40 years in Commercial Architecture
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New Town Centre for Morpeth Starts
19 September 2007
Work has started on WCEC Architects design for a new town centre for the Northumberland town of Morpeth. The vibrant and sympathetic scheme for this historic market town was produced after much local consultation.
The phasing of the project is being carefully co-ordinated to keep disruption in the town to a minimum. The first stage of this Ł30 million development has started with the construction of a new 115 space long stay car park, together with associated highway works. This will provide additional parking when existing car parks are affected later in the works. These improvements will be completed during November to avoid disrupting the towns Christmas trading. A new petrol filling station for Morrisons has also started and is due for completion in February 2008.
The 180,000 sq ft project will produce a more cohesive town centre for Morpeth. Work will follow on for the main phases in early 2008. The proposals include a total redevelopment of the existing Sanderson Arcade and Back Riggs area, incorporating a high quality glass covered Edwardian style mall. This will lead to the creation of approximately 27 new shops with office accommodation above and will also form stronger pedestrian links through from Market Place towards a more central car parking area.
The approved development also includes a large extension to the existing Morrisons Supermarket. It is anticipated that these works will be completed in 2009.
Transport into the town centre will be improved by the development of a new bus interchange, whilst the existing fragmented short stay car parking has now been redesigned to provide one centrally managed car park for both the town centre and the extension to Morrisons Supermarket.
The Ł30m scheme will bring much needed investment into the town centre and will put Morpeth back on the retail map.
WCEC Partner, Gavin Ward said; I am excited that this scheme has started on site. It will provide Morpeth with a revitalised Town Centre, without destroying its historic fabric and environment for this ancient market town.
More News
Regenerating Royton Town Centre
18 April 2012
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...