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#127 · (Edited)
9th May 2009 update.
BRUNSWICK BUSINESS PARK OFFICES


Robin Clayton Partnership

Robin Clayton Partnership​

An office development in Brunswick Business Park

Developer: North West Industrial Estates

Location: Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park

Statistics: A 5 storey B1 office building with car parking.

Architect: Robin Clayton Partnership

Planning application (08F/3179) submitted 11th February 2009.

Status (May 2009): Outcome of planning application awaited.

Go to Sefton Street Developments thread.
 
#128 · (Edited)
Update: 11th May 2009
LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT MASTERPLAN

The plans submitted by Peel Holdings for the development of Liverpool John Lennon Airport to a passenger throughput of 12.3 million passengers per annum by 2030.

Developer: Peel Airports Group

Location: Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Cost: £600 million

Submitted: 2006 followed by public consultation in September 2006.

Status: May 2009 - Masterplan in planning process. May 1st - Peel announce they are looking for an investor to buy a stake in the company and also announce a £12.5million upgrade of the terminal to include additional retail space and upgraded security.

The draft airport masterplan was announced in July 2006. The plan was in response to the Government White Paper 'The Future of Air Transport' and envisages expansion of the airport in two phases:

Expansion to 2015:

8.3 million passengers per year with 40,000 tonnes of air freight and 9000 employees.


LJLA

Expansion to 2030:

12.3 million passengers per year with 220,000 tonnes of air freight and 11,300employees.


LJLA​

Main Features of the Masterplan:

  • Expansion of terminal facilities
  • A public transport interchange
  • A new access road from the A561: Speke Boulevard
  • Extension of the existing runway from 2286m to 2750m
  • A World Cargo Centre to the South of the Runway

The runway extension, which is planned to be completed by 2015 and will enable flights to destinations such as the USA and Canada will consist of a 314m. full width extension at the Hale end, which will bring the runway length up to 2600m and two 150m. half width 'starter strips' at each end, which will bring the effective length up to 2750m. The starter strips will be used only for take offs - consequently planes landing over Hale Village will do so at a higher altitude. The existing parallel taxiway will be extended to the full length of the new runway.

A second parallel taxiway will be constructed in the period up to 2030 on the southern side for use in conjunction with the World Cargo Centre.

Corridors are to be provided for a light rapid transit route, as envisaged for Line 3 of Merseytram.

The route of the Eastern Access Road is yet to be decided but the following options have been outlined:



Option SA2 is the shortest route and allows a connection from Speke Boulevard just to the east of the Speke Estate.

Options SA3 and SA4 would allow a direct connection from the Knowsley Expressway (A5300) and a direct link to the national motorway network, although costs would be increased by the greater length of road and the need to bridge over the four track West Coast Main Line.

The environmental impact of the expansion will be a major factor in its progress. The map below shows calculated noise contours for 2015. As now, most of the impact will be in the communities of Hale Heath and Hale Village to the east end of the runway and south east Speke to the north. Flight paths over the river will reduce the noise impact at the west end, although the noise and visual intrusion experienced by Speke Hall will increase.

LJLA

An important mitigation measure will be the extension of the Coastal Reserve, part of the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park in the Oglet, the semi-circle of land to the south of the runway. An additional 124 acres (50 hectares) will be provided as part of the development of the World Cargo Centre.

LJLA​

Go to forum thread.

Airport Masterplan Document

Some important milestones in the history of Liverpool Airport:

1930 Flights begin.

1933 Official opening of Liverpool Airport northern airfield (now the Estuary Commerce Park). Chapel House farm is the first terminal.

1939 The Art Deco Northern Terminal opened (now the Crowne Plaza Liverpool Airport). The airport is second only to London (Croydon) in terms of passengers carried by a British Airport.

1939-1945 Second World War. The Airport is requisitioned by the Air Ministry and becomes a major RAF field. Some passenger flights still continue. Three new concrete runways are laid.

1945-1961 Airport remains in the hands of the Ministry of Aviation and gradually loses out to Manchester Airport. Liverpool City Council regain control in 1961.

1966 New 7,500' (2,286m.) 10/28 runway (now 09/27) opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on land to the east of Speke Hall. A link taxiway to the terminal cuts through the grounds of the Hall.

1971 Planning permission granted for a 2,500' (726m.) extension of the runway at the Hale Village end - never implemented.

1974 The newly formed Merseyside County Council assumes responsibility for the Airport.

1984 On dissolution of the Merseyside County Council, ownership passes to the five district councils.

1986 New Southern apron and terminal opened alongside the new runway. This brings to an end 20 years of abnormally long taxiing distances. The old Northern Terminal closes.

1990 British Aerospace buy the Airport with plans to turn it into the largest privately owned airport in the world. Plans for expansion to 40 million passengers are gradually scaled down to 12 million.

1996 The Battle of the Airports. Liverpool goes head to head with Manchester Airport with rival expansion plans. The Manchester Second Runway is chosen to go ahead by government. BAe decide to sell Liverpool Airport.

1997 Peel Holdings (owners of Manchester's Trafford Centre) buy Liverpool Airport. The arrival of low cost carrier EasyJet heralds the beginning of low cost flying from Liverpool.

2001 Derelict Northern Terminal refurbished and reopened as the Marriott Hotel Liverpool South (now Crowne Plaza, Liverpool Airport)

2002 A new terminal (officially an extension of the previous building) trebles the passenger carrying capacity of the Airport. It is opened by the Queen and Yoko Ono and the Airport is renamed Liverpool John Lennon Airport in memory of her late husband.

2006 The now forty year old runway and taxiways are resurfaced. The Airport Masterplan for expansion announced.

2009: Multi-storey car park and hotel opened.
 
#129 · (Edited)
11th May 2009 update.
LIME STREET CAB ROAD


Network Rail​

New passenger facilities for platforms 7 and 8.

Location: The old cab road (between platforms 7 and 8), Lime Street Station.

Cost: £3.4 million

Description: Two new passenger lounges, three retail units, an information point and railway staff accommodation. The buildings are being constructed using environmentally friendly glu-lam timber beams with timber veneers and will utilise frameless glass walls.

The front building will contain the shops (including one for refreshments) and information point (to be staffed by Virgin Trains). The rear building will contain the First and Standard class lounges, separated by a retail kiosk.

Other improvements include a glass screen and ceramic tiled passenger concourse.

Contractor: J. Murphy and Sons Ltd

Commenced: 18th August 2008

Information Point opened: 29.04.09

Final completion: June 2009

Status (May 2009): Externally complete.

Go to forum thread.

The building nearing completion on 7th May 2009:


kat2​
 
#130 · (Edited)
20th June 2009 update.
LJMU BYROM STREET SCIENCE BUILDING


LJMU​

A 5 and 3 storey science building and laboratory block forming the first phase of a master plan to concentrate all LJMU science and technology activities on one site.

Location: LJMU Byrom Street campus.

Developer: Liverpool John Moores University

Architect: Dominic Wilkinson of Austin Smith Lord

Cost: £20 million

Description: A 'box within a box' with the outer box containing a foyer and cafe and the inner a controlled environment with minimum lighting. 50% of the building is given over to laboratories, the rest is teaching and I.T. suites and staff accommodation. There will also be a 70m. running track.

Planning Permission: March 2008 (following resolution of local residents concerns about the loss of 70 car parking spaces)

Status: (June 2009): Frame completed, cladding in progress.

Go to forum 'University Developments' thread.

Go to architect's website.

Cladding underway on 24th April 2009:


Howie P​

Some earlier renderings:


LJMU


LJMU​
 
#131 · (Edited)
11th May 2009 update.
PROJECT JENNIFER


St Modwen Developments


St Modwen Developments


St Modwen Developments​

A new district centre for the Great Homer Street area north of the city centre.

Location: Area between Gt Homer Street and Scotland Road, north of the Wallasey Tunnel entrance. Includes the site of Paddy's Market and St Martin's market.

Developer: St Modwen Developments in partnership with Liverpool City Council

Value: £150 million

Statistics: A 115,000 square foot superstore, 80,000 square feet of non-retail stores, a market and 300 relocated outdoor market stalls, 480 new homes, facilities for a Primary Care Trust Centre, a new library and leisure facilities, 80,000 square feet of light industrial units and a public transport interchange.

Project History:

Liverpool City Council appointed St Modwen Developments in 2004 to develop the scheme. They produced a masterplan and submitted a planning application. Outline planning consent given in January 2007 and the project was endorsed by the Department of Communities and Local Government in May 2008.

Status (May 2009): Progress hampered by a breakdown in the partnership between St Modwen and Tescos, the provider of the superstore. St Modwen looking for another development partner but Tescos own a large part of the land.

Project Jennifer website.
 
#132 · (Edited)
11th May 2009 update
CITY POINT​


Oscar Developments


Oscar Developments​

A five storey office building in Great Homer Street

Developer: Oscar Developments

Location: South end of Great Homer Street (by Wallasey Tunnel entrance) and close to proposed Project Jennifer.

Statistics: 27,500 square feet of office space comprising 16 Grade A specification units, each with its own front door and typically 1,515 square feet in size. Undercroft parking.

Status (May 2009): Complete

City Point nearing completion on 8th February 2009:


Doug Roberts​
 
#133 · (Edited)
21st February 2012 update.
EL LAYLA HOTEL
FORUM THREAD


Falconer Chester Hall​

A new boutique hotel within the former Municipal Annexe building.

Location: Corner of Dale Street and Sir Thomas Street (opposite the Municipal Building)

Developer: Iliad and Dr Marwan Koukash

Architect: Falconer Chester Hall

Cost: £30million

Description: An 83 bedroom 'boutique' hotel (i.e. one with a 'luxurious and unique environment') complete with 2 restaurants, a bar and gym, conference rooms, cinema and swimming pool in the basement.

Commenced: Summer 2007

Completion: Early 2012 (to be confirmed)

Status (February 2012): Externally completed but hoardings still in place and no sign of imminent opening.

Some renderings of the reception area:


Falconer Chester Hall


Falconer Chester Hall​

Project History

1865: Building first opened as a Conservative Club - later to become the Municipal Annexe.

7th July 2005: Plans for hotel announced by Dr Marwan Koukash - to be named after his daughter (then six years old).

2006: Planning permission granted.

June 2007:The development caused controversy when permission was given to demolish No. 6 Sir Thomas Street and Iliad subsequently damaged the facade of the building prior to an attempt at last minute listing.

The reason given for not listing No.6 was that it was the only building with a brick facade in a street of stone facades and planning perimission was given for the scheme which involved its demolition because retention would not have permitted adequate connectivity between the adjacent buildings.

25th January 2011: Announced that hotel to open in June 2011.

24th May 2011: Opening of hotel put back six months after contractor goes into administration.

Construction Progress:

The hotel site on 22nd October 2008. It was to remain at this stage for several months:


Doug Roberts​

The exterior of the new build almost completed in May 2010:

Doug Roberts​

The former Municipal Annexe building in August 2010:

Joe the Red


Joe the Red​
 
#134 · (Edited)
ARENA AND CONVENTION CENTRE


Liverpool Vision


Liverpool Vision


Liverpool Vision​

A new arena and convention centre on the Mersey waterfront.

Location: Kings Waterfront (south of the Albert Dock)

Developer: Liverpool Vision (as part of the Kings Waterfront project).

Architect: Wilkinson Eyre

Description:
The Arena and Convention Centre consists of three main elements, with a central linking concourse known as the Galleria:

Arena: A maximum 10,000 seat arena, known as the Liverpool Echo Arena with a floor area of 3,400 m2 that can be used for exhibitions.

Convention Centre: A 1,350 seat convention centre, known as the BT Convention Centre. It contains two sound-proof rotating drums that can provide one 850 seat and 2 x 250 seat auditoriums. There are also 18 'breakout rooms' with a maximum capacity of 200 delegates.

Multi-purpose Hall: 3,725 m2 of exhibition space beneath the Convention Centre, which can be linked with the Arena floor to provide over 7,000 m2 of space.

The arena is designed to have half the C02 emissions of similar spaces and this is helped by six wind turbines erected on the north west corner of the site.

Contractor: Bovis Lend Lease.

Commenced: 12.10.05.

Completion: Arena: Late December 2007 (in time for Capital of Culture opening ceremony).

Convention Centre and Exhibition Space: April 2008

Construction Photo Gallery

Go to Architect's website.

Go to ACC website.

Go to forum thread.
 
#135 · (Edited)
KINGS WATERFRONT HOTELS


Jurys Doyle


Jurys Doyle


Jurys Doyle

Two hotels adjacent to the Arena and Convention Centre. One is a Jurys Inn, the other a BDL Staybridge 'boutique hotel'.

Location: Keel Wharf (opposite Wapping Dock)

Client: Jurys Doyle

Development partner: McAleer and Rushe

Architect: Urban Innovations (Belfast)

Description: Two hotels on Keel Wharf and a restaurant building on the ACC piazza.

Jurys Inn: 310 bed hotel with ten dedicated meeting rooms

Staybridge: A 132 bed 'boutique' hotel - the first in Europe by the American Staybridge group. Features studio and one bedroom rooms plus a business centre and fitness room.

Restaurant: A two storey building facing onto the plaza and operated by Pizza Express


Jurys Inn completed April 2008.

Staybridge Suites completed June 2008.

Go to developer's website.

Go to architect's website.

Go to forum thread.
 
#136 · (Edited)
KINGS WATERFRONT MSCP


Liverpool Vision​

The main multi-storey car park for the Arena and Convention Centre

Description: A 1,600 space multi-storey car park with entrances in Monarchs Quay and Keel Wharf. It is screened from view on its south and east elevations by the Artisan apartment blocks.

Developer: Liverpool Vision

Commenced: 2005

Completed: late 2006

Go to forum ACC thread.
 
#137 · (Edited)
28th May 2009 update.
ARTISAN APARTMENTS​


Artisan Property Group​

An apartment development wrapping around the Kings Waterfront multi-storey car park.

Developer: Artisan Property Group (ACG North)

Description: Two 8 storey blocks fronting the south and east elevations of the Kings Waterfront MSCP. They will contain 96 apartments (6 x 1 bed, 90 x 2 bed) plus retail and leisure space.

The development is aimed at 'key workers' and first time buyers and will have a 60% shared equity scheme.

Commenced: March 2007

Status (May 2009): The ACG North division of Artisan Property Group has been in administration since early January 2009 and there has been no visible progress since them. Both blocks are at full height with the south block external cladding almost complete.

The south block in May 2008, very little progress is evident since that date:


Martin S​
 
#138 · (Edited)
4th December 2011 update.
ROYAL COURT MAKEOVER
FORUM THREAD


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​

A major refurbishment of the Grade II listed Royal Court Theatre.

Location: Royal Court Theatre, Roe Street

Client: Royal Court Theatre Trust

Architect: Alford Hall Monaghan Morris, London

Description: The interior space to be fully renovated with new public areas, bars and facilities with improved ground floor access and vertical circulation. There will be a new rooftop bar for theatre goers and a side extension to increase back of house facilities.

Cost: £10.6 million (Being raised from private donations, a levy on theatre tickets and the Heritage Lottery Fund). The HLF donated £116,200 as a start up grant followed by £867,800 following receipt of planning approval. A £1 levy on theatre tickets over £10 had raised £200,000 by December 2011.

Phasing:The project is to be delivered in four phases as follows:

Phase 1: Internal public areas to be connected and rationalised and auditorium seating improved.(£2.6 million)

Phase 2: A new entrance foyer and ground floor extension will provide foyer space with a first floor terrace above the extension.
Existing external advertising will be removed and new advertising provided in two new triangular features (designed to reflect the bell tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral).(£4.5 million)

Phase 3: The new rooftop venue to be created. (£2.4 million)

Phase 4: Additional back of house areas with a side extension for office and green room space. (£1.5 million)

Timescale:Commence February 2012 (phase one) with completion dependent upon funding.

Current Status (December 2011): Planning permission and sufficient funding obtained for a start on Phase 1.

Further Renders

Some pictures and drawings from the architect's website.

The Roe Street elevation showing the new extensions and advertising boards:


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​

A view of the remodelled auditorium:


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​

A plan of the remodelled theatre:


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​

Two exterior elevations:


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​

A cross-section showing the new circulation space:


Alford Hall Monaghan Morris​

Project History

The Royal Court has been a Liverpool theatre for some 200 years. The present 1,250 seat building, designed in the Art Deco style, was completed in 1938. The theatre has had a chequered history being used in recent times as a venue for rock music and later as a comedy club.

The remodelling proposals are intended to improve facilities for the public including disabled access and so secure the future of the theatre.

The scheme was the subject of an architectural competition. Following a selection process that involved 51 architectural practices from around the world, Alford Hall Monaghan Morris were selected on 5th March 2009 from a shortlist of seven. Their scheme enabled extensive modernisation of the building without altering its 1930s Art Deco identity. The other shortlisted designs are shown at the bottom of the page.

In March 2010, the theatre was given a 30 year lease by Liverpool City Council which allowed the Royal Court Liverpool Trust to seek funding for the makeover, which included an application for grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the commencement of the ticket levy (see above), and to be able to produce a planning application.

In September 2010, the HLF made their first grant which enabled the scheme to be progressed to RIBA Stage D for planning application purposes.

A public exhibition of the plans was made in Williamson Square from 3rd to 7th May 2011. The planning application was also submitted in May.

On 12th September 2011, planning approval was obtained and, following this, the second grant of HLF money was made (see above).

The shortlisted schemes from the architectural design competition:

Andrew Todd, Paris:


Andrew Todd

Studio Three, Liverpool:


Studio Three

Union North, Liverpool:


Union North

Burrell Foley Fischer, London:


Burrell Foley Fischer

Pentagram, London:


Pentagram

Nord Architects, Glasgow:


Nord Architects​
 
#139 · (Edited)
5th February 2012 update.

NATIONAL WILDFLOWER CENTRE INSPIRE PROJECT

FORUM THREAD



Ian Simpson​

A new educational, conference and seed production complex at the National Wildflower Centre.

Location: National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, off Roby Road, Knowsley

Client: National Wildflower Centre

Architect: Ian Simpson Architects (with Adams Kara Taylor engineers and Hoare Lee engineers and cost support from Cyril Sweett).

Cost: £5.4million

Description: The building is designed on the basis of a mathematical fibonacci spiral with the conference centre based on the head of a wild flower. It will tightly hug the north west corner of the site. The project includes landscaping, classrooms and teaching facilities and a seed production complex. It is intended to be the first building in the UK to be rated BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) 'Outstanding' and will feature a biomass boiler, photovoltaic cells, a wind turbine, a rammed earth wall and earth ducts (air intakes through the soil mass which warm in winter and cool in summer).

Current Status (January 2012): Planning approval obtained but no progress in last two years, probably due to funding issues resulting from the winding up of the North West Development Authority. Project still shown on NWC website.

Project History

March 2009: Following an international competition, organised by RIBA and funded (£100k) by the North West Regional Development Agency, six designs were shortlisted with the Ian Simpson design being chosen on 9th March.

20th November 2009: Public consultation.

11th November 2009: The National Wildflower Centre prepares for a detailed planning application after funding of £200,000 awarded by the North West Development Authority.

March 2010: Planning approval obtained.

The five shortlisted entries:

Kirkland Fraser Moor:

Kirkland Fraser Moor​

Urban Salon:


Urban Salon​

Studio Verna:


Studio Verna​

Nicolas Tye:


Nicolas Tye​

DM3 Architecture:


DM3 Architecture​
 
#140 · (Edited)
5th February 2012 update.
THE MERSEY OBSERVATORY​

FORUM THREAD


Duggan Morris​

An observation tower and landmark at the mouth of the River Mersey forming a tourist and educational facility as part of the Mersey Basin Campaign.

Location: Site of the Port of Liverpool Radar Station at Seaforth Dock (near Crosby Marina and Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place' statues).

Client: Mersey Basin Campaign (Legacy Site)

Architect: Duggan Morris Architects

Cost: £12million.

Current Status (February 2012): Scheme appears to have fallen victim to both the planned winding up of the Mersey Basin Campaign in 2010 and the recession with Sefton Council not prepared to take it over.

Description: An observatory and exhibition centre with views over Liverpool Bay, the City skyline, the docks, Crosby Beach, the wildlife sactuary and the Welsh Hills.

It will have a height of 50m (164') and a 'vase and bowl' design that will be internally illuminated. The material used is intended to glow in the dark. The tower will have an enclosed all weather viewing platform with an open air viewing platform above it that will accommodate up to 200 people. These will give 360 degree views. The second building, will have a reception / information point, an exhibition area, restaurant, cafe, toilets and a rooftop viewing 'ampitheatre' with clear views of the bird sanctuary.

The two parts of the building will be linked by a promenade and Merseytravel are proposing a landing stage to allow ferry services.

The project is backed by the North West Regional Development Authority, the Mersey Waterfront and Peel Holdings.

Project History:

The architectural competition to design a landmark building resulted in 92 designs of which 5 were chosen for a public exhibition in March 2008. The winning design by Duggan Morris Architects was announced on March 14th 2008.

4th December 2008: Sir William Menzies, chief executive of the Mersey Basin Campaign announced that the project was still on track and that current issues are directed toward obtaining planning permission etc.

28th July 2009: Sefton Council refused to take over the project following the winding up of the Mersey Basin Campaign, due to funding restrictions.

March 2010: Mersey Basin Campaign wound up after 25 years.

Some further renderings:


Duggan Morris


Duggan Morris

Duggan Morris​

The site of the proposed observatory, the redundant radar tower at Royal Seaforth Dock shown on the right in its context. The River Mersey is in the foreground with Royal Seaforth Dock in the right background. In the left background is Crosby Marina fronting onto the beach where Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place' statues are located. In the centre background is the wildlife sanctuary - an undeveloped part of Seaforth Dock:


Web Aviation​

[The other four shortlisted designs:

Ellis Williams:

Ellis Williams​

Farrell & Clark:

Farrell&Clark​

Phos Architects:

PhosArchitects​

Studio 8:

Studio 8​

A technical description of the project from Design-Build Network.com:

Duggan Morris Architects beat 92 other design houses to win a competition to plan the new Mersey Observatory, close to Crosby Beach in Liverpool.

"The Mersey Observatory is oriented away from the prevailing wind."The architects envisage a vessel-like form with spiralling cladding giving fresh panoramas over the Irish Sea, River Mersey mouth, world heritage site, nature reserve, beach and installations by Anthony Gormley. "The structure has many different shapes from various perspectives," the architects said.

The observation tower is oriented away from the prevailing wind. To a similar end, shelters will be dotted along the promenade.

Proposed foundations comprise 600mm diameter bored piles sunk 5m-6m into the Sherwood Sandstone strata, supporting a total building weight of 30,000-40,000kN and connected with a 1,200mm x 800mm reinforced concrete ring beam and additional strap beams. Internal plastic pipes will allow the piles to operate as heat exchangers.

The structure does not have a front façade but is a sculptural element resting on a plateau containing elevated viewing platforms offering 360° views. One is covered at two thirds (or 30m) of the height of the element, the second on the top.

The observatory base arch is shaped as if slicing through a tennis ball, creating an opening at the base of the structure.

The second building will be a smaller, bowl-shaped structure mirroring the first but containing support facilities including the reception, information point, restaurant or cafe, toilets and the like, as well as a rooftop viewing amphitheatre for experiencing the nearby bird sanctuary close up.

Durable and economical

Concrete was selected as the structural material as it allowed the desired organic shapes to be generated with minimal material waste and cost. "Rationalising the various components of the frame assembly will reduce the on-site construction period," the architects said.

The 350mm-thick-walled structure has ribs, set out at vertical intervals of 3.5m and tied to the robust fire-protected lift core, that follow simple geometric rules: the plan shape shrinks as the building ascends, and rotates in regular increments. Each rib has ten node points and the ribs are joined by columns, connected by a 'socket' detail. The ribs will be made off site and transported.

"The observatory base arch is shaped as if slicing through a tennis ball."As the structure is over 18m tall, a fire-fighting shaft or staircase must also be provided. Should occupancy on each floor go to above 60 people at any one time, a secondary fire escape route could also be provided using, perhaps, a scissor stair within the existing core.

The lift will stop short of the top level, with the remaining distance to the viewing deck traversed by a short ramp, protecting the lift from high winds and adding to the drama of final arrival at the top.

Observatory façade and cladding

Steel will be blast-cleaned and painted with corrosion-resistant paint. Glass was chosen for cladding as the most durable material that would meet the aesthetics, cost and buildability aspirations.

Support rails or 'booms' were designed to follow the diagonals set up by the original pattern. These rails are set up as a series of hoops looped over the structure defining the horizontal joints. The vertical joints between the glass panels followed the diagonals in the opposite direction. Each section of glass has a different curvature, thus making each panel different.

Each glass section will be shaped via a heat-bending process – heating, cooling and bending the glass to a shape set by a premade 3D template. Glazing will be hot-bent annealed laminate glass with a printed interlayer and set into a unitised curtain-walling system.

Panel size is limited by the machine apparatus of 1.5m x 7m and the self weight of the glass, so will in execution be kept to 1.2m x 3.5m, which dictates the boom positions.

"A printed interlayer will be included between the laminations of glass to achieve the pattern. Various colours and opacities are available which will allow us to achieve one colour inside and another outside," the architects said. "The base of the building will also be clad in glass panels to ensure that the overall look of the building is consistent."

"The Mersey Observatory does not have a front façade but is a sculptural element resting on a plateau."Wind means that there are likely to be two layers of toughened glass with a coloured interlayer in some places. Yet it must provide a clear, non-distorted view, using passive ventilation, especially on the observatory deck.

Instead of installing solid fencing along the boundary line, the architects have developed a landscape scheme which securely divides the boardwalk and nature reserve and filters visitors via reception, creating a kind of ridge, which will contain sets of cobbles as well as the obligatory plants. Anti-vandalism materials will be used where possible.

On the concrete boardwalk, a combination of granite block paving mixed with softer surfaces in the spill-out areas with integrated vandal-resistant lighting are proposed. Road access for emergency vehicles will go straight to the observatory tower. An estimated 180 to 200 car-parking spaces plus coach parking will be provided.

Environmental features such as rainwater recycling, photoluminescent and prism lighting, double glazing and bird-friendly matte surfaces will be included.
 
#141 · (Edited)
20th June 2009 update.
CENTRAL VILLAGE HOTELS


Merepark/Ballymore​

Two hotels forming part of the Central Village Development to be operated by Millennium / Copthorne hotels. Both hotels will have conference facilities, function space, gym and spa and bars and restaurant. They are to be run by the same hotel group under the Millennium and Copthorne brands who signed up to operate the hotels on 12th January 2009.

Developer: Central Regeneration Partnership (Merepark / Ballymore)

Architect: Woods Bagot

Millennium Hotel:

Location:Renshaw Street, adjacent to Lewis's department store and incorporating the Watson Building, which is the oldest part of Lewis's together with the adjacent former Rapid Hardware paint store, which is to be demolished.

Description: The Millennium is to be a 4* hotel partially new build and partially in the refurbished Grade II listed Watson Building (the only part of the 1920s built Lewis's department store that survived WWII). It will be a 180 bedroom hotel with an overall floor area of 170,000 square feet and a small underground car park.

Cost: £50million

Planning application submitted: 14th May 2008

Commence on site: Summer 2009

Completion: 2011

Some additional renderings of the Millennium Hotel.


Merepark/Ballymore


Merepark/Ballymore​

The site of the hotel with the Watson Building in the centre and the Rapid Paint store to its left:


Martin S​

Copthorne Hotel:

Location: South side of Newington (between Bold Street and Renshaw Street) and on the site of the former Central High Level Station.

Description: The Copthorne is to be a 3* hotel with 240 rooms, bar, restaurant and 49 space car park.

Planning application submitted 16th January 2009

Commence on site: Summer 2009

Completion: 2011

Go to Forum Thread

Go to Architect's website.

Go to Millennium Hotels website.
 
#144 · (Edited)
14th June 2009 addition.
EAST VILLAGE PHASE II



Formroom Architects​

A proposal for student accommodation forming the second phase of the East Village complex.

Location: Corner of Kent Street and Grenville Street South

Developer: Iliad

Architect: Formroom Architects

Statistics: 252 student bedrooms in a Part 4 and Part 7 storey building with undercroft parking.

Current Status (June 2009): Planning application (09F/0064) submitted 19/05/09.

Go to Developer's Website.

Go to Forum Ropewalks Thread.

Elevations from the planning application:

Formroom Architects​
 
#147 · (Edited)
Added 8th May 2009
PREMIER INN HOTEL, LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT


Peel Holdings​

A 101 room budget hotel close to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Location: Speke Hall Avenue (former site of Fox pub).

Client: Peel Holdings (owners of Liverpool Airport)

Cost: £5.5million

Description: A three storey 101 room hotel with restaurant and Costa Coffee to be operated by Premier Inn, part of the Whitbread Group. It will be of steel and timber frame construction with Sto render, hardwood board and polished black masonry blockwork and glass curtain walling.

Commenced: Spring 2009

Planned completion: Spring 2010

Status (May 2009): Contractor Multibuild on site and construction commenced.
 
#148 · (Edited)
Added 19th May 2009.
LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE - ROSCOE STREET


Ellis Williams​

A new central facility for Liverpool Community College

Location: Roscoe Street

Client: Liverpool Community College

Architect: Ellis Williams Architects

Cost: £30 million

Description: To contain a sports hall, fitness rooms and a state of the art learning resource centre with nursery, cafe and meeting spaces.

Start on site: July 2009

Completion: September 2010

Status (May 2009): Awaiting construction start.

Forum thread.

Architect's website.

Liverpool Community College website.


Project History:

Learning and Skills Council Support Announced March 2009

Public Announcement of Project: 14th May 2009
 
#151 · (Edited)
Updated 25th November 2011
STRAND TRAVELODGE
FORUM THREAD


Leach Rhodes Walker


Leach Rhodes Walker


Leach Rhodes Walker​

A new budget hotel for the Strand.

Location: Strand, north side of Redcross Street.

Client: Travelodge
Architect: Leach Rhodes Walker

Developer: Patten Properties with Marcus Worthington

Cost: £12 million

Description: A ten storey hotel with 141 bedrooms and 20,000 sq ft of retail and leisure on the ground floor including a cafe bar.

Status (November 2011): Scaffolding being removed.

A series of renderings illustrating the design development process:


Leach Rhodes Walker


Leach Rhodes Walker


Leach Rhodes Walker​

Project History

The site of the Travelodge was previously a car park.

Scheme announced: January 2010

Planning application submitted: January 2010

Planning application approved: 16th March 2010

Crane erected 5th November 2010:


Chris J​

Structure completed to full height in April 2011:


Joe the Red​

Scaffolding being removed November 2011:


Doug Roberts​
 
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