gcp

More cricket success

Following on from the fantastic Ashes win, gcp Chartered Architects are pleased to have been appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board with building surveyors Ridge and Partners. The appointment is to undertake a facilities audit of all exiting independent indoor cricket centres in England and Wales. The audit is designed to collect data on the state of all centres and inform future ECB investment decisions. This commission leads on from gcp’s work with Action Sport, global brand leader of indoor multi sports facilities who opened its first indoor centre in Bristol in 2008. This centre majors on cricket, netball and beach volleyball.

Complex regeneration nears completion

The long-term regeneration of Bristol’s Old Market area takes another step forward with the topping out of Verdigris, a mixed-use development of 24 flats, five live-work units and commercial workspace for Ashlar Group Ltd. Due for release to the market in Autumn 2009, gcp designed the scheme to retain large parts of a 1820’s malthouse and reflects the historic burgage plot lines to create a courtyard development with a new landmark copper clad tower.

Stapleton Road master plan published

Addressing chronic under investment, absentee landlords and lack of joined up thinking, the Stapleton Road master plan seeks to map a new future for this historic road blighted by the construction of the M32 over 35 years ago. The master plan proposes a radical rethink of the area and focuses on a number of ‘catalyst sites’. Commissioned by BEST Bristol East Side Traders and Bristol City Council, gcp undertook primary research and key stakeholder consultations to define the parameters of the master plan and devise the strategy for regeneration in the area. The plan has been published after further consultations with local residents, businesses and statutory organisations.

To download a copy of the published masterplan, click here for a PDF [1.6 Mb].

Social housing to meet Lifetime Homes criteria by 2011

The Department of Communities and Local Government has pledged an increase in the use of the Lifetime Homes standards to provide homes adaptable enough to match a lifetime's changing needs. Lifetime Homes details simple, inexpensive features that make homes more flexible and functional for all. The Government's strategy ensures that by 2013 all homes are built to the standards, with the first stop of publicly-funded housing to be built to Lifetime Homes Standards by 2011. It has also been suggested that this element of the Code for Sustainable Homes will become mandatory to encourage progressively increased take-up of these standards in new build projects.

Working with the gcp Chartered Architects team, gcp Consulting are optimising a range of innovative house types to meet the criteria. Commenting on the news, Colin Powell, gcp Consulting Director says;
"Meeting the design challenges of Lifetime Homes is one of the factors gcp are incorporating into their approach to an innovative range of standard house types. With a pragmatic design approach, the Lifetime Homes challenge is achievable in a cost effective manner and provides simple Code credits"

To see a selection of gcp housing projects visit our housing pages.

Junction 3 project secures funding

gcp has been working with lead client, Bristol City Council Library Services, since 2004 on this complex initiative to create a mixed use development on a brownfield inner city site at the end of the M32. The project has just secured funding of £2m to build a new library and learning centre in this prominent location alongside open market and shared ownership flat s, low cost workshops and office space. gcp's brief is to design an iconic, fully accessible, safe and inviting development that celebrates the diversity and heritage of its users / inhabitants. To find out more contact Jonathan Platt, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

gcp Chartered Architects wins Cinderford bid

After a six-way competitive pitch, gcp has been appointed to lead a significant new development project in The Forest of Dean. Funded by English Partnerships, the £2.5m scheme will see the construction of a community centre in the heart of the old mining town of Cinderford. gcp is leading a design team including engineers and surveyors to produce a BREEAM Excellent rated building, which is set to spearhead a larger regeneration of the town, also backed by English Partnerships. To find out more about this project contact Colin Powell, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

gcp Consulting provide a range of environment assessment and design advice services that support the development of sustainable buildings and communities. See www.gcpconsulting.co.uk or contact Nicola Thorogood, Sustainability Projects Coordinator, on 0117 932 8888.

Read more about the Cinderford regeneration scheme...

Site Waste Management Plans now live in England for larger projects

This continuously updated document is designed to keep a record of types and quantities of waste removed from site and act as a feedback mechanism to designers to develop more material efficient design options. Content of the plan depends on the value of the project, currently set at a threshold of £300,000.

SWMPs are a mandatory element of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Focusing largely on on-site operations, the ultimate aim of a SWMP is to reduce the level of construction waste going to landfill. Alongside Code for Sustainable Homes knowledge, gcp Consulting have researched the requirements and can provide tailored SWMP for organisations on specific projects and guide clients through the management process. See www.gcpconsulting.co.uk or contact Nicola Thorogood, Sustainability Projects Coordinator, on 0117 932 8888.

Welsh Assembly Government announces requirement for Code

Brian Gould of the Welsh Assembly Government revealed at a joint Leadbitter Construction and gcp Consulting seminar in Cardiff in May 2008 that Assembly funded schemes will be required to achieve level 3, with a desire to reach Code 4 and 5 in a relatively short timescale.
To understand the full implications of Code compliance, gcp recommends that Associations and developing contractors carry out a pre-assessment exercise. gcp have developed a bespoke pre-assessment process and offer this to their clients with a structured assessment meeting to the design team to get all up to speed on the requirements.
See gcp's assessment services on http://www.gcpconsulting.co.uk/conssustain.htm.

Energy Performance Certificates - the essential timeline

From 6 April 2008 all new dwellings require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Predicted Energy Assessments at design stage and Energy Performance Certificates at completion can be provided by gcp Consulting in our capacity as accredited Energy Assessors for newly constructed dwellings. The timeline for EPC implementation is:

• ·6 April 2008 - all new dwellings - EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings, other than dwellings, with a floor area over 10,000sq m ·
• 1 July 2008 - EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings, other than dwellings, with a floor area over 10,000sq m ·
• 1 October 2008 - EPCs required on sale or rent of all remaining housing stock
• 1 October 2008 - EPCs required on construction, sale or rent of all remaining non-residential buildings. Display certificates required for all public buildings over 1,000sqm.

As part of a package of design stage and as-built SAP assessment and design advice, gcp are producing certificates for a number of developers and contractors.
For more information, contact Michael Hanson at gcp Consulting on 0117 932 8888.

Housing Corporation adopts Building for Life

In April, the Housing Corporation included Building for Life standards in its updated HQI assessment requirements. Developed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), Building for Life measures a development against 20 questions covering urban and architectural design quality. Most HC funded schemes will be expected to achieve at least 12 out of 20 criteria.
To aid understanding of the assessment process gcp Consulting facilitated a CABE training workshop for key clients in Bristol.
gcp Consulting are carrying out initial Building for Life assessments as part of their HQI service and will be fully accredited assessors in the near future.

Project update: Knightstone scheme gets go ahead

Knightstone Housing Association has secured planning consent for its mixed-use redevelopment project in central Bristol. The 18-month building programme starts early in 2008. gcp was appointed to lead the project, which comprises 61 flats, 9 houses and 8 workshop units. To find out more contact Jonathan Platt, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

See our earlier news story about the scheme...  

New Urban Design Compendium published

National regeneration agency English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation have published an updated manual on urban design. The manual (Urban Design Compendium parts 1 & 2) is complemented with an interactive web version.

For further advice please contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer on 0117 932 8888.

Action Indoor Sports hosts gcp challenge cup

gcp's second annual five-a-side football tournament was held at Bristol's Action Indoor Sports arena. Bolstered by last year's success, the 2007 competition attracted the construction industry's finest five-a-siders from around the region. Fiercely competitive from the first whistle, the tournament culminated in a head-to-head final between structural engineers Halcrow and quantity surveyors Ridge & Partners. With neither side willing to concede defeat and with the full-time score at 4-4, the inevitable penalty shoot out saw Halcrow finally clinch the honours and lift the trophy.

Follow this link for more about Action Indoor Sports...

Draft guidance issued on validating planning applications

Draft best practice guidance has been issued to local authorities by the Department of Communities and Local Government for the validation of planning applications.  

The guidance is designed to support the standard application forms and outlines the new procedures for the validation of planning applications by local planning authorities. It provides guidance on the scope of material that should be supplied with planning applications and outlines the benefits of 'validation checklists' in helping local planning authorities achieve good performance. The guidance is intended to provide both local planning authorities and applicants with greater certainty as to the nature and extent of information required in order to validate applications.  

The guidance replaces the Best Practice Guidance on the Validation of Planning Applications published in March 2005. For further advice please contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer on 0117 932 8888.

New Kensington play park creates a splash

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea appointed gcp to create a pavilion to compliment a new wet and dry children's play area in London's Memorial Park. The scheme includes a large water play area, pavilion with plant room and a distinctive curved aluminium roof. It is the first phase of a long-term renovation of the park's facilities and the Borough has retained gcp for phase two, which includes the design of a new café, offices and a maintenance workshop. gcp's experience in this field includes Hengrove Play Park in South Bristol. To find out more contact Jonathan Platt, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

Follow this link to the Borough's news story about the park...

Homes for the future - Housing Green Paper

Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning has announced the launch of the Government's Housing Green Paper - Homes for the Future: More affordable, more sustainable.

The paper introduces a raft of measures on affordable homes, planning, funding, strategy and more. Built around three key principles:

• Increasing housing supply, setting aside £8m to help local councils to find and develop land;
• More affordable homes;
• Greener, better-designed homes.

The Government consultation on the proposals ended on 15th October 2007. If we can help or advise further please contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer on 0117 932 8888.

gcp goes to Eden

In September (2007) Nicola Thorogood and Elaine Olphert of gcp attended the 3rd annual Architecture sans Frontières-UK (ASF-UK) Summer School at the Eden Project. The ASF-UK International Education Programme raises awareness worldwide about International Development. They teach the essential participatory tools and techniques that enable people living in poverty to improve their living conditions. This is done by training and sending people to assist with suitable knowledge, skills and expertise to engage appropriately with communities, helping to create successful, highly relevant projects within vulnerable communities by empowering them to bring about change from within.

The workshop titled 'Building Communities, Sustainable Livelihoods and Social Enterprise', explored the strategic role that building professionals 'must' play in building sustainable livelihoods when working with vulnerable communities.

The course will ultimately lead to the construction of the first permanent building in the UK made entirely from waste. It will use initial concepts designs and building component prototypes put together by participants of the Summer School.

We hope that by attending the ASF- UK Summer School gcp will be more aware of how the building industry can help to bridge the gap, and provide a better understanding as building professions into the requirements and processes involved in long-term development and post-disaster reconstruction worldwide. We sincerely hope that this will be the start of gcp's understanding of the issues surrounding this complex and very important subject.

For more information on Architecture sans Frontières-UK or their Future Workshops, visit their website: www.asf-uk.org or contact Elaine Olphert, Architect on 0117 932 8888.

Planning White Paper - for a sustainable future

On 21st May 2007 the Government published its long awaited Planning White Paper - Planning for a Sustainable Future, setting out proposals for the further reform of the planning system. Key proposals include

• a new system to deal with major infrastructure projects with new approaches to community engagement, the use of independent decision makers and inquiry procedures;
• simplification of the planning system for householders to make it easier for home improvements where there is little or no impact on neighbours;
• proposals to ensure planning plays a bigger role in climate change;
• changes to the development plan system to enable plans to be prepared more quickly; and
• adjustments to the appeals system.

Consultation on the proposals ended on 17th August 2007. If we can help or advise further, please contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer on 0117 932 8888.

South West RSS Examination In Public

The EIP on the draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) ended on 6 July 2007, where the independent panel heard evidence from a wide range of participants on the main issues raised in the Summer 2006 consultation.

Under the new planning system introduced under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 the regional tier of planning has enhanced status. The RSS will set the strategic and long-term development plan context for the Local Development Frameworks prepared by local authorities across each region.

Amongst other policies in the plan the RSS requires that all new and refurbished buildings achieve at least Level 3 above minimum building standards in the Code for Sustainable Homes and Level 5 for all larger scale developments. The final RSS is due for publication early 2008.

gcp to design regional sports centre

South Somerset District Council has appointed gcp to design a new regional sports centre as part of a feasibility study looking to improve leisure facilities in Yeovil. Designs for Yeovil Sports Zone formed part of a far-reaching community consultation carried out by the Council under its Yeovil Vision initiative. The feasibility study suggests the £21m development is best sited on Yeovil Recreation Ground, adjoining the refurbished regional running track and Yeovil College campus. For more information contact Jonathan Platt, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

Visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk for more information...

PPS3: The Time for change

Since April 2007, planning authorities have been required to have regard to Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3), which sets out how the planning system will support the growth in housing completions needed in England. With greater emphasis on Brownfield development, affordable family housing, good design and tougher environmental standards, the policy has caused a stir throughout the industry.

Through initially site evaluation we can make an assessment to determine the most appropriate form of development encompassing the objectives of PPS3. Alternatively, if you are experiencing problems with an existing planning application we may be able to help.

Contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer on 0117 932 8888 to find out more.

Housing Corporation launch Design and Quality Strategy and revised standards

In April 2007 the Housing Corporation released their Design and Quality Strategy and revised Standards. These set out the Corporation's requirements and recommendations for all new homes that receive Social Housing Grant. Thus ensuring that affordable housing providers produce well-designed, good quality housing to meet the needs of people in places they want to live.

These standards replace the Scheme Development Standards (SDS) for the new funding round 2008-11 and follow sustainable development thinking such as the introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes and reaffirming the commitment to Lifetime Homes principles.

A step back in time - Woodchester Mansion

On an unfortunately wet morning, gcp staff stepped back 140 years into a Victorian building site at Woodchester Mansion.

The Mansion is an architectural masterpiece of the Victorian age abandoned by its builders before completion. gcp were given a unique opportunity to have an interesting guided tour and explore the Gothic building in mid-assembly - virtually untouched by time since the mid-1870s.

This allowed the new members of the gcp team time to get to know other staff and all to enjoy a few hours exploring the partially completed rooms and observe the techniques that shape our design and building knowledge implemented today.

Carbon Zero Taskforce

The 2016 Zero Carbon Homes Taskforce was established in February 2007 in the context of the 'Building a Greener Future' consultation. This is working towards delivering the UK government's commitment to achieving zero carbon standards for all new homes by 2016. The Code for Sustainable Homes is an integral part of this drive and gcp Consulting are ready to get going on carrying out assessments under this new scheme.

To find out how we can help contact Nicola Thorogood, Sustainability Projects Coordinator on 0117 932 8888.

gcp explore OFFSITE2007

Many of gcp made the trip to the BRE's interesting and informative OFFSITE07 exhibition. Showcasing the best in Modern Methods of Construction, off-site systems and innovative technology.

Also on show were examples of sustainable technologies incorporated in the Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 house, sustainable affordable housing and a section of a MMC school. The trip was enjoyed by all and provided thought provoking discussion and supported current activity within the office.

Moving towards greener housing gcp breakfast seminars - Tuesday 5 June, Wednesday 6 June and Tuesday 19 June 2007

gcp hosted a series of free breakfast seminars to introduce clients to The Code for Sustainable Homes. The two-hour sessions included an illustrated comparison of the existing EcoHomes assessment with the new Code and showed how this affects your housing project.

Please call Nicola Thorogood, Sustainability Projects Coordinator, on 0117 932 8888 for more information.

Open day - Tuesday 19 June 2007 Planning for the future: Rural Development

gcp hosted an open day for farmers, rural landowners and owners of property in the green belt; who were invited to call in at any time between 10.30am and 5.00pm to view our converted farm building. Chat to the team on all aspects of rural development, including farm diversification, development within the Green Belt, the conversion and re-use of buildings and more. This open day is being promoted in conjunction with Architecture Week www.architectureweek.org.uk

Call Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer, on 0117 932 8888 for more information

gcp stages wind turbine demo

Plans to site a wind turbine at a recycling centre in Bath are gaining momentum. Residents of Bath witnessed the true scale of the proposal when a 24ft balloon flew 148ft above the site.

Working with Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, gcp undertook a visual impact assessment, putting an end to speculation surrounding the impact of the proposed structure on the historic city landscape.

Since announcing the plans for the wind turbine in late 2005, the scheme has brought the issue of renewable energy to the forefront. If successful, the initiative will provide the first renewable energy scheme of its kind in the B&NES area. To find out more about this scheme contact Jeremy Pilling, Director, on 0117 932 8888

Don't panic - you can still qualify for a EcoHomes 2006 certificate

Registrations can still be made with the BRE for EcoHomes 2006 certification, under the following circumstances:

• if you provide evidence of funding under the current Housing Corporation 2006 - 2008 NAHP funding round;
• where EcoHomes 2006 is specified as a requirement by planning or similar, subject to documentary evidence being produced;
• if a site is being developed under contractual arrangements with English Partnerships;
• where schemes are brought into the NAHP (2006-2008) programme as substitutions;
• where there are pre-allocations for start on site during 2008-11, provided full planning approval was granted by April 2007
• where contractual arrangements are in place that require assessment against EcoHomes 2006, as long as the documentation confirms contractual requirements predate 10 April 2007.

Contact Michael Hanson, Architect, 0117 932 8888 to discuss how you can register your project

gcp say Hola! to Barcelona

The end of March 2007 saw the gcp team, both new and old, enjoying a weekend away in sunny Barcelona (or not as the case maybe!)

Whilst some meandered around the streets and squares others took in the sights of the stunning Sagrada Familia and the famous Barcelona Gherkin! The trip was a huge success and a good time was had by all…roll on next year!

Rolls Royce expansion in north Bristol

As part of a masterplan to completely redevelop and consolidate production facilities onto one site at Filton, gcp are working with Rolls Royce and their construction partners, to develop new executive offices, a parts store and heritage centre. The project is being built to a very tight construction programme and is expected to be fully complete by December 2007. To find out more contact Jeremy Pilling, Director on 0117 932 8888

gcp qualify as assessors under Code for Sustainable Homes

By 2016, developers of all new homes built in England will have to demonstrate that their scheme is carbon neutral.

The introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which applies to all Housing Corporation funded developments, is the latest initiative from the government towards this target.

From now on, such new schemes must be externally assessed and achieve at least Level 3 under the Code.

gcp has gained accreditation from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to carry out such assessments and has also developed complimentary pre-assessment services to give clients early warning of how proposed schemes might rate under the new Code. For more information please contact Nicola Thorogood, Sustainability Projects Coordinator, on 0117 932 8888.

gcp appointed to support Action Sports develop their sporting concept in the UK

gcp have been commissioned by Action Sports to develop action arenas in the UK. The first arena has opened in Whitchurch, south Bristol in a converted sports centre once operated by Bristol City Council. Action Sports provides an attractive indoor environment for mixed age competitive sport including cricket, soccer, netball and even beach volleyball with real sand. This arena also has a gym, indoor flat green bowls green and four badminton courts.

Following a fact-finding trip to Johannesburg to see several Action Sport arenas in action, gcp have developed the concept for the UK and applied the model to the Whitchurch site. Highly successful in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand Action sports see the potential for up to 20 sites in the UK. For more information regarding Action Sport See www.actionsportuk.com or contact Jonathan Platt, Director on 0117 932 8888.

New planning policy statement set to focus on climate change

Introduced in December 2006 the new planning policy statement Planning and Climate Change forms part of a raft of policy changes launched by Secretary of State, Ruth Kelly.

Moving beyond the traditional scope of spatial planning, the new PPS (expected in March 2007 but still yet to be published) is anticipated to suggests a major step forward in addressing how the planning system could tackle climate change.

We are faced with ever-increasing risks of flooding, heat waves and drought as well as growing pressure on water supplies and negative impacts on bio-diversity and the landscape. The statement looks set to make climate change a material consideration in all planning decisions. This will have profound implications on the practices of planners, urban designers, architects and developers alike.

gcp can advise on the impact of the new planning policy statement. To find out more contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer, 0117 932 8888.

gcp appointed consultants to Avonmouth wind turbines project

We have been commissioned to undertake a scoping exercise to inform a planning application for the proposed installation of three turbines at an industrial site in Avonmouth. Following an initial feasibility study in November 2006 we are now due to be commissioned to establish the commercial and financial viability of the scheme.

If the project gets the green light, the scheme will contribute to the Government's targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, powering a significant proportion of the site's energy needs. Identified by Bristol City Council as one of the only locations likely to offer any potential for wind power in the Bristol area, the Avonmouth scheme is one of only four known projects currently underway in Bristol. To find out more contact Jeremy Pilling, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

gcp help deliver 10 year parks strategy for Royal Borough

Following on from the success of Hengrove Play Park in south Bristol, gcp have been appointed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to design amenity buildings as part of a rolling programme of improvements to all the Borough's parks.

The first project involves the redevelopment of Kensington Memorial Park in the north of the borough where three phases of development will be undertaken over successive years. The first phase due to be complete by the summer of 2007 involves the replacement of an open air Victorian paddling pool with a modern water play facility. gcp are designing a new amenity block that accommodates changing rooms, toilets and plant room for the water play. The second phase, currently at design stage provides a new café, park wardens office and maintenance workshops. To find out more about this scheme contact Michael Hanson, Architect on 0117 932 8888.

Knightstone commit to further development in St Paul's

Knightstone Housing Association, part of the Arcadia Group have appointed gcp Chartered Architects to develop, through extensive community consultation, their largest mixed-use redevelopment scheme in central Bristol.

The scheme comprises 61 flats and 9 houses with an aspiration to meet the EcoHomes excellent standard. 8 workshop units are also being developed in partnership with Verve Properties, owners of the highly successful Paintwork mixed-use employment site in Bristol.

Responding to demands by Knightstone, the local planning authority and community groups, the project is designed to meet the highest environmental standards. It is intended to secure a gold standard award from Building for Life, an initiative by the National House Builders Federation and CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment). To find out more contact Jonathan Platt, Director, on 0117 932 8888.

For Verve Properties see www.verveproperties.co.uk For Building for Life see www.buildingforlife.org

gcp host construction industry mini 5-a-side football tournament - with football fever mounting, gcp hosted our own 5-a-side football tournament here at Londonderry Farm. gcp prepared a 20 x 35m pitch in the neighbouring field (minus sheep), where 5 teams battled it out for the gCup, with a 2-0 win for Hulley & Kirkwood over Hookways in the final. gcp were the perfect hosts with only a single point gained in a 0-0 stalemate against Leadbitter in the opening fixture, and losing 2-1 to True Clarity.

The event was a huge success all round and gcp may be hosting another event in mid September. If you are interested in entering a team, please contact Phil Partridge on mail@gcparch.co.uk or 0117 932 8888. The competition may be expanded but places will still be limited.

Keep safe from flooding: tomorrow's climate is today's challenge

The long awaited Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) Development and Flood Risk was launched in December (2006) as part of the Government's ongoing review of planning policy. At the same time, the Environment Agency became a statutory consultee for planning applications in flood risk areas.

Confronted with an increased risk of flooding, the fabric of our urban and rural communities could be affected in areas of high flood risk. PPS25 will ensure that flood risk is considered at all stages of the planning and development process, from land allocation through to individual site development.

gcp Consulting is working with clients to ensure the development value of land can be maximised in areas where flood risk is identified. To find out more contact Lisa Pritchard, Urban Designer, on 0117 932 8888

Wales brings forward carbon zero date - gcp can help

The Welsh Assembly has produced a programme of action to tackle and deal with climate change, including achieving zero carbon levels for all new buildings in Wales by 2011.

The first step towards carbon zero is that all new homes funded by the Welsh Assembly must be built to EcoHomes Excellent standard. gcp Consulting has two qualified EcoHomes assessors who can advise and carry out assessments to help you reach this target.

To find out more about EcoHomes assessments in Wales contact Nicola Thorogood, Sustainability Projects Coordinator, 0117 932 8888.

Planning application for blighted site - an outline planning application has been submitted by gcp for the Junction 3 mixed use development of a derelict and blighted site adjacent to the M32 in Bristol.

See the Junction 3 charity website at www.junction3.org.uk or contact Jonathan Platt for information on mail@gcparch.co.uk or 0117 932 8888.

Unique medieval sculptures discovered in Somerset church - David Martyn of gcp recently made the discovery of six unique medieval sculptures in the small church of Preston Plucknett near Yeovil, Somerset.

The 14th Century carvings are thought to be of unique quality rivalling work at Wells and Bristol Cathedrals but remained unrecognised in the small church until now. To find out more contact David Martyn on mail@gcparch.co.uk or on 0117 932 8888.

Malvern House nears completion - a development of 36 high quality private flats and houses in Redland, Bristol have gone on sale for Cabot Homes, a South West subsidiary company of Fairview Homes. To find out more contact Jon Briscoe on mail@gcparch.co.uk or 0117 932 8888

Plans for the 2003 Licensing Act? -
Do you run a bar, restaurant, nightclub, hotel etc? If so, is your license up to date? Under the new legislation set out in the Licensing Act 2003, all licensees will have until 6th August 2005 to apply to convert their existing licenses. A requirement is to provide fully annotated scaled plans of your premises for your license to remain valid. The guidance notes outlining the information required can be found on your Local Authority's web site. Some links in the South West are provided below. If you would like gcp to prepare the plans on your behalf please call Phil Partridge or Jonathan Platt on 0117 932 8888 or contact them at mail@gcparch.co.uk

Bath & North East Somerset Council > Licensing
Bristol City Council > Licensing
North Somerset Council > Environment > Licensing
South Gloucestershire Council > Licensing
North Wiltshire Council > Business > Licensing

Leisure Management success - Leading leisure industry magazine, Leisure Management, has showcased gcp's work across the leisure industry. The article is available in PDF format ( click here) or from Jonathan Platt - contact mail@gcparch.co.uk

Leisure Management: www.leisuremanagement.co.uk

Filwood Broadway to be SWRDA 'pathfinder' - the South West Regional Development Agency has announced that the regeneration of Filwood Broadway, Bristol, has been selected as one of four pathfinder projects to be supported under the new Building Communities initiative, which aims to improve the image and economy of some of the most deprived urban areas in the region.

Nineteen proposals were submitted to the RDA for consideration as pathfinders for the new approach. The other selected projects are in Bridgwater, Gloucester and Plymouth. Ian Piper, head of regeneration for the South West RDA said: “These are excellent proposals to be pathfinders, and we want to learn from these as we go on. The four projects selected are designed to create vibrant, attractive and sustainable developments that will offer a wide range of facilities and services to cater for local needs".

gcp were appointed by Knowle West Development Trust and worked with the Broadway Village Group (BVG) to prepare an 'expression of interest' which was submitted through Bristol Strategic Partnership to the South West RDA. gcp helped develop a master plan that could lead to new community buildings, including a library, offices, new homes for community groups, improvements to shops and changes to roads around the Broadway to improve safety.

Motoring success - Following successful motor sales projects for the Volkswagen group, gcp Chartered Architects has been appointed by the Asset Finance Division of Lloyds TSB to design a motor showroom on a former aerospace forgings site at Churchbridge, Oldbury in the West Midlands.

gcp are working with Bristol firms The Building Consultancy and quantity surveyors WT Hills.

Plans for children's centre - A project to investigate the feasibility of a new children's centre for the Mede Community Centre at Inns Court, Bristol has been won at competitive tender by gcp Chartered Architects. The main aims for the centre include holiday and out of school space with possible day time use by play groups or meeting/training room, a day nursery for up to 20 children from 0 - 5 years all year round and a crèche for users of the community centre.

gcp won the project based on its work with other children's projects, including the new Sure Start Nursery at The Park Centre, and its knowledge and experience of the Knowle West area.

Community centre to be re-developed - Hillfields Park Community Association has appointed gcp to undertake and develop a feasibility study into the redevelopment of the community centre which currently occupies a dilapidated building on the Hillfields Recreation Ground, Hillfields, Bristol. The feasibility study will investigate better co-ordination of the activities and resources within Hillfields Youth Centre, Hillfields Football Club and Hillfields Neighbourhood Nursery (due for completion March 2004), who also occupy the recreation ground.

The study is due for completion by October 2003.

Pembroke Waste Management - gcp Chartered Architects is working with SLR Consultancy, one of the UK's leading environmental consultancies, on a project for Pembrokeshire County Council. The project will include an MRF (Material Recovery Facility) waste recycling plant to support the county council's plans to start curbside collections of recyclable household waste such as glass and tins. A separate building for the charity FRAME, a household equipment recycling organisation, with a repair workshop and retail showroom is also part of the project.

Colin Powell, director at gcp, said: "This work on recycling plants is a natural extension of the process engineering-led work we have successfully undertaken for the water industry. "Sustainable design will be at the heart of the project and is part of Pembrokeshire County Council's Waste Strategy," he said.

Halsall Construction offices - The Shepperton Group, parent company of Halsall Construction, has appointed gcp Chartered Architects to design new offices at Wellow Vale Business Park at Peasdown St John, south of Bath on the Radstock Road. The project will comprise three linked blocks, one of which will be occupied by Halsall Construction with the remainder available for letting. gcp won the commission at a limited competitive interview with outline design proposals. The sustainability credentials of the proposals and response to the client's brief were key issues in Shepperton's decision to appoint gcp.

gcp is also working with Halsall Construction on a new housing scheme at Eastfield Avenue in Bath for Somer Community Housing Trust.

Dallas Road, Chippenham - The Somer Community Housing Trust has appointed gcp Chartered Architects to prepare a planning application, to be submitted before the end of April, for a new build development of flats in central Chippenham, next to the Astoria Cinema. The project, due to start on site later this year, will have 12 one and two person flats.

gcp is one of Somer Community Housing Trust's 'framework' consultants for new and refurbishment projects.

First phase complete at Health Centre - the first of four phases in the refurbishment of Fairfield Park Health Centre, Bath, has been handed over on time. The full refurbishment of the building is due for completion in June 2003.

gcp are also working on the refurbishment of Bradford Health Centre in Bradford on Avon.

Learning centre pilot for Bristol - gcp has worked with Bristol Community Education to co-ordinate a feasibility study and funding application to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for a new city learning centre for St Pauls.
gcp used its extensive knowledge of working with community groups in the inner city to develop the proposals that have attracted a £1 million grant from the LSC.

John Savage, chairman of the LSC West of England, said: "The imaginative St Pauls scheme brings together many community groups and is another example of partnership in action delivering real benefits for local people."

Satisfaction Survey - We surveyed our clients to see what they thought of us, using the Constructionline reference requirements as a basis. We asked our clients to rate our performance under a range of headings.