The views of DLG Architects
perspective
21 urban renewal
“Regeneration is always present in our working day and has a growing relevance.�
People are central to everything we do at DLG Architects... join us in celebrating the launch of our new identity.
Project News Update November 2005
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1. Thorncroft Manor 2. The Octagon
The Octagon
Thorncroft Manor At Thorncroft Manor DLG Architects has been given the challenge of using conservation expertise create a new addition which complements two eminent but contrasting buildings of the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. In doing this we have had to strike a balance between the conservation of historic structures and the viability and sustainability of their commercial activities. Richard Garnier, the architectural historian who joined our team to undertake research on the Manor House which was designed by Robert Taylor. He noted that it forms a significant link between Taylor’s early and later work. It had been extended in the 1970’s with a glass building by Michael Manser and the simple form and reflective cladding were carefully designed to blend with their surroundings but the balance between efficient office space and the grand rooms of the original manor was not sufficient to allow a viable future for the offices. A building of the twenty first century has been designed by DLG, together with restoration of the historic structures, to meet the needs of modern office accommodation including access for the disabled to all the buildings, while drawing together and enhancing the complex trio of buildings. The design is about the people who use the building, the community which provides the context in which it sits and the client for whom the building represents a long term commitment.
The application has been prepared and submitted on behalf of Shires Yard Ltd who own the lease to Shires Yard, adjoining the application site. The freehold to both these properties is owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council which has been consulted throughout the preparation of the proposals. The proposals involve the conversion of the Grade 1 listed Octagon chapel for retail use and the formation of new public routes to and around this building. Demolition of buildings constructed in the 1980’s and construction of a new raised walkway will form a new public route from Milsom Street to Broad Street via the existing Shires Yard and Moon and Sixpence Yard. New entrances to the rear of existing properties and new construction at high level will improve access to existing shops and provide an increase in size to some units. Total area of the scheme is 4250sqm
“The scheme, which includes restoration of important listed buildings, gives access to a hidden area of the City and meets some of the demand which exists for retail and restaurant space in the busy Milsom Street area.” Jill Rayson Partner
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Project News Update November 2005
Quarry Hill DLG Architects has secured formal planning consent to deliver a £100 million mixed use scheme that will transform this significant 8-acre site in Leeds City Centre into a thriving new cultural destination. Quarry Hill, once the site of Europe’s biggest social housing scheme, will now benefit from a four year redevelopment programme that will provide a unified masterplan for the existing high profile occupiers, attract further occupation and also help to complete the Eastern sector of Leeds’ regeneration jigsaw. After more than two years of design development with client Caddick Developments, DLG has developed a simple and ordered concept that will deliver an urban cohesive environment with new offices, residential apartments, and leisure space. DLG’s plans link these new provisions with existing buildings via a series of attractive squares, boulevards and gardens which utilise the various level changes. The creative landscaping integrates the open spaces with public art displays and will greatly improve city centre connections.
Willow Place The town centre at Corby is the focus of a rapidly growing community and is part of a wider programme of regeneration for the area. Changes in public transport circulation combined with a growing demand for modern shop units led to a series of studies to satisfy growing demand, to accommodate the changing needs of the existing retailers, and to provide a modern setting to support the lively market activities in the centre. The proposals provide a new mall forming an additional link to the proposed development of the main civic areas of the town centre. This was designed as a practical means to give added value while taking advantage of the natural falls in the land to achieve underground storage and servicing, and causing little disturbance to the existing buildings. Planning consent has been granted for the development and new construction is planned to start on site at the beginning of 2006.
Park Street, Camberley Consent had been granted for the development of an open car park on the west side of the centre of Camberley providing a traditional mall to link the entrances to Main Square. DLG and Crest Developments together conceived an innovative approach focusing on the revitalisation of the existing shopping and developing the public spaces. The retailing is focused on the existing main shopping street while a dramatic atrium provides family leisure activities in a safe environment with direct access to the multilevel car park and public transport. Residential development has been arranged in a series of courts and, in accordance with CABE principles, as facades to the commercial buildings creating a transition between the town centre and the surrounding residential areas. Extensive consultations were undertaken both as part of the original selection process and during the course of work on the plans. The proposals have been approved by the Council as both landowner and planning authority and work is planned to start on site at the end of the year.
“ We were able to bring our joint experience of shopping and leisure developments to bear on the problem and have, by working as a team, created a distinctive mixed use development. The development helps to define the town centre and provides a welcome to visitors arriving by public or private transport. It creates several distinct areas each with their own sense of place and enhances the experiences of shopping and entertainment in Camberley.” Anthony Walker Partner
Buildings for People by People
New People at DLG Architects
Architects generally rely on photographs of their buildings to illustrate their core values but at DLG we believe that there is more to tell than how they look.
DLG are pleased to announce the appointment of David Bailey, who joins the Leeds office from Newcastle architects Faulkner Browns. With a wealth of knowledge in the sports and Leisure market David will be working with Partners Julian Monaghan and Tony Walker to develop this area of the Practices expertise. Currently David is working on the mixed use scheme in Huddersfield, The Waterfront Quarter and the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy, a 2012 Olympic venue.
Our buildings are about the people who commissioned them, those who use them, the team that designs and constructs them and the community which provides their context. To learn more about the image we are projecting we worked with Spada to see how our clients, our fellow consultants, our staff and of course we ourselves perceive the practice. We then selected SalterBaxter to help us to evolve an effective and consistent presentation of our key strengths and aspirations in all aspects of our work. Within an increasingly complex industry we are keen team players. Innovation is inherent in our thinking and is informed by a wide and varied experience and expertise. We do not believe that all buildings should be iconic but we do aim to achieve excellence in every context. Above all we believe in commitment, to the project, to our client and to each other. Our work spans many different types of building and we have specialist expert knowledge in such fields as conservation and sustainability. We are fully aware of the inspirational value of a clear and commanding design concept in motivating all the stakeholders for a project. If you have read this far please take a few minutes to enter our caption competition by suggesting what the two people on the ?? of this text are saying to each other. A prize is offered for the best suggestion and a contribution of ?? will be made to ???? for every entry received. TBC
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DLG Architects were founding members of the Leisure Property Forum over X years ago and have worked on various mixed use leisure schemes including The Light, Leeds and Broadway Plaza, Birmingham.