RAF

Henry Brothers Midlands completes simulator facility at RAF Waddington

Henry Brothers Midlands has completed the refurbishment of a hangar at RAF Waddington to convert it into a joint training facility, on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Simulators allow certain forms of training to be undertaken without the need for flying, which represents a significant cost saving. The

Read More »

Dexter Moren Associates celebrates quartet of hotel planning approvals achieved in the month of October

Hospitality specialist architects, Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) is celebrating a quartet of hotel planning approvals achieved in October 2018. DMA’s ability to deliver creative and intelligent solutions for developers and operators has seen successful planning consent granted for London developments Hyatt Place Hotel in Whitechapel and Creed Court Hilton Hotel

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

RAF

Henry Brothers Midlands completes simulator facility at RAF Waddington

Henry Brothers Midlands has completed the refurbishment of a hangar at RAF Waddington to convert it into a joint training facility, on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Simulators allow certain forms of training to be undertaken without the need for flying, which represents a significant cost saving. The new facility at RAF Waddington acts as a central hub which connects existing RAF simulators around the country, allowing multiple simulators to work together in daily repeatable exercises. The work has been undertaken by Henry Brothers Midlands at a cost of about £8m. The project team faced a number of challenges including working around RAF training periods and carefully timing noisy work to reduce disruption. RAF personnel were training only three metres away from parts of the work, so the team built a temporary wall and adapted their construction techniques and hours of work to make sure they did not interrupt training. A great relationship with the Air Battlespace Training Facility was vital to make sure they could continue training to maximum effect. Like everyone, the team also had to deal with the impact of COVID-19. Work halted in March for four weeks while steps were taken to ensure the project could continue safely. It also understandably caused a delay in delivery of materials needed for the project but a proactive attitude and close working relationships between DIO, Henry Brothers Midlands, the RAF and Boeing UK helped to reduce the impact. DIO’s Project Manager, Dan Wilmott, said: “I’m really pleased with how everyone pulled together not just to deal with the many challenges presented by construction in the age of COVID-19, but also throughout the rest of the project. The end result is a tremendous facility which will be of great benefit to the team at RAF Waddington and RAF aircrew community across the country.” Air Cdre David Bradshaw, Senior Responsible Owner for the Gladiator programme, said: “The completion of this infrastructure project is the first stage of a larger programme of the Royal Air Force’s future synthetic training capability. This new capability, known as Gladiator, will provide a step-change in the ability of our front-line Forces to train together in operationally realistic situations to meet an ever-increasing adversary threat.    “The successful completion of this project is a shining example of collaboration between the Royal Air Force as an end user, DIO as the delivery agent and Henry Brothers Midlands as the construction partner to deliver a facility to meet the future requirements of collective synthetic training.” Wg Cdr David Williams, Officer Commanding the Air Battlespace Training Centre, said: “My team and I have been working closely with the Programme and DIO teams throughout the design and construction process to ensure our requirements were fully understood and met. I have been really impressed by the collaborative approach everyone involved has taken to work as one team to deliver this new facility. We are very excited to take over this facility and work towards the delivery of the next generation collective synthetic training exercises.” Managing Director at Henry Brothers Midlands, Ian Taylor, said: “This project is the latest in a number of defence projects undertaken by Henry Brothers Midlands in recent times and the third consecutive development at RAF Waddington. We are delighted to have handed over the facility and look forward to continuing our relationship with the base.” Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands 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 clients, it has a proven track record in defence, along with education, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. The newly-refurbished hangar has now been handed over to RAF Waddington’s Air Battlespace Training Centre, who will run the facility and work with Boeing Defence UK, to co-ordinate the fit-out of the simulator equipment.

Read More »

Dexter Moren Associates celebrates quartet of hotel planning approvals achieved in the month of October

Hospitality specialist architects, Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) is celebrating a quartet of hotel planning approvals achieved in October 2018. DMA’s ability to deliver creative and intelligent solutions for developers and operators has seen successful planning consent granted for London developments Hyatt Place Hotel in Whitechapel and Creed Court Hilton Hotel near St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as new hotels in Bath City Centre and at Bicester Heritage. Commenting on these planning successes, DMA said: “We’re delighted to see these four signature projects granted planning permission and further build on our strong track record of creating deliverable hotel projects that meet both client aspirations and planning requirements. Each project is different and presents unique challenges, but working closely with clients and local authorities we have been able to develop design solutions that have been supported at committee level and will result in positive contributions to their respective locations.” Hyatt Place Hotel, Whitechapel DMA was appointed by Resolution Property to reconfigure a previously DMA consented 217-key aparthotel scheme as a 280-key Hyatt Place hotel in Whitechapel, London E1. DMA proposed some clever internal changes to ensure the design of the hotel meets the expectations and requirements of Hyatt Place whilst respecting the external treatment established during the original planning stages. In particular, guestroom levels have been reviewed to satisfy the Hyatt brand and a roof bar added that overlooks Whitechapel Road with a south-facing terrace on the ninth floor. Creed Court, St Paul’s Dominvs Group appointed DMA to review this consented boutique brand 4/5 star hotel scheme near St Paul’s Cathedral. Using its extensive expertise in hotel design, in particular space planning in a prime location and a good understanding of the client’s aspirations, DMA has reconfigured the internal layout of the scheme to meet the expectations of a luxury boutique offer. The redesign increases the number of rooms from 132 to 152 keys and reconfigures the ground level to provide a bar and restaurant that optimises active frontage and facilities for both guests and the local community. Located in a conservation area, the building has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, incorporating a height amendment to facilitate green roofs across the scheme. City Centre Hotel, Bath A second project with Dominvs Group is the newbuild 198 room “lifestyle hotel” on the site of a former Bath College building in the historic core of the City. The design, while respecting the World Heritage Site and character of the Conservation Area, was developed under the guidance of the local planning authority to produce an entirely contemporary scheme responding to the individual nature of its location fronting three streets. The hotel will also create a new destination, with restaurant, bar and gym facilities at ground-floor level open to guests and public alike. Bicester Heritage DMA’s design for a newbuild 252 room hotel and 92 room aparthotel for Bicester Heritage, centre of classic automobiles and aeroplanes, received unanimous approval from Cherwell District Council. Inspired by the rich former RAF base site heritage the new five storey building offers a modern interpretation of the form of adjoining listed hangers with a signature entrance atrium designed around the display of classic cars.  Augmenting the extensive amenities of this centre of engineering & automotive excellence, the hotel includes a restaurant, conferencing and leisure facilities with pool.

Read More »