Feasibility Study attracts funding for Malcolm X

Malcolm X Community Centre, St Paul's, Bristol has secured funding fromCommunitybuildersfollowing an options study prepared by gcpChartered Architects working alongside Locality, the social investment advisor. The funding will support the preparation of a Planning Application following the preparation of a detailed feasibility study for the development, expansion and realignment of services at Malcolm X, which has been the South West's leading Afro Caribbean arts centre since 1980's.

It is anticipated that the work will lead to a significant capital investment programme over the next 5 years and will see the completion of a lease for assets transfer from Bristol City Council.

Communitybuilders is the key funder of the feasibility study that can lead to a capital grant for the identified building works.

Flood resilient low energy house complete

Working for long-term client South Western Housing Society gcp has completed a rural exception site scheme that is both low energy and designed to be resilient to flooding. The scheme at East Huntspill near Bridgwater comprises eight houses and four flats built on an isolated, redundant Somerset County Farm site.

The energy performance of the development has been monitored via a co-heating test following a successful funding application to the Technology Strategy Board TSB Building Performance Evaluation programme.

The project has also been shortlisted for thePremier Guarantee Social Housing Development of 2012 award

TSB re-engages gcp as competition advisors

Following three very interesting years of work the Technology Strategy Board have re engaged members of gcp staff as assessors on their building environment and climate change investment competitions. gcphave worked on many of the TSB's leading programmes including Retro Fit for the Future and Climate Change Adaptation programmes.

gcp have also supported competition entries on behalf of clients to the TSB for project funding. We are currently developing a submission under theInnovative Refurb competition with a material manufacturer.

Autumn completion for Junction 3 Landmark

Junction 3 on the M32 is the most ambitious and complex urban regeneration project in East Bristol. The project comprises a library, workspace, community meeting rooms, crèche, 6 large family houses and 59 one and two bed flats. Designed by gcp following extensive community engagement, the scheme is the result of a partnership comprising Bristol City Council Library Services, Knightstone Housing Association and SPAN (Single Parent Action Network).

The scheme has been funded by The Big Lottery Community Library Fund, Homes and Communities Agency, and Bristol City Council.

Gcp In the spotlight again

Trinity Arts Centre, home of the 'Bristol Sound' has appointed gcp to prepare a feasibility study leading to a planning application that will see the centre transformed into a true multi use arts facility. gcp are co-ordinating the stakeholder consultation that is a key aspect of the project. A key aim of the project is to develop the first floor of Trinity, a Grade II* deconsecrated church, in to a community theatre and dance space.

In recognition of rising energy prices the objective is to make Trinity a benchmark for low energy community arts venues in the South West.

The work will involve a significant capital investment programme over the next 5 years. In this period Trinity will also take over ownership of the building from Bristol City Council under the recently adopted council Asset Transfer Policy.

English Heritage and The Big Lottery 'Reaching Communities' fund are the key funding agencies.

Yet another first for gcp and Knightstone Housing Association

Continuing our long relationship with Knightstone Housing Association gcp has completed the first Train and Build scheme of its type in the country. Working in partnership with theCommunity Self-Build Agency and Leadbitter Construction the innovative scheme provides 14 new homes on a very tight site on West Street in Bedminster. The properties were part of a self-build initiative to help integrate ex-service personnel back in to civilian life. Ten of the homes are for ex-service personnel and four are for people with disabilities.

Funding for the scheme was from the Homes and Communities Agency and Bristol City Council.

Coffee culture comes to Mapperley

Working for regional retail shopping centre investment company, Courtney Investments, gcp Chartered Architects was commissioned to investigate the development of a new standalone coffee kiosk at this popular high street shopping precinct in Mapperley near Nottingham.

The scheme comprising a modular, re locatable kiosk with internal seating and preparation areas comes complete with solar panels. Being manufactured off site and requiring a shallow concrete foundation the kiosk can be installed in just two weeks.

Measurement is everything !

Working with Forum for the Future www.forumforthefuture.org and West of England Carbon Challenge www.westofenglandcarbonchallenge.org  gcp have committed to reduce carbon emissions by 10% over four years from 2009 which equates to a saving of 1.2 tonnes of carbon. We are using the online tool provided by the Carbon Challenge to upload and benchmark our performance against other similar businesses in Bristol.

Colin Powell, gcp Director who leads on the sustainability agenda says "measurement is knowledge. Without data you can't make informed decisions. We aim to be better year on year through a range of initiatives, including focusing on encouraging behavioural change amongst our staff and clients."

City Living for Harlow

In Harlow, gcp is exploring the revitalisation a tired 1970's shopping centre to create an economically viable asset for the next 50 years.  This involves work to future proof the centre around changes in tenancy, introducing residential accommodation at upper levels and bringing back in to use disused space. Future potential for expansion is also being assessed.