Oldham Town Hall's Egyptian Room transformation, Yas Marina Circuit Pit and Paddock expansion and SPECTRA building opening.

1) Historic Egyptian Room at Oldham Town Hall transformed into a vibrant food hall

The newly reimagined Egyptian Room Food Hall, a BDP-designed architectural transformation bringing new life to the Grade II listed Old Town Hall in Oldham has opened.

The new Egyptian Room offers a dynamic mix of local street food vendors bringing flavours from around the globe to Oldham’s town centre. Visitors can enjoy diverse culinary options along with cocktails and live music every weekend, making the Egyptian Room the ideal spot for social gatherings, whether for a night out or a relaxed meal with family.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/49OD27G

2) BDP Pattern delivers second phase of Yas Marina circuit pit & paddock expansion

BDP Pattern has completed the second phase of its transformative work at Yas Marina Circuit, continuing its collaboration with Ethara to enhance the Pit & Paddock building and redefine the Paddock Club hospitality experience.

This project builds on the achievements of Phase 1, completed ahead of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which introduced the world-first Podium Club with its transparent cooldown room, a relocated podium overhanging the track, and expanded VIP suites and terraces.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Duc1tP

3) Innovative Gap House concept reaches final stage of construction

Work to turn a council-owned disused garage plot in Bristol into affordable housing thanks to the innovative Gap House concept has reached its final stage of construction.

The first factory-made panels, which will be used to create the external walls of the homes, have been lifted onto site and are now being installed in stages due to the constrained nature of the site.

Designed by multidisciplinary design practice BDP and built by contractor Beard and SIP (structural insulated panel) specialist Etopia, the nine one-bedroom, two-storey sustainable homes on Bell Close, Horfield, have been commissioned by Bristol City Council’s Housing Development team and funded by the local authority’s Housing and Landlord service.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3OXkY1z

4) University of Hertfordshire's flagship SPECTRA building opens

The University of Hertfordshire has celebrated the completion of its new state-of-the-art building, Spectra, home to the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS). Designed by BDP, Spectra marks a significant milestone in the University's commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and research. The £63 million building, located on the College Lane campus, has officially opened its doors for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Spanning five floors and standing as the largest structure on campus, Spectra is a cutting-edge facility that consolidates the University's departments of physics, engineering, and computer science under one roof for the first time.

Read more: https://bit.ly/41D8d3K

5) Plans for new affordable homes in Swansea given go ahead

Major plans to create much-needed affordable and energy efficient housing in Swansea have been given approval.

A planning application, submitted by Swansea Council, has now been approved for the development of 156 affordable homes in the Bonymaen community.

A multidisciplinary team of architects, landscape architects and engineers from international design practice BDP is supporting the council in delivering the plans.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3P05Q3i