gcp team selected for redevelopment of iconic Carriageworks

Following on from the success of the J3 development, Knightstone Housing is selected as the preferred bidder for the compulsory purchase of this iconic site.

The Carriageworks and Westmoreland House have long been a blot on the Bristol skyline. The site, owned by a London based developer has been subject to several ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful planning applications. Bristol City Council, with the active support of the local community through the Carriageworks Action Group selected Knightstone through a formal tender process which will see final proposals submitted this August.  gcp Chartered Architects are delighted to be part of the Knightstone team charged with developing a viable solution for this site.

The next stage of work will include consultation with stakeholders to help define the parameters of the scheme. The consultation process needs to support the final stage of the tender process but also feed into any subsequent planning application. gcp identified the opportunity of working as part of a CABE Design Council pilot for a Consultation Toolkit being developed alongside the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and The Good Homes Alliance.

gcp Catalyst for J3

gcp was the catalyst for landmark and much visited J3 development adjacent to the M32 on the approach to Bristol City Centre. This scheme, that includes a major new library for Bristol was the result of critical connections gcp made back in 2004. J3 opened on 19th March 2013. To read about our J3 connections click here.

More accolades for J3

David Orr, the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation said

"J3 really is something to show off about and to be proud of. You approach the development and just think 'wow'. It's a genuine example of how building homes is a great thing. When we build homes, we create communities and we make better places and that's exactly what is happening here. Everyone who has been involved in developing J3 should be proud."

Prior to the formal opening in April 2013 the J3 development had been put forward to the Considerate Constructors Scheme 2012 awards programme. The J3 development achieved the high accolade of Most Considerate site runner up. Credit goes to the client, Knightstone Housing Association and construction team at Leadbitter Construction. gcp did their bit early on in the project to create the positive atmosphere for active engagement that continued throughout the project.

Bristol Water HQ office phase 1 complete

Bristol Water head office, located high up on Bedminster Down and overlooking Bristol is undergoing a radical transformation. The 1960's office building is being modernised and extended to create a modern working environment. The refurbishment is being carried out whilst the building is in occupation and the staff have been consulted and encouraged to put forward suggestions.

The project is being designed and managed by gcp Chartered Architects. The first phase of over cladding the existing elevations with insulation was completed at the end of 2012. The next phase of work delivers an extension to provide additional office space, before the internal refurbishment of the original building commences in September 2013. The refurbishment is programmed to be complete by March 2015 and will feel clean, bright and funky for the lucky employees.

Two national awards for one project

A ground breaking development in Bristol scoops two national awards by Inside Housing, the leading weekly magazine for housing professionals.

The recently completed housing scheme for the Community Self Build Association and Knightstone Housing Association has been voted 2013 Development of the Year, Small Scheme Award Winner, and in Top 50 Best Housing Schemes in the UK completed during 2013.

The first train and build scheme of its kind to accommodate homeless ex-service personnel, the project not only provided much-needed affordable housing but also gave ten ex-service personnel the opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications. The brownfield site was formerly used as a car wash and vehicle storage compound. The redevelopment removed an unplanned and undesirable activity from a largely residential community.

J3 gets Building for Life green light

The landmark J3 development on the M32 in central Bristol is an example of best practice in urban design. Constructing Excellence South West is using J3 for their Bristol based Building for Life 12 training course for the development industry. The City Design Group of Bristol City Council are using J3 as an example of successful collaborative working between all members of the design team at the planning stage of a project.

J3 is a collaborative project between Bristol City Council Library Service, Single Parent Action Network and Knightstone Housing Association. The project regenerated a site which was previously isolated by the road network. It includes 53 one and two bed flats, 6 large family houses, 8 workspace units, community meeting rooms, a library and a crèche. Funding for the project has been provided by the HCA, BIG Lottery and Bristol City Council.

BIG bonanza for The Trinity Centre

Famous Bristol music venue and community arts centre is to get its share of £2.4m for the South West from the BIG Lottery. The Trinity Centre grant of £460,000 (second highest in the region) is towards building works to help improve access and increase the range of facilities and space available for community activities.

The grant is from the Reaching Communities Buildings Fund and will be spent on: improved access to the site, including a new pedestrian gate, cycle parking, disabled car parking, new paving, a new Reception and the Hall upstairs.  The refurbishment of the upstairs hall is going to be dramatic! There will be a sprung wooden floor with under floor heating, a professional lighting system and huge black curtains to create a wonderful space for dance productions, fitness and performance.

The Trinity Centre has been a community centre since 1976. The Council recently granted a new lease for the building for a period of 35 years using the council's Community Asset Transfer Policy. Along with our designs following consultations and the money available, it's going to be a fantastic asset to the Bristol scene.

Works will start in June 2013 and will be phased across the year to ensure the centre remains open. The completion will be celebrated with a Trinity party in January 2014.

Nottingham piazza gets new coffee kiosk

gcp Chartered Architects have designed a bespoke coffee kiosk ready for this summer. No mean feat - planning permission was only submitted in February!

We're going to achieve this deadline by working closely with a modular building supplier and the benefits of choosing this solution are clear to our client; Courtenay Investments Ltd wanted minimum disruption to the trading environment for other retailers around the piazza. Mapperley is a very busy shopping centre on the edge of Nottingham and the piazza is host to a craft market and soon-to-be-launched farmers market, along with opportunities for retail entrepreneurs through: www.popupbritain.com. The kiosk faced in glass will be lively and in the midst of the activity.