernised internal galleries and exhibition spaces. The
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking
The creation of a £1.3bn connected and sustainable new coastal town at Granton Waterfront in Edinburgh has reached its next major phase. The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to transform Edinburgh’s largest brownfield site has been published today. The plans have been developed in partnership with Cruden Homes (East) Ltd.
Construction is underway on the first of over 2,000 new, sustainable homes as part of the major regeneration of Cambridge Road Estate in Norbiton. The landmark scheme, voted for overwhelmingly by residents in a ballot in 2020, will deliver more than 2,100 homes — a mix of flats, maisonettes and
Greater Manchester is set to invest a further £40.7m in its walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure as it progresses with its delivery of the largest active travel network in the country. Active Travel England (ATE) has today confirmed it will award £23.7m to the city-region as part of a wider
A brand new affordable housing development on the site of the former Lairdsland Primary School, Kirkintilloch, has welcomed its first tenants. The 38 affordable homes are situated in a mixture of three and four-storey buildings which contain one and two-bedroomed flats and will be used as council housing. The
Over 100 new council homes have been approved as part of Edinburgh’s major regeneration of Fountainbridge. Formerly the site of the Fountain Brewery, the huge number of new homes for social rent will feature in a 49,000 square metre redevelopment overlooking the Union Canal. The area will be transformed as
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Landscape architecture practice Influence Landscape Planning and Design is celebrating the completion of North Walsham Market Place – its second High Street Heritage Action Zone project. As part of North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone, the completed works have been delivered to improve the balance between pedestrians and vehicles in the North Norfolk town and enable it to embrace its heritage and community. Nottinghamshire-based Influence were the public realm lead consultant, project manager and designer of the scheme, which was funded by North Norfolk District Council, Historic England and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. The three funding organisations made a collective investment of £2.6m in the placemaking scheme, out of the overall North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone budget of £3.8m. Having previously worked on the urban planning and design of Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone in 2022, North Walsham is the second High Street Heritage Action Zone Influence have worked on. In North Walsham, the objective of the works was to regenerate the Market Place, situated within the town’s Conservation Area, to rejuvenate the High Street and increase pedestrian footfall and dwell time. In addition, a wider investment in the North Norfolk town has delivered a new travel hub, new toilet facilities, new benches, the planting of trees and plants and remedial works to some buildings. Norfolk County Council managed the placemaking works of the project and Tarmac, a sustainable building materials and construction solutions business, carried out the majority of the construction works. The completion of the North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone was marked last week with an event involving representatives from construction partners, Historic England, North Norfolk District Council and New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. The event involved a tour of the revamped Market Place and other nearby improvements and included speeches from Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director for Historic England, North Norfolk District Council Chief Executive Steve Blatch and Chris Starkie CEO of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, followed by a performance from The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and North Walsham High School. Chartered practice Influence provides expertise in project management, environmental planning, feasibility and concept development, master planning and urban design, landscape design, visual impact assessment, expert witness and arboriculture. Shona Hatton, associate director at Influence, said: “High Street Heritage Action Zones are such a key part of the future for our towns – especially post the pandemic – and are often driven by a strong local community interest. Revitalising and regenerating our high streets whilst reinstating the heritage roots is critical to their success, now and in the future. “North Walsham is a vibrant market town but has been waiting for a long time to bring forward a high street public realm project. The Influence team and I were honoured to have been selected to work on this important project, and are pleased to have supported North Norfolk District Council’s in-house team in its delivery. The opening celebration on 11 May demonstrated how public realm improvements can kick start wider renewal of Conservation Areas and The Shambles terraced gardens are an excellent example of how revealing heritage can transform disregarded spaces into places with unique character. “Our previous experience in the delivery of High Street Heritage Action Zones gave us specialist knowledge and understanding of the challenges and huge opportunities in our high streets – we have used that experience to great effect to reimagine the physical and social environment of North Walsham- to enable it to be a prosperous town where people want to live, work and relax.” Tony Calladine, East England Regional Director, Historic England, said: “It’s wonderful to see this remarkable transformation in the town, from the visually welcoming area of Church Approach to the huge undertaking of the Market Place renovations. Partnership working with North Norfolk District Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has led to some remarkable outcomes, and this work continues with exciting projects to revitalise The Cedars and the former Barclays Bank. North Walsham’s historic character shines through and offers an attractive experience for residents and visitors alike.” Chris Starkie, CEO, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “North Walsham, like other town centres in our region, serves a substantial hinterland, and making it more pedestrian-friendly and accessible will improve trading conditions and strengthen its economic viability. It is crucial that our town and city centres receive the financial support need in order to thrive, especially after the disruption of recent years, and I’m delighted to see first-hand the enhancements delivered by this project.” Other members of the North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone project team include Gleeds as quantity surveyor, HETA as master planners and consultation, Rees Bolter Architects as heritage consultants and BSP Consulting on highways. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has commenced its first project under the Lincolnshire County Council highways framework contract; the General Works’ Lot contract is to deliver new infrastructure assets as well as infrastructure improvements across the county over 4 years. The works to Marsh Lane roundabout on the A16 and works to improve active travel links in Boston near Wyberton Low Road are the first set of Lincolnshire ‘Levelling Up’ road improvements to be carried out. The Marsh Lane roundabout improvements and Boston Active Travel are expected to cost a total of £5.7 million. Winvic commenced construction on 16 May and the scheme is expected to be complete within six months. The major improvements to Marsh Lane roundabout will reduce congestion on the A16, improve safety and future-proof the roundabout for future A16 upgrades down the line. 3,070 m2 of carriageway on the approaches to the existing roundabout on the A16 will be widened to two lanes, as will the roundabout. The alignment of the roundabout will be moved to facilitate its widening from 21.5m diameter to 27m. 410m of new drainage will be installed as part of the roundabout upgrade. Mass traffic signals infrastructure works will be undertaken to the crossroad junction with 4,025m2 of carriageway treatment works. The works also include the creation of a three-quarter mile active travel route in Boston, addressing the conflict between cycle users and HGVs on Marsh Lane through the Riverside Industrial Estate. The pavements will be widened and a new cycle lane will be installed. The two-lane carriageway will be reduced to one with traffic management on the A16 for up to 10 weeks. Later in the project, temporary traffic signals and a series of night-time road closures will be used. Rob Cook, Director of Civils and Infrastructure at Winvic, said: “We have been extremely busy behind the scenes since we were awarded the highways framework contract by Lincolnshire County Council last year, ensuring we were fully prepared in advance of being awarded our first scheme. Nearby communities, businesses and road users will be our priority, as well as keeping people safe. Our continued one-team working with the Council will help to ensure the programme is delivered swiftly and safely with as little disruption as possible.” Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said “As with any major road improvement project, some disruption on local roads is inevitable when work is underway. However, we’ll be making all efforts to keep traffic moving and maintain access to all businesses. Once construction starts, the main point-of-contact for residents and businesses for any traffic management updates, access issues or queries will be the project’s dedicated Public Liaison Officer, Sophie Ward-Owen. She will be available by email at Sophie.Ward-owen@owen-partners.co.uk.” Both projects will be funded by a portion of the £20m in ‘Levelling Up’ funding awarded to the county council in October 2021. The remaining funding will be used across four projects, including improvements to Spalding’s A16/A151 Springfield Roundabout and A16/B1180 Greencell Roundabout. The ‘General Works’ Lot was awarded to Winvic by Lincolnshire County Council in April 2022. Works to be undertaken by Winvic on A and B class roads in Lincolnshire are likely to include the construction of roundabouts, major highways widening or dualling, bridge construction and service diversions and installation as well as the installation of drainage and street lighting. For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new skills academy has given future students a taste of what it would be like to be part of landmark regeneration projects such as Meridian Water. Delivered through a partnership by Enfield Council, Capital City College Group and Countryside Partnerships, the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opened on 14 June with workshops to demonstrate the wide range of courses on offer. The academy aims to train around 500 people per year enabling local people to develop skills to access good quality work. There are several positions available for people at the academy to gain employment in the construction of Meridian Water, Enfield Council’s landmark regeneration project in the east of the borough. Enfield Council is committed to empowering people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in Enfield by providing education and training. The academy will offer courses and apprenticeships in core construction skills with a focus on sustainable development based on the needs of the industry. Learners will benefit from a range of facilities including dedicated indoor and outdoor workspaces to give them hands-on skills training using various construction methods and equipment. The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “Meridian Water is about benefiting the local Edmonton community. By investing in Enfield through programmes such as the Enfield Construction Skills Academy the Council can help to deliver positive outcomes that will enable people to gain the qualifications they need for a successful career in the industry. This investment will ensure people have ongoing and sustainable employment which in turn will support the local economy.” “We are thrilled to see the first learners arriving at the academy this summer and hope they continue onto careers across the development of the Meridian Water site.” Kate Ives, Strategic Growth Director, London at Countryside Partnerships, commented: “The need for the construction industry to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater, so we are immensely proud to open the Enfield Construction Skills Academy alongside our partners Enfield Council and Capital City College Group. Providing the workforce of the future with the skills and training opportunities to help deliver the crucial Meridian Water regeneration programme and more, the academy is set to leave a considerable legacy across the borough and beyond.” Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal of Capital City College Group, said: “At CCCG, we are committed to working with employers to reduce the huge shortfall of skilled construction workers in the UK. The academy will provide excellent construction training to industry standards to boost employment in Enfield and support the local and wider economy.” “The academy will further enhance CONEL’s excellent reputation for training people for great construction careers. Our experienced teachers have a huge wealth of skills and knowledge from across the industry from bricklaying and plumbing to carpentry and electrical, to give students and apprentices the best possible training. Many of our programmes will place an emphasis on sustainable development in line with our Mayor’s Academy Green Hub” “We look forward to building our relationship with Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships and the new academy becoming a centre of excellence for construction training in London.” Enfield Construction Skills Academy is the latest addition to the ever-growing Meridian Water development which will deliver 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs. The academy is run by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) which is part of CCCG. To learn more about the development, visit the Meridian Water website where you can also find information on the Enfield Construction Skills Academy. To explore the range of courses available visit CCCG’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham City Council has announced that Nottingham Castle will reopen on 26 June, following redevelopment work. The redevelopment includes a new visitor centre and cafe at the castle’s entrance. It will also include a new adventure playground in the moat in addition to modernised internal galleries and exhibition spaces. The City Council was handed back the site following the liquidation of Nottingham Castle Trust last November. A decision was taken by the Council’s Executive Board on 21 March 2023 to work towards reopening the whole site in June managed directly by Nottingham City Council as part of its Museums and Galleries service. Commenting on the reopening Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that Nottingham Castle will open again on Monday 26th June. Nottingham without its castle is like Robin Hood without his merry men, so it’s going to be fantastic to have it back at the heart of our city’s life. “We’ve already seen with the Coronation events and the sold-out Eurovision event that people are eager to return to the site – and we’re very keen to welcome them back. With the final chance for a grounds only sneak preview with the new ‘Medieval Legends’ open day, visitors of all ages can discover the grounds of the Castle during the bank holiday at the end of May ahead of the full reopening of the site. “We hope this announcement will come as welcome news, as we have endeavoured to listen to what visitors didn’t like about the Trust’s admission arrangements, and I believe the simpler pricing and exceptional value we are announcing will help to encourage visitors, near and far, to come back again and again.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking and vehicles. Vehicle movements around Ancoats will be further reduced by the Hub’s delivery centre, which will receive parcels and other deliveries, which will either be collected by residents or transferred to buildings via small electric vans and cargo bikes. The hub will include 150 secure bike parking spaces and changing facilities, 102 Electronic vehicle charging points and up to 30 spaces for car club/car share schemes. There will also be 406 parking spaces for visitors and residents. The building has been designed by Buttress Architects LTD and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Commenting on the project Leader of the Council Bev Craig, said: “The redevelopment of Ancoats over the last two decades is an exemplar in urban renewal. And rightly so – the neighbourhood is internationally renowned and has been named one of the best places to live globally. “This next phase of regeneration gives us an opportunity to think differently about how our residents occupy and interact with the space they live in. The Mobility Hub is a key part of this – helping to put the pedestrian, active travel and green public space as the focus of the neighbourhood, rather than the car. “Upcoming development will deliver 1,500 new homes and the transformation of the local park in this part of our city centre and the Hub ensures that Ancoats will be not just renowned for regeneration, but for its sustainability – creating a low carbon, green neighbourhood that should be a model for future city centre investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The creation of a £1.3bn connected and sustainable new coastal town at Granton Waterfront in Edinburgh has reached its next major phase. The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to transform Edinburgh’s largest brownfield site has been published today. The plans have been developed in partnership with Cruden Homes (East) Ltd. They include plans for over 700 net zero homes, of which at least 35% will be affordable, capacity for a primary school, commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space. The Council would like to find out what people think about the plans for Phase 1 and have organised in-person events: Tuesday 13 June from 4pm to 7pm and Saturday 17 June from 11am to 2pm at the Granton Station building, 1 Granton Station Square. People will also be able to share their views online. An online event will be held on Thursday 22 June from 6pm to 7.30pm and a ‘You Said, We Did’ event will be held in person on Wednesday 23 August from 4pm to 7pm at 1 Granton Station Square. The City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “It’s great to see that plans have now been submitted for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland at Granton Waterfront. The PAN is for the first phase of this ambitious and exciting £1.3bn regeneration project for the city. “Sustainable regeneration like this is so important as we transition towards a greener economy in our Capital. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here to build a 20-minute neighbourhood completely from scratch with affordable net zero homes, shops, cultural and leisure and education facilities all close by. “We’ve been consulting with people at every step of the way during this project so please be a part of this transformation of the north of the city and give us your views either at one of our events or online. This will help us to make sure we get it right for those who will be living in, working, and visiting this new area as well as everyone currently living in the many established communities nearby.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is underway on the first of over 2,000 new, sustainable homes as part of the major regeneration of Cambridge Road Estate in Norbiton. The landmark scheme, voted for overwhelmingly by residents in a ballot in 2020, will deliver more than 2,100 homes — a mix of flats, maisonettes and houses. A total of 767 will be council homes — 114 more than currently on the estate. The new development, a joint venture between Kingston Council and development partner Countryside, will provide vital new local homes and will enhance the design of the estate so it is a greener, more pleasant place to live and visit. It is the first large-scale project of its kind in Kingston since the estate was first built and forms an essential part of the council’s plan to create more homes of different types, particularly council homes. At the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the official start of construction (23 May), the Leader of Kingston Council, Andreas Kirsch, described the significance of the scheme for the borough. “Plans for the redevelopment of Cambridge Road Estate were drawn up in partnership with residents, and the community is at the heart of this scheme. This is a hugely significant moment for everyone involved as we all see the plans starting to become a reality. I can not tell you how important this is to me and the borough, as we deliver on the promise for residents – to deliver safer, warmer, greener homes for people. It is a significant step in our commitment to increase the amount of affordable housing in the borough and tackle climate change.” The new, high-quality homes will have strong sustainability credentials. The council is continuing its work with Thames Water to create England’s first district heat network to use heat from sewage treatment. Still in the early stages, the plan is for the heat network to connect to the new homes on the estate, supplying them with energy-efficient, affordable heating. The regeneration will also have wider benefits bringing new play areas and community facilities, as well as new jobs and local training opportunities. Poorvi Mehta lives on Cambridge Road Estate and is a member of the Community Board. She explained what the regeneration means to her and other residents:“The whole regeneration project is so important to all of us on the estate. A lot of the residents got involved. We helped to shape the project. Both the council and Countryside listened to the views of residents. I think we can honestly say we played a big part in shaping how the estate will look. “I’m most looking forward to having a new home, of course, but also to the community centre. It will be a great place for the community to get together, somewhere we can socialise – that’s my dream.”The council is also building 101 new low-cost and sustainable council homes on four under-utilised sites in the borough. The first of these is due to be completed imminently with residents moving in this summer, and our new Local Plan for the borough contains strong policies to ensure more affordable homes are built as part of new development projects in the future. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 23 May at the phase 1 site at Cambridge Road Estate. Council Leader Andreas Kirsch and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Emily Davey, were joined by representatives from the Community Board, Countryside Partnerships, and the council’s regeneration team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Greater Manchester is set to invest a further £40.7m in its walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure as it progresses with its delivery of the largest active travel network in the country. Active Travel England (ATE) has today confirmed it will award £23.7m to the city-region as part of a wider boost to active travel funding across the country, with Greater Manchester’s sum the largest regional settlement in the UK. In addition, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is due to approve the release of £17m from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund for four major active travel schemes when leaders meet next week. Both sources of investment will enable Greater Manchester to progress with its long-term ambition to create the largest walking, wheeling and cycling network in the country, and further unlock the health and environmental benefits of active travel for people across the city-region. Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, said: “The news of this funding award from Active Travel England is a sign of confidence in the plan we have here in Greater Manchester for the development of our Active Travel network. It’s vital that we are linking to the wider public transport system and building a Bee Network that provides genuine journey choice for residents and visitors alike. “The new funding, as well as the funding drawn down from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, will be used across all 10 boroughs on a variety of infrastructure projects. The key focus remains that a universally accessible network is the aim and so the projects vary from segregated and accessible paths and crossings, to secure cycle storage and upgraded junctions. “I am looking forward to seeing all of the funded projects come to life as they will further add to the high quality, comprehensive network of active travel routes that are needed across the region.” The £23.7m has been allocated to 13 schemes in total, including a new active travel corridor along Chapel Street in Salford and a striking cycling and walking ‘helix ramp’ as part of the new Stockport Interchange. The eye-catching 180m spiral ramp will link a new rooftop park to the River Mersey and the TransPennine trail, and to a wider network of cycling, walking and wheeling routes. The ramp will not only be a striking structure to look at, but it will also provide a seamless and dedicated link for users to walk, wheel or cycle to the new park from ground level, and vice-versa. The first phase of Salford’s Chapel Street East scheme, between New Bailey Street and Blackfriars, will make it easier and safer for people travelling on foot or by bike by providing high quality cycle lanes, as well as improved footways and crossing provision. The other 11 schemes set to benefit from ATE’s award in Greater Manchester include: In addition to the ATE funding, GMCA leaders will also be asked to approve the draw down of a further £17m from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund at their next meeting on 26 May as part of the wider delivery of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated London-style transport system. Funding due to be rubber-stamped includes £4,312,386 for the Bee Network Crossings programme (GM-wide), £4,998,000 for improved active travel infrastructure in Bolton town centre east, a further £2,951,594 the Lord Street-Rock Street scheme in Oldham town centre and £4,751,389 for three CYCLOPs junctions on Talbot Road in Trafford. With approximately five million journeys made on Greater Manchester’s road network each day, the investment in active travel infrastructure will further enable people to opt for different modes of transport and in turn reduce congestion. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added: “The scale of our ambition in transforming how people get around is huge; with a target for one million extra journeys being made on public transport or by bike or foot every day by 2040. “To meet this challenge head-on we are delivering our transformational Bee Network, which will make travelling easier, cheaper and more accessible and connect our trams and buses – and ultimately local train services – with the largest cycling, walking and wheeling network anywhere in the UK. “It is great news that all 10 of our boroughs will benefit from more than £40m being invested in active travel schemes across the city-region.” As well as funding to deliver new and improved cycling and walking routes, leaders at next week’s GMCA meeting will also be asked to approve the release of funds – allocated to the city-region from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) – to enable the ongoing development of plans for a range of transport projects, including a new train station at Golborne, a new quality bus route connecting Ashton and Stockport and the development of future rapid transit schemes. Proposals to strengthen governance arrangements around the delivery of Greater Manchester’s transformational plans for public transport and active travel will also be discussed, with plans for a new Bee Network Committee – which would lead transport decision-making at a regional level, taking greater ownership and responsibility for our integrated network – to replace the existing Greater Manchester Transport Committee.
A brand new affordable housing development on the site of the former Lairdsland Primary School, Kirkintilloch, has welcomed its first tenants. The 38 affordable homes are situated in a mixture of three and four-storey buildings which contain one and two-bedroomed flats and will be used as council housing. The new development, part of the Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan, includes four wheelchair accessible flats and eight amenity flats on the ground floor for tenants with specific health needs. The remaining flats are general needs housing. The Council worked in partnership with Cruden Building and Coltart Earley Architects to ensure that the homes were designed and built to complement surrounding buildings on Kerr Street and Queen Street, which sit within Kirkintilloch Town Centre Conservation Area. The development, which included the demolition of the old school, was complete within two years and the final flats were handed over to the Council in April. Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets, said, “I am delighted to see the completion of this smart and sympathetic development in the heart of Kirkintilloch. “This site forms just one part of the Council’s affordable housing investment programme, which is helping to meet the needs of local people who are finding it increasingly difficult to get on the housing ladder.” Site works included the creation of new parking spaces and soft and hard landscaping. Artefacts from the original school have been incorporated into the new building including the school’s date stone, now displayed in the new landscaped courtyard, and original stonework, which has been used to create boundary walls, bin stores and bicycle sheds. In addition, two cast iron columns from the world-famous Lion Foundry are now being used as streetlighting in the courtyard. Colin Kennedy, Construction Director at Cruden Building, said, “In addition to creating spacious, energy efficient homes, the projects have also delivered community benefits including the employment of local people, including labourers and cleaners, site visits for young people, mentoring by Cruden staff, Q&A sessions with apprentices and work placements.” Megan Cassidy, partner Mikey Hanlon and dog Lily have moved into one of the new wheelchair accessible flats. Megan said, “We are really happy with the flat. You can tell it has been specially designed and adapted for a wheelchair user, which is amazing. “It is a lovely area and all our neighbours seem really nice. I think we will be here for a long time.” Works have been carried out at nearby Holy Family and Lairdsland Schools as part of the Community Benefits Programme. Community projects included the construction of “Mud Kitchens” and the refurbishment of planters at local schools, the combined total of which was over £5,000. Artefacts from the original Lairdsland building, including coat hooks and a section of banister, are now part of a dedicated display at the town’s Auld Kirk Museum. The display, which runs until September 2023, gives an overview of the history of the school and includes objects from the museum collection and images from EDLC Archives. A mural from the original building, which dates from the 1930s and was hidden under new decor, and original wall tiles were removed and conserved by specialist conservators are also part of the Museums Collection. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 100 new council homes have been approved as part of Edinburgh’s major regeneration of Fountainbridge. Formerly the site of the Fountain Brewery, the huge number of new homes for social rent will feature in a 49,000 square metre redevelopment overlooking the Union Canal. The area will be transformed as part of a development called Leamington Square – a joint venture between the City of Edinburgh Council as landowner and a partnership between Cruden Homes (East) Ltd and Buccleuch Property. They will deliver around 464 homes alongside landscaping and infrastructure improvements, over 2,700 square metres of retail space supporting the creation of a 20-minute neighbourhood approach and new local jobs. The Council will own 115 homes for social rent and 71 homes for mid market rent as part of the plans and support the delivery of additional, affordable new homes. It will also spearhead the creation of a community growing space and new integrated cycle ways. Over 1,000 cycle parking spaces are planned for the development in total. The Union Canal is a Local Nature Conservation Site and landscaping is planned to create a biodiverse area in harmony with the character of the waterway. Generous use of trees of varying species is also planned while the development will be designed to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and incorporate low carbon technologies, in line with Edinburgh’s ambitious net zero aims. Historic elements of the adjacent North British Rubber Factory will also be preserved and incorporated into the designs. It is envisaged that work will begin in 2024 and be fully built-out by 2027. Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “For years, Edinburgh has desperately needed more new social housing. This council is determined to tackle that shortfall and I’m delighted that we’ve secured space for over 100 new homes for social rent at Leamington Square. “Just a stone’s throw away from the Union Canal, with great cycle links and amenities on the doorstep, the regeneration of the old brewery site is sure to prove a really popular place to live. “The demand we are seeing for affordable and social homes is only going to increase as our city grows. And, while the future is challenging, together with developers and others we are doing everything within our powers to make it fairer on residents and on our environment with high quality, affordable, sustainable homes.” Carlo D’Emidio, Project Director of Cruden Homes, said: “This is a significant milestone for this flagship new development, which will see the transformation of this former brownfield site in Fountainbridge into a vibrant new community. “Subject to our development agreement with City of Edinburgh Council, Cruden and Buccleuch will deliver highly sustainable, Net Zero homes which will sit amongst a wealth of new amenities and community spaces in the Capital’s newest neighbourhood.” Ewan Anderson, Managing Director, 7N Architects, said: “7N Architects are delighted that planners have approved our latest plans for this new, mixed use, neighbourhood at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh. The development will provide 464 mixed-tenure homes, 30,000 sq.ft of mixed-use space and people friendly public realm which will reinvigorate this important canalside site. We now look forward to taking the project onwards with Cruden Homes, Buccleuch Property and the City of Edinburgh Council.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
