Uncertain future for Stratford Picturehouse

The future of Stratford Picturehouse, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer and opened in 1997, is uncertain following Picturehouse’s announcement of the closure of three historic London cinemas within the space of a month, citing ‘increasing operational costs and declining admissions’.

The news places the buildings at risk of potential loss or redevelopment, unless new operators or community consortiums can be found to take over the running of the cinemas. While the Fulham and Bromley branches date from the Interwar period (1930 and 26 respectively) – the so called ‘Golden age of Cinema architecture’ – the branch at Stratford East is from the very end of the 20th century (1996-97), at a time when out-of-town multiplexes were the predominant cinema typology, and new purpose-built urban cinemas were rare.

The Twentieth Century Society is joining the Cinema Theatre Association in backing the grassroots campaigns springing up to save these much valued local amenities, while their Casework teams explore the possibility of listing applications or formal objections to any potential loss.

“Designed by architects Burrell Foley Fischer – renowned for their work on cinemas both new and historic –  the Picturehouse at Stratford East was set within a new public square and cultural quarter, adjacent to the Grade II* Victorian Theatre Royal. Developed with public funding from Stratford’s City Challenge, it contains a four-screen cinema with exhibition space, café bar and restaurant facilities. Unusually the building is visible from all sides, with the entrance facade deliberately open and inviting, allowing passers-by to read the facilities within. Of particular note is its innovative tubular open-plan projection booth, running like a spine along the length of the building and allowing projectionists total access to the equipment serving all four screens. Winning several design awards upon completion, it is a fine example of a late 20th century urban cinema, from a period when the out-of-town multiplex was the predominant cinema typology.”

The project was an FPDC National Winner for Leisure, and voted as one of the best 50 buildings of 2000 by The Independent. It was shortlisted for the 1997 RIBA Award for Architecture, received a Civic Trust Commendation, and won the National Drywall Award for innovative use of materials.

“While the rest of Britain goes crazy for the bland multiplex, east London is now home to two picture houses which are also architectural masterpieces…The overwhelming sensation is one of optimism triumphing over dreary town planning”

— The Independent

Restoration of Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens shortlisted for AJ Retrofit Award

The restoration of the Grade II* Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth, being led by BFF Architects, has been shortlisted for an AJ Retrofit Award.

The AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards celebrate architectural expertise and ingenuity in the physical and environmental adaption and upgrade of buildings, and the reuse of building materials and structure in response to the climate emergency and changing requirements of use. The Winter Gardens have been shortlisted in the “Future Reuse” category, which celebrates “planned and future projects on the drawing board, in particular those looking to push the envelope in terms of retrofit and reuse”.

The last survivor of a British seaside tradition, the Grade II* Winter Gardens is currently unused, in a poor state of repair and on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Following restoration, this building of national significance will once again become a colourful and animated People’s Palace at the heart of the town’s life, economy, and heritage.

The project will return the magnificent cast-iron structure to a year-round attraction; a flexible entertainment, activity & events, education and community space, with food and beverage.

The new scheme aims to be as sustainable as possible, whilst respecting the historic fabric, and has implemented a 'Net Zero Carbon in Operation' strategy. Passive techniques have been developed to heat, cool and ventilate the space with the minimal use of energy and resources.

The planting proposal, with species referring to the Victorian planting and reflecting the town’s former trading routes, is sensitive to the need to balance a comfortable environment for people with a suitable environment for plants. New external landscaping and public seating will be provided.

The building will include an event space with stage and seating; restaurant and bar; and a multi-purpose activity space. An integrated Interpretation Strategy will encourage engagement with heritage, biodiversity, sustainability, climate adaptation and future resilience.

The restoration has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. It is one of five successful NLHF Heritage Horizon Awards projects, aimed at ambitious, innovative and transformational schemes that will revolutionise UK heritage.

The Awards are presented by Architects' Journal, the UK’s leading professional architecture magazine. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Autumn.

The Winter Gardens today, prior to restoration

Burrell Foley Fischer shortlisted for Public Building Architect of the Year

We are thrilled to announce that Burrell Foley Fischer are finalists for Public Building Architect of the Year at the 2024 BDOnline Architect of the Year Awards. The prestigious awards recognise architectural firms for a body of work in a particular sector. BFF submitted four Public Building projects as examples of our work, either recently completed or currently in progress.

Burrell Foley Fischer have designed many award-winning Public Buildings over four decades. The submitted projects demonstrate how our new generation of Principals are successfully building on this legacy. Together these projects provide exemplars of how the country’s most iconic buildings can be reimagined to provide a continued and enhanced public function, together with an economically viable and sustainable future.

BFF works closely with clients to develop schemes that allow continued and improved public access, while respecting and celebrating the historic fabric and the local affection for buildings and their idiosyncratic look and feel. We balance this at every stage of the design by providing facilities suitable to deliver the desired new uses in a sustainable and economically viable manner and within capital budgets that funders will support. All three completed projects are proving very successful, and the glasshouse project has garnered national funding.

Hall for Cornwall

The refurbishment and remodelling of the Grade II* Listed Hall For Cornwall has increased its audience capacity, conserved and restored its important heritage elements and brought them into better use. The new, three-tiered theatre space has provided a new dynamic relationship between performer and audience and enabled the organisation to deliver their artistic vision. Improved 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.

York Guildhall

The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guildhall. The refurbishment and remodelling provides a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses; combining events and exhibition space, with supporting café and restaurant offers, with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, and securing an economically viable and sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.

Mound Stand, Lords Cricket Club

BFF have designed three refurbishment projects at Lord’s Cricket Ground, as part of their programme to ensure they continue to meet the high expectations of members and spectators. Our most recent project for them was our second in the iconic Mound Stand, designed in 1987 by Hopkins Architects. The Executive suites in the stand were refurbished ready for the 2023 season including kitchenettes, toilets, access corridors and the Willow Suite with bar and seating. The project playfully refers to the traditional materials associated with cricket: the stitched leather and the willow and provides a comfortable spectator environment for the home of cricket.

Winter Gardens, Great Yarmouth

The last survivor of a British seaside tradition, following restoration, the Grade II* Winter Gardens will once again become a colourful and animated People’s Palace at the heart of the town’s life, economy, and heritage. The project will return the magnificent cast-iron structure to a year-round attraction, incorporating a range of new additions to transform it into a flexible entertainment space, with food and beverage. Alongside planting, the building will include an event space with stage and seating; restaurant and bar; and a multi-purpose activity space hosting various activities and encouraging engagement with the history and plants.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in London this October.

New Beach House café for Great Yarmouth

Burrell Foley Fischer are designing a new Beach House café for Great Yarmouth Borough Council. The café will be sited adjacent to the Grade II* Winter Gardens, which is currently undergoing restoration.

The new café will replace an existing building, whose envelope and architectural features do not meet current standards, especially in terms of energy performance, comfort and accessibility. It is envisaged to be open all day and early evening and provide a complementary food and beverage option to the catering at the Winter Gardens.

By redeveloping the café, GYBC can take significant design and commercial advantage of expanding the food & beverage offering and enhance the public realm opportunities by improving access to the seafront from the Golden Mile, a key heritage objective. The design provides a highly sustainable construction, complementing the Winter Gardens sustainability strategy.

Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council said:

"This will be another offer in the town and it is fantastic to bring this forward along with the revamp of the Winter Gardens."

The designs will now be developed ready to submit a Planning Application later in the year.

York Guildhall Awarded Best Project at the 2024 RTPI Yorkshire Awards for Planning Excellence

The restoration and remodelling of the Grade I, II* and II Listed York Guildhall has won Best Project at the 2024 RTPI Yorkshire Awards for Planning Excellence.

York Guildhall is one of the city’s most significant heritage assets dating from the 15th century, with a prominent position on the north bank of the River Ouse. When City of York Council resolved to move out of the Guildhall in January 2012 securing an appropriate, sustainable and beneficial future use for the riverside complex which had been the seat of city governance for over 600 years became a key concern for the city. A venue was envisaged to support and nurture the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses.

There was a core requirement for modern flexible office space and the associated provision of multipurpose space to suit a variety of potential uses such as co-working/ conferencing/ meeting and events and exhibition space. The complex also needed to accommodate elements of commercial space, including a restaurant and cafe bar, to provide support to the core uses and assist financial sustainability.

The existing buildings were on the Heritage at Risk register and the tower in particular needed significant stabilisation works. The Guildhall itself needed to be comprehensively refurbished to improve its usability; specifically including new heating and electrical services. The Guildhall forms one of the key tourist views in York, so the new element had to be sensitive to its surroundings, and planners wanted noise and visual impact to neighbours kept to a minimum.

Burrell Foley Fischer’s scheme, through sensitive planning and an understanding of the balance between new and existing, volume and space, has met the Council’s brief. A comprehensive refurbishment of the existing buildings, together with strategic new build interventions has re-purposed the complex for a new sustainable use.

The site contains a series of intimate, linked public spaces, connected by small “ginells” and the new build elements include the continuation of this language, to create a new riverside courtyard / garden across two levels of river front terraces, while improving public access and the general quality of the public realm throughout the complex.

As a Regional Winner the project will be put forward for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence National Awards later this year.

York Guildhall shortlisted for 2024 RTPI Yorkshire Award for Planning Excellence

The restoration and remodelling of the Grade I, II* and II Listed York Guildhall has been shortlisted for a 2024 RTPI Yorkshire Award for Planning Excellence.

York Guildhall is one of the city’s most significant heritage assets dating from the 15th century, with a prominent position on the north bank of the River Ouse. When City of York Council resolved to move out of the Guildhall in January 2012 securing an appropriate, sustainable and beneficial future use for the riverside complex which had been the seat of city governance for over 600 years became a key concern for the city. A venue was envisaged to support and nurture the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses.

There was a core requirement for modern flexible office space and the associated provision of multipurpose space to suit a variety of potential uses such as co-working/ conferencing/ meeting and events and exhibition space. The complex also needed to accommodate elements of commercial space, including a restaurant and cafe bar, to provide support to the core uses and assist financially sustainability.

The existing buildings were on the Heritage at Risk register and the tower in particular was in need of significant stabilisation works. The Guildhall itself needed to be comprehensively refurbished to improve its usability; specifically including new heating and electrical services. The Guildhall forms one of the key tourist views in York, so the new element had to be sensitive to its surroundings, and planners wanted noise and visual impact to neighbours kept to a minimum.

Burrell Foley Fischer’s scheme, through sensitive planning and an understanding of the balance between new and existing, volume and space, has met the Council’s brief. A comprehensive refurbishment of the existing buildings, together with strategic new build interventions has re-purposed the complex for a new sustainable use.

The site contains a series of intimate, linked public spaces, connected by small “ginells” and the new build elements include the continuation of this language, to create a new riverside courtyard / garden across two levels of river front terraces, while improving public access and the general quality of the public realm throughout the complex.

BFF to lead the restoration of the Iron Duke for the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust

The Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust (GYPT) have selected Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) as architects to lead the Design Team for the restoration of The Iron Duke, a Grade II Listed Art Deco pub with a fascinating history.

The pub was the work of architect Arthur W. Ecclestone, who was responsible for designing several other notable buildings in the local area including The Clipper Schooner in Great Yarmouth (1938) and the Never Turn Back in Caister (1956).

The pub was built for Lacons Brewery which was based in Great Yarmouth, and at its height produced 25 million pints of beer a year, had 300 pubs throughout East Anglia and 50 in London. It closed in 1968, but the name has recently been revived by a local brewer operating on a much smaller scale. The use of the falcon in relief panels and sculptural decoration on Lacons establishments became an instantly recognisable image for local people.

Construction began in the late 1930s but was halted due to the outbreak of the Second World War. Despite being incomplete, it was granted a licence in 1940 to serve the soldiers manning anti-aircraft guns on North Denes. Building work was completed in 1948. The pub's counters were said to have been made from teak from Admiral Jellicoe’s Dreadnought Battleship, HMS Iron Duke (1912). This was the flagship of the Grand Fleet which led the British fleet in the Battle of Jutland, from which the pub takes its name.

image courtesy of the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust

The pub has been vacant since 2008 but in December 2020 Great Yarmouth Borough Council agreed a loan enabling Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust to purchase the building. They have secured development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for their scheme to restore the building and as a part of that have undertaken emergency repairs to the roof ensuring the building is wind- and water-tight.

BFF will now work closely with the Trust, and the wider project team, developing a scheme of repair and sustainable reuse. The restored building will be a multi-use venue, including a bar and restaurant with holiday lets on the second floor. It will once again become a destination site, aiming to boost the area's economy and ensure the building's ongoing preservation.

Designs for the remodelling of the Malvern Theatres revealed

Preliminary designs for the remodelling of the Malvern Theatres, developed by Burrell Foley Fischer working with the theatre and Malvern Hills District Council, have been revealed. The ambitious project, which has received funding of £20million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, will aim to deliver a world-class cultural facility within the Malvern Hills District.

A large number of theatregoers, residents and other stakeholders attended presentations at the theatre outlining the current proposals and provided their feedback. Their comments will now be considered and used to inform the future development of the designs.

Subject to consultation and planning, phase two of the theatre’s redevelopment will see further investment in the site, expanding access to the arts, improving health and wellbeing for the community, increasing education and employment opportunities, and an economic uplift for the region.

The development may include a new amphitheatre, a modern 200+ seat studio theatre to host community work, flexible workshop spaces, a recording studio to give a platform to aspiring musicians, an external lift, and more.

The redevelopment is being led by Malvern Hills District Council.

Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said:

“This is a great opportunity for residents, theatre-goers, and visitors to have their say and to see the plans that will aim to transform Malvern Theatres. The theatre is an invaluable asset to our community, and we hope the new development will enable more people to access the plethora of theatre shows, film screening, workshops, activities, and events that this wonderful facility has to offer. Our ambition is to grow the Malvern Theatres complex in range and scope, engaging and supporting our communities”.

Fred Moroni, Executive Director of Malvern Theatres, said:

“Studio One has already been a fantastic addition to Malvern Theatres, with our weekly classes, community theatre, and smaller-scale cinema screenings proving to be incredibly popular and successful in reaching wider audiences. Any redevelopment of the theatre must be driven by our community, as well as the wider needs of Malvern, and we look forward to hearing feedback on these ambitious plans.”

Residents and visitors to have their say on the exciting £20million redevelopment of Malvern Theatres

Residents and visitors will be able to have their say on the exciting £20million redevelopment of Malvern Theatres, being designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, at a consultation event.

The public consultation, ‘Transforming Malvern’, will be launched on Tuesday, 9 April at an event at Malvern Theatres. People are invited to come along from 12.30pm to 6.30pm to look at the plans and take part in a survey. Presentations will be held at 1.30pm and 6.30pm, along with a Q&A session. The information displays with the plans will be available until Tuesday, 16 April.

The ambitious project, which has received funding of £20million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, will aim to deliver a world-class cultural facility within the Malvern Hills District.

Subject to consultation and planning, phase two of the theatre’s redevelopment will see further investment in the site, expanding access to the arts, improving health and wellbeing for the community, increasing education and employment opportunities, and an economic uplift for the region.

The development may include a new amphitheatre, a modern 200+ seat studio theatre to host community work, flexible workshop spaces, a recording studio to give a platform to aspiring musicians, an external lift, and more.

The redevelopment is being led by Malvern Hills District Council.

Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said:

“This is a great opportunity for residents, theatre-goers, and visitors to have their say and to see the plans that will aim to transform Malvern Theatres. The theatre is an invaluable asset to our community, and we hope the new development will enable more people to access the plethora of theatre shows, film screening, workshops, activities, and events that this wonderful facility has to offer. Our ambition is to grow the Malvern Theatres complex in range and scope, engaging and supporting our communities”.

Fred Moroni, Executive Director of Malvern Theatres, said:

“Studio One has already been a fantastic addition to Malvern Theatres, with our weekly classes, community theatre, and smaller-scale cinema screenings proving to be incredibly popular and successful in reaching wider audiences. Any redevelopment of the theatre must be driven by our community, as well as the wider needs of Malvern, and we look forward to hearing feedback on these ambitious plans.”

The deadline for comments is 19 April 2024.

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/theatre-project for more information about the project and to take part in the consultation.

Mithras House at the University of Brighton announced as a finalist in the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2024

The refurbishment and remodelling of Mithras House, for the University of Brighton, has been announced as a Finalist in the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2024 in the Regeneration and Retrofit category. The awards recognise and celebrate the very best companies, collaborations and projects from across the London and South East region.

Images: Photographer Andy Weekes, courtesy of the University of Brighton

The upgrading of the 1930s Mithras House, is part of the University of Brighton’s phased improvements to their estate, aiming to provide the best environments for their students to live, learn and socialise in, while supporting their net zero carbon ambitions.

BFF have been assisting the University with strategic planning since 2019, designing the masterplans for the future developments of their four campuses based on extensive space utilisation studies. This masterplan is being implemented in phases, the first of which focused on the relocation of key teaching and learning activities to the Moulescoomb Campus for the School of Humanities and Social Science.

To facilitate the move the first floor, and half of the second, of the Mithras building, around 3,400sqm, have been redesigned to provide an inspiring new home for the humanities and social science students and staff, and new facilities which can be used by other schools too. The remodelled building includes:

• Flexible teaching and research labs;

• Dedicated archive & exhibition space;

• Spaces to study, alone or with others;

• Widened circulation and new glass partitions to open up the building;

• A new Faculty reception area; and

• Inclusive and accessible spaces.            

A new “Hellerup” staircase links the first and second floors of the building, providing an impressive shared space which can be used for lectures, events and as an informal learning and meeting space. All glazing in the building has been replaced with modern double glazed sash windows improving the thermal environment in summer and winter.

Originally built as a design office for a large electronics factory, the building, although not Listed, is still historically significant to the University and the City. With Art Deco influenced styling its generous slab to slab heights and large windows make it light & lofty. An exposed services design with acoustic baffles was chosen to celebrate this by maximising the natural light and feeling of space. Services run between and under existing beams, which are clad with fire protection to modern standards.

The design, installation, materials and products used, has upgraded the building in terms of modern expectations and statutory requirements for sustainability, energy efficiency, accessibility, technology and user expectations giving the building an extended lifespan. It serves as an exemplar of how retrofit can successfully be used, instead of demolition and rebuild, to refresh existing buildings to make them fit for the 21st Century.

York Guildhall Highly Commended at the 2024 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards

The project to restore and remodel York Guildhall, led by Burrell Foley Fischer, was Highly Commended at the 2024 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards. Established in 2014, the Awards recognise projects which demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation.

AABC Conservation Awards Citation

The Guildhall complex, owned by the City of York Council, is a remarkable example of the city’s rich history, comprised of Grade I, II*, and II listed buildings surrounding a grand 15thcentury Guildhall.

Through a significant capital investment, it has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a long-term liability into a vibrant and financially viable city landmark. The project focused on preserving and enhancing the architectural and historical significance of the Guildhall while adapting it for modern use. Best practice conservation principles guided the refurbishment efforts, ensuring that heritage assets were celebrated and revealed while integrating modern amenities and sustainability features.

One notable addition is the Water Source Heat Pump, which harnesses sustainable energy from the nearby River Ouse. This renewable technology, combined with carefully considered building fabric improvements, has not only reduced operating costs and carbon emissions but also enhanced the environmental comfort of the complex.

The Slype Space, a newly glazed area between the South Range and the Guildhall, serves as a modern entrance, seamlessly connecting to the historic structure while accommodating contemporary needs. Thoughtful engagement with planning and conservation officers ensured that the design of this space respected the integrity of the existing buildings. Within the Guildhall itself, limited interventions were made to enhance accessibility and functionality while preserving its historic fabric. These included the installation of a new glazed draft lobby and the creation of a new stone opening into the Slype Space.

Careful consideration was given to maintaining the integrity of the Guildhall’s interior, including the retention of historic features such as the Munster wrought iron balustrade. The addition of a new block to the complex, situated on the footprint of the old North Annexe, further expanded the Guildhall’s functionality. This modern, yet sensitive link extension, clad in red Petersen brick and VM Zinc standing seam roofing, houses workspaces and a restaurant, seamlessly integrating with the historic fabric while offering contemporary amenities.

Throughout the restoration project, a strong emphasis was placed on supporting local businesses and fostering skills development within the community. Local materials and craftsmen were utilised wherever possible, and apprenticeships were offered to cultivate new talent in heritage conservation and construction trades.

The restoration of the Guildhall complex represents a harmonious blend of historic preservation, sustainable design, and community engagement.

Judges’ Comments: “By honouring the past while embracing the future, the Guildhall continues to stand as a symbol of York’s rich heritage and enduring legacy.”

Planning go-ahead for Worcester’s new arts venue

Planning permission and Listed Building Consent has been given to create a new multi-purpose arts venue within two historic buildings in the heart of Worcester, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer.

Worcester City Council's Planning Committee has unanimously granted permission for the full redesign and internal refurbishment of the Scala and Listed Grade II Corn Exchange buildings in Angel Street.

The decision is a significant step forward for the ambitious plans to create a new destination for Worcester, funded by part of the Government's Future High Streets Fund.

City Council Managing Director David Blake said:

"The Planning Committee's decision is an important milestone on our journey to creating a venue that will attract new audiences and allow creative communities to thrive in our city. I look forward to seeing construction work getting underway later this year."

Once completed, the new venue will be home to three multi-use spaces, currently named The Stage, The Screen, and The Box, as well as a café that can provide additional performance space.

• The Stage will host live performances, comedy and gigs.

• The Screen will host films, including independent film festivals, immersive events, dance and workshops.

• The Box will be a space for exciting digital experiences.

The plans for the new venue have been developed by the City Council following extensive consultation and work with a consortium of leading local creative organisations: Severn Arts, Dancefest, Mobilise Arts, C&T, The Kiln, and Vestan.

Paul Sutton, from C&T, said:

"On behalf of the creative consortium, I am delighted to hear this news. Our aim is to open the Scala as a welcoming hub in the heart of the city where people can come together to enjoy, imagine, and cultivate a more creative future for Worcester."

BFF to remodel and extend Malvern Theatres

Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres Trust Board (MTT) have selected BFF as architects for its £20m Malvern Theatres expansion scheme.

Levelling Up funding was granted to the scheme in 2023 by the UK Government to significantly widen access to the creative arts by extending the leading cultural hub and its community services.

The project consists of over 2,000sqm extension comprising a new studio theatre, flexible workshop spaces, teaching spaces, editing rooms, and commercial events spaces, and will be delivered alongside construction consultancy EDGE who will provide project management and quantity surveying services.

Attracting roughly 300,000 visitors each year, the aim of the project is to deliver a world-class cultural facility increasing footfall by around 135,000 more attendees per year, which would in turn boost the local Great Malvern economy by £11m annually.

Helen Grassly, director at Burrell Foley Fischer, said:

“We are delighted to have been selected, by Malvern Theatres and Malvern Hills District Council, as their architects to remodel and extend the theatre. It is already an incredibly successful venue, in a magnificent setting, and we are excited to be working with them on designs to support their future ambitions. We look forward to sharing our initial ideas with the community in due course and asking for their input to the evolving proposals.”

The newly accessible facility will enable increased participation by physically and mentally disabled people, by equalising access to the theatre’s main commercial offer as well as its ‘Take Part’ programme of tailored events. Malvern Theatres will also be able to accommodate an extra 105 local schools with its new facilities, be that for theatre performances or specific workshops.

The project is predicted to create 45 jobs and a further 120 indirect employment opportunities, with Malvern Theatres aiming to offer 10% of these to apprentices and work experience opportunities for school-aged children.

Josh Barber, senior project manager at EDGE, added:

“We’re really pleased to have been appointed to help bring the new state-of-the-art theatre to life, which will widen access to both culture and opportunity, broadening scope to offer the local population training and experiences in performing arts, digital media, hospitality and more. The project is strongly focused on community benefit and social value, and that aligns perfectly to our values at EDGE.”

It is hoped that the new Malvern Theatres project will be completed in 2026.

White Lion Pailton secures Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent

Proposals by Burrell Foley Fischer for the refurbishment and remodelling of the White Lion Pailton, have received Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent. The aim of the community led project is to restore and renew the building and grounds and establish a sustainable community business at the heart of the village.

The White Lion is a much-loved 18th century coaching inn, at the heart of the village of Pailton, North Warwickshire. It is Listed Grade II and has been at the heart of its community for over 300 years. Over this time, the pub continuously changed and adapted to meet local needs, but it has retained both its architectural and social significance. There are clearly legible parts of the original timber framed structure still in place, along with evidence of former stables and domestic outbuildings.

The context of the site is very much a key focal point along the village’s main street. The pub is well set back from the road, with land to both the sides and rear. This established setting creates a strong visual and heritage focus for the village and its community. The pub has, however, been closed for seven years, and is in poor repair. Its condition is fragile and deteriorating – without a plan for restoration now, this building, so important to the identity and history of the village, will be lost.

The local community mandated Pailton Parish Council, via the Pailton White Lion Working Group, to purchase the White Lion and since then the Working Group has carried out extensive community consultation to establish local residents’ priorities for what the site needs to provide for the village and the local area. These community consultations provided a very clear set of aspirations for the future of the White Lion and informed the plans that have now secured planning permission.

In summary, the reimagined White Lion will provide: a community shop; a pub and café/restaurant, extending into the grounds to the side and rear; workspace for artisan producers and makers in the one-time stable block and in the main building during quieter times; overnight/holiday accommodation on the upper floors; outdoor space for eating out, farmers’ and makers’ markets and a wide range of community activities.

The project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and the Parish Council now awaits the result of their application to the fund for a grant to deliver the project.

York Guildhall wins three CIBSE Awards

The restoration and remodelling of York Guildhall has secured three awards from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), project of the Year in the Commercial and Offices and Retrofit categories and the Building Performance Champion Award. Congratulations to the Services Engineers for the project, SGA Consulting, and the entire client and design team.

The 2024 Building Performance Champion ‘shows what can be achieved to deliver sustainable building refurbishment, minimise embodied carbon, and fulfil such a project with the most difficult site-access conditions’, said the judges.

The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guildhall. The refurbishment and remodelling provides a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses; combining events and exhibition space with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, and securing an economically viable and sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.

The project has delivered a comprehensive refurbishment of one of York’s most prestigious and historically significant buildings, together with new build interventions as necessary to re-purpose the complex for its new use. Best practice conservation principles have been adopted, in terms of the approach to enhancing and better revealing the significance of the heritage assets, whilst incorporating modern servicing and amenity requirements.

‘An exemplar of how to breathe new life into a 15th-century building.’

According to the award judges, the most impressive part of SGA Consulting’s refurbishment and extension of York Guildhall was the way in which it used an adjacent river to overcome issues, rather than seeing the waterway as an obstacle.

‘Shows the way forward in how to use low and zero carbon systems to heat old buildings.’

The Building Performance Awards judges debated the merits of several entries before choosing York Guildhall as the Building Performance Champion. ‘On the one hand we have outstanding new-build projects, showing what can be achieved from scratch,’ they said. ‘On the other we have the York Guildhall project, refurbishing a centuries-old building for modern use, with all the challenges of planning, listed building status and being right next to the River Ouse.’

‘With the many challenges the industry faces to renovate millions of existing buildings in the UK to achieve net zero, the Guildhall shows what can be done amid all the constraints’, the judges added.

The CIBSE Building Performance Awards (BPAs) 2024 recognised the people, products and projects that demonstrate engineering excellence in the built environment. They are the only industry awards that focus on actual, measured performance outcomes, and not just design intent or performance specifications.

https://www.cibse.org/what-s-on/cibse-building-performance-awards-2024/2024-winners

Great Yarmouth Borough Council awarded £12.3 million to restore UK’s last historic seaside Winter Garden

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £12.3 million to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to deliver its vision for the Winter Gardens – Reimagining the People’s Palace, a bold and inspiring programme, restoring a unique historic building to its former glory. The design team for the restoration is being led by Burrell Foley Fischer.

The Winter Gardens is the last surviving Victorian ironwork glass house on a seaside promenade in the UK and, in 2021, was one of five transformational projects across the country to be given a Heritage Horizon Award from the Heritage Fund.

Artists Impression of the restored building

Combined with £4 million of investment from the Government’s Town Deal Fund, it means the final stages of detailed design will get underway in the coming weeks ahead of the restoration work.

With the council having secured planning permission and Listed Building Consent in November, the Grade ll* listed Winter Gardens can now undergo careful and considered replacement of its original features, including cast and wrought ironwork, lost details of timber screens and all recapturing its past grandeur, combined with new services for the community.

Sustainability is core to the project, redeveloping a place where visitors can engage and learn about the environment. The beautiful indoor gardens will take people on a journey, showing how plants have shaped our history and define our future.

Some of the innovative sustainability aspects being integrated into the project will see the Winter Gardens having passive ventilation and de-stratification fans, rainwater will be harvested for irrigation, planting – both inside and out – will create shade, while heating will come from low carbon air source heat pumps and underfloor cooling.

The rejuvenated Winter Gardens will also feature community spaces, cafés and opportunities for leisure, entertainment and learning. The goal is to breathe new life to the heart of one of England's most iconic seaside towns.

Artist’s impression of the restored Tower

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ‘’We are absolutely delighted The National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing the Winter Gardens project with this additional funding. Such an important and complex piece of work would simply not be possible without the Heritage Fund showing this level of support for the vision for the building.

‘’Great Yarmouth’s Winter Gardens are an integral part of our history and loved by generations of people – not just in the town, but across the region and beyond. This exciting regeneration will be a stunning addition to what we are able to offer residents and visitors and demonstrates our commitment to regeneration in the borough.’’

Simon Thurley, Chair of The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “This is an exciting and pioneering project, part of our Heritage Horizons programme which focuses on supporting transformation in heritage. The Winter Gardens holds more than a century of history within its soaring cast iron frame, and this award enables it to be conserved and valued, for now and the future. 

“The renovation leads the way for the Heritage Fund’s strategic ambition to champion large-scale and long-term innovative solutions to strengthening heritage to be adaptive, financially resilient and contributing to the community and economy of Great Yarmouth.

“Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players and this programme is one of the ways we can support projects of all sizes across the UK to make a decisive difference for people, places, communities and the natural environment.”

The Winter Gardens in its heyday - courtesy of Great Yarmouth Borough Council

As part of the development of the plans for the Winter Gardens, the council has been working with the local community to share its plans for the project and listen to input and ideas from the public to help ensure the revamp is the best it can be.

Community consultation around the proposals included Great Yarmouth Civic Society hosting a special presentation about the project and the council’s team met with the Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society to update people on designs for the building. Groups of young people were also given tours of the site and took part in projects to discover what they wanted to see as part of the revamp.

The designs for the repair and refurbishment of the Winter Gardens, were developed by the design team at architects Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF), in close collaboration with the council, other specialist partners and stakeholders.

Faye Davies, Managing Director, Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) Architects, said: “This stunning and iconic building holds national significance, yet it finds itself on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, progressively deteriorating. We are delighted that our scheme to fully restore it, preserving it for future generations has received funding support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

‘’Collaborating with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, we have embraced their vision of returning it to its former glory; a vibrant people’s palace at the heart of the town's life, economy and historical legacy.”

Despite not having been open to the public since 2008, the Winter Gardens were previously a symbol of the golden era of the seaside, hosting a range of seaside entertainment from concerts and dancing, to roller-skating and arcades.

The detailed designs for the restoration, which is due to be completed in 2027, will be prepared ahead of appointing a contractor for the project.

The Winter Gardens today, before restoration

The restoration was featured on ITV Anglia news, click here to view their report.

A new home for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at The University of Brighton

The recently completed refurbishment and remodelling of the 1930s Mithras House for the University of Brighton is part of phased improvements to the university estate, aiming to provide the best environments for their students to live, learn and socialise in, and support their net zero carbon ambitions.

Images: Photographer Andy Weekes, courtesy of the University of Brighton

BFF have been assisting the University of Brighton with strategic planning since 2019,designing the masterplanning for the future developments of their four campuses. This masterplan is being implemented in phases, the first phase was focused on the relocation of key teaching and learning activities to the Moulescoomb Campus for the School of Humanities and Social Science. This Masterplan was based on extensive space utilisation studies carried out by BFF in association with the University.

Phase 1: The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, at the University of Brighton, has moved into the refurbished and revamped Mithras House at the Moulsecoomb campus. Bringing together all the humanities and social science students creating a stimulating academic community, enabling them to learn together, share experiences and provide access to new and exciting facilities.

To facilitate the move BFF, working closely with the university, redesigned the first and half of the second floor of the 1930s Mithras building, to provide an inspiring new home for the humanities and social science students and staff, and new facilities which can be used by other schools too. The remodelled building includes:

• Flexible teaching and research labs, ensuring the best possible learning environments whether working alone or with others;

• New dedicated exhibition space, which allows students to showcase their work and connect with local communities, organisations and companies;

• Spaces to study, alone or with others, quietly and collaboratively;

• Widened corridors and new glass partitions which have opened up the building throughout, providing light and airy spaces to meet and work;

• A new reception area providing a warm welcome for school visitors;

• Inclusive and accessible spaces, designed with neurodiversity in mind; and

• All glazing in the building has been replaced with modern double glazed sash windows improving the thermal environment in summer and winter.

A new Hellerup staircase links the first and second floors of the building, providing an impressive shared space which can be used for lectures, events and as an informal learning and meeting space.

As a project with a fixed budget the move to Mithras House required extensive coordination to ensure its deliverability within the agreed cost window, with some adjustments required to ensure the project was financially deliverable. This meant some inevitable compromises to the theoretical brief, but using the ability to interrogate the agreed space standards in the original brief, the client and design team agreed a workable compromise to successfully deliver their project.

The University are very happy with the finished project which is proving successful in operation. The completion of this phase of the University Masterplan has allowed Phases 2 and 3 of the masterplan to go ahead, and work is continuing at the Falmer campus to relocate the School of Sports and Health Sciences from the Eastbourne campus to the Falmer campus further consolidating the various teaching schools and providing much improved communications for students and staff at the University.  

Planning application for Worcester’s new arts venue is in

The planning application for Worcester's new Scala arts venue has been submitted, setting out an ambitious vision for a new performance and creativity hub in the heart of the city.

The City Council has drawn up a revised scheme to revive the historic Scala and Corn Exchange buildings in Angel Street, following extensive consultation with stakeholders in Worcester's arts and creative communities.

The project is being funded with part of the city's £17.9 million share of the Government's Future High Streets Fund, and the planning application can now be viewed and commented on.  

City Council Joint Leader Councillor Lynn Denham said:

"These plans set out a vision to refurbish these lovely old buildings into a multi-use arts and performance venue in the northern quarter of our city centre. We have worked with local arts organisations to create a new hub for film screenings, live performance, dance, rehearsals and much more."

Fellow Joint Leader Cllr Marjory Bisset said:

"These new plans for the Scala and Corn Exchange buildings have come directly out of our recent independently led stakeholder consultation, which helped to identify opportunities to improve the range of Worcester's current arts facilities. I'm delighted to say that we're now in a position to make use of those insights, creating a venue that will attract new audiences and allow arts and entertainment to thrive in our city."

The plans, prepared by architects Burrell Foley Fischer, set out proposals to create a range of new facilities in the two historic buildings. These include a live performance area with flexible seating, a screening studio, and a flexible space for rehearsals and dance performances. In addition, the new venue will provide a new café, bar and dining area and gallery space.

The City Council has worked with seven local arts organisations to prepare the plans: Severn Arts; Dancefest; Mobilise Arts, a Worcestershire-based inclusive arts organisation; C&T applied theatre practitioners, technologists ,web designers and teachers; co-working facility The Kiln; and community cinema operator Vestan.

They will continue to be involved as plans for the management and operation of the new venue are developed and finalised.

York Guildhall announced as 2024 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards National Winner

The Refurbishment and Remodelling of York Guildhall has been announced as a National Winner in the 2024 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards.

The awards recognise projects which demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation. The York Guildhall restoration is one of only nine successful National projects and will now receive either an Award or be Highly Commended at the 65th Annual Civic Trust Awards Ceremony in March 2024.

The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guildhall. The refurbishment and remodelling provides a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses; combining events and exhibition space, with supporting café and restaurant offers, with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, and securing an economically viable and sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.

The main hall suffered significant bomb damage during the second world war and since its reopening in 1960 had received only reactive repairs, putting the building at risk. The project has delivered a comprehensive (once in 100 years) refurbishment of one of York’s most prestigious and historically significant buildings, together with new build interventions as necessary to re-purpose the complex for its new use. Best practice conservation principles have been adopted, enhancing and better revealing the significance of the heritage assets, whilst incorporating modern servicing and amenity requirements. A Water Source Heat Pump provides sustainable green energy from the adjacent River Ouse, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The works were completed successfully despite the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic and significant engineering challenges given the buildings unique location and heritage. Extensive archaeology was undertaken due to the discovery of an old Friary and six bodies during construction. The River Ouse was used to transport equipment and materials to site to avoid construction traffic in York’s narrow historic city centre streets.

Throughout the restoration project, local materials, craftspeople, and sub-contractors were used wherever possible to support local businesses and contribute to the local economic recovery.

The University of York, through York Science Park Ltd, a partnership between the University and City of York Council, has taken a long-term lease on the historic buildings, to create a hub for business, enterprise and events. The new space is enabling the University to bring the innovation and support it offers to local business and enterprise into the heart of York, driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the City as it recovers from the pandemic.

“The investment in the Guildhall manifests our city’s ambitions and aspirations in preserving history whilst at the same time embracing the future. This project has taken one of the most important heritage buildings in the UK, one of York’s best-loved historic sites, and has – through excellent design, thoughtful investment and very high quality construction – built a new chapter in York’s future; innovative, environmentally progressive and accessible to all. It’s a building and a legacy that York can be proud of for many years to come.”

— Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance

Friends of the Broadway get green light from Scottish Land Fund to purchase historic Prestwick Cinema

The charity responsible for bringing back an iconic Prestwick cinema has been granted funding to purchase the building after a successful bid to the Scottish Land Fund. The Art Deco gem on Main Street, fondly remembered by generations of Ayrshire cinemagoers, will be brought into community ownership, and redeveloped into a cinema, multi-purpose entertainment venue, and inclusive space that will benefit the whole community.

Professor Guy Walker, Chair of Friends of the Broadway, said:

“Bringing back the Broadway started as a dream held by a committed group of Prestwick residents. Today that dream came true. The building will be owned by the community, and we are ‘bringing the Broadway back’ for everyone who said they would love to see films here again. Over the years people have asked us what’s happening with the building, and expressed their wish for something for young and older people to do in the town - well this is our Christmas present to you!”. 

Broadway Cinema prior to restoration

The Scottish Land Fund has awarded Friends of the Broadway the majority of the purchase price, with building owners, Buzzworks Group, contributing a significant six figure discount to enable it to pass into community ownership. Indeed, the charity has been supported and encouraged from the beginning of the journey, by Buzzworks and the business’ chairman Colin Blair, who commented:

“We are proud to support Friends of the Broadway and hope this further significant financial contribution will allow the group to continue its vital work in preserving this historic building, while creating an amenity for the community of Prestwick to enjoy for years to come.”

In addition to the purchase price, the Scottish Land Fund has also awarded £50,000 for immediate essential maintenance and further funding for a Project Development Officer, to drive the project forward into the next phases of renovation. Friends of the Broadway would also like to thank South Ayrshire Council, who have offered extensive help and support during the funding process.

Built in 1935, the Broadway Cinema is a surviving example of Scotland’s golden age of cinema; a time when even the biggest movie releases were brought to local high streets to be enjoyed by all ages. Originally seating over 1,000 people, large parts of the building remain unchanged. Cigarette ends still linger in the circle’s ashtrays and the projection room appears as a time capsule, with reels and equipment in the same spot as when they were last used. The last film was shown in 1976, and after that the building was put to many uses, including a leisure centre, amusement arcade, and squash courts. But it is Friends of the Broadway who will now restore the historic building to its original purpose.

With heritage preservation at the core of the charity’s aims, the building will be brought back to life in partnership with architects Burrell Foley Fischer, who specialise in heritage cinema and theatre design. The original art deco features of the cinema will be honoured, with new additional features that will ensure it is accessible and convenient for modern day visitors.

With the funding confirmed, the next phase of planning and development can now begin. If you’d like to find out more about The Broadway Cinema, the charity, or to offer your support visit www.friendsofthebroadwayprestwick.com.