Neil Griffin, a long time key employee and Director of Projects for Robinson Design, and in the last 3 years with Riverside Design Studio, retires at the end of July 2015.
Neil’s technical experience is well known particularly in the Petroleum Retail Development sector with over 45 years of involvement in design and project management of literally 100’s of petrol filling station projects up and down the country for many of the oil companies over the years.
We are marking the occasion with a special dinner with past and present colleagues and we wish Neil all the very best in his retirement…..well done Neil!
Residential development designed by Riverside Design Studio Architects and Engineers for our client, developer, Robinson Developments now nears build completion.
128 Wetherby Road, Leeds has really taken shape over the summer and is due to be completed next month, with properties handed over to new home owners.
A four unit scheme, with a mixture of refurbishment and new build, has been three years in the making, including a carefully negotiated planning process with the Local Authority to obtain the exacting permission required by the client.
A high level of fit out specification in the homes as well as Landscape Architect designed external areas leads to a very prestigious architecturally designed development.
Planning permission and listed building consent has been granted to our proposals to bring a vacant Bradford city centre building back to life. The prominent Grade II listed corner block on Darley Street, opposite the Kirkgate Centre, has been empty for some time and permission has now been given for its conversion to 9 apartments with a new modern residential entrance. As part of the plans for the building the ground floor retail units are to be refurbished with new shopfronts including bespoke interior design.
The original building was constructed in 1875-6 and is believed to have once been home to one of the first Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in the 1920’s.
The permissions follow on from our successful proposals for the conversion of a Grade II listed buildings in the Little Germany area of Bradford last year.
https://www.riversidearchitects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_20140923_101202crop.jpg402763Riverside Design Studiohttps://www.riversidearchitects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/river-design-architects-bradford-leeds.gifRiverside Design Studio2015-02-15 16:51:102018-10-02 10:14:05Prominent Bradford conversion given the go ahead
Planning permission has been received for a new residential development on a brown field site within the Roundhay Conservation Area in Leeds. The project involves the conversion of a former electric lighting works to two large apartments together with two new build semi-detached homes linked with the existing building.
The proposals are a direct response to the character and setting of the existing building and its positioning on the site. The development will create 4 family homes and involves the demolition of outbuildings and extensions at the rear of the original early 20th century property. All the key internal rooms and spaces are to be retained and new additions are designed as ancillary elements to the existing building.
The scheme also retains the majority of the existing landscape setting, improving the garden space and amenity to each of the new dwellings to achieve a more open rear garden aspect in keeping with the overall character of the conservation area.
The project will shortly be tendered with a view to starting on site later this year.
Proposals for a new orangery for the Moorings Hotel at Hett Hills, close to Chester-le-Street, has recently been given planning permission. The Moorings is a growing family run business overlooking the West Durham Hills. Due to rising demand proposals were submitted for a new 120 cover orangery to cater for larger functions and events such as weddings and christenings. New manager’s accommodation and office are also proposed.
The orangery will provide a high quality, modern venue that attracts customers requiring a signature event space. The traditionally light nature of an orangery is treated with a modern interpretation.
Set in open countryside the proposals also needed to be of high quality to justify the setting. A predominantly glazed gable will provide a stunning feature to the venue offering views out over the fields. The rhythm of the elevations are accentuated using repeating layers of materials that match those of the existing buildings but in a contemporary manner. Designed to minimise the use of natural resources and reduce energy demand emphasis is placed on the innovative use of light and space, efficient heating/ventilation design and high performing building envelope as well as overhanging roofs.
A planning application for the 1st phase of an ambitious multi-million pound redevelopment of Keighley Cougars Rugby League’s ground at Cougar Park has been submitted by Riverside Design Studio Architects.
Initial proposals are to rebuild the main stand by completely stripping back the wooden structure to its original steel frame and create new seated terracing with new changing rooms, education facilities and function suites below as well as refurbishment of the adjacent single storey gymnasium.
The existing stand dates back to the 1930s and is in desperate need of major refurbishment. Keighley Cougars chairman, Gary Fawcett, said “It has received a lick of paint over the years, but otherwise has remained untouched. The new stadium would provide a focal point for the town and the benefits of the improved facilities would be felt by many people. It will give us more education space to work with school children from across the area. We already have a number of groups – such as toddlers and dancers – who use the facilities. It will improve provision for them, but also provide an excellent, modern environment for other people looking for a venue.”
The venture has the support of the Rugby Football League, whose chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “The stadium already holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Keighley and this redevelopment will enhance its place as the focal point of the local community. The RFL will offer what practical help it can to assist Keighley Cougars realise their goal of providing a 21st-century facility that I am sure will encourage more people to become involved in rugby league.”
Riverside have worked closely with the club, construction professionals and the Council over the plans.
Work is underway on site at the Seaton Valley Co-operative Society’s new supermarket and petrol filling station with the form of the new store clearly visible now that steel work is close to completion.
The scheme is a collaboration between Riverside Architects and Engineers. The main contractor Koru Property Services anticipate completion in March 2014 which will coincide with the Seaton Valley Co-operative Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Riverside Design Studio Architects will shortly be submitting a planning application for exciting new proposals to turn derelict nightclub premises on Great Horton Road in Bradford into a contemporary new student accommodation complex. We believe the proposed development, which nestles between the Alhambra Theatre and Odeon Cinema, will bring benefits not only to nearby campuses of Bradford’s University and College but also to the wider city centre.
High quality student accommodation is very sought after. We have seen a transition in recent years from rooms in shared houses to high quality purpose built accommodation. The development recognises the proximity to the educational and cultural ‘offer’ close by and the potential to capture and encourage that activity. Our proposals indicate circa 265 new student bedrooms that include a mixture of accessible units and larger postgraduate studio flats. The main entrance is sited on Great Horton Road – the main thoroughfare running adjacent the site with a secondary entrance off Quebec Street helping bring pedestrian activity and transform what is now a derelict nightclub and bar into a vibrant new urban setting. The inclusion of ground floor retail / leisure uses should provide active frontage and compliment buildings such as the Alhambra Theatre.
The site contains a Grade II listed building along Quebec Street which currently contains WC and cellar/storage areas of the former night club. The former wool warehouse is one of the oldest buildings in Bradford city centre and survived the redevelopment of Bradford in the mid to late 19th century. Sadly the special interest of the building has been greatly harmed by loss of historic fabric and insensitive alterations. We proposed to refurbish it to include a ground floor cafe for the use of student residents as well as ensuring new additions treat it with respect and provide room to breathe. Our aim is to significantly improve the character and appearance of not only this building but also the wider conservation area.
Over the last few months we have looked at various massing arrangements to ensure we respect the site’s sensitive surroundings. Building elements have been arranged primarily to reinforce the site edges, address boundary conditions and level differences as well as create an efficient design to ultimately ensure buildability. The proposals therefore vary in height to reflect immediate context, from the lowest point adjacent the listed former warehouse, to the higher ‘city block’ element on Great Horton Road which ties in with roof and fly-tower heights of the Alhambra. To minimise impact at street level the proposals step up towards a central tower dressed in metal and glass. Due to its height the new building it will undoubtedly have an impact upon the wider area over and above that of the existing building and site. We believe this impact is a positive one.
There are many examples of how quality modern architecture can sit successfully within a historic core, complementing in scale, mass and design. Hopefully you see that we have appreciated the sites sensitive context and tried to design a scheme that has a positive effect on the area and adds to the rich mix of buildings in the city centre. As part of our strategy we would like to canvas the opinions of the local community. If you reside or work in close proximity to the Alhambra Theatre and Bradford’s education campuses we would appreciate your thoughts. To do so please use the contact form here.
https://www.riversidearchitects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/12-186-a-Views.jpg401719Riverside Design Studiohttps://www.riversidearchitects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/river-design-architects-bradford-leeds.gifRiverside Design Studio2013-10-18 16:41:362018-09-14 11:14:49Riverside Architects look to rejuvenate Bradford City Centre site
Riverside Design Studio Architects will shortly be submitting a planning application for exciting proposals to refurbish part of the vacant office space at 47-53 Well Street into a new 55 bedroom hotel and ground floor leisure unit suitable for restaurant or perhaps some retail uses and to provide more active frontage.
The wonderful Grade II listed buildings overlook the Broadway development site and we believe the new uses we propose will compliment any future development.
A new 55 bedroom hotel is proposed with a main entrance on the corner of Well Street and Currer Street facing one of the entrances to the proposed Broadway Development. Other than signage and lighting no changes are envisaged to the external fabric of the buildings. Although nothing of heritage value remains internally bedrooms will be arranged around the existing stairs and lifts and laid out to suit to window positions.
We propose that the existing office entrance is maintained with the upper ground floor re-organised to form new retail space accessed from Well Street.
Whilst new uses could be introduced to the upper floors it is envisaged that office space could become more viable with minor reorganisation as well as the benefit gained from the adjacent Broadway shopping centre development moving forward. Conversion to other uses here is also difficult due to the deep floor plate without the introduction of major structural alterations to form light wells in the centre.
The new ground floor leisure space can be accessed by re-opening the storey high panelled timber doorway which mirrors the existing office entrance on Well Street. Measures to address the change in level between footpath and the higher ground floor will be required however and it is proposed that this is dealt with internally rather than affect any part of the building’s external appearance.
We feel that the potential for hotel use will help bring life back to the building, create employment and increase the chances of securing more employment / office use on the upper floors. We also hope you agree. Proposals for an increased mix of uses will also complement the increased diversity of Little Germany. We believe that this can provide the best opportunity for Bradford to see this building brought back to life and the most cost effective way to ensuring employment opportunity within this property. However we would like to hear from you! If you are a local resident or stakeholder and have any comments on our proposals we are keen to hear your views. To do so please use the contact form here.
https://www.riversidearchitects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/little-germany.jpg401725Riverside Design Studiohttps://www.riversidearchitects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/river-design-architects-bradford-leeds.gifRiverside Design Studio2013-09-27 16:38:292018-09-14 11:14:28New Development Proposals for vacant Little Germany building
We are pleased to announce we have issued a BREEAM Very Good certificate for the new build Berwick Hills Primary School designed by Middlesbrough Council.
Environmental features included energy efficient lighting, air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and high performing building envelope. The building is also naturally ventilated and cooled.
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Retirement
Neil Griffin, a long time key employee and Director of Projects for Robinson Design, and in the last 3 years with Riverside Design Studio, retires at the end of July 2015.
Neil’s technical experience is well known particularly in the Petroleum Retail Development sector with over 45 years of involvement in design and project management of literally 100’s of petrol filling station projects up and down the country for many of the oil companies over the years.
We are marking the occasion with a special dinner with past and present colleagues and we wish Neil all the very best in his retirement…..well done Neil!
High Quality Residential Scheme in Leeds Nears Completion
Residential development designed by Riverside Design Studio Architects and Engineers for our client, developer, Robinson Developments now nears build completion.
128 Wetherby Road, Leeds has really taken shape over the summer and is due to be completed next month, with properties handed over to new home owners.
A four unit scheme, with a mixture of refurbishment and new build, has been three years in the making, including a carefully negotiated planning process with the Local Authority to obtain the exacting permission required by the client.
A high level of fit out specification in the homes as well as Landscape Architect designed external areas leads to a very prestigious architecturally designed development.
Prominent Bradford conversion given the go ahead
Planning permission and listed building consent has been granted to our proposals to bring a vacant Bradford city centre building back to life. The prominent Grade II listed corner block on Darley Street, opposite the Kirkgate Centre, has been empty for some time and permission has now been given for its conversion to 9 apartments with a new modern residential entrance. As part of the plans for the building the ground floor retail units are to be refurbished with new shopfronts including bespoke interior design.
The original building was constructed in 1875-6 and is believed to have once been home to one of the first Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in the 1920’s.
The permissions follow on from our successful proposals for the conversion of a Grade II listed buildings in the Little Germany area of Bradford last year.
Leeds Residential development moving forward
Planning permission has been received for a new residential development on a brown field site within the Roundhay Conservation Area in Leeds. The project involves the conversion of a former electric lighting works to two large apartments together with two new build semi-detached homes linked with the existing building.
The proposals are a direct response to the character and setting of the existing building and its positioning on the site. The development will create 4 family homes and involves the demolition of outbuildings and extensions at the rear of the original early 20th century property. All the key internal rooms and spaces are to be retained and new additions are designed as ancillary elements to the existing building.
The scheme also retains the majority of the existing landscape setting, improving the garden space and amenity to each of the new dwellings to achieve a more open rear garden aspect in keeping with the overall character of the conservation area.
The project will shortly be tendered with a view to starting on site later this year.
Hotel Orangery given Green Light
Proposals for a new orangery for the Moorings Hotel at Hett Hills, close to Chester-le-Street, has recently been given planning permission. The Moorings is a growing family run business overlooking the West Durham Hills. Due to rising demand proposals were submitted for a new 120 cover orangery to cater for larger functions and events such as weddings and christenings. New manager’s accommodation and office are also proposed.
The orangery will provide a high quality, modern venue that attracts customers requiring a signature event space. The traditionally light nature of an orangery is treated with a modern interpretation.
Set in open countryside the proposals also needed to be of high quality to justify the setting. A predominantly glazed gable will provide a stunning feature to the venue offering views out over the fields. The rhythm of the elevations are accentuated using repeating layers of materials that match those of the existing buildings but in a contemporary manner. Designed to minimise the use of natural resources and reduce energy demand emphasis is placed on the innovative use of light and space, efficient heating/ventilation design and high performing building envelope as well as overhanging roofs.
Proposals for Keighley RLFC ground redevelopment submitted
A planning application for the 1st phase of an ambitious multi-million pound redevelopment of Keighley Cougars Rugby League’s ground at Cougar Park has been submitted by Riverside Design Studio Architects.
Initial proposals are to rebuild the main stand by completely stripping back the wooden structure to its original steel frame and create new seated terracing with new changing rooms, education facilities and function suites below as well as refurbishment of the adjacent single storey gymnasium.
The existing stand dates back to the 1930s and is in desperate need of major refurbishment. Keighley Cougars chairman, Gary Fawcett, said “It has received a lick of paint over the years, but otherwise has remained untouched. The new stadium would provide a focal point for the town and the benefits of the improved facilities would be felt by many people. It will give us more education space to work with school children from across the area. We already have a number of groups – such as toddlers and dancers – who use the facilities. It will improve provision for them, but also provide an excellent, modern environment for other people looking for a venue.”
The venture has the support of the Rugby Football League, whose chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “The stadium already holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Keighley and this redevelopment will enhance its place as the focal point of the local community. The RFL will offer what practical help it can to assist Keighley Cougars realise their goal of providing a 21st-century facility that I am sure will encourage more people to become involved in rugby league.”
Riverside have worked closely with the club, construction professionals and the Council over the plans.
Seaton Valley Co-op Taking Shape
Work is underway on site at the Seaton Valley Co-operative Society’s new supermarket and petrol filling station with the form of the new store clearly visible now that steel work is close to completion.
The scheme is a collaboration between Riverside Architects and Engineers. The main contractor Koru Property Services anticipate completion in March 2014 which will coincide with the Seaton Valley Co-operative Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Riverside Architects look to rejuvenate Bradford City Centre site
Riverside Design Studio Architects will shortly be submitting a planning application for exciting new proposals to turn derelict nightclub premises on Great Horton Road in Bradford into a contemporary new student accommodation complex. We believe the proposed development, which nestles between the Alhambra Theatre and Odeon Cinema, will bring benefits not only to nearby campuses of Bradford’s University and College but also to the wider city centre.
High quality student accommodation is very sought after. We have seen a transition in recent years from rooms in shared houses to high quality purpose built accommodation. The development recognises the proximity to the educational and cultural ‘offer’ close by and the potential to capture and encourage that activity. Our proposals indicate circa 265 new student bedrooms that include a mixture of accessible units and larger postgraduate studio flats. The main entrance is sited on Great Horton Road – the main thoroughfare running adjacent the site with a secondary entrance off Quebec Street helping bring pedestrian activity and transform what is now a derelict nightclub and bar into a vibrant new urban setting. The inclusion of ground floor retail / leisure uses should provide active frontage and compliment buildings such as the Alhambra Theatre.
The site contains a Grade II listed building along Quebec Street which currently contains WC and cellar/storage areas of the former night club. The former wool warehouse is one of the oldest buildings in Bradford city centre and survived the redevelopment of Bradford in the mid to late 19th century. Sadly the special interest of the building has been greatly harmed by loss of historic fabric and insensitive alterations. We proposed to refurbish it to include a ground floor cafe for the use of student residents as well as ensuring new additions treat it with respect and provide room to breathe. Our aim is to significantly improve the character and appearance of not only this building but also the wider conservation area.
Over the last few months we have looked at various massing arrangements to ensure we respect the site’s sensitive surroundings. Building elements have been arranged primarily to reinforce the site edges, address boundary conditions and level differences as well as create an efficient design to ultimately ensure buildability. The proposals therefore vary in height to reflect immediate context, from the lowest point adjacent the listed former warehouse, to the higher ‘city block’ element on Great Horton Road which ties in with roof and fly-tower heights of the Alhambra. To minimise impact at street level the proposals step up towards a central tower dressed in metal and glass. Due to its height the new building it will undoubtedly have an impact upon the wider area over and above that of the existing building and site. We believe this impact is a positive one.
There are many examples of how quality modern architecture can sit successfully within a historic core, complementing in scale, mass and design. Hopefully you see that we have appreciated the sites sensitive context and tried to design a scheme that has a positive effect on the area and adds to the rich mix of buildings in the city centre. As part of our strategy we would like to canvas the opinions of the local community. If you reside or work in close proximity to the Alhambra Theatre and Bradford’s education campuses we would appreciate your thoughts. To do so please use the contact form here.
New Development Proposals for vacant Little Germany building
Riverside Design Studio Architects will shortly be submitting a planning application for exciting proposals to refurbish part of the vacant office space at 47-53 Well Street into a new 55 bedroom hotel and ground floor leisure unit suitable for restaurant or perhaps some retail uses and to provide more active frontage.
The wonderful Grade II listed buildings overlook the Broadway development site and we believe the new uses we propose will compliment any future development.
A new 55 bedroom hotel is proposed with a main entrance on the corner of Well Street and Currer Street facing one of the entrances to the proposed Broadway Development. Other than signage and lighting no changes are envisaged to the external fabric of the buildings. Although nothing of heritage value remains internally bedrooms will be arranged around the existing stairs and lifts and laid out to suit to window positions.
We propose that the existing office entrance is maintained with the upper ground floor re-organised to form new retail space accessed from Well Street.
Whilst new uses could be introduced to the upper floors it is envisaged that office space could become more viable with minor reorganisation as well as the benefit gained from the adjacent Broadway shopping centre development moving forward. Conversion to other uses here is also difficult due to the deep floor plate without the introduction of major structural alterations to form light wells in the centre.
The new ground floor leisure space can be accessed by re-opening the storey high panelled timber doorway which mirrors the existing office entrance on Well Street. Measures to address the change in level between footpath and the higher ground floor will be required however and it is proposed that this is dealt with internally rather than affect any part of the building’s external appearance.
We feel that the potential for hotel use will help bring life back to the building, create employment and increase the chances of securing more employment / office use on the upper floors. We also hope you agree. Proposals for an increased mix of uses will also complement the increased diversity of Little Germany. We believe that this can provide the best opportunity for Bradford to see this building brought back to life and the most cost effective way to ensuring employment opportunity within this property. However we would like to hear from you! If you are a local resident or stakeholder and have any comments on our proposals we are keen to hear your views. To do so please use the contact form here.
Berwick Hills Primary Achieves BREEM Very Good
We are pleased to announce we have issued a BREEAM Very Good certificate for the new build Berwick Hills Primary School designed by Middlesbrough Council.
Environmental features included energy efficient lighting, air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and high performing building envelope. The building is also naturally ventilated and cooled.