Building Briefs:
A CITY centre development, with 6.5 acres of gardens and 97 allotments, has scooped two awards for its inspiring design and sustainability.
Saxton Gardens, based in Leeds and developed by Urban Splash, in partnership with the Homes And Communities Agency (HCA) and supported by Leeds City Council, has been held up as an exemplar of excellence by both the Housing Design Awards and the RIBA Awards.
The apartments, which were designed by architectural firm, Union North, boasts a mixture of 410 studio, one and two bed apartments, and the scheme is purported to have the largest private gardens of any city centre residence, including a wild flower meadow and orchard.
Judges of both awards praised developer Urban Splash for its regeneration of the two previously derelict council house blocks, re-using much of the existing building’s structure and creating a model of sustainable living.
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RYDEN, on behalf of landlord Industrious, has signed up two new tenants for Dartstone West Industrial Estate in Leeds, bringing the 15,849 sq ft estate to full occupancy.
SAS International, a manufacturer of interior products, has taken a 3,700 sq ft warehouse on a seven year lease, whilst Statement Exhibitions, an exhibition and display design and production company, took 7,555 sq ft on a eight year lease. The rentals achieved were in the range of £4 to £4.50 sq ft.
Craig Gooddy, letting agent at Ryden, said: ”We are delighted to have been able to land these two occupiers and to fully let the estate in the current market. These deals show that there is demand for well located, good quality and value for money stock in these uncertain times.”
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PLANNING and urban design consultancy Turley Associates has promoted Stephen Taylor to associate director and Jennifer Winyard to senior planner in its Leeds office with immediate effect.
Mr Taylor, who joined Turley Associates in 2010, is an experienced urban designer. Ms Winyard joined in 2006 and is a qualified planner.
Bob May, Leeds office director at Turley Associates, said: “I congratulate Stephen and Jennifer on their promotions. Both have excellent reputations and I’m confident they will play a major role in further developing the services offered by our Leeds office.”
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LONG-serving employees within Shepherd Group’s built environment division have been rewarded.
A celebratory presentation lunch was held in York for the 17 employees who have, in total, amassed 470 years of working for the division, which comprises Shepherd Construction, SES, Shepherd Homes and Shepherd FM.
Of the 17, 14 employees have notched up 25 years’ service and three staff members have worked within the group for 40 years.
Mark Perkins, chief executive of the division, said: “Our people are our business and our success is due entirely to them. That makes it important that we celebrate milestones for those employees who have dedicated 25 and 40 years of their working lives to the group.”
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A SHEFFIELD Hallam student has been named as one of the top property students in the country in a national property industry competition.
Catherine Barnard, studying Real Estate has taken the Yorkshire and North East title at the Association of Women in Property (WiP) National Student Awards.
Ms Barnard will now represent her region at the national final which takes place in London on September 18.
She was named as the winner during a presentation held at Turner & Townsend’s office in Horsforth, Leeds following a presentation given to WiP’s Yorkshire and North East branch by Nick Townsend of national sponsors Turner and Townsend.
Ms Barnard wins £300, an opportunity for work experience, free membership of the Association upon graduating and the opportunity to participate in the WiP mentoring programme whereby a mentor will support her in her early career.
