Hall for Cornwall shortlisted for Constructing Excellence South West Awards 2022

The restoration and remodelling of Hall for Cornwall, Grade II* Listed, has been shortlisted in two categories of the 2022 Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) Awards. It is nominated for both the Building Project of the Year Award and the Conservation and Rejuvenation Award.

The CESW awards are recognised across the South West built environment as a celebration of best practice. They are a clear demonstration of the core strength of construction in the South West and the desire and commitment to deliver buildings, housing, infrastructure, and facilities of all kinds in a collaborative and sustainable manner. The key factor is that the project, scheme, process or philosophy contributes to the South West built environment and can be celebrated as an example of best practice.

The project at Hall for Cornwall has increased the theatre’s audience capacity, and provides a more intimate atmosphere with improved sightlines and acoustics, whilst improving accessibility and conserving and restoring important heritage elements and bringing them into better use. The refurbished venue also provides a warmer welcome and improved audience experience, including new cafés and bar areas on both sides of the listed buildings and space to change facilities. Sir Tim Rice, the world-famous lyricist, described the refurbished theatre as “brilliantly reimagined”.

The new auditorium, named Cornwall Playhouse, is a beautiful and flexible open space on three-tiered levels, providing a new intimate relationship between performer and audience and enabling the organisation to deliver its artistic vision. The auditorium is seen as an open space, sitting within the granite box of the original marketplace walls visible from within the theatre space. Innovative movable shutters allow the acoustic and atmosphere to be varied for drama, classical music, comedy and rock and pop gigs.

Increased access to Arts and Culture for the community of Cornwall will result from the refurbishment of the historic buildings, together with the facilities required to support a sustainable business model for the organisation. The new Husa Hub (meaning ‘to create an illusion or dream’ in Cornish), will combine the venue’s artist development programmes with a dynamic and diverse co-working space; nurturing and supporting Cornish performance artists and bringing together local and creative businesses, start-ups, artists, charities and social enterprises.

Entries that have been shortlisted for the CESW Awards will next month make an online presentation to the judging panels, this is the second stage of the judging process, and winners be announced at an Awards dinner in September. A full list of the shortlisted projects can be read here.

Hall for Cornwall shortlisted in RICS 2022 Awards

Hall for Cornwall is amongst some of the most impressive recent building projects from across the UK that have been shortlisted for the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2022.

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. They recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies. Hall for Cornwall has been shortlisted in the Refurbishment/Revitalisation category.

Hall for Cornwall has recently reopened after a multimillion-pound regeneration of the Grade II* listed buildings. The revitalisation has increased the theatre’s audience capacity, providing a more intimate atmosphere with improved sightlines and acoustics. The heritage of the buildings has been conserved and restored bringing them to better use. The renovated venue provides a warmer welcome and improved experience, including new cafés and bar areas on both sides of the building. The project has improved access to arts and culture for the community through a brilliant new performance facility and a sustainable business model for the future of the organisation.

Chair of the RICS Awards David Brooks Wilson FRICS, said:

“Despite much uncertainty and challenging conditions over the past couple of years, property professionals across the UK continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact on our cities and towns. I wish the teams behind them all the best of luck in gaining recognition for their skills and hard work.”

The shortlisted projects, which include everything from a new flood defence scheme, through to restoration of historic landmarks, will be judged by expert judging panels across the country, with winners of the regional awards announced virtually in May.

The award news came in the same week that BFF Director Helen Grassly and Julien Boast, CEO Hall for Cornwall, gave a well-received lecture to the RIBA South West, at which they discussed the remodelling of the buildings.

Jockey Club consults on its part in Newmarket’s future

The Jockey Club is starting a conversation with the community in Newmarket about how it can help to shape the future of its historic home. Burrell Foley Fischer has been working with the club on developing initial ideas and concepts.

On Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th March there will be a community drop-in event - “Playing our part in Newmarket’s future” - at The King Edward VII Memorial Hall in the town’s High Street.

Concept for a new all weather training and race facility

An exhibition will take visitors on a journey from the Jockey Club’s origins in 1750, to its involvement in the community and its contributions today, along with its ideas for how Newmarket can grow sustainably, balancing the needs of the local residents, visitors, businesses and their employees.

Some of the concepts for discussion include a country park, a cinema, an all weather training and racing facility and the potential for residential development.

Concept for the entrance, from the high street, to a new Cinema at The Subscription Rooms

Amy Starkey, the Managing Director for the Jockey Club’s East Region, explained why the organisation is taking this approach. She said:

“West Suffolk is considering a vision and Local Plan for Newmarket for the next 20 years. Newmarket has always been our home and we want to play our part in helping Newmarket to thrive over that time.. Therefore we’re exploring some initial ideas for the future that could bring benefits to local people and the town as a whole. We want to share those ideas and hear what people have to say at an early stage before deciding if they have merit in exploring further. It’s important to make clear that these are just ideas for future sustainability and there are no timelines, proposals or plans for any of this to come to fruition. Everyone will have their chance to feed in, whether in person or online, and we’re looking forward to an open and constructive discussion with the town.”

Concept for the Clubhouse at the new all weather training and race facility

The information from the event, along with an opportunity to submit feedback, is available online via a project website www.letsplayourpart.co.uk.

RIBA Cornwall Lecture on the Redevelopment of Hall for Cornwall

Helen Grassly and Julien Boast are to give a lecture, for the Cornwall Branch of the RIBA, on the recently completed multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Hall For Cornwall in Truro. The event will take place in the refurbished venue on the evening of Monday 4th April and will include a Q&A.

The Hall For Cornwall is a performing arts venue, housing the largest theatre in Cornwall along with a cultural hub.  Spanning an entire city block and including two listed buildings, the Hall had been saved from sale in the 1990s and an arena style auditorium constructed providing 900 seats.  The auditorium was tired and without the atmosphere and acoustic that gives personality. 

BFF’s brief was to significantly increase the theatre’s audience capacity, while providing a more intimate atmosphere with improved sightlines and acoustics and to conserve and restore important heritage elements and bring them into better use. Critically, working closely with the Theatre’s Creative Director, Julien Boast, we knew we needed to create something uniquely Cornish, not a ‘posh London’ theatre transposed.

The new auditorium, named Cornwall Playhouse, is a beautiful and flexible open space on three tiered-levels, providing a new intimate relationship between performer and audience and enabling the organisation to deliver their artistic vision. The auditorium is seen as an open space, sitting within the granite box of the original marketplace walls visible from within the theatre space. Innovative movable shutters allow the acoustic and atmosphere to be varied for drama, classical music, comedy and rock and pop gigs.

The refurbished venue provides a warmer welcome and improved audience experience, including new cafés and bar areas on both sides of the listed buildings and a space to change facility. The refurbished theatre was Shortlisted for “Theatre Building of the Year” at The Stage 2022 Awards and has been described by Sir Tim Rice, the world-famous lyricist, as “brilliantly reimagined”.

Increased access to Arts and Culture for the community of Cornwall will result from the refurbishment of the historic buildings, together with the facilities required to support a sustainable business model for the organisation. The new Husa hub (meaning ‘to create an illusion or dream’ in Cornish), will combine the venue’s artist development programmes with a dynamic and diverse co-working space; nurturing and supporting Cornish performance artists and bringing together local and creative businesses, start-ups, artists, charities and social enterprises.

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Helen Grassly is a Director of Burrell Foley Fischer Architects, leading the performing arts and culture team. She has worked on award winning projects including the Almeida Theatre, The Depot Cinema in Lewes, The Lux Cinema in Hoxton, and Harbour Lights, Southampton. Her passion lies in sustainable conservation, reimagining historic buildings to provide them with a revitalised future.

She has taught on both undergraduate and postgraduate design courses at the University of Cambridge Department of Architecture and Department of Engineering, Kingston University Department of Architecture, and the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University, with a focus on landscape and materiality.

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Julien Boast, Chief Executive & Creative Director of Hall for Cornwall has twenty years of senior management experience in both the private and public sector. He trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School with a career in majoring regional theatre and in London in the West End. Prior to joining HfC, Julien spent ten years as part of The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) management team – working as Chief Executive at the company’s award-winning south east venues Theatre Royal Brighton and Churchill Theatre Bromley.

Julien is committed to utilising theatre as a force for cultural regeneration, through creating opportunities for creatives and artists to learn and practice through collaborations and exciting new digital means.

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Tickets for the event are available from:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hall-for-cornwall-project-architect-and-chief-executive-lecture-tickets-302842900267

Aidan Ridyard to give the 35th Bromsgrove Lecture

Aidan Ridyard is to give the 35th Bromsgrove Lecture, hosted by the Bromsgrove Society, where he will discuss the topic of creative conservation, where heritage buildings are brought back to life for our modern society. The presentation will take place at Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School on Tuesday April 12th and is open to all.

Aidan Ridyard

Using examples of recent and current projects, Aidan, will describe how BFF develop a series of uniquely crafted design solutions to unlock the potential of some remarkable listed buildings around the country. These are characterised by a fresh approach to the perennial problems of helping historic structures find contemporary relevance and a meaningful long-term future in an ever-changing world.

Projects presented will include the refurbishment and remodelling of the Listed Grade I, II* and II York Guildhall complex, into a city centre hub for business, enterprise and events run by the University of York, Hall for Cornwall, a new 1350 seat theatre incorporating two listed buildings in Truro, and the redevelopment of the Grade I Listed headquarters of the Royal Society of Arts in London.

York Guildhall

Also discussed will be projects in the Midlands, including the redevelopment of the Roundhouse as a canal side visitor centre in central Birmingham for the National Trust and the Canal and River Trust, and the remodelling of Listed Grade II carpet weaving sheds and the former magistrates court in Kidderminster to form a new cultural and creative hub.

Aidan is currently working with Bromsgrove District Council to develop their Bromsgrove 2040 vision for the town centre and is writing his first book, on the Church architecture of Wolverhampton architect Richard Twentyman, which will be published later this year.

The Bromsgrove Society exists to preserve the history and promote the sustainable development of the town of Bromsgrove in north Worcestershire. They organise the annual Bromsgrove Lecture which has attracted a large audience over the thirty years of its existence and is given by an expert in the field.

Tickets, which cost £7.50, are available from www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/boxoffice.aspx or in person from FotoFactory, 123 High Street, Bromsgrove.

River Water Source Heat Pump installed at York Guildhall

A River Water Source Heat Pump has been installed at York Guildhall, as part of the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Grade I, II* and II complex of buildings. The river water will be taken from the river into the heat pump in the basement plant room. The water is run through a heat exchanger, where heat is abstracted from the river water before being returned to the river. The heat pump then converts the heat from the river from around 5°C up to 45°C. This heat will then be used to heat large parts of the building.

This will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the historic building at the heart of the city.  The location of the Guildhall, on the banks of the River Ouse, provides the opportunity to take advantage of this low-carbon energy source. The River Water Source Heat Pump installation will make carbon savings of around 40 tonnes per year in operation when compared against an equivalent fossil fuel energy solution.

Councillor Nigel Ayre and Councillor Paula Widdowson in front of the River Water Source Heat Pump

The Main Hall, Slype space and new-build offices will be heated from the River Source Heat Pump using underfloor heating. Further offices and meeting rooms, will be heated by Fan Coil Units (FCUs) that are run from the River Water Source Heat Pump. These FCUs combine heating and cooling coils, providing warmth in the winter and cooling air in the warmer summer months.

The historic Guildhall building is being restored and redeveloped for the 21st century, with works now reaching the final stages. The building, managed by the University of York and York Science Park, will provide modern business space with public access, conference and events space and retained civic use.

Councillor Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change at City of York Council, said:

“It was fantastic to see first-hand some of the work that has taken place to restore the Guildhall and bring this historic building into the 21st century. The carbon output of this heating method is much lower than using a traditional gas boiler. Over time, with the greening of the grid, the carbon savings will only increase.

As a Council, we are determined to play our part in helping to achieve our ambition of becoming a carbon net-zero city. The installation of the River Water Source Heat Pump at the Guildhall is yet another step towards achieving this goal.”

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said:

“It makes perfect sense to take advantage of the Guildhall’s unique riverside location to heat large parts of the building. Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of the renovation works. Through the installation of the River Water Source Heat Pump, we are making sure the Guildhall restoration project delivers environmental gain alongside the many community and economic benefits.”

Faye Davies, Managing Director of Burrell Foley Fischer architects for the project, said:

“As architects we consider carefully our specification choices and their environmental impact. The riverside location of the project provides an ideal alternative energy source for the refurbished and extended building and will significantly reduce its in-use carbon footprint.”

York Guildhall Restoration Project nominated for a prestigious engineering award

The Institution of Civil Engineers has revealed a shortlist of pioneering projects that will be recognised at the Yorkshire and Humber Awards in February. Eighteen projects from the region were shortlisted in the awards programme across two categories: the Centenary Award and the Smeaton Award, in recognition of achievement, excellence or innovation in civil engineering.

The Guildhall restoration project has been nominated for the Centenary Award, which is for projects with a total cost in excess of £5 million. Factors taken into account when determining the nominations include value and impact on society, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, health safety and welfare, quality of design, innovation and best practice, difficulty and response, collaboration and excellence in delivery.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:

“The Guildhall has been at the centre of York’s social, business and civic life for centuries. This nomination is a testament to the success of bringing new life into one York’s historic and well-loved buildings and the excellent work of all those involved in this project.

Working together with partners, we are bringing one of York’s most historically significant buildings into the 21st century. These works will see this historic building provide innovative space for businesses, civic and council events, as well as improved access for residents and visitors, through the creation of a new restaurant, public space, and events space.”

Progress is continuing at pace with significant repairs and transformation of the Guildhall, helping to safeguard one of York’s most historic buildings.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said:

“It is fantastic news that the Guildhall restoration project has been recognised alongside other innovative and excellent achievements in the region.

Through the project, our ambition is to safeguard the future of one of York’s most historic buildings for everyone in the city. By working closely with partners, we have been able to preserve the historic character of the building, whilst also redeveloping the building for business, social and civic uses.

Despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project teams adapted to new ways of working to maintain progress on the significant project.

This nomination is a great recognition of to the work of the Council and partners in restoring and redeveloping one of York’s most significant buildings.”

Rick Lee, Principal Structural Engineer at Arup, commented:

 “Arup, Vinci, Burrell Foley Fischer, SGA Consulting and the City of York Council have worked collaboratively to successfully deliver this challenging project refurbishing the Grade I listed Guildhall complex. The team worked together to overcome many challenges including river deliveries, arresting significant structural movement and last minute adaptations to design to co-ordinate with archaeological discoveries.

The project repurposes the iconic complex by addressing the previous site access constraints by the incorporation of new build elements with complex interfaces with historic fabric. The project secures the future of this site for York, providing new business events and commercial use whilst retaining its civic, community and council use.”

Kidderminster Creative Hub in former Magistrates Court secures Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent

Wyre Forest District Council Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve plans to transform the, Listed Grade II, former Magistrates Court in Kidderminster at its meeting on Tuesday 18 January.

Architects Burrell Foley Fischer, working in consultation with North Worcestershire Economic Development Regeneration on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council, submitted applications for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent to transform the building in Worcester Street, Kidderminster town centre.

Plans for the site redevelop the heritage building into a cultural and creative hub. The remodelled space will provide a range of flexible work, performance and production areas and co-working spaces in the main buildings and historic former weaving sheds.

The project which will create a unique public building, opening up the previously hidden spaces behind the 1879 façade of the original carpet factory, as a new home for the creative industries in Kidderminster and a new hub for the community. The historic Grade II Listed buildings will be retained and refurbished, giving them a sustainable future, as an integral part of the vision, supported by carefully designed new interventions which reference the Town’s Heritage.

The development of this site is being made possible through The Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) – the Government funding initiative to transform struggling high streets. Kidderminster has been awarded £20.5 million from this fund and the Creative Hub is one of three major projects underway which are all part of the long-term vision for the town. 

Hall for Cornwall shortlisted for the Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2022

We are delighted that our recent refurbishment and remodelling of the Hall for Cornwall has been shortlisted for the Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2022.

The citation reads:

“Hall for Cornwall closed its doors in June 2018 and reopened them last October, following an impressive £26 million upgrade.

The new space is described as a place where “all are welcome, where everyone can see the work they crave, where creative talent can break new ground and where the next generation can be supported”.

To achieve this, working with architects Burrell Foley Fisher, the building was gutted and a new, larger three-tier auditorium – the Cornwall Playhouse – was created. This boasts an increased capacity of 1,253 seats (300 more than before – meaning it can receive larger shows) and improved sight lines. It is also an open-sided theatre, meaning people can watch the working life of the stage or listen to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra tuning up before a show.

The building itself has also been opened up to include more cafes and bars, and workspaces for businesses, as well as ‘hidden’ public spaces that host youth and community projects.

The works also honoured the venue’s heritage by ensuring the conservation of the 1846 grade II-listed building.

In 2022, Hall for Cornwall will launch Husa, which is a new creative hub to support Cornish performance artists and the creative industries.

Following its reopening, Hall for Cornwall hosted the world premiere of Fisherman’s Friends the Musical, which was seen by more than 22,000 people. The venue now hopes to attract 300,000 a year and add £35 million to the Cornish economy over the next five years.”

Other nominees for Theatre Building of the Year, sponsored by Concord Theatricals, are the Reading Rep Theatre and the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Winners will be announced at The Stage Awards ceremony on January 31, 2022 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Restoration of Ravenscourt Park Tea House underway

Work has begun on restoring the Ravenscourt Park Tea House in Hammersmith to its former glory, under the guidance of Burrell Foley Fischer. Two centuries old and Grade ll-listed, the building will gain a new roof as well as modern, fully accessible public toilets as part of a top-to-bottom restoration and refurbishment.

The Tea House at Ravenscourt Park was formerly the eastern wing of the original stable block that formed part of the overall Ravenscourt Park Estate and dates from the eighteenth century with various later extensions. The building was converted to a refreshment room in the late nineteenth century and the ground floor has been running as a well-loved and popular café. The building provides a focus for Ravenscourt Park and much needed amenities in the form of the café and public conveniences.

The building has endured a long period of deterioration, resulting in damage to the roof and external fabric in many areas both externally and internally. As well as a new roof in the main building, and new loos, many of the roof timbers and joists are being restored or replaced, together with repairs to the drainage, guttering, windows and doors.

The current much-needed programme of improvements will secure the building’s future and ensure it provides many more years of service where patrons can visit and use the building as a quality tearoom. The Friends of Ravenscourt Park have welcomed the restoration of the tea house. It’s heritage significance is very much appreciated by local people and, following these restoration works, it will once again be a popular place of attraction for people to visit and cherish.

Awards for the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) at Cranfield University

The new Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) at Cranfield University, which opened earlier this year, has won two awards, presented by the LABC and the Institution of Structural Engineers.

The 2000sqm research facility provides a flexible research environment which is protected from, and yet accessible to, a live airport. The central building contains a suite of digital aviation research laboratories, surrounding a flexible workplace which brings together University researchers alongside private sector partners from across the aviation industry in a single collaborative environment.

The upper level is centred on a large adaptable space - the ‘passenger boarding lab’. This is a flexible open plan area which allows researchers and students to mingle in a boarding lounge environment where new digital technologies relevant to airport operations are tested, ranging from VR simulations to haptic and other sensory interfaces.

Outside the building is a fully covered ‘hangar laboratory’, which houses the University’s own Boeing 737-400 aircraft; a laboratory in its own right. To allow research involving high definition drone scanning of the aircraft fuselage, a canopy covers the whole plane creating a clear-span safety-netted enclosure of around 40m wide.

DARTeC has won the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Award for “Best Non-residential New Build” in the Central region. The project has also been announced as a shortlisted finalist for the LABC National People and Place Awards, which will be presented in January 2022.

There was further recognition for the project at The Institution of Structural Engineers’ Midlands Awards, where it won the Infrastructure Building Award.

BFF's remodelling of Hall for Cornwall is featured on Radio 4's Front Row

Our refurbishment and remodelling of the Hall for Cornwall, was featured on Radio 4’s flagship arts programme Front Row yesterday evening. They spoke to Julien Boast the CEO and Creative Director of Hall for Cornwall and BFF architects Helen Grassly and Aidan Ridyard.

The project increases the theatre’s audience capacity and provides a more intimate atmosphere, with improved sightlines and acoustics, whilst conserving and restoring important heritage elements of the Grade II* Listed buildings and bringing them into better use. Aidan explained to the programme how the historic fabric has been revealed and celebrated.

“You get these little slivers of space between the auditorium and the historic buildings that surround it and those little slots are the joy of it, because that’s where you can see that was the Town Hall, that was the Customs House and that was the Market Hall, so you can see those stories etched in the stone work.”

Originally a wide, arena-style space (good for rock but hopeless for drama), Burrell Foley Fischer have introduced circle and balcony levels and narrowed the width with new slip seats. Movable shutters allow the acoustic and atmosphere to be varied for drama, classical music, comedy and rock and pop gigs. Helen and Aidan discussed how they work.

“We have some huge flying shutters which provide the acoustic separation between the theatre and the bar, so the bar can still operate when a show is on, but they come down with a bit of a rattle and its quite a dramatic way for the show to start. So if you are in the bar you know its time to take your seat because these 6m high steel shutters come down, and as the show starts the ‘skins of the onion’ start to close down and it gets tighter and tighter into the space and you just get that one light and the magic begins.”

The debut show to tread the boards was the World Premiere of Fishermen’s Friends: the Musical, a brand-new production based on the true story of Cornwall's favourite singing sea-shanty sensations and the smash-hit 2019 Universal Pictures film. Julien Boast described the new dynamic relationship between performer and audience.

“When I watched the preview of Fisherman’s Friends there was a moment which I could hear a pin drop in the auditorium, I knew then that the relationship between the stage and the audience was working, so that was the bit when I sort of shed a tear because I had promised it to so many people and we had heard it on the first preview”

Listen to the Front Row episode featuring Hall for Cornwall here.

Hall for Cornwall opens following multi-million pound remodelling

Hall for Cornwall has reopened after Burrell Foley Fischer’s multi-million pound refurbishment and remodelling of the Grade II* listed buildings. The project increases the theatre’s audience capacity and provides a more intimate atmosphere, with improved sightlines and acoustics, whilst conserving and restoring important heritage elements and bringing them into better use. Increased access to Arts and Culture for the community of Cornwall will result, together with the facilities required to support a sustainable business model for the organisation.

The new auditorium, named Cornwall Playhouse or Gwariji Kernow in Cornish, is a beautiful, open space on three tiered-levels enabling the organisation to deliver their artistic vision and providing a new dynamic relationship between performer and audience. Originally a wide, arena-style space (good for rock but hopeless for drama), Burrell Foley Fischer have introduced circle and balcony levels and narrowed the width with new slip seats. Movable shutters allow the acoustic and atmosphere to be varied for drama, classical music, comedy and rock and pop gigs. There are 635 seats in the Stalls, including 11 wheelchair positions, plus 35 standing positions, 294 seats in the Circle, including 2 wheelchair positions, plus 48 rester and standing positions, and 325 seats in the Balcony plus 16 rester positions.

“brilliantly reimagined”

Sir Tim Rice

A brand new front entrance on Boscawen Street, leading into an Ope that runs through the building to Lemon Quay, reveals the beauty of the original granite walls and gives everyone who comes inside the chance to get behind-the-scenes glimpses into the daytime workings of the auditorium. The refurbished venue also provides a warmer welcome and improved audience experience, including new cafés and bar areas on both sides of the building and a space to change facility.

The buildings will also house Husa (meaning ‘to create an illusion or dream’ in Cornish), a new venture, combining co-working space and the venue’s artist development programmes, to nurture and support Cornish performance artists and the creative industries.

“I’ve spent years touring theatre all around the UK and this is genuinely one of the most thrilling theatrical auditoria in the country. The way that the auditorium wraps around the stage makes it feel like it’s a theatre that has been designed for an audience, and those are the best kind of theatres.”

Jason Grieve, Director of Fisherman’s Friends Musical

The debut show to tread the boards was the World Premiere of Fishermen’s Friends: the Musical, a brand-new production based on the true story of Cornwall's favourite singing sea-shanty sensations and the smash-hit 2019 Universal Pictures film.

The Customs House, London

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has welcomed the recommendation by City of London planners to refuse plans to convert the Custom House and quayside to an exclusive hotel complex. With a planning committee decision due next week, SAVE has written to councillors supporting the City’s position and arguing that public access to this grand River Thames landmark is critical to protecting its historic significance and future use. 

The City of London planning report cites four key grounds for refusing the plans, including insufficient public access to the building and quayside terrace, heritage harm, poor design, and harm to strategic views from the rooftop extensions proposed. The report states that “Officers consider that the scheme does not respond to, and build upon, its key riverside location” and that, “The scheme would not enhance public access or provide a genuinely publicly accessible and inclusive scheme that would bring diverse vibrancy to the riverside.”

John Burrell’s alternative vision, published by SAVE in October 2020, illustrated how the Custom House could be given a more public role. Included in the report is a cross section drawing by John showing the Long Room opened up for public events and new connections created between the lower floors and vast basements. New public space on the River Thames is transformed with the historic ship SS Robin moored alongside and open to visitors.

Marcus Binney, executive president of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, says: “The spacious river terrace, opening directly on to the Thames, boasts spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the Southbank. This once great public space has in recent years been a private carpark for HM Customs, but now there is a chance to reopen it to the public again in perpetuity.  London's Square Mile needs more open sunlit space and this south facing terrace will never be overshadowed by high-rise development as it is right on the river."

Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, says: “The Custom House is one of England’s forgotten architectural treasures. It tells a remarkable story about the country’s history of trade and exchange. After over 200 years in public hands as the home of HMRC, it is set for a new lease of life. This is a once in a generation opportunity to re-open the magnificent inside and outside riverside spaces to the public.”

Burrell Foley Fischer has previously worked with SAVE on visionary schemes for Smithfield General Market and the south side of the Aldwych around St Mary le Strand to create new public space.

 The full SAVE report entitled The Custom House by John Burrell can be downloaded here.

Local craftspeople undertake specialist repairs at York Guildhal

Progress is continuing at pace with significant repairs and transformation of the Guildhall, helping to safeguard one of York’s most historic buildings.

The Guildhall site is currently closed for restoration and redevelopment, with works expected to be completed by the end of the year. Last month, the Council announced that the University of York had signed a 15 year lease of the Guildhall, helping to bring this historic building back to the forefront of the city’s social, business and civic life.

An extensive scope of conservation and repair works to the stonework and riverfront of the building was produced by Burrell Foley Fischer. Throughout the restoration project, local materials, craftspeople, and sub-contractors have been used wherever possible to support local businesses and contribute to the local economic recovery.

An example of work by local sub-contractors, that has been recently been revealed as the scaffolding is removed from the exterior of the building, is the specialist repairs to the stonework and windows of the historic building fabric. This work was carried out by Pinnacle Conservation Ltd, whose in-house craftspeople undertake heritage restoration and conservation across the country, from their base in York.

Pinnacle secured the masonry conservation contract for the Guildhall after attending a City of York Council ‘meet the buyer event’ and have helped to shape the future of one of the most important buildings in their home city. Burrell Foley Fischer worked in partnership with Pinnacle to finalise the most appropriate and cost-effective repairs, to help preserve the building.

Adam Hickey, Managing Director at Pinnacle Conservation, added:

“We are delighted to have contributed to the wonderful conservation work at the York Guildhall. Being a local company, Pinnacle Conservation Ltd have been able to deploy expert craftspeople from the immediate area to carry out conservation repairs to fascinating parts of the Guildhall’s fabric from rebuilding the upper portion of the stone tower, refurbishing the windows, and repairing significant parts of the mosaic flooring.”

The works Pinnacle have carried out include; repairs to the heraldic griffins which occupy the four corners of the Guildhall’s roof tower, facing the River Ouse.

The extensive repair programme carefully isolated and removed the upper portion of the statues, and they were removed from site, by barge, to Pinnacle’s workshop for consolidation before being reinstated.

Some of the work to other areas of the stonework on the riverside was carried out by rope access – where scaffold access was not possible.

Faye Davies, Managing Director of Burrell Foley Fischer, said:

“It is always satisfying to use local craftspeople, materials and suppliers wherever possible on a project, both for the benefits it brings to the local economy, the resulting reduced carbon footprint and the pride people bring to working on buildings that are part of their everyday life.

It was therefore a delight to discover such highly skilled craftspeople based within a couple of miles of the Guildhall. Pinnacle’s workmanship has been of an exceptionally high standard that will help preserve the fabric of this significant complex of buildings for generations to come."

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said:

“On a recent visit to the Guildhall I was lucky to see up close some of the high quality workmanship that has taken place to restore and preserve this historic building.

Through the Guildhall project, our ambition has always been to safeguard the future of one of York’s most historic buildings for everyone in the city. By working closely with partners, we have been able to preserve the historic character of the building, whilst also redeveloping the building for business, social and civic uses.

One of the key aspects of this project was to utilise the excellent local businesses and talent we have here in the city, and in doing so, support our local economy."

Burrell Foley Fischer adds support to an initiative to encourage the regulation of embodied carbon in the construction industry

Burrell Foley Fischer have added their support to an initiative to encourage the introduction of regulation of embodied carbon in the construction industry.

Due to the significant contribution that the embodied carbon of buildings makes to the climate emergency, there is a need to introduce legislation towards mandatory reporting of carbon emissions in the built environment, along with limiting embodied carbon emissions on projects. A proposed amendment to The Building Regulations 2010, ‘Part Z’, has been suggested as a vehicle for introducing suitable obligations.

John Burrell said,

“Burrell Foley Fischer fully supports the principle of ensuring that embodied carbon is assessed on all major construction projects. We believe that such consideration would, for example, encourage the repurposing and reuse of many more existing buildings; something which could be a major contributor to reducing the carbon footprint of our industry.

We welcome this proposal to introduce mandatory assessments ahead of setting carbon limits, giving time to converge on robust yet ambitious targets, and believe it would assist in accelerating the voluntary action that many of us are already taking.”

Support for the principle of embodied carbon regulation has come from across the industry including many architectural and engineering firms, together with organisations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Will Arnold, the Head of Climate Action at the Institution of Structural Engineers, explains the need for embodied carbon regulation

“Buildings and construction form a substantial portion of UK carbon emissions. They contribute both operational carbon emissions (due to energy and water use), and embodied carbon emissions (due to the use of construction materials).

For a long time, operational carbon has made up the majority of most buildings’ emissions. However this has changed over the last couple of decades as more of our energy has come from renewables, a trend set to continue and likely to see operational carbon drop to zero within a couple of decades.

Alongside decarbonising the grid, we have seen emissions limits regularly tightened in Part L, architects and engineers designing more energy-efficient buildings, and manufacturers investing in producing more energy-efficient components.

However for embodied carbon we have stalled. Project focusses have typically been on reducing cost and time, rather than reducing material use. As such, in a well-designed low-energy building, embodied carbon emissions now make up more than half of the total carbon emitted across the building’s expected lifetime.”

The Part Z authors came together to develop a proposal for amendments to the Building Regulations that could be used to mandate the reporting and limiting of carbon emissions. They have written Part Z and its accompanying Approved Document Z as a proof of concept of the regulation that’s needed in the UK. If enacted, Part Z would ensure that embodied carbon is assessed on all projects, as part of a comprehensive whole life carbon assessment.

It would also ensure that the embodied carbon emissions are then capped on all major construction projects - initially through limits on upfront embodied carbon, but over time expanding to cover all aspects of embodied carbon.

Approved Document Z is aligned with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Professional Statement ‘Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment’, and guidance and recommendations made by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI).

Further details of the initiative can be found here.

Residents give views on plans for former Magistrates Court, Kidderminster

Many residents and business owners attended the public exhibition of plans for the former Magistrates Court in Kidderminster last Thursday (9 September) despite the torrential rain.

Council officers and architects Burrell Foley Fischer were on hand at Coronation Gardens for informal discussions and to explain the proposed plans.

Architects Burrell Foley Fischer, working in consultation with NWedR on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council have submitted the planning application which will transform the Former Magistrates Court building in Worcester Street, Kidderminster town centre. Plans for the site transform the space into a cultural and creative hub. The space provides a range of flexible work, performance and production spaces and co-working areas in the main buildings and historic former weaving sheds.

Cllr Helen Dyke, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said

“Firstly, can we say thank you to those who managed to visit the exhibition despite the great British weather!  We will run another exhibition soon so that those who were unable to attend can have a chance to see the plans. 

We know local people are very passionate about this project, so we were interested to hear direct feedback. As with any transformation, there are mixed views on specific design elements, but it is reassuring to hear that the principle of preserving the building for future generations is supported.  The internal spaces are designed to be flexible, and our vision is that they can support the creativity of our residents and businesses in an affordable way.”

Aidan Ridyard from Burrell Foley Fischer said

“It was a very helpful process to engage with the community about the site’s future, with lots of good ideas coming out of the conversation. We will be reflecting on these and trying to find ways to positively inform the designs from the feedback we have received”

It is anticipated that this application will be considered by the Planning Committee by the end of the year.

Proposals revealed for the redevelopment of the Alexandra Theatre, Bognor Regis

Arun District Council have submitted a bid for £12.1m from the Government’s Levelling Up fund for a revamp of the Alexandra Theatre, in Bognor Regis. The 357-seat theatre shows a variety of entertainment from comedy to drama to pantomime. It is part of the Regis Centre, which offers a range of entertainment from dance, musicals, drama, music and family events.

Burrell Foley Fischer’s refurbishment and remodelling proposals include:

• New front of house facilities at the theatre;

• More seating and other internal improvements;

• A new roof;

• Exhibition space;

• Additional meeting rooms and;

• New toilets, including a Changing Place toilet.

BFF worked with Arts Management Consultants, Stephen Browning Associates, to demonstrate that the proposals would support a viable business plan and ensure a sustainable future for the venue.

The aim of the Levelling Up Fund is to provide investment for infrastructure in towns and villages most in need – with coastal communities being one of the hot spots. The first round of bidding focuses on three areas: regeneration, cultural investment and transport, with Arun’s bid covering the first two.

Council leader Shaun Gunner said:

“It shows ambition on the part of the council that we want to be gaining public money in order to be getting people into our towns and show that we are investing and that the government, hopefully, is also investing in our towns as well. What we hope is that this will be the catalyst for further investment, both public and private, going forward.”

Funding secured for the restoration of the Old Town Hall and Market Place, Whitby

Funding has been secured from the Government’s Town Fund for the restoration of the Grade: II* Listed Old Town Hall and Market Place in Whitby. The project will build on the history and heritage of the area, provide a key focal point for the town and generate sustainable revenue income for the Council. The scheme has secured funding from the Government’s Town Fund and is one of nine projects for which Whitby has secured £17.1 million in total.

This project will revitalise the Grade II* Listed Old Town Hall building and Market Place in Whitby through renovation and renewal. Restoration of the building will secure its structural integrity and improve the visual appearance of this unique heritage asset in the heart of the old town. The building and Market Place will be repurposed to provide year-round space for community and cultural activities and modern facilities for market traders.

Artists image of proposed refurbished Old Town Hall and Market Place

BFF has developed proposals to renovate the 1st floor and attic rooms of the Old Town Hall building, retaining and restoring original features for use as an art gallery/community studio space. Electricity, telecoms, water and welfare facilities will be carefully threaded through the historic fabric to enable the new uses. The Undercroft is currently used as open space.

It is envisaged that glazed panels, with timber frames, will be fitted between the columns to support new internal uses such as exhibition and display. Access will be gained from the east side of the building, by way of an accessible level entrance. A frame structure will be provided within the paved area of the Market Square, in order to provide electricity, lighting and anchor points for nine market traders.

Using a project viability grant awarded to Whitby Town Council by the Architectural Heritage Fund, a team led by specialist conservation architects Burrell Foley Fischer, were commissioned to carry out a condition survey of the building and recommend what repairs are required. They were also requested to suggest ideas for how, whilst respecting its history and heritage, the building which has been empty and unused since 2017, could be repurposed for sustainable uses and facilities improved for market traders.

The project will forge links to the Pannett Art Gallery & Whitby Museum and signpost to other heritage and cultural assets in Whitby providing a gateway to the wider historic and cultural offer of the town. Overall the aim is to create a vibrant and bustling Market Place with the Old Town Hall building a key focal point which provides a more attractive setting to residents, shoppers and visitors than the existing setting.

Cllr Linda Wild, Town Mayor of Whitby, said:

“The town council welcomes the start of this project and is pleased that BFF are undertaking the work. We want to understand what needs to be done to secure the building, correct years of neglect and misuse and bring it back into active use in a way that supports local businesses, satisfies local people and delights visitors.”

Historic photograph of the Old Town Hall and Market Place

The Sunday School Hall at Union Chapel

As part of their National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project to create a world class and exciting space for contemporary community, arts and cultural use in the Sunday School Hall at Union Chapel in Islington, London, they are publishing a series of videos on their YouTube channel. Faye Davies, the Specialist Conservation Architect leading the project for BFF, was invited to discuss the history of this part of the historic building complex and outline the plans for its refurbishment, conservation and future use.

The Sunday School Hall, at the Grade I Listed Union Chapel is a hidden gem. The original roof has reached the end of its 140 year life, the brickwork is crumbling and the electrics and plumbing are in urgent need of upgrading. Rarely seen by the public, its time for some TLC has finally come after years of urgent works focusing on the Chapel itself.

In the video Faye explains that

“The Sunday School project is going to be an exciting community space, it will unlock the heritage of the building and is key to bringing the community back into the space.”

Inside, the Hall is a large, airy, double height space with a 3 sided wrap-around wrought iron balcony. The balcony is complete with original study booths and library. It is a space that combines simple grandeur and practicality – it was intended to cater for a wide range of activities, including classes for up to 180 children and families, sports, tea parties and bazaars.

The space is also home to books, papers and artefacts amassed since Union Chapel’s foundation in 1799. This collection is an untapped treasure trove of stories. It tells tales of nonconformists and their 100 year journey from persecuted minority to being part of the establishment. It tells of the increasing acceptance of their liberal values, which have helped shape our society. There’s more modern material documenting Union Chapel’s life as a venue, such as posters from the very first Big Chill nights and legendary events by the likes of Procol Harem, Patti Smith, The Moth and Emile Sande. But it’s also full of the everyday too, revealing insights into the lives of real local people and their ambitions for a better world.

As well as repairing the hall itself, Union Chapel wishes to conserve this collection to create an accessible archive. This project is creating a mass of free, skills-based, activities from conservation and archive skills to training in powerful public speaking – a skill of the activist leaders who helped found Union Chapel.

Most importantly though it will open up this little seen room and its collection for dedicated community use, cultural activity, ideas sharing and participative events – giving future generations the chance to create new stories of their own.

The chapel’s YouTube Channel includes many videos on other aspects of this uniquely beautiful and inspiring space where history, faith, community and progressive values come together in the heart of Islington. They include this video, which gives a general introduction to this incredible venue, its services, values and history and their plans for the future.