Clare Chapman’s Post

“Honour the past, create the future.” The value of this adage, in business and in life, can be seen tangibly in architecture. London is covered with old buildings which have been redesigned into new modern structures. Battersea Power Station is a perfect example - Initially a coal fired power station beginning in 1933, it then sat derelict for 3 decades before its redevelopment in the 2010’s into a vast retail, dining, entertainment, residential & commercial complex. Developing something new from something old is challenging. It might have been simpler to demolish and rebuild, but the end result - a modern structure that retains a clear connection to its past - imbues the building with a rich history and a sense of permanence. The thoughtful blend of old and new creates something truly timeless and enduring.

A new park by LDA Design is at the heart of proposals for a £1 billion development in #Salford, submitted for #planning by Henley Investment Management Ltd with Savills and Matt Brook Architects. It will be the first park in the area in a generation. The development will transform the big box units of Salford’s Regent Retail Park to create a sustainable new place to live with a car-free core. The central green space sits within a wider two-hectare linear #park providing places to play and bringing close contact with nature. The #masterplan represents a 40% biodiversity net gain, transforming a large surface car park into a thriving green space. LDA Design delivered a #placemaking strategy prior to the #masterplan being developed to ensure landscape was at the heart of any new thinking for the area. LDA Design #Manchester studio lead Mark Graham said: “This is a significant development with landscape and placemaking at its heart. It demonstrates the importance of connecting new homes to playful, quality green space and investing in local infrastructure so that new and existing communities can benefit together.” A huge effort by many to get to this point, from LDA Design this includes: Mark Graham Ashleigh Davis and Sarah Brooks. https://lnkd.in/eicpcB2Z #Salford #Manchester #newhomes #homes #development #placemaking #landscape #landscapearchitecture #bettercity #greenercity #biodivesity #BNG

This historic Northside Cream City Brick building presents a unique opportunity for transformation and revitalization, offering 4,900 square feet situated on approximately 0.35 acres. Here are some potential development opportunities for this property: Commercial Uses: Retail Shops: Capitalize on the high visibility and traffic by converting the building into a series of boutique retail shops. Leverage the historical charm to attract customers seeking unique shopping experiences. Office Space: Provide unique office spaces for small businesses, startups, or creative agencies. Benefit from the building's character and historical significance to create an appealing work environment. Restaurant/Café: Create a charming dining experience that leverages the building's architectural features. Utilize the historical ambiance to attract diners looking for a distinctive place to eat. Creative Endeavors: Art Gallery/Studio Space: Use the building's distinctiveness to create an inspiring space for artists and creatives. Host exhibitions, workshops, and events to engage the community and attract visitors. Each of these development opportunities not only maximizes the use of the building's unique historical features but also brings vibrancy and economic activity to the Northside area.

In today's competitive landscape, standing out is key, and thoughtful interior design can be the differentiator that sets a hospitality establishment apart. It's about creating spaces that not only look visually stunning but also feel inviting, comfortable, and conducive to meaningful experiences. At Fable and Form, we understand the vital role that interior design plays in shaping the ambiance, atmosphere, and overall vibe of hospitality spaces. Whether it's a boutique hotel, restaurant, or a cosy café, every detail matters when it comes to captivating guests and leaving a lasting impression. Our team is passionate about crafting immersive environments that not only reflect the unique identity and brand essence of our hospitality clients but also resonate deeply with their target audience. From concept development to final execution, we collaborate closely with our clients to bring their vision to life, infusing spaces with creativity, functionality, and style. See more with the link below to our website! #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #GuestExperience #Creativity #Collaboration #ElevateYourSpace

Stonehenge, St Pancras…the Ringway? Ahead of the crucial vote this week by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee, Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has backed our campaign to save the Smallbrook Ringway Centre - a landmark mid-century modern building, currently threatened with total demolition. In a recorded video message to councillors, McCloud invokes Stonehenge, New York’s Grand Central Station, and London’s St Pancras Station, as now celebrated landmarks that at various points in their history, were also undervalued or faced the threat of destruction. Describing the Ringway as ‘a ribbon of craftsmanship, [and] of 1960s optimism’, he calls for the building to be imaginatively reinvented. The Ringway Centre was designed by James Roberts between 1958-60 - the same architect behind the city’s celebrated Rotunda tower - and has been described by historians as ‘the best piece of mid-20th century urban design in Birmingham’. Known for its dramatic 230m long elevation that curves along Smallbrook Queensway, and sweeps over Hurst Street on great V-shaped pilotti, it is thought to be the longest single retail frontage in the country. The planned redevelopment would see the building levelled to make way for three residential towers between 44 and 56 storeys. Of the 1,800 residential units, only 4.4% of would classify as affordable housing – well below the councils own 35% target for developments of this scale. Meanwhile the scheme would have a devastating carbon cost of 187 million kg of CO₂ - equivalent to driving a family car around the earth 33,000 time. This horizontal skyscraper, straight from the Mad Men era, deserves better than the bulldozer. With a little imagination, it's ready to be renewed and revitalised, fit for the 21st Century. Read more: https://lnkd.in/evMkFkFB

In this video, Lindsay Puckett, AICP discussed a presentation she gave about revitalizing downtown Homewood. She emphasized creating a community atmosphere where people feel connected and engaged. Specifically, the presentation outlined ten strategies to enhance the area's appeal. One key aspect was focusing on a compact area, possibly around a square or downtown core, within a quarter-mile radius. This approach encourages walkability, making it convenient for residents to access dining, work, and potentially living spaces within a short distance, typically a five-minute walk. Stay tuned for more! . . . #premiumpropertytrust #birminghamalabama #bhamal #realestateinvesting #realestate #architecture #pptreit #realestateinvestment #realestateinvestmenttrust #buildinggenerationalwealth #mixedused #newurbanism #generationalwealth #investing #reit #ppt #verticalintegration #premiumbydesign

Property Headlines of the Week 📣 It’s been an exciting week for the property industry in the North West and I thought I would share a few stories that caught my attention. 1. Liverpool Waterfront transformation - A team of international placemaking experts has been appointed to help set out the future vision. Really exciting scheme coming forward, in particular a ‘significant housing scheme’ at Festival Gardens. Liverpool City Council’s Sophie Bevan spoke about this at a recent Insider roundtable (more on that soon!) 2. The launch of Kamani Rossar - The brothers behind PrettyLittleThing have this week launched an interior design business, in partnership with designer Rob Rosser. This will cover the commercial, industrial and residential markets in major global cities from Manchester to New York and Mumbai. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e-cF7ikV 3. RECOM Solutions Ltd Property Leaders Whitepaper - Really enjoyed reading this insightful whitepaper from Jason McKnight MBA MCIOB this week. A few bits that stood out to me were Joanne Roney's comments on the rise of 'digitally driven regeneration', with exciting plans in place for Holt Town in Manchester. More about Holt Town here: https://lnkd.in/ed5KqAvx Another common theme throughout the report was the many applications of AI for the property industry going forward, including accurate property valuations, streamlining property management and predictive analytics. Avril Walsh Miri Thomas Simon Keegan

Aire Park is a great and comprehensive redevelopment, and The Tetley building is such an important part of that, bringing it all together. "A sensitive and minimalist approach is needed" to proposals say Leeds Civic Trust, and there's a balance needed with this; heritage harm versus public benefit, historic preservation versus feasibility and viability. There's concern about extensions to The Tetley building, but it's interesting that there's equal concern about the treatment of its interior features. It serves as a reminder that heritage is as much about what you can't see from the street as much as what you can. #Leeds #AirePark #Tetleys #Heritage https://lnkd.in/egbpT26B

Great hotel project in Manchester