01926 291010 | Leamington Spa Architects
Rickett Architects is delighted to be one of the sponsors of the forthcoming RTPI West Midlands Planning Summit ‘Major Events: Securing a Planning and Regeneration Legacy’ that will be held in central Birmingham on 4th December 2018. More info found on:
Work has now started on the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review. This will direct development across the three South Worcestershire Councils (Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon) until 2041. It will allocate land for housing and jobs for the next 20 years.
The Councils are now consulting and seeking views on the initial Issues and Options and are inviting people to submit development sites for consideration. As such, it is vital that any landowners or developers who want to promote land for development do so now before the Consultation Period finishes on 17th December 2018.
Rickett Architects can assist in assessing and submitting any sites for consideration and would be delighted to advise on any sites.
Visit the SWDPR website for more info:
There is no doubt that, historically, a “south of the river” stigma has been attached to the Althorpe Street area of Leamington Spa. While some would say this statement is right, there are others who want nothing more than to enjoy the area they live in and residents have made attempts to improve the quality of their local area.
Unfortunately, the area has degenerated, there are low levels of employment and high levels of crime including drugs. The canal side is quiet and not considered a safe place to spend time. Security has been an issue, and this is not, at present, a family friendly area.
Currently the buildings at Althorpe Street are split into units which are being used for garage space and an art studio, but these businesses lack the security needed to ensure the safety of visitors.
With this in mind, Althorpe Street Developments Ltd. have created a mixed-use scheme that will regenerate and add vigilance and security to the area. We are a group of local residents with a strong desire to improve our town - to add value and alleviate certain stress points created by changing times.
We intend to create a higher “people” presence which has the positive effect of making the area safer. Employment on the ground floor of the buildings, which will include office and retail space, will populate a daytime presence while accommodation above will do the same for the evenings and through the night.
The development will ‘activate’ canal life bringing energy and a vibrancy currently lacking in the area. The proposed buildings will add to public space making the development a valuable addition to the Leamington business and social scene. An economic driving force will inevitably bring with it a significant culture change for this part of Leamington. This can only serve to aid aspirations for new and established businesses to the area facilitating a wider regeneration of the canal side area.
The proposals will add value for the local community by opening up a space which is closed off by current elevations - an open public space to bring in the local community to a canal side culture. We are creating a community space available to all local residents with good pedestrian access. The development has been purposely designed with regeneration and employment in mind, this building will not only add economic value but also connect the canal to the street offering a unique proposition not seen anywhere else. We want the site to become an asset to the local community, bringing together business, social structure and culture to the area. We believe the development will enhance and add value to the canal side with a vibrant and energetic mix of people attracted to the area without loss of residential character.
The development will also use its proximity to the canal side as a way of radiating a positive culture through attraction of a diverse group of people into an area of Leamington which is rarely used.
The mixed-use development will also ease the pressure of students in the town. Our desire is to keep residential areas for local residents by providing accommodation for circa 270 people. This is consistent with the proposed new policy on Student Housing that is due to be considered by Warwick District Council on 31st May. This policy acknowledges the benefits that students bring to the town and seeks to encourage the provision of purpose-built accommodation of an appropriate type and quality in sustainable locations thereby encouraging students to move from HMO style accommodation and reducing the pressure on family housing and residential areas.
The design of the building is dynamic - the view will change depending on the time of day, light and weather. It is a reflection of the canal and will bring the canal to the street. Shadows will change, light will change adding fluidity and movement to a static structure. This proposed scheme is lighter than the current buildings. The physical elements of the proposed buildings add value at every step from the street/canal side perspective. All blocks have negative space activated from different perspectives adding to public usability and design aesthetic. In terms of size and scale (massing) the proposed development matches its surroundings - but with a unique and carefully considered design twist.
In conclusion, our desire is to turn an underused, undervalued area of Leamington Spa into a space that will be an important contribution to the local area. Our hope is to lead the way in attracting other developments to a high standard and quality that we would want for our town.
This is how the area looks now.
As a response to the impact of the increasingly complex planning system on development proposals, both large and small, Rickett Architects has established a bespoke Development Planning Service – led by Charles Robinson.
Charles has been in practice for over 35 years across a wide range of disciplines including directorships in national planning consultancies to commercial client-side/developer positions. He also remains active within the Royal Town Planning Institute and is a past Chair of the West Midlands Branch.
His particular expertise relates to development so he understands the pressures on clients in terms of the delivery of viable schemes. It is this expertise that makes Charles’ appointment such a good fit within the architectural team at Ricketts.
Welcoming Charles to the Practice Dan Rickett (Managing Director) noted, ‘As a dynamic team with a strong track record and ethos of delivering development Charles’ skills and contacts will be a superb fit to our other skill sets. He is already working with our teams on a wide range of projects from bespoke cutting edge residential schemes to major commercial buildings and large urban residential extensions.’
He is also working with the architectural teams to assess the implications of the new National Space Standards to ensure that Rickett Architects’ clients will be ready for these and ahead of the curve as they are continue to be adopted across the country.
If you would like to talk through any planning issues do get in touch.
Tennant street
Birmingham devlopment designed by rickett architects
Birmingham’s growth is continuing to accelerate rapidly which is why Rickett Architects are working closely with developers in Birmingham. Particularly on Tennant Street we have developed a residential scheme which looks to become an exciting opportunity for future investors.
Since spear heading the industrial revolution, Birmingham has always had a rich recipe of ingredients for a thriving economy. Today is no exception as Birmingham has more direct International investment projects than any other English region. Despite 8 years remaining till the due completion of HS2 commercial developers have seen the introduction of 17,473 start-ups in 2016 alone whilst the Residential developers seek to house a growing population of over 1.1million.
At Rickett Architects we want to help investors make the best commercial decisions for their projects whilst producing fresh designs to excite and sit in harmony with a city looking to become one of the most exciting places to live, work & invest in the UK.
If you are looking to invest in Birmingham, the youngest city in Europe then Rickett Architects, with our RIBA Architects, technicians & planners have the flexibility to produce cost effective schemes of all sizes.