The views of DLG Architects
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Inside Issue 30.... - 2011 and The Big Society visits Planning Legislation - A Timely Completion for New Royal Windsor Hotel - Rudding Park Hotel Builds on Success - Practice & Project News
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supermarkets......food production......community......performing arts......education...... February 2011
Brooksby Melton College Melton Mowbray Cedar House Investments were invited to become development partners with Brooksby Melton College following a competitive interview process in early 2010. The redevelopment of this high profile town centre site is a great opportunity for the college to revitalise its facilities whilst regenerating the site with a mix of commercial uses and educational facilities. The proposed scheme will provide a new performing arts hub for the college, a modern library facility and a new 45,000 sq ft supermarket. The busy consultation event provided an opportunity for college staff and members of the public to give their ideas on site layout and circulation options all of which helped to formulate the eventual submission.
Westbury Dairies Ltd Wiltshire High Impact....Low Visibility Ambitious plans have been submitted for a new butter production and packing facility that will almost double the size of the existing Westbury Dairy facility. The key concern raised through the design consultation process was the height and impact the new facility might have on surrounding areas. However, through the consultation process DLG were able to reassure local residents that the low design height of the new buildings would ensure the proposals could not be seen from Westbury town itself and be barely visible from the surrounding properties. New employment was also a key point of discussion and it was welcome news that the new facility would create around 60 jobs at the site most to be offered locally.
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engagement......consent......collaboration......big society......experience......localism...... February 2011
‘Tell me I forget, Show me I remember, Involve me I understand’ Ancient Chinese Proverb
A new approach to consultation. As we enter the New Year we at DLG are taking a very close interest in the government’s ‘Localism Bill’ and its likely effect on the planning process. Potentially this signposts a new era of neighbourhood planning which is likely to shift power away from central government towards communities. Local communities will for example be able to propose a development which, if it gets 50% support in a local referendum, could then be built without the need for planning permission. This could be a very powerful tool in tackling the lack of building in rural areas where planning authorities have tended to restrict developments despite local people wanting new housing and other facilities. Larger commercial developments will also require much greater levels of consultation with local interest groups allowing them to comment and indeed collaborate in the design process before plans are finalised. Development teams really will have to consider local opinions raised before submitting applications and not just go through the motions!
The Bill introduces the idea that parish councils and neighbourhood forums can decide where new shops, offices or homes should go and what green spaces to protect - all then voted on by local people in local referendums. It raises a vast number of questions and concerns about how to control NIMBY tendencies as well as excitement about the potential it offers to streamline planning, making it more inclusive and in turn creating great neighbourhood. Participation is critical to ‘inclusive’ placemaking and if we can complete a development that wins peoples hearts then we firmly believe it will stand the test of time. Through DLG’s considerable experience with the delivery of high quality urban placemaking we can help support the consultation process. We understand that there is usually a pragmatic advocacy approach required to garner support and to drive realistic proposals that can be
accomplished within budget and programme requirements. Although there may be an expectation that throwing open the range of influence may lose focus, our experience demonstrates that contrary to this, the result is usually greater consent. This inclusiveness can inspire new directions within the planning process. Ideas and knowledge through collaboration beyond the professional team can often surprise and delight. Whatever else it does it has the potential to radically alter the planning application process with a greater need for development and planning teams to integrate with local groups. We all hope this won’t mean more PR and less architecture and will actually herald a more inclusive, and ultimately speedier, planning process…..but only time will tell.
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transport......regeneration......retail......conservation......masterplanning......parking...... February 2011
Sweet Street Leeds Planning approval has now been received for this new mixed-use office and MSCP development on the border of Holbeck Urban Village in Leeds. The development will be a major boost for the regeneration of the area which, like many regeneration zones, had stalled during the recession. Throughout the consultation period it became clear that although there were several planning consents in existence for sites in the area, a lot of them were being held back through difficulties with parking restrictions. The proposed multistorey car park will be an important element in kick-starting a number of adjacent sites. With 400m being the acknowledged distance people are prepared to walk from short stay parking, Sweet Street will assist with the ongoing regeneration of the entire area as well as filling an immediate need for safe, well managed parking in the area for many existing businesses.
The Nightingale Quarter Derby A major new masterplan has been submitted on behalf of Derby Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to regenerate the site of the former Derby Royal Infirmary in the city centre. The emerging plan was presented at two public consultation exhibitions which were key in establishing 5 major design objectives as below: • Creating a new linear park for the city along London Road. • Delivering quality landscaping to enhance the setting of the Queen Victoria and Florence Nightingale status. • Improving the pedestrian connections across the site. • Providing improved food retail for the city. • Creating contemporary affordable housing for locals close to the city centre.
hotels......leisure......retail......spa......interior design......heritage......conservation...... February 2011
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Rudding Park Hotel & Spa Harrogate
For further info visit www.ruddingpark.co.uk
Set amidst a Grade I listed landscape, DLG has now completed work on the new 48 bedroom wing and contemporary spa and wellness centre. The hotel has for the second year running also been named ‘Britain’s Best Hotel’ in an awards competition dubbed the “Oscars of the hotel world!” The new hotel wing provides bespoke accommodation including large individually planned rooms and a luxurious presidential suite, all with access via the new library and contemporary glazed link. A new restaurant is also currently going through the planning process.
Macdonald Windsor Hotel The complex transformation of the famous Caleys department store in Windsor has been successfully completed. This is the culmination of 4 years planning and development which has seen the launch of the new 120 bed Windsor Hotel giving the important Grade II listed building a new lease of life. Located just 100 yards from Windsor Castle, the project has been a particularly challenging one given its strong local heritage and conservation area status. The site presented many restrictions, however DLG were able to significantly increase the usable space including two new basement levels which are now operating as TK Maxx and Esquires. The hotel provides over 800 m2 of accommodation and significantly increased the site massing, however through the careful early use of 3D modelling, DLG ensured the building form respected the key site lines from Windsor Castle itself. All finished in time for this years Royal Wedding!
For further info visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/windsor
news......london office move......retail......regeneration......landmark buildings...... February 2011
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DLG London moves ‘South of the River’ DLG’s London office will open at 124 -130 Southwark Street London SE1 on 28th February. Throughout the practice’s 40 year history the office has been located in areas of the city where the excitement of change and new development builds a creative working environment. The move to Bankside from Spitalfields continues this tradition. We look forward to welcoming you for tea in the garden – our very own oasis in the shade of Tate Modern. Full relocation details will be released shortly...
Eastpoint, Nottingham Planning approval achieved for a 40,000 sq ft supermarket and community development in Nottingham on behalf of Cedar House Investments. The 5 acre site is situated on the principal route into Nottingham from the east and will create up to 300 jobs in the area.
Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre Outline planning approval achieved for a major extension at Hempstead Valley. The centre is a popular and successful district centre and the new proposals fulfil the landlord’s aspirations to improve and modernise the centre to maintain its strong tenancy.
67 Portland Place, W1 Work is progressing well at this typically congested central London site. The project,due to complete later this year, will provide a completely new home for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Sandy’s Row Synagogue
‘Photo : J Freedman’
DLG has helped attain EH grant funding for the historic restoration of this important Synagogue. The project [another typically congested London site!] also now has funding for further work from the Rothschild Foundation and Tower Hamlets.
The Majestic, Leeds Detailed plans have been submitted by DLG on behalf of Rushbond Plc for the restoration of this Leeds city icon. The proposals will see the Majestic brought back to life as a lively leisure destination for the city. Works are due to commence at Easter this year. Smith Interior Designer London Alexandra Office Leeds Office BA (Hons) Interior Design One Brewery Wharf, Waterloo Street 11-29 Fashion Street London E1 6PZ Leeds LS10 1GX t +44 (0)20 7426 3630 f +44 (0)20 7426 3631 london@dlgarchitects.com dlgarchitects.com
t +44 (0)113 2471 222 f +44 (0)113 2204 520 leeds@dlgarchitects.com