40 years in Commercial Architecture
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WCEC has designs on further regeneration of Potteries town
1 September 2005
Derbyshire architects WCEC is helping to transform the
Potteries, with its designs for the redevelopment of Tunstall town centre.
The rapidly expanding Chesterfield practice has been working with developers, on the multi-million pound Tunstall East Regeneration Scheme for 4 years which is providing a much-needed facelift for the Stoke area.
Tunstall was badly hit two years ago by the closure of pottery giant
Waterford Wedgwoods Alexandra factory with the loss of hundreds of jobs.
The redevelopment project by the urban regeneration specialists Dransfield
Properties Ltd, is seen as a vital way to breathe new life into the
Staffordshire town.
Alex Wall, WCEC partner, said: This project represents another exciting
town centre regeneration scheme for the practice.
We have been working on these proposals with Dransfield Properties over
many years and it is very rewarding to see the transformation of Tunstall
town centre coming to fruition.
The Ł7 million redevelopment of the Tunstall area has been named Jasper Square.
Phase One was completed last year with the arrival of a 45,000sq ft Matalan store creating 100 new jobs. Since its opening, the town centres High Street trade has improved, with retailers reporting an increase in business and empty units now being let.
Phases Two and Three has completed this summer with the arrival of a range of big retail names including Next, Argos, Pizza Hut and Choices Video. Next are trading over two floors providing 20,000 sq ft of retail space which provides departments for womenswear and childrenswear on the ground floor and menswear and home on the first floor.
Two further units on Rathbone Street are also due for completion later this summer - one of them fronting the High Street to strengthen links with the High Street shops.
WCEC and Dransfield Properties are currently in discussions with the local authority for Phase Four of the ambitious programme. This would see the redevelopment of the former Wedgewood factory site in a mixed-use scheme.
Alex added: The further phases of the Tunstall development will firmly put the town on the map as a highly attractive retail destination.
An important element of this phased redevelopment is to improve connections to and with the High Street encouraging people to make linked shopping trips. It will also open up and improve the environment of the Tunstall greenway providing high quality, green open space linked into the town centre.
We are delighted to be associated with a project that is contributing so much to the regeneration of Tunstall.
More News
Regenerating Royton Town Centre
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wcec are working with Dransfield Properties on an ambitious scheme to regenerate Royton Town Centre. The project will include a fully integrated foodstore and a remodelling of the existing district centre. The Ł22.5 million development will bring up to 300 new jobs to the town and will deliver: · A new 320 space town centre car park ·...
wcec complete Dronfield 10K and Fun Run
12 March 2012
wcec architects successfully completed the Dronfield 10K and fun run on Sunday 11th March. 20 runners took part to celebrate wcec’s 40th year in business and have together raised Ł1700 (with sponsorship money still coming in) for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Jon Godwin, one of our Associates, donned an Elvis costume when competing...
The Bath Connection
1 March 2012
wcec have won planning approval for the development of a new 108 bedroomed Hotel in the centre of the historic city of Bath – one of the most difficult places in which to get such permissions. Working with consultants MacMullen Associates and A&H Construction and Developments, wcec developed a design to satisfy English Heritage and a strong conservation...
wcec's 'green' house complete
24 February 2012
This ‘green’ residential development confirms wcec’s status as environmental champions and innovators. wcec’s creative design in the Sheffield green belt has reduced the developments’ carbon footprint by 95% through: · Reusing existing materials · Incorporating high levels of insulation in the thermal envelope · Installing...
Store of the Future Complete
21 February 2012
wcec architects have recently completed a ‘Store of the Future Refurbishment Project’ for clients WM Morrisons.’ The Norwich based store opened its doors to the public on 21st February. The refurbishment project included a complete redesign of the existing store interior which now reflects Morrisons’ fresh food experience concept. The concept...
Morrisons Superstore opens
14 February 2012
wcec have recently completed work on a new Morrisons store at Kirkby-in-Ashfield which opened its doors to the public on 25th January 2012. The Design Team have worked closely with Ashfield District Council to bring a 30,000 sq ft (sales) supermarket to the town centre which includes a customer café and the latest in-store fresh food initiatives....
40 year old practice still fit in the Charity Stakes!
10 February 2012
To mark our 40th year as Commercial Architects and to raise awareness of a worthy cause, wcec staff are taking part in the Dronfield 10k run in March. All sponsorship monies will be donated to our chosen charity – the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Staff will be donning Children’s Hospital T Shirts or fancy dress (we have our very own Elvis!) when...
wcec venture into the capital
17 January 2012
wcec are pleased to announce the opening of our new office based on Fenchurch Street in the centre of London. This is our third office adding to our current locations, Chesterfield and Livingston providing us with better coverage of the UK. The office will be headed up by our current Associate, Jason Ainsworth and will provide us with the opportunity...
wcec bring new image to Morrisons' high street
15 December 2011
Early in 2011, Morrisons set out on a plan to implement a radical new look into several pilot projects across the country. wcec were appointed on major internal modifications and associated extensions, at Shrewsbury and St. Albans. The concept is to further endorse Morrisons’ already well renowned fresh offer to customers with a new look and feel...
wcec breathe new life into the former Great Northern Railway station
29 November 2011
Working alongside Clowes Development wcec have gained Outline Planning Consent to regenerate the 20 acre site in Derby which has been redundant for over 40 years into a vibrant mixed use scheme. The proposal comprises of a mixed-use development incorporating the regeneration of a number of listed and architecturally significant buildings that were...
Low Stanners Supermarket Scheme Gets Approval
27 July 2011
The Local Authority has approved the application that has been submitted for a new supermarket in Morpeth. The North Area Planning Committee met on Thursday 7th July, the scheme was approved and the development for the Low Stanners site could start as early as this Autumn. The development will transform the former council depot at Staithes Lane...