Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Planning Committee last night approved plans for the redevelopment of the Former Royal Mail Sorting Office site, at Maidstone East, for mixed-use development which is predominantly residential. The development will include 180 apartments, 1,863 square metres of commercial and/or community space and around one acre of
A UNIQUE piece of research commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) reveals the huge financial strain temporary accommodation costs are placing on local authorities. Each year, an estimated £74.6 million is spent on renting temporary accommodation across Greater Manchester. The number of people living in temporary accommodation in
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway. Following the appointment of BAM as the principal contractor for this phase of work, core construction work began in earnest this week. This includes
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today set out bold proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space. The plans backed by the new government would ensure Oxford Street becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades
London boroughs have welcomed the government introducing its Renters’ Rights Bill to the House of Commons, hoping that reforms will ease skyrocketing homelessness pressures in the capital. The cross-party London Councils group has emphasised its support for banning unfair evictions and for applying higher quality standards in the private rented
The regeneration masterplan for the Grey Mare Lane estate has been met with broad approval from the east Manchester community a new report going to the Council executive committee (Weds 11 September) has concluded. The Council-built estate is more than 50years old and represents a key regeneration location as part
Liverpool City Council is set to seek a development partner to help transform a prime waterfront spot into Liverpool’s newest residential community. A report to Cabinet on Tuesday, 10 September, is recommending the Council embarks on a competitive procurement exercise to appoint a high calibre development partner to lead on
Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is progressing well. Contractors, DSM, remain hard at work throughout the summer months to demolish the former theatre safely and considerately to make way for the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Residents and local businesses have been kept regularly
Stephen George + Partners (SGP) in conjunction with AHR has submitted plans for the £20 million redevelopment of Huddersfield’s bus station, fronted by a sweeping 120-metre-long glulam, green roof and Solar PV canopy. The bus station transformation is a partnership between Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Last July after public reports of defects in the Otley Bridge walkway, Leeds City Council urgently investigated whether further repairs were necessary. After the specialist contractors inspected the underside of the current footway it found further hidden defects, leading to understand that these problems were more widespread and the decision
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Planning Committee last night approved plans for the redevelopment of the Former Royal Mail Sorting Office site, at Maidstone East, for mixed-use development which is predominantly residential. The development will include 180 apartments, 1,863 square metres of commercial and/or community space and around one acre of open green space town centre park which will be owned and managed by the Council. Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Leader of MBC said: “This redevelopment will form part of the Council’s ambitious housebuilding programme. These are very exciting times for the Council, and the town itself. We believe the project will be transformational to that area of Maidstone, bringing genuinely excellent new homes to the town centre. I am also pleased to see a large new open green space included in the design, it will play an important role in the wellbeing of the new residents and businesses.” MBC has been working on the makeup of the site for the past few years, the demolition of the various buildings is almost complete making way for the new development. Cllr Simon Wales, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at MBC added: “MBC will be acting as lead developer on the site and has already secured £2.1m of Brownfield Land Release Fund monies from the Department for Local Government Homes & Communities, which has helped fund some of the remedial works to prepare it for redevelopment. “Now that the planning permission is in place, the Council can approach Homes England as to the availability of Social Housing Grant monies to help fund much needed affordable housing on the site. We are also discussing the inclusion of a health facility with the local NHS” Simon continued: “The next steps are to procure a contractor for the works, and to refine and finalise the tenure mix for the project, with a view to the build getting under way in around twelve months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A UNIQUE piece of research commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) reveals the huge financial strain temporary accommodation costs are placing on local authorities. Each year, an estimated £74.6 million is spent on renting temporary accommodation across Greater Manchester. The number of people living in temporary accommodation in Greater Manchester is now at an all-time high, with 5,649 households living in hostels, Bed and Breakfast and other temporary accommodation. These households include 7,679 children. Over the past four years the number of households in temporary accommodation in Greater Manchester has increased by 71% compared with 26% across England. Today the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and the leaders of the city-region’s ten local authorities confirmed the launch of a new Housing First Unit to tackle the roots of the housing crisis by: Housing First is part of the GMCA’s pioneering approach to delivering public services and tackling the problems that are hampering wellbeing and economic growth. It is based on the philosophy that good health, good education, and good jobs cannot come without a good, permanent home. The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The £75m our councils are spending on these rents is just the tip of the iceberg. It doesn’t include the cost of finding that housing, let alone the human toll of living in such an insecure situation. “Our reliance on temporary accommodation has left thousands of families in a limbo that is blighting their life chances and damaging their health and wellbeing. Living in a hostel or B&B makes it harder to cook healthy meals, do homework, hold down a job, see friends and family or visit a doctor when you need to. “Our Housing First Unit will work to make sure that everyone in Greater Manchester has a home that is safe, secure and sustainable. Giving everyone a good, safe home would be one of the best investments the country could make and would take pressure off other public services and public finances.” Demand for social housing in Greater Manchester outstrips supply by 260 per cent. In 2022/23, there were 13,551 social lettings in Greater Manchester – half as many as ten years ago. There were 86,595 households vying for these properties, of which 35,177 were in a priority group for social housing The Mayor and Greater Manchester’s ten council leaders also approved a plan to work together to deliver better quality and better value temporary accommodation. The cost and demand for temporary accommodation has spiralled in recent years due to a lack of social and affordable housing and the high cost of private rentals. Local authorities must abide by strict rules around how they cover these rental costs and can only recover a fraction of what they spend from central government. In Greater Manchester, councils were only able to recover 42% of the £74.6 million they spent on temporary accommodation, creating an annual net loss of £43million. The GMCA will explore new ways of coordinating, delivering and preventing the need for temporary accommodation. It will also draw lessons from current best practice across the city-region, such as Manchester City Council, which has been able to buck the national trend, reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation and all but eradicating the use of Bed and Breakfasts. Portfolio Lead for Housing First, City Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett, said: “The spiralling cost of temporary accommodation represents an existential threat to local government. Following 14 years of previous Government-driven austerity, we’ve seen councils up and down the country going bankrupt, with temporary accommodation placing an ever-bigger burden on their budgets. “In recent years, the lack of social and council housing has massively increased landlords’ bargaining power, leaving our residents struggling to secure a place to call home. That market pressure has also made it harder for councils to negotiate rates and secure temporary accommodation. Without urgent and radical action, annual financial losses for local authorities will just keep growing, putting further pressure on overstretched budgets, continuing to push councils into bankruptcy. “There is no quick fix for this housing crisis which has been 40 years in the making. The Right to Buy has led to chronic under-supply of social and council housing. We’ve lost 24,000 homes to Right to Buy in the past two decades and not enough new homes are being built to replace them. Rising land values, an inability currently to capture land-value uplift in the National Planning Policy Framework, ongoing land assembly challenges, and skills and experiences shortages are also making it harder to build truly affordable housing. “We welcome the progress the new Government is making, including the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will end no fault eviction and recent changes to the Compulsory Purchase Regulations to tackle issues with ‘hope value’ and the implications for the viability of developments. “Through regional collaboration and with the support of central Government, we can work to deliver Greater Manchester’s vision of Housing First and collectively work to mitigate the worst effects of the housing crisis. “By taking a collaborative, co-ordinated and evidence-based approach, we hope to realise economies of scale and deliver temporary accommodation that is better value for money, while reducing the need for temporary accommodation by significantly increasing & accelerating the supply of Truly Affordable Net Zero homes. “A good home is the cornerstone of a healthy, happy life for our residents. By working together, we can improve the standard of temporary accommodation and make sure they are consistent across Greater Manchester.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway. Following the appointment of BAM as the principal contractor for this phase of work, core construction work began in earnest this week. This includes the demolition of some sections of the former Queensgate Market building, as its transformation into a vibrant new food hall and modern library ramps up. The core Listed sections of the building will be fully refurbished, enhancing the end result and celebrating the venue’s unique heritage and character. BAM has already completed significant pre-construction site preparation, with work including the ‘soft stripping’ of all non-structural and internal fixtures and fittings, as well as the removal of the former market stalls and asbestos. To mark this significant project milestone, senior figures from Kirklees Council – including the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Pattison – joined project colleagues from Turner & Townsend and BAM. This first phase of the masterplan concentrates on the major refurbishment of the Queensgate Market building, converting it into a new food hall and incorporating a new library within the existing east wing of the same building. Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to a new public square, with the connecting space perfectly suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings. Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It’s a proud moment to see the main construction work on Our Cultural Heart get going and comes after extensive planning and consultation efforts over the last few years. “We have high ambitions for this new era of our town centre. Developments like Our Cultural Heart will bring more visitors to the town and help to drive growth and investment in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough. “Now that the internal strip out is completed and the real work is underway, the transformation of the site will quickly become visible to all in our town and a source of pride and excitement for what’s to come.” Paul Cleminson, Pre-Construction Director at BAM, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and we’re delighted to be starting work on site. “An important driver for BAM is ensuring our projects positively impact the local community and we want to make sure that this project also leaves a lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Kirklees. “We’re driving investment into the local economy by employing Kirklees-based subcontractors, procuring materials locally, and creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities on the project. “We’ll also be reaching out to local schools and colleges, to provide learning opportunities on the project.” Kirklees Council submitted updated plans for the second phase of the Our Cultural Heart development earlier this month, concentrating on a flagship new museum and art gallery in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today set out bold proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space. The plans backed by the new government would ensure Oxford Street becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades to come. Today the Mayor Sadiq Khan will say he wants Oxford Street to “once again become the leading retail destination in the world.” The Mayor has previously tried to implement major changes to Oxford Street, but was blocked from implementing his plans. Now, with the new Government taking a partnership approach to working with cities and Mayors, there is agreement to work together with a view to unlocking Oxford Street’s full potential for the benefit of London and other parts of the UK. The proposals would deliver a much-improved experience for shoppers, residents, workers and tourists visiting Oxford Street and the surrounding area, returning this part of the capital to its former glory. Supported by ministers, today the Mayor has confirmed that he intends to designate a Mayoral Development Area to bring forward the regeneration of Oxford Street.* As part of this, the Mayor is proposing that a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is established, which will haveplanning powers to provide the framework for delivery of a world-leading scheme that works for residents, visitors and businesses. Oxford Street is famous across the world. It still welcomes more than 500,000 visitors every day and generates approximately five per cent of the capital’s economic output (GVA), the equivalent of £22.75bn (in 2019)*. It is home to numerous flagship stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis, as well as being a key commercial centre. Although Oxford Street remains a vital part of the UK’s tourism, leisure and retail offer, generating revenue for the Exchequer that is reinvested across the country, it is in need of major regeneration. Competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres, the closure of flagship department stores, and the prevalence of ‘candy stores’ have put significant strain on Oxford Street’s attractiveness, while tourism numbers have not fully recovered since the pandemic. The Mayor is determined to re-invent and transform Oxford Street, working with businesses and Westminster City Council to create one of the finest public spaces in the world and making the area substantially greener, cleaner and safer for everyone. The Mayor believes his proposals would turn Oxford Street into a more attractive and thriving modern retail and leisure destination attracting more tourists, increasing footfall and spending. It’s likely this would generate additional economic activity and increased tax revenue, as well as boosting London’s night-time economy, meaning that it can once again compete with other international high street destinations, such as Times Square in New York, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris and Las Ramblas in Barcelona. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade. Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life. “I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans – that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country. “I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world.” “The transformation of Oxford Street will be a leading example of how working together – City Hall and the new Government – we can build a better London for everyone.” Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister said: “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the Mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.” “This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.” Peter Ruis, Executive Director for John Lewis, says: “Oxford Street has been home to the first ever John Lewis store since 1864. We’re extremely proud of our place on the street and are investing significantly in our flagship, next month opening one of the country’s biggest Beauty Halls and welcoming Waterstones. We’re delighted to see the plans announced today to transform ‘the nation’s high street’ and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to London’s West End.” John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.” John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.” Barbara Stoll, Director of the Clean Cities Campaign said: “This is fantastic news and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost the West End’s economy while tackling London’s air quality crisis. Cities worldwide have shown that pedestrianisation increases foot traffic, boosts sales, and
London boroughs have welcomed the government introducing its Renters’ Rights Bill to the House of Commons, hoping that reforms will ease skyrocketing homelessness pressures in the capital. The cross-party London Councils group has emphasised its support for banning unfair evictions and for applying higher quality standards in the private rented sector – including the extension of Awaab’s Law to private landlords. With local authorities playing a key role in the regulation of the private rented sector, London boroughs also highlight the need for sufficient resources to implement these new measures effectively. Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “Three million Londoners live in private rented sector homes and undoubtedly deserve stronger protection. “Boroughs support a ban on no-fault evictions. Too often we’ve seen Londoners turfed out of their homes for no good reason and made homeless, turning their lives upside down. With London’s homelessness pressures at record levels, banning these evictions is a crucial step forward. “Boroughs will work both with the government and with landlords to ensure these reforms are as successful as possible. Part of that means ensuring boroughs are provided with the powers and resources we need to enforce the new rules. We will also work alongside minsters in tackling the other deep-seated issues driving London’s housing pressures and rapidly escalating homelessness crisis – especially the chronic shortage of affordable housing.” Research published last year by London Councils revealed a 41% reduction in private rental listings in the capital following the Covid-19 pandemic – a key factor in exacerbating housing and homelessness pressures. With the reduced availability of private rented sector properties in London, boroughs believe it is vital the government’s reforms support landlords and positively encourage them to increase standards. London Councils estimates that 175,000 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough. This is equivalent to one in 50 Londoners overall. London Councils’ latest borough survey shows a 10% increase in homeless London households living in temporary accommodation between April 2023 and April 2024. London accounts for 56% of England’s total number of homeless households. London Councils additionally points to a report last year from a cross-party parliamentary committee warning that councils may lack adequate resources for enforcing new rules in the private rented sector. The committee highlighted the precarious state of local government finances, the shortage of qualified enforcement staff, and a lack of reliable data. The report also stressed the need for more affordable housing to tackle the rocketing rental costs many tenants face. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration masterplan for the Grey Mare Lane estate has been met with broad approval from the east Manchester community a new report going to the Council executive committee (Weds 11 September) has concluded. The Council-built estate is more than 50years old and represents a key regeneration location as part of the ongoing transformation of east Manchester. (See notes to editors) An 8-week consultation started in May this year and gathered feedback from local people via both online submissions and an in-person engagement event held in the estate. A community steering group made up of residents, elected members and Council officers also meet regularly to discuss and input into the planning process for the estate investment. The masterplan is a high-level overview of the regeneration opportunities within the estate, which envisages a highly sustainable investment programme that will deliver at least 1,000 new homes – including a significant number of affordable homes and new green spaces. Feedback from local residents included: This feedback will be included in the final masterplan document for the estate, which will help guide investment in the area in the years to come. Future investment in the Grey Mare Lane estate will include: Architect BDP have delivered the masterplan on behalf of the Grey Mare Lane partnership. First Development sites – update Concurrently with the masterplan consultation, Great Places Housing Group undertook targeted engagement around their development site at the corner of Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road. The proposed scheme will deliver a block of 69 apartments for social rent providing a landmark gateway development into the Masterplan area. A planning application for this site is expected to be submitted in the Autumn. At the same time, One Manchester is continuing to prepare their development sites and demolitions are ongoing to enable future development. Any affected residents have been part of this conversation for some time and we have made a commitment that anyone who has had to move to allow the regeneration of the estate will have the right to return to the estate if they want to. Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “The feedback we receive directly from local people – both through the consultation and the community steering group – is quite often the most impactful. Knowing what a neighbourhood needs is best explained by the very people who live and use the area every day. “Through this investment we will see at least 1,000 new homes – including lots of affordable homes – a new heart and focal point of the estate with new shops and community facilities, and lots more green and play spaces. “Thank you to everyone who took part – your feedback will help guide future development proposals for the Grey Mare Lane estate, and we’re looking forward to the first planning applications being submitted late this year.” Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to see the community’s positive response to the Grey Mare Lane estate regeneration plans. The project is a great opportunity to provide much-needed affordable housing in the area and vibrant green spaces, enhancing residents’ quality of life. “The feedback will provide invaluable input to ensure our planned developments meet the community’s needs, and we look forward to continuing to work with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City to bring this vision to life.” Barry Wears, Chief Financial Officer, One Manchester, said: “It’s great to see things moving forward for the community. As we prepare our development sites and carry out necessary demolitions to make improvements for the community, we’re committed to making sure any affected residents are part of the conversation. We’ve pledged that those who’ve had to move due to the works will have the right to return to the estate if they want to. Our ongoing collaboration with partners and keeping the community involved will make sure that the development will boost the area and support the needs of local residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool City Council is set to seek a development partner to help transform a prime waterfront spot into Liverpool’s newest residential community. A report to Cabinet on Tuesday, 10 September, is recommending the Council embarks on a competitive procurement exercise to appoint a high calibre development partner to lead on creating a new neighbourhood as part of the city’s famous International Festival Gardens site, which was originally opened in May 1984. The ambition is to significantly boost the city’s housing supply with a diverse range and mix of housing types, including affordable properties, together with local amenities, creating a thriving new community in this prime south Liverpool location, which is well connected and within 10-minutes of the city centre. The scheme, which is a flagship project outlined in the city’s draft housing strategy, will connect with and enhance its natural surroundings and biodiversity and provide a high standard of desirable and multi-generational living for all. Significant remediation and enabling works were recently completed in January 2024 to enable development, and since that time a team of experts have been curating an ambitious, and deliverable development brief which will provide an essential framework to market the site. Clear objectives are outlined which state the council’s intentions to make the 28-acre site a sustainable, healthy and inclusive neighbourhood which has a strong identity and high design quality. If the report is given the green light, the initial phase of the procurement process will begin in October, with a view to securing a partner towards the middle of next year. The development brief will form the central part of a procurement process, seeking viable expressions of interest from developers with a proven, successful track record in delivering transformative schemes at pace, which are built on strong community engagement. Montagu Evans will be running the procurement process on behalf of the Council. It is expected that the contract with the successful development partner will be finalised in Autumn 2025 once thorough due diligence has been undertaken. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is progressing well. Contractors, DSM, remain hard at work throughout the summer months to demolish the former theatre safely and considerately to make way for the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Residents and local businesses have been kept regularly updated on the works and Sefton Council continues to hold face-to-face sessions for people nearby to ask questions and raise any concerns. Prior to the demolition, a number of historical heritage items were removed from the former theatre. They are now being held in safe storage and will be incorporated into the future MLEC site for public viewing. While most of the work so far has taken place inside the building, an annexe building on site has now been demolished. Away from site, Sefton Council and its partners remain fully committed to an impressive social value project which gives back to the community in a number of ways. Recently the MLEC team, which consists of the Local Authority and partners including architects AFL and contractor DSM, donated 45 ‘back to school’ kits to local charity Compassion Acts. The kits will help struggling families keep down costs for essential items pupils need when they return to school in September. Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:“It’s great to see lots of work happening on site and the MLEC project is progressing very well. “With huge economic and tourism projects like the Marine Lake Events Centre, there are lots of things which need to happen behind the scenes that most will never be aware of so for people to be able to see physical demolition work taking place is great. “Our social value work is a real credit to the kindness and generosity of our project partners and contractors and I would like to thank them again for their incredible kindness in supporting the community in and around Southport.” Updates about the Marine Lake Events Centre project are available via www.sefton.gov.uk/MLEC Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stephen George + Partners (SGP) in conjunction with AHR has submitted plans for the £20 million redevelopment of Huddersfield’s bus station, fronted by a sweeping 120-metre-long glulam, green roof and Solar PV canopy. The bus station transformation is a partnership between Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to create an innovative gateway to the revitalised town centre along with enhanced passenger facilities. Explains Alistair Branch, Partner at SGP: “Huddersfield is the largest bus station in West Yorkshire and its redevelopment is a core component in an ambitious series of town centre interventions led by the Council to create a cultural heart for the town centre. The unique canopy structure has a contemporary design, reminiscent of the rolling Yorkshire landscape, elevating the importance of this key transport hub and gathering point within the town centre. “SGP has been involved in the project for several years, developing the canopy from initial concept, through business case approval to the design now submitted for planning approval.” SGP’s design for the canopy and the public realm beneath it was developed through extensive discussions with clients, the local authority and other stakeholders. The proposed canopy design is a simple sinusoidal timber lattice structure supporting a green roof that undulates along the length of the bus station, emphasising key entrances and drawing the eye down from the imposing multistorey car park’s long concrete façade. Office and retail units in the station’s frontages will also be revitalised, delivering a harmonious continuity with surrounding businesses. Continues Matt Beaumont, Associate at SGP: “The canopy uses a glulam lattice to support a mix of sedum roof and solar panel glass to create a light and inviting transition space from the public realm to the bus station itself. The integrated roof lights not only let natural light flow into the area but produce their own green energy, whilst the sedum promotes biodiversity, reducing rainwater runoff and helping improve local air quality. The solar glazing ensures energy generation is visible to users below for educational purposes whilst additionally diffusing direct sunlight.” Beneath the canopy, enhanced public realm extends north towards the taxi ranks and Grade I listed Railway station. A secure, glazed cycle hub for green transport supports the Local Authorities’ commitment to modal shift, linking towns and villages across West Yorkshire and beyond as well as cycle and walking routes to the retail, civic and employment areas within Huddersfield town centre. Concludes Alistair: “As Matt and I are Huddersfield residents, we are immensely proud of our design for Huddersfield Bus Station Canopy. We believe it has balanced sustainability with quality materials and created the landmark gateway to this strategic transport hub that the council and locals want and deserve.” If planning is granted, work is expected to start on site in the summer of 2025. Design Team Client: Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council / West Yorkshire Combined Authority Architects: Stephen George + Partners and AHR Engineering and environmental design consultants : BWB Consulting Landscape: Pick Everard Cost Consultants: Rider Hunt Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last July after public reports of defects in the Otley Bridge walkway, Leeds City Council urgently investigated whether further repairs were necessary. After the specialist contractors inspected the underside of the current footway it found further hidden defects, leading to understand that these problems were more widespread and the decision to replace the footway. The council plan to install a temporary footbridge to allow residents with easy access to both sides of the river, whilst construction of a new footbridge takes place on the main bridge. This temporary bridge will be found a short distance to the east of Otley Bridge and link to Tittybottle Park. Otley Bridge is an ancient seven span stone bridge and Scheduled Ancient Monument, which is almost 800 years old and carries the B6451 over the River Wharfe, which links two halves of Otley town. In the 1950s a cantilevered pedestrian concrete walkway was added to improve safety, as traffic use grew. It is this walkway which is falling into disrepair with holes in the footway being covered by deck boards and rolling programme of inspections ahead of its replacement. Specialist contractor Balfour Beatty were appointed to look at solutions for bridge replacement and traffic management of the works. Initial work looked at all the options which saw pedestrians being diverted into the carriageway and single lane with temporary traffic lights for vehicular traffic. It was felt that any traffic restrictions in Otley town centre would be too disruptive, so a further contingency was developed to provide a separate temporary pedestrian crossing to enable the current traffic layout to be kept. If the council does not address the footbridge problems the deterioration will continue, with current mitigation finally becoming inadequate. This will eventually need a full closure of the walkway to pedestrians on safety grounds, and a lengthy pedestrian diversion or disruptive traffic lights to facilitate pedestrians on the road bridge. Initial activity is subjected to constraints of the site along a residential street and the geography. This will include some tree and vegetation clearance on the southern side of the river to create a temporary working area and launch site for initial piling works and to position a crane that will lift the bridge sections into place. In the park on the northern side minor works will also need to be carried out for creating a temporary abutment for the footbridge and to divert utility services. After the scheme, the council will plant several semi-mature trees for any tree which can’t be replaced like for like. The council will write to residents who live nearest the work site to further explain the works, and provide regular progress updates over the duration of the scheme. Residents and businesses will also be able to speak to the project team at the Otley Community Hub on Nelson Street, starting in September on the following day/times: Tuesday 10 – 11am and Friday 1pm – 3pm. Subject to the weather, the scheme is anticipated to be completed during autumn 2025. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Otley Bridge is an ancient crossing in the centre of the town. For pedestrian safety we now urgently need to demolish and replace the footway to modern standards, after coming to the end of its useful life. The new temporary footbridge will allow these works to Otley footbridge to be carried out safely, with less disruption to vehicle flow across the town and which will continue to enable people to cross the river safely. “The council considered a range of options which needed to factor for disruption, cost and timing of the works limited by planning, ecology and by the Environment Agency. By starting the construction of the temporary bridge now, means that the process of replacing the existing footbridge can start in spring next year. Unfortunately, there will be the need for some short-term disruption for access and noise, as we prepare the site for construction, especially to allow crane access to the site. “Vital work like this always involves disruption and best efforts are being done to minimise any as much as possible. However, I know that it will still be inconvenient for people, and I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience whilst we do this urgent work. The urgency requires some short-term inconvenience to construct the temporary bridge to continue to allow this vital crossing in the town. “We will keep residents regularly updated as the works progress and have set up a website (https://otleybridge.commonplace.is/) with information about the project, along with plans and timescales. The council will work closely with our contractor to make good progress over the months ahead, working towards an expected completion of the temporary bridge in spring 2025 and access to the new Otley footbridge in late summer 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
