Global real estate developer, Hines, has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use project to develop 18 Blackfriars Road, Bankside, London. The site sits in close proximity to the River Thames and is set among some of London’s best loved cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the
Bouygues UK has been announced as lead contractor to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across two campuses of the University of Chichester. The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student and living
Urban Group has been awarded the £7.85 million contract for Callington Road Hospital improvement works. The 18-month project in Bristol will see Urban Group deliver improvements to four buildings on the site of the hospital. Interior works will include reconfiguration of the space, the installation of new bedrooms, wards, a
The University of Nottingham has appointed Henry Brothers Construction for the redevelopment of Castle Meadow Campus (CMC). The construction firm has been awarded a £7 million contract to remodel and refurbish two of seven buildings on the 3.75 hectare site – preparing them for future occupation. The university plans to
The first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme is set to get underway with £25 million in funding announced by the City of London Corporation. The funding was approved by the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee to develop elements of a long-term masterplan, undertake further consultation, and deliver early
Stanhope has announced the launch of construction work on the transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, adjacent to the National Theatre, to create a premier, sustainable office space. Multiplex has been appointed as main contractor for the 18 month construction contract. The historic Grade II listed building is being sensitively
Plans submitted by British Land to build a new multi-level logistics hub in Enfield have been secured. The site at Heritage House, located near Junction 25 of the M25, has excellent connectivity and will cater for the growing demand for rapid distribution across Greater London. The main 435,000 sq ft
Southwark Council has granted planning permission for a new student housing and residential development by Sellar Property Group (Sellar). Following a unanimous decision from Southwark Council, Sellar will develop 444 purpose-built student homes, fully direct let, with eight affordable homes for local key workers and flexible office and retail space.
Morgan Sindall has secured a contract to deliver a new £25 million state-of-the-art diagnostic centre near to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The company was appointed by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH). Procured through the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) framework, the new NNUH Diagnostic
Southend Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. Under a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will undertake essential tasks, including design development and preparation of a pre-construction health and safety plan. Additionally, they will create a construction
Global real estate developer, Hines, has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use project to develop 18 Blackfriars Road, Bankside, London. The site sits in close proximity to the River Thames and is set among some of London’s best loved cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the Southbank Centre. Designed by Foster + Partners, the proposed development will centre on a vibrant, new public space, delivering two residential buildings that provide over 400 new homes on site, including 40% on-site affordable homes. The office building moves away from an all-glass design and has a series of bustles gradually reducing in size to the top. The concept is to provide a new form of architecture, departing from the traditional flat tower office building. The proposed use of colour on the façade, terraces and utilisation of natural light throughout change the concept of office buildings, and tech-enabled offices address the demand for premium quality space that support employee wellbeing in a post-Covid world. In addition, there will be 20,000 sq ft of affordable workspace aimed at supporting local and socially minded enterprises. The proposals advance an existing consent on the site for two towers (the tallest of which was 184.2m) by providing three buildings (45, 40 and 22 storeys above podium), with the new office building being the tallest at 199.28m. The design of the public space – the Rotunda – seeks to enhance the existing Blackfriars streetscape. A podium at the base of the new buildings will include retail and food outlets, office and residential amenities, cultural and performance facilities, educational spaces, as well as other flexible uses. At ground level, three interconnected spaces – the Rotunda, Hatters Yard and the playground – aim to create a thriving new social space for London. The Rotunda will hold publicly accessible events linked to Hatters Yard, a new pedestrian connection to the Mad Hatter public house. Hatters Yard will feature the opportunity to hold food stalls and display public art. The design aims to minimise embodied carbon and is targeting a 20% to 30% improvement against the GLA benchmark. The development is designed to avoid all on-site emissions, using an all-electric strategy with ground and air source heating and cooling, and therefore its operations are targeting net-zero. The project will also target new standards of health and well-being. Ross Blair, senior managing director and country head of Hines UK, said: “We’ve been working hard with our architects, the local community and other key stakeholders to bring this land, which has been undeveloped for 20 years, back to life. “Occupiers are demanding more from their spaces to attract and retain the best people, the lines have blurred between workspace, wellness and leisure, and our design truly responds to these needs, offering an inspirational mix of spaces that foster collaboration. In many places around the world, Hines has successfully delivered environments which connect with the local community through a rich arts and wellbeing programme for the benefit of generations to come. “The significant investment we are planning underlines our firm belief in London, and its enduring appeal as a global centre for business. We believe that our proposals for 18 Blackfriars Road will add significant value to the already established growth story of the Southbank and Bankside neighbourhoods, and as a long-term owner and operator we are deeply invested in the future success of the site and the benefits it will bring to the Southwark community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been announced as lead contractor to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across two campuses of the University of Chichester. The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student and living experience. Uliving, the student accommodation brand of Linkcity UK, working in consortium with Equitix, propose to deliver a total of 1,032 units across the two campuses in Bognor Regis and Chichester. This will include: a stock transfer of, and extensive refurbishment to, the existing 507 beds across the two campuses; delivery of the enhanced consented 176-bed new build scheme at Bognor Regis and delivery of 349 new beds at the Bishop Otter campus in Chichester. The consortium is already multi-award winners in student accommodation projects, over several years and their experience means they are well placed to provide the services required for meeting the university’s exacting standards. The project would add to their already large portfolio of student accommodation across England. Professor Jane Longmore, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Chichester, said: “We are delighted to be working with Uliving and Equitix. Both companies listened and responded carefully to our brief to deliver high-quality student accommodation for both our campuses. This will include an extensive building programme, as well as refurbishment of many of our existing bedrooms. The building designs, sustainability plans and attention to social spaces impressed both University and Student Union colleagues alike. Within the Chichester region this new accommodation will help us meet increased demand as our student numbers grow and provide an affordable student living experience, as they move away from home for their new lives at university.” Oliver Campbell, CEO of Uliving, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this stage and are looking forward to progressing our plans with Equitix to deliver high quality, affordable living spaces which meets the needs of the University of Chichester and its students. We will work collaboratively with our sister companies Bouygues UK and Bouygues Energies & Services to deliver sustainable buildings that provide the highest level of facilities management services.” Hugh Crossley, Chief Executive for Equitix, added: “We are delighted to be named as Preferred Bidder on this exciting project with one of the UK’s fastest growing institutions. As the UK’s leading investor and developer in social infrastructure, Equitix are well placed to successfully deliver an enhanced student living experience with our valued partners.” The consortium propose to refurbish, develop and enhance the twin sites to be delivered in stages with Practical Completion by September 2027. The delivery of this project will tie in with University of Chichester’s long term sustainable investment strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban Group has been awarded the £7.85 million contract for Callington Road Hospital improvement works. The 18-month project in Bristol will see Urban Group deliver improvements to four buildings on the site of the hospital. Interior works will include reconfiguration of the space, the installation of new bedrooms, wards, a kitchen and multi-purpose rooms for meetings, consulting and supervision, as well as a therapy suite, workshops and a de-escalation centre. To help meet sustainability targets and contribute significantly to the care and recovery environment, energy efficient LED lighting will be installed, with appropriate dimming and automatic switching. Building temperature control and heat emitters will be enhanced and the design incorporates the most recent standards in insulation, lighting, low-carbon heating. The Bristol Hospital is for people experiencing serious mental health conditions. Working on behalf of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, the project forms part of the successful Healthier Together bid to NHS England for the consolidation of inpatient services. Jimmy Crowe, Commercial Director, said: “The reconfiguration and improvements to Callington Road hospital will bring together inpatient facilities, creating a centre of excellence offering a wide range of specialist therapies in a supportive environment. “This co-location of services will enable the Trust to share specialist skills and resources on the one site, as well as achieving economies of scale. “Working within a live environment is always a challenge and one which we have a lot of experience in successfully delivering. We will work closely with the client’s team to manage the sequencing and project timetable to fit in with the ongoing clinical needs of this operational site.” Charlotte Scully, from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Urban Group has extensive experience and a dedicated hands-on approach. We look forward to working with them to achieve our vision of integrated health and social care and sustainable provision of mental health inpatient services across the Bristol area. “Supporting our community based services, the investment into Callington Road hospital will provide enhanced in-patient support bringing together a range of skills, specialisms and therapies.” Callington Road Hospital opened in 2006, providing psychiatric inpatient and community services for Bristol and the surrounding region. The landscaped grounds include paths, water features and gardens. The re-design has been led by AHR Architects, which has experience in Mental Health design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Nottingham has appointed Henry Brothers Construction for the redevelopment of Castle Meadow Campus (CMC). The construction firm has been awarded a £7 million contract to remodel and refurbish two of seven buildings on the 3.75 hectare site – preparing them for future occupation. The university plans to create an enterprise campus on the site which is located on Castle Meadow Road at the foot of Nottingham Castle and was formerly occupied by HMRC. The development has now entered its latest phase, with contractors being appointed to convert the site’s buildings and landscape to kickstart the creation of a new city centre campus for the university. Managing director of Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “This is a hugely exciting project for the University of Nottingham and for the city, and we are proud to be playing a part in it. “Henry Brothers has extensive experience of working with universities across the Midlands to improve their facilities. This is our first contract with the University of Nottingham, and we are really looking forward to getting on site in our home city to deliver some of the building work at Castle Meadow Campus.” Henry Brothers Construction has been appointed to strip out and refurbish buildings D and F on the site. On completion of the work in building D later this year, the facility will be used for long-term leases for the university’s industry partners, including leading global accountancy firm KPMG. The plan is for building F to also house industry partners – but predominantly innovative spin outs, start-ups, and scale ups on flexible licenses. It will include spaces for collaborative working, hot-desking, meeting rooms, and meeting pods. The refurbishment is due to be completed in early 2024. Other members of the team working alongside Henry Brothers on the design and build contract are project manager Aecom, quantity surveyor Gardiner & Theobald, concept architect Hopkins, engineer Arup, architect Bond Bryan, and landscape architect Ares Design. Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme is set to get underway with £25 million in funding announced by the City of London Corporation. The funding was approved by the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee to develop elements of a long-term masterplan, undertake further consultation, and deliver early systems and infrastructure work to boost the arts centre’s operational and environmental performance over the next two years. The Renewal Programme will transform underused spaces within the centre for new creative use, whilst also investing in its existing venues and public spaces, and improving the welcome, wayfinding and technical capabilities at the site. It comes after the City Corporation launched its Destination City programme to build a seven-day-a-week leisure destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents. Recognised globally as an icon of Brutalist style, the Barbican Centre is one of the UK’s greatest post-war buildings, attracting almost two million visitors annually. It showcases the most exciting performers and artists in music, theatre, dance, the visual arts, and cinema, as well as supporting emerging talent, shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives. The City Corporation is the Barbican Centre’s founder and principal funder. The overarching vision for the Barbican Renewal Programme is to care for and invest in the Barbican Centre building, celebrating its radical vision, and design heritage, while responding to the creative opportunities and challenges of the future. Major improvements will be made to the building’s environmental performance under the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits it to achieving net zero carbon status in its own operations by 2027. The project will sensitively preserve the complex, respecting its Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts centre, which is now more than 40 years old. Since the appointment of an award-winning design team in 2022 – led by Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio and Buro Happold – the Barbican Renewal Programme team has been consulting widely to understand what audiences, artists, local communities, and the wider public want from the scheme. City Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “A world-renowned arts and learning organisation, the Barbican Centre showcases the most exciting performers and artists from around the world. “It is a cultural cornerstone of our Destination City programme, enhancing our already unrivalled arts and culture offer, and elevating our attractiveness as a global visitor destination.” Chair of the City Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board Tom Sleigh said: “The Barbican is creatively buzzing and enthralling audiences as it contributes to the cultural and economic life of the City, the capital and beyond. “This initial investment, as part of the larger Renewal project, will start to reshape the arts centre to enable it to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences to millions. “The Board recognises the need to care for this world-famous listed asset, and sympathetically intervene in the built environment, making it more open, inclusive and sustainable.” Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer at the Barbican Centre said: “We are delighted with this vote of confidence in the Barbican Renewal Programme from the City Corporation. Our role is to spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate. Fundamental to this is the renewal of our brilliant Barbican building. “We now have a great opportunity to conserve the extraordinary architectural heritage of the Barbican, while reconsidering what an arts centre can and should be in the twenty-first century, and making sure we are open and welcoming to all. I am looking forward to continuing to work with our accomplished design team, current and future users of our building, and the community to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.” The Barbican Renewal Programme will ensure that the Barbican Centre maintains its status as London’s creative catalyst for arts, curiosity and enterprise – an internationally significant cultural and events venue rooted in its community. Following the £25 million funding from the City Corporation the Barbican Centre will be seeking a range of additional funding sources for subsequent phases of the programme. The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stanhope has announced the launch of construction work on the transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, adjacent to the National Theatre, to create a premier, sustainable office space. Multiplex has been appointed as main contractor for the 18 month construction contract. The historic Grade II listed building is being sensitively remodelled and refurbished, with 80% of the iconic building’s existing structure preserved. Designed by AHMM, 76 Southbank will become a noteworthy example of low carbon office design, with a commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon in both construction and operation. The project’s sustainability credentials are made possible through energy innovation and a focus on retaining the building’s historical significance. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification and has a NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5 Stars. It encompasses a circular economy approach, including efforts to maximise off-site fabrication of key building elements such as façade and MEP systems to minimise waste on site, and the procurement of re-used steel. Recognising the importance of wellbeing, the refurbished 76 Southbank will offer flexible office spaces that promote productivity and comfort and help foster collaboration. The development will feature an impressive 50,000 sq. ft of outdoor terraces, providing occupants with panoramic river views, and will incorporate biophilic landscaping, enhancing the connection to nature. It has been designed with a double-height entrance lobby and a striking centrepiece staircase that will serve as a visual focal point. Embracing future-thinking concepts, the project incorporates touchless entry design, prioritising the health and safety of occupants. In addition to its sustainability and wellbeing credentials, 76 Southbank will also contribute significantly to the local economy. The development will provide 300,000 sq ft of much-needed office space, creating 1,200 additional jobs for the community and wider London. The well-connected building is just a short walk away from Waterloo station, while nearby Blackfriars and Charing Cross stations provide excellent transport links to Greater London and the Home Counties. Global alternative asset manager Cheyne Capital Real Estate provided the financing for the project. Leading real estate agencies CBRE and JLL have been appointed as the agents for 76 Southbank. The project is set to complete in Q4 2024. Nick Jarman, Project Director at Stanhope said: “This project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to transforming historic buildings into vibrant, sustainable spaces that promote innovation and wellbeing. With the expertise of Multiplex and our shared vision, we are confident that 76 Southbank will become a premier office destination, showcasing the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary design.” Matt Price, Project Director at Multiplex said: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with Stanhope to deliver the extension and refurbishment of this iconic project on London’s Southbank. Having worked closely with the development team throughout the pre-construction and demolition stages of the project, we’ve now taken over management of the site, marking a significant milestone in the construction journey, ahead of the existing structure going back up and superstructure works commencing.” Filippo Alessandria at Cheyne Capital Real Estate concluded: “This is a landmark project and a rare opportunity to redevelop such a historic building in Central London. We were impressed by the project team’s emphasis on sustainability and are proud to help deliver this high quality, BREEAM Outstanding office in the heart of Southbank.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans submitted by British Land to build a new multi-level logistics hub in Enfield have been secured. The site at Heritage House, located near Junction 25 of the M25, has excellent connectivity and will cater for the growing demand for rapid distribution across Greater London. The main 435,000 sq ft building will be split into two levels, allowing access to HGVs to both the ground and first floor service yards. The plans provide flexibility of layout, including potential for sub-division, to meet the requirements of a wide range of occupiers and ensuring the building can meet both current and future market demand. British Land is also providing 20,000 sq ft of space at the front of the site to cater to smaller occupiers. In line with British Land’s ‘Greener Spaces’ pillar of its 2030 sustainability strategy, the scheme will be rated BREEAM Excellent, with an EPC A rating. All available roof space will be used for solar photovoltaics which, combined with air source heat pumps, will offset 80% of the site’s carbon emissions. British Land’s 2.9m sq ft Greater London urban logistics pipeline has a gross development value of £1.3 billion and aims to be one of London’s most environmentally sustainable and centrally located urban logistics portfolios. The pipeline includes two sites off the Old Kent Road (Mandela Way and Verney Road), Finsbury Square Car Park, The Box at Paddington Central where planning consent was received earlier this year, and sites at Wembley and Thurrock. To date, British Land has submitted planning applications for 1.6m sq ft of potential urban logistics space. British Land acquired Heritage House, a 200,000 sq ft warehouse, in 2021. The site is currently let to Waitrose and Crown Records Management. Mike Best, Head of Logistics at British Land, said: “Following a successful planning outcome at Paddington Central earlier this year, we are delighted to have received consent in Enfield for our first multi-level scheme. Our densification and repurposing strategy will help address the acute shortage of prime logistics space in London. “With over 1 million sq ft of urban logistics schemes currently in planning, we have exciting opportunities ahead where we can leverage our skills delivering complex developments across the capital.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southwark Council has granted planning permission for a new student housing and residential development by Sellar Property Group (Sellar). Following a unanimous decision from Southwark Council, Sellar will develop 444 purpose-built student homes, fully direct let, with eight affordable homes for local key workers and flexible office and retail space. Named ‘King’s Place’, Sellar has said that the development will be designed to the highest wellbeing standards, in a location with first rate connections to world class universities. King’s Place will offer more than double the average internal and external amenity per room found in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation across London, with a high-quality offering as standard across all rooms, including the wheelchair-accessible studios. King’s Place will also deliver 1,850 sq m of flexible work and retail space, including a corner café on Borough High Street, and a new pocket park that will be created on Harper Road. In line with Sellar’s broader ambition towards sustainable development, King’s Place will be an all-electric building that can be carbon free through green power procurement. Sellar is also aiming for BREEAM Excellent as a minimum target for the development, which is currently on track to be BREEAM Outstanding. The one-acre site occupies a prime location fronting Newington Causeway and Borough High Street. It marks the point of transition between Elephant & Castle, Bankside, Borough and the London Bridge opportunity areas, and therefore has excellent accessibility and transport links, with access to multiple nearby educational institution, including to King’s College London and London South Bank University. James Sellar, chief executive of Sellar, said: “King’s Place is redefining the design of student accommodation in London in a location with unrivalled connections to world class universities. To deliver exemplar student accommodation, the design focusses on health, well-being and comfort for students – rooms are generous and well lit, with abundant internal and external amenity spaces throughout. This combined with its ease of access to central London make the site the optimum location for student living. The project also furthers our long-term track record of working with and making a positive contribution to Southwark through regenerative developments, adding King’s Place to our successful projects at Shard Quarter and Bermondsey Yards.” Morris+Company is the architect for the development, DP9 acted as planning consultant and Savills advised on funding on the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall has secured a contract to deliver a new £25 million state-of-the-art diagnostic centre near to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The company was appointed by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH). Procured through the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) framework, the new NNUH Diagnostic Centre will include five MRI machines, four CT scanners, two Ultrasound rooms and two X-Ray machines, bringing essential health services closer to the local community. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is a large NHS academic teaching hospital in the Norwich Research Park on the western outskirts of Norwich. The Norwich Research Park brings together four independently renowned research institutes; John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute, Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory with the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH). The new 40,000 sq. ft structure will be situated next to the Quadram Institute on the Norwich Research Park, connecting the pre-existing infrastructure at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to the new services. A steel frame will be installed with brick façade in keeping with the rest of the University Hospital estate. As part of Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach to supporting its customers to decarbonise, the Eastern Counties business will implement carbon reduction measures throughout the design and construction process. The team will utilise Morgan Sindall’s carbon reduction tool CarboniCa, which will ensure that potential carbon outputs are managed and reduced across the entire building lifecycle. The new diagnostic centre will benefit from an air source heat pump system and is aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating. The Eastern Counties business has a strong track record in delivering high-end healthcare facilities across the region, having recently celebrated a topping out ceremony at the charity-funded Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice and completing a number of vital upgrades at James Paget University Hospital during the last decade with live further works being delivered. Alister Broadberry, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Eastern Counties, said: “Bringing essential, specialist services closer to local communities is paramount in serving the area in which we operate, as new facilities such as Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s diagnostic centre will play a key role in supporting patients and healthcare staff in the rapid diagnosis of disease, relieving pressure on waiting times and hospital workloads. “Our open and collaborative approach means that we have been able to deliver sustainable healthcare facilities locally, regionally and nationally that are adapting to the changing needs of the community. The diagnostic centre is set to become a prime example of great design and the team’s forward-thinking approach, further enhancing Morgan Sindall’s reputation in the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southend Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. Under a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will undertake essential tasks, including design development and preparation of a pre-construction health and safety plan. Additionally, they will create a construction methodology and program planning, including phasing strategies. Once these preliminary stages are complete, the company will finalise a full contract, contingent on planning approval, an agreed cost plan, and a works program. The work at Cliffs Pavilion Theatre will help secure its long-term future as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. It is owned by the council and operated by Trafalgar Theatres (for Trafalgar Entertainment). Over £8 million is set to be invested into the theatre to fund a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby to improve the customer experience, upgraded ventilation, a new outdoor piazza and several other improvements to the bars, toilets, lifts and other areas. The theatre will remain open throughout the project, which is expected to start in January 2024, with £5.5m of the project funded through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund announced by Government on 27 October 2021, with additional investment from the City Council and Trafalgar Entertainment. A revised planning application will be submitted in July, when a resident event will take place and artists impressions will be available. Cllr Derek Jarvis, cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre is one of Southend’s key venues for culture, arts and events and adds so much to our reputation as a cultural destination and brings millions of pounds into the local economy. This work will ensure that we reinforce its position as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. “The proposed expansion and upgrade of the theatre will also help us to secure the future success of the Cliffs Pavilion, in the hopes of benefiting from larger touring shows and bringing larger audiences to Southend whilst also benefitting our local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
