Bradford | No.1 Hamm Strasse | U/C | 12fl

[Dan B]

Figured it was time to give this project a thread of its own given the developer's apparent confidence and part of the scheme being already under construction.



No.1 Hamm Strasse is a mixed used development occupying 36,473.8 sq. ft of elevated land. It will be comprised of 12,000 sq. ft of Office Space (for Hallgate House, the quantity for the main No.1 Hamm Strasse building is unknown, but consists of 5 floors of office space), 20 Apartments, a 100-bed three star hotel, a gym, conference facilities and retail space located on the northern edge of the City Centre. It is comprised of two blocks which will front onto Hamm Strasse, Grammar School Street and Salem Street, one of which is currently under construction. It is being developed by The Property Group and designed by KDP Architects and is expected to be built over an 18 month period. Judging by the renders, the development appears to have 12 storeys in all, though the developer seems to maintain it is only 10.

Some artist's impressions of the scheme with subsequent explanations from the developer:

Originally Posted by The Property Group

Situated on Hamm Strasse (Bradfords arterial northern approach), and cornered also by Forster Square train station, No. 1
Hamme Strasse (a.k.a. the quarter) is a site occupying 36,473.8sqft of elevated land in centre of BD1, and is surrounded by the all the amenities that this progressive city has to offer.

Originally Posted by The Property Group

No. 1 Hamm Strasse consists of two structures; Blocks A and B.

With Liverpool City architect KDP as the lead designer, supported by Ken Rawlinson of Rawlinson quantity surveyors, an innovative, ambitious and high-specification scheme has been devised that sees the scheme contain class 1 office space, 3* and above hotel requirement, and tri-level apartment finish (shell, mid-range and upper tier finish). The scheme is fully conservation-compliant, as demonstrated in the dominant structure, comprising GRC cladding, SSG glazing and local sandstone.

Originally Posted by The Property Group

Spanning ten floors and dropping to four, Block
A is likely to be a ‘jewel in Bradford’s crown’. Boastful in its location, representative in its appearance, and considered in its purpose, Block B is a scheme flying the flag for a forward thinking Bradford.

The structure comprises a 100+ bedroom hotel throughout the entire lower level section, and equally split office and residential space in the ten storey tower. In addition, there is allocation for a gymnasium, conference facilities, and retail space.

As a result, Block A, No. 1 Hamm Strasse is available for...

(1) A hotel operator - long term lease agreement
(2) Apartment purchasers - individual units/investment package
(3) A leisure operator - medium to long term lease agreement
(4) Commercial tenants - medium to long term lease agreement
(5) Retail operators - medium to long term lease agreement

Originally Posted by The Property Group

Spanning four floors, Block A (Known as Hallgate House) is over 12,000 square feet of prime ‘high specification’ office space.

A truly flexible space right up until completion, HALLGATE HOUSE is adaptable
to the following formats...

(1) Sole commercial tenancy.
(2) floor-by-floor or area-by-area multi tenancies.
(3) Full service business centre.

As a result, HALLGATE HOUSE is available
for...

(1) Sole, long term tenant.
(2) Numerous small-medium tenancy scales and durations.
(3) Small flexible-term businesses, in requirement of turnkey, supported space.

Image of usage for the development:



The pdf document & website the images & text were taken from:

http://www.theproperty-group.co.uk/i...ammStrasse.pdf

http://www.theproperty-group.co.uk/index.html

http://kdparchitects.com/Menu6_2A.html

Article in the Telegraph & Argus:

Originally Posted by The Telegraph & Argus

Iconic Hamm Strasse building 'will become feature of Bradford skyline'

8:27am Wednesday 11th March 2009

comment Comments (46) Have your say »

By Chris Holland »


Regeneration building projects totalling more than £250 million are now either under way or on the brink of starting in central Bradford.

The latest scheme to be revealed is a £15 million hotel, office and residential development in Hamm Strasse where construction work is about to begin in earnest.

It was one of four schemes totalling £53.5 million highlighted at the prestigious MIPM international property event in Cannes, France, just as planners in Bradford gave their backing to two other huge projects worth a combined total of £200 million.

The Liverpool-based developers behind the Hamm Strasse project, The Property Group, say the 36,000 sq ft site on elevated ground includes iconic buildings that will become features of the Bradford skyline.

And it has pledged that with a high level of interest in the project it will not be built to “gather dust”. Five national hotel chains are looking at the No 1 Hamm Strasse development which will include a 100-bed three star hotel.

And terms have been agreed for 12,000 sq foot of Grade A office space in the first phase. Construction has started on the scheme which backs on to Forster Square station with steel work being put up.

Bobbie Johnson, a partner in The Property Group, said: “We are very optimistic about the prospects for Bradford and for this project.

“Unlike some schemes, this is not based on promises but is under way now and being constructed to an 18-month timetable.

“We are very encouraged by its prospects and several potential investors are milling around.

“We have already agreed terms for 12,000 sq ft of quality office space in Hallgate House, the smaller of the two buildings planned for the site.

“Several hotel operators are showing interest in the hotel development and our local agents tell us that interest is also high in the 20 luxury apartments which we intend to sell at around £150,000 each.

“This is not a scheme intended to be built to stand and gather dust.

“We have worked closely with local agencies, including Bradford Centre Regeneration, and designed a scheme that we believe meets Bradford’s future needs. It is our first development in the city but we hope it will be the first of many.”

Bradford regeneration chiefs say the four new schemes outlined at the MIPM conference will send a strong signal that private investors are committed to the continued regeneration of Bradford in a difficult economic climate.

In addition to No.1 Hamm Strasse, they unveiled details of three other key schemes which involve a total of £50m in private sector investment in Bradford’s regeneration over the next year.

The developments, which include three hotels, more than 15,000 sq ft Grade A office space, retail, leisure and residential plans, will help underpin some of the major regeneration projects being developed by the public sector partners including Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward, the Homes and Communities Agency and Bradford Centre Regeneration.

Councillor Adrian Naylor, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “The news that developers are committing this amount of money in the city is very positive for the district and shows the confidence developers have in its regeneration.

“Being able to offer extensive leisure and office facilities, such as the ones planned, will have a big impact on attracting more investors to the city, as well as visitors, which will help boost our local economy.”

Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration added: “The potential that exists in Bradford, which is still in the early stages of regeneration, is not something that will disappear. Developers are realising this through their commitment which sends a very positive signal that the opportunities still exist.”

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.u...ost__for_city/


This was also taken from an article on the Bradford Centre Regeneration website:

Originally Posted by BCR

Construction is already underway on Hallgate House, a two block development as part of the No.1 Hamme Strasse scheme, which will provide valuable Grade A office space, retail space and a hotel.

Kerry Tomlinson, managing partner of The Property Group, who officially launch their No.1 Hamme Strasse scheme today at MIPIM, said: “What we recognise in Bradford is a city that is moving forward through its regeneration, which brings with it exciting potential for development.”

“It is also hugely attractive as the people involved in building a vibrant city centre are keen to get involved and support developers who have a solid commitment to this regeneration. The foundations being laid to build a ‘city for the future’, make it a city with huge commercial appeal’

...

• No.1 Hamme Strasse - The £15m scheme being built by The Property Group is their first commercial development of this size and nature. Work is due to start on site to develop 12,000 sq ft of valuable grade-A office space in the heart of the professional quarter of the city centre. A three star 100-bed hotel spanning four floors is also planned. This is all part of a striking and iconic landmark building which is respectful of the conservation area in which it sits. The scheme is expected to be completed in January 2010.

http://www.bradfordnewcity.com/newsd...Id=125&Page=51


As the articles have said part of the scheme is already under construction:



This is Hallgate House or Block A under construction, seemingly having reached full height, though this isn't too much of a boast being the smaller of the two buildings proposed at 3 storeys tall.

A few more images of this part of the scheme and the connecting courtyard between the two buildings:









http://www.planninginbradford.com/WA...g&docid=869908


These were taken from the planning application, shown in full here:

http://www.planninginbradford.com/WA...r=06/04864/FUL


Noticeably though, the plans contain more details on a previous scheme designed by Acanthus WSM, which seemed much more apartment orientated as shown on this previous render:



This one dating back to 2005, the scheme has of course since been taken up by The Property Group and KDP Architects, as detailed to a degree on these sections of the planning application:

http://www.planninginbradford.com/WA...g&docid=850145

http://www.planninginbradford.com/WA...g&docid=869908

These documents, entitled 'Minor Amendments' show the current design of Hallgate House, but do not present the designs or plans for the No.1 Hamm Strasse building or Block B. Either the website does not show the plans as yet or they have not been submitted which makes me suspect that the sudden surprise of this development going through may not be all it seems. They obviously have the permission for Hallgate House, but seemingly not this one, hopefully there wont be a delay in this. Despite this the site of this particular building has been cleared and made ready for construction:



this was the site beforehand and as of the google streetview's pass through Bradford:



and before this it was used as a car park:




An aerial perspective of the site:





I do mostly looks positively on this scheme, it doesn't involve any demolition of the previous built environment that hasn't already taken place years before (especially no Victorian Mills or Warehouses), is already partly under construction and presents a strong and eye catching design, angular and making use of local materials. However I fear that the devil could be in the detail with this one. Looking at the render it appears to incorporate that textured sandstone block material which usually doesn't look all too great, use of clear cut blocks such as those used on the Gatehaus or the Centenary Square building would look better and sharper, especially with the angles incorporated in that element. I also fear the glass on the tower element may not be the highest of spec, and although it doesn't look bad on the renders, it may turn out less satisfactory in reality. Additionally the £15m price tag seems a bit low for what it's proposing. The Gatehaus for instance had one or two fewer storeys at less height (I imagine) and cost £22m, though the curved glass and stone on that scheme must have been expensive, but then this has it's own angular design points which must not be the cheapest to build. I just hope this isn't compensated with low quality building materials.

The other issue is the over-abundance of hotel proposals for the city of late. As it turns out the scheme is very much more mixed use than we originally thought (just offices & hotel), but these elements still exist and it's feared there isn't enough of a draw to bring so many guests to the city. I guess these are incorporated now due to the flop in the flats market, and this is apparently more marketable, but who would come here and why if there isn't the entertainment and cultural offer expected for a city of this size?

Any way, lots of information to digest there, but let's hear your thoughts on this development.

[*-City Of Bradford-*]

Fantastic Work Dan. This project can only be a massive boost to the citys regenration when it is struggling so much. I also like the way they have a set 18 months timetable so we shouldn't be having a Big Delay like we had with Westfield

[oyster]

Really dislike the look of this development. It may just be the CGI but the first render really reminds me of an awful 60s / 70s type design, imo, only with glass and a slightly more funky shape. I also don't like the fourth render - the sandstone doesn't look great, again imo. Possibly one that may age badly... again, you guessed it, imo.

[Rob]

There is a big difference between Building A and B. Building A seems a fairly ordinary small scale office development that could be seen anywhere, but Building B is truly iconic, certainly for a place like Bradford, and would give Bradford a huge image boost.

The crunch point is of course the same as all the other proposals, ie when will it actually start. The problem with quoting a start on site for Building A is that it looks like it could be completed and operated succesfully in isolation even if Building B didn't happen for a while. Hopefully it will, so Bradford may get it's most iconic piece of modern achitecture to date.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by *-City Of Bradford-*

Fantastic Work Dan. This project can only be a massive boost to the citys regenration when it is struggling so much. I also like the way they have a set 18 months timetable so we shouldn't be having a Big Delay like we had with Westfield

I'm not sure how much of a boost it will be on its own, though with other projects going up it could help contribute to it. I guess Manor Row could really do with some more activity. The street is very empty at the moment despite the allocation it has for shops and offices. Though other than footfall I don't know how much No.1 Hamm Strasse could contribute to this, being set somewhere downhill and away from the main road, well except Hamm Strasse, but then that's hardly your prime active streetscape (to use some pseudo marketing twaddle). I also makes me wonder how the proposed retail units for the scheme would cope and whether they'd even be let. I guess hotel and office worker custom could cover it depending on what the shop is. As for the 18 month timetable, it wasn't the only figure given, the other being completion by January 2010, though that came from BCR so I'll immediately dismiss that figure in combination with my common sense in knowing how long a construction like this will take. So best take it from the horses mouth of the property group which puts us at September 2010, I'd still say this is pretty optimistic though, especially when there's some doubt as to whether they have planning permission for this later and larger stage of the project.

Originally Posted by oyster

Really dislike the look of this development. It may just be the CGI but the first render really reminds me of an awful 60s / 70s type design, imo, only with glass and a slightly more funky shape. I also don't like the fourth render - the sandstone doesn't look great, again imo. Possibly one that may age badly... again, you guessed it, imo.

Think calling it reminiscent of a 60s/70s is a bit far, to some degree from that angle and in that render it gives it almost the look of some eco greenhouse (if that is wood on that middle section), though that could easily be what I assume is the setting sun light in that render. The other render doesn't cast the glass section in such good light, Dunno what it is, whether it's the quality of the glass or those bars, but it looks cheaper I guess. Anyone notice the different glass used on the tallest elevation at the back as well? Wonder why there's a discrepancy.

I do fully agree on the sandstone segment. As I said, the devil might well be in the detail with this:




It does give the appearance of cheap sandstone blocks the likes we've seen on the nearby Seven development. The close-up pictures of Hallgate House displayed also give this impression, which is worrying, yet in the courtyard area of Hallgate House, flat stonework appears to be visible. Why are the decent quality materials being hidden away like this? If they could just use the non textured flat blocks on this development, it would look pretty fantastic, especially with those interesting angles. Same goes for the glass, they just need up the quality of these materials, as the form of the building is fantastic (imo). It makes me wonder, if the render is to be believed, why a project would be designed that has some impressive angles and design form, which is quite the artistic and creative notion for architecture, but then not meet that quality with the build materials, lessening the projects appeal and strikingness. And again that £15m figure may account for this. I guess we're in a recession at the moment, but buildings will outlast it and sacrifices shouldn't be made on what is supposed to be a permanent feature to some degree.

Well at least it isn't this:



A former design of the project found on the KDP Architects Website, since taken down.

[Dan B]

This has been on a few days but only just got round to attending to it. New article and entry on Skyscrapernews of No.1 Hamm Strasse

Originally Posted by Skyscrapernews

Bradford Tower Hamms It Up

Published on 06-04-2009 by Skyscrapernews.com

Soon to start construction in the British city of Bradford is Block B of the very Germanic sounding, No.1 Hamm Strasse, a new mixed use tall building that has been approved by the city planning authorities.

With approximately 1,200 square metres of office space spread over five floors, plus a hundred bedroom three star hotel and 20 apartments and all the usual facilities including a gym and conference centre, the scheme has been designed by KDP Architects to stand to the immediate north of the city centre.

Architecturally the scheme features three up-ended rectangular blocks. The two outer ones each will be clad in full height glass curtain walls and have a corner shaved off them creating acute angles which are then positioned to work in opposing directions. Sandwiched between these two blocks is the central block with horizontal louvres behind the cladding.

Rectangularly shaped, it has the angular service core located at one end and adds the peak to the building of twelve floors, although the developer continues to insist it is only ten.

Connecting at the bottom of the service shaft is a long low-rise wing stretching the length of the site that will contain the hotel. Again with an angled look, it this time features sandstone.

The developer The Property Group, arguably the least imaginative name ever, has a rapid timetable for the construction of the building aiming at getting it done in a mere 18 months, something that may prove excessively ambitious as so far only block A has been built and the local press are running stories about the scheme being completed by January 2010 when the site is still empty.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2066

Nice article, like the architectural descriptions, never quite know how to put architectural form into words for describing.

I guess this is you again Gothicform, just a few points that occurred to me on the article...

I can't quite verify or figure out whether No.1 Hamm Strasse or Block B is actually approved. I know Hallgate House or Block A is, but the available planning application on the local planning website only shows an old design for this site as being improved, no inclusion of the new one. The way they're going ahead with levelling the site and announcing 18 month time frames though, you'd think they did have it.

Also not sure about the 1,200 square metres of office space for Block B either. The only figure they've mentioned has been 12,000 sq ft. for Block A, unless of course you've got it from the horses mouth?

Just a minor point but Block A is still under construction not built, and as for the January 2010 figure, that came from Bradford Centre Regeneration, the local propaganda machine for the council & developers, so I wouldn't listen to any such claims unless it's a figure for the completion of Hallgate House, which would be a bit lengthily, but could make more sense if it also included all the surrounding landscaping and other additions.

The point about the service core is quite interesting, thought that might be what it is. Also very true about The Property Group, couldn't find them at all until I thought to add a .co.uk with the google search.

Any way thanks for the article, everything else was spot on.


Here's what skyscrapernews puts the project at in its entry:

Building Specification

Status Approved

Proposal date 2008

Roof Height (AGL) 37.00 *

Total Floors (O.G) 12

Market Data

Primary Use Office

Secondary Use Hotel

Flats 20

Hotel Rooms 100

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=5989

37m puts us at 3.083m recurring per floor. Sounds pretty standard, though I wonder if the office floors make a difference? Other than that judging from the render all the floor look to be the same height. Guess it depends to some extent if this office space is Grade A as well, and whether residential or office standards will govern the floor heights. Of course though I realise typical heights have to be used for statistics like this.

Originally Posted by Rob

There is a big difference between Building A and B. Building A seems a fairly ordinary small scale office development that could be seen anywhere, but Building B is truly iconic, certainly for a place like Bradford, and would give Bradford a huge image boost.

The crunch point is of course the same as all the other proposals, ie when will it actually start. The problem with quoting a start on site for Building A is that it looks like it could be completed and operated succesfully in isolation even if Building B didn't happen for a while. Hopefully it will, so Bradford may get it's most iconic piece of modern achitecture to date.

Sorry Rob, didn't notice your message there before.

I think it is potentially iconic, but it doesn't only rely on the scheme having a start date on site, it also requires the right materials to gives it a finish that sort of architectural form deserves, and the £15m price tag worries me on this. Of course you're right about Block A being able to function on it's own, and you never know if this is all just a bit of spin. It could get massively delayed for when the time is right, if it isn't now. The other worry on this matter as I've noted is that Block B in its current form isn't even on the publicly available planning application. As far as we know from articles, this has only been unveiled as a project, as in a press release from the parties involved when at the MIPIM, the construction work on Block A gives us the impression of it all going ahead, but this might be a slight misconception.

As for most iconic modern architecture, I'd argue the Gatehaus does pretty well for this so far. It certainly has the quality of materials, whereas No.1 Hamm Strasse is debatable on this matter. The £22m vs. £15m price tag would also back this up. Don't want to downplay the project, I think it could be great, but I also want it to be great.

[Dan B]

Bit of an update on this one.

The Property Group website has been updated giving separate pages to the Hallgate House and No.1 Hamm Strasse parts of the scheme.

http://www.theproperty-group.co.uk/index.html

Also though, there is a link to a video interview with Property Week posted on the development's pages:

http://www.theproperty-group.co.uk/hammstrasse.html

A direct link:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/...id=21478798001

It's an interview with Bobbie Johnson of The Property Group on the site of the development detailing their apparent commitment to Bradford and the site, also discussing the building uses and the reasons for that representation and how the economic climate hasn't effected their progress apparently. It's good to see a vote of confidence, but I wonder how long it will last if it turns out to be more economical to just build the Hallgate House part of the development and then move on. From the planning website you can still see an absence of an application for the No.1 Hamm Strasse part of the scheme, only the previous now defunct one.

There has however been a new application uploaded for the Hallgate House development with the alterations removed from the previous application for the site.

http://www.planning4bradford.com/pub...=002CLCDHBU000

^ All the applications that have been and will be made for the Salem Street Car Park will be shown on this page.

The new application that has been approved:

http://www.planning4bradford.com/Pub...ERTY&module=P3

It shows mainly what we already know but also includes details of the landscaping:



http://www.planninginbradford.com/WA...df&pageCount=1


And the materials to be used:



http://www.planninginbradford.com/WA...df&pageCount=1



About the standard of the Seven development if that, it might not have too much impact if it's just this 3 storey build, but if the same quality of materials carries on to the much larger and more prominent No.1 Hamm Strasse then I seriously doubt how much of a landmark this would become, perhaps a regretted one. The planning application for that part still isn't in though so they've still got space to make improvements if that is the case, with the £15m price tag suggesting so.

The Property Group website does also display that Hallgate House is scheduled for completion in late 2009:

http://www.theproperty-group.co.uk/hallgatehouse.html

At the moment though I've noticed very little activity on site, especially when compared to the Southgate Scheme on Thornton Road.

[Dan B]

Looks like they've gone for a redesign of the main tower and low rise section of No. 1 Hamm Strasse:





http://www.theproperty-group.co.uk/hammstrasse.html

Gone for most obviously a significant change in the glass with the random ''cladding'' effect, but also part of the lower risen hotel section has been changed to glass now as well with the angular stone block cutting in part way, the stone of which may have been improved from the look of the render, hard to really tell though, especially when the two new renders are incoherent on what the design exactly looks like in regards to this stone section. The middle section of the tower is also significantly different, looking grey or silver, not so great.

To be honest I don't think this looks good at all, I liked the simplicity of the plain glass, I just thought the materials needed to be upped in quality but with the same initial design. The stone section may be improved with the materials used, but that middle grey section just looks bad and I don't think the random shading, or cladding as it may be really works here. However this image is also posted on the new developments index section:



I think it's the overall view taken from the design on the second view posted above, showing the broken up sections of the sandstone cladding. Also shows the central tower column in black as well which is a bit of an improvement, still overall not liking this design though.



Also posted on the website recently has been this interior shot:



I think of the hotel lobby, as well as this view of one of the rooms:



Looking over the vista that is Forster Square Retail Park. Though this last image was actually found on this website called buy hotel rooms:

http://www.buyhotelrooms.com/

Seems that much like the Woolston Warehouse Complex hotel, this one will be selling individual hotel rooms to investors with EOS Hotel Consulting as a hotel specialist to select the hotel operator.

http://www.buyhotelrooms.com/hotelro...Consulting.php


Was commented previously that this was an unusual move, perhaps it's a shift from the buy to let market in apartments to a possibly more secure investment in hotel rooms, well if anyone will actually fill them.

[*-City Of Bradford-*]

Old Plans:



New Plans:



I think the middle bit in the tall part looks much better.

But I'm not sure about about the change in the glass colour. It looks good in the plans, but in reality go to Leeds and these sort of different colours of glass look disgusting. But it could work in this case, with the blue next to it and the sandstone colour below it.

I think the bottem building looks nicer, but again I'm not sure about the glass colour.

If you look at picture one on the right of the building it shows a few houses in the background. In picture two it looks like they've all been knocked down.

They've also took out the little bird above the building and its alot more cloudier, which reflects of the glass in the image making the building look better.

[TomL-1991]

I think i prefer the old building... i hate the random cladding plague, when will it ever be cured!!!

[*-City Of Bradford-*]

Originally Posted by TomL-1991

I think i prefer the old building... i hate the random cladding plague, when will it ever be cured!!!

I would have thought they would have learnt from cities like Leeds that random cladding looks aweful and disgusting. They should have gone to Specsavers

[Leeds No.1]

Where is there any prominent example of random cladding in Leeds? Manchester & Liverpool are plagued by it compared to Leeds.

[*-City Of Bradford-*]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

Where is there any prominent example of random cladding in Leeds? Manchester & Liverpool are plagued by it compared to Leeds.

There are a few building in Leeds that have random cladding. I'm using Leeds as an example because its the closest city which has been infected.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by *-City Of Bradford-*

I think the middle bit in the tall part looks much better.

But I'm not sure about about the change in the glass colour. It looks good in the plans, but in reality go to Leeds and these sort of different colours of glass look disgusting. But it could work in this case, with the blue next to it and the sandstone colour below it.

I think the bottem building looks nicer, but again I'm not sure about the glass colour.

If you look at picture one on the right of the building it shows a few houses in the background. In picture two it looks like they've all been knocked down.

They've also took out the little bird above the building and its alot more cloudier, which reflects of the glass in the image making the building look better.

The middle section on the old design seemed to show some wooden or metal, but better wooden strips. I think this would've gone well with the plain glass, giving it a bit of a eco greenhouse feel for lack of a better description. I don't like the grey middle section shown on the larger image, but the black on the smaller one looks much better and sleeker, if the glass/cladding could still be de-randomified and the lower section tidied up quite a bit to look like the larger new render then I think they could still make a good run of it.

I don't know about you but I'm seeing green and a dark scarlet colour in terms of the coloured glass or what may actually be cladding, the rest is the reflective glass.

As for the rest of your post, very astute analyses... I would've thought you'd see a bit more of the city centre from that angle, though the buildings do step back quite a bit, still don't think you can see those houses from there any way, looks like they cut and pasted them for some background material, looks like the houses on the other side of the canal road valley. I think these new renders are a bit lower quality on the whole to the originals, perhaps suggesting they're still work in progresses.

Originally Posted by TomL-1991

I think i prefer the old building... i hate the random cladding plague, when will it ever be cured!!!

Yeah, I'm not a massive fan, at least of this style, I think it can be made subtler, see below...

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

Where is there any prominent example of random cladding in Leeds? Manchester & Liverpool are plagued by it compared to Leeds.

Well there are these:


The Leeds College of Music:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/gallerynorth/460029241/

Probably the closest in terms of random cladding to this one.


Part of Clarence Dock:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmclusky/2446134384/

Admittedly not the standard fair of random cladding and it is actually quite nice.


This very colourful building that I can't remember the road of:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/geordi6...eeds_buildings



http://www.flickr.com/photos/bilbos/...eeds_buildings

Again not actually all that bad at all, very Piet Mondrian, though I suspect it may have resulted in the demolition of an old warehouse judging from its surroundings.


School of Performing Arts:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/phill_d...eeds_buildings



http://www.flickr.com/photos/whatdoe...eeds_buildings


1 Brewery Wharf has a hint of it:



http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...404813&page=12


And another typical example:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/conxxio...eeds_buildings

...


Sorry to be so meticulous, but yeah, true, it doesn't really have that many examples and it was difficult to find them. I think Lumiere and Criterion Place would've added to the standard examples of random cladding.

Originally Posted by *-City Of Bradford-*

There are a few building in Leeds that have random cladding. I'm using Leeds as an example because its the closest city which has been infected.

Judging from this lot I wouldn't really consider it an infection, but I think the type to potentially be used on No. 1 Hamm Strasse is the one that is over-abundant generally in other cities across the UK, which I would consider a bit of a disease, though I don't think Leeds has succumb.

[Leeds No.1]

They're not particularly prominent like the Beetham towers though are they. As it happens, I quite like how random cladding has been used in Leeds anyway.

[MattN]

To my knowledge, Dan, it was just an empty bit of land (the multicoloured one on Call Lane). Well, Google Earth's 2006 images show it as two trees and a car park.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

They're not particularly prominent like the Beetham towers though are they. As it happens, I quite like how random cladding has been used in Leeds anyway.

Indeed, I don't disagree, though Lumiere definitely incorporated the standard fair of random cladding into its last design, so could've been a very tall random cladding addition, looked to have changed a bit though at last mention.

Originally Posted by MattN

To my knowledge, Dan, it was just an empty bit of land (the multicoloured one on Call Lane). Well, Google Earth's 2006 images show it as two trees and a car park.

Good good!

[*-City Of Bradford-*]

Originally Posted by Dan B

The Leeds College of Music:

That was the one I had in mind when I was writing my other post. I saw it from the Leeds Inner Motorway thing. Looks terrible and spoilt Leeds that part of the city centre.

But enough of Leeds and Back to Bradford.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by *-City Of Bradford-*

That was the one I had in mind when I was writing my other post. I saw it from the Leeds Inner Motorway thing. Looks terrible and spoilt Leeds that part of the city centre.

But enough of Leeds and Back to Bradford.

I think it is the most prominent example and not the best one either, though I see that poorly built lower risen attachment as far more offensive, a lot less quality.

I just hope they do away with this random cladding effect as I just don't think it looks good at all. They just need some plain and/or reflective high quality glass and that will do it fine, as well as what seems like a better quality stone section, hopefully with the more uniform design than the rather messy broken up one.

[BradfordBorn&Bred]

Latest news on No.1 Hamme Strasse:

A Bradford hotel development has been chosen for the UK launch of a new scheme for investors to buy hotel rooms for income or as part of a pension plan.

Potential investors from as far afield as Slovakia are showing interest with enquiries totalling more than 40 of the 120 rooms available to buy.

The scheme has been launched by a new company called Buyhotelrooms.com to sell rooms at the £15 million hotel, office and residential development at No1 Hamm Strasse, whose first phase is under construction by Liverpool-based developers The Property Group.

Mark Bingham, managing director of Buyhotelrooms.com, said Bradford was chosen ahead of other UK cities because of its economic growth potential.

He said: “Although some people may be surprised at the choice of Bradford, we are very enthusiastic about the city as a place to invest.

“The recession may have set back some of the regeneration projects but the plans are there to create a city centre that works for business.

Bradford is also predicted to have the highest economy growth in the region with the economy expected to grow by nearly 40 per cent over the next ten years.

“When we were working on the model to devise the buy-a-hotel investment scheme, Bradford ticked all the right boxes.”

Mr Bingham said the investment scheme, which guarantees investors a return of ten per cent, had taken a year to prepare and had passed rigorous scrutiny by the Financial Services Authority. Investors will buy one or more hotel rooms at Hamm Strasse for a total cost of just less than £100,000 each, starting with a 50 per cent cash deposit, on which the ten per cent return guarantee applies until the hotel opens.

The Property Group will put up the other half of the cost and get its money back from room income. Once the purchase price is paid off, investors will earn income from their room, which they will not be allowed to use as guests.

Mr Bingham has launched a similar successful scheme in Frankfurt, Germany. The person who bought room number 1 there also wants room number 1 at Hamm Strasse and another investor is interested in buying five Bradford rooms.

Bobbie Johnson, partner in The Property Group, said the investment plan was a ‘win win’ proposition for investors, his company and for Bradford whose reputation as a centre for investment would be enhanced.

He said steelworks for the first phase of the development was now being erected, with the scheme due for completion in late 2011.

A consultant had been appointed to search for a suitable operator for the hotel, where rooms will cost about £70 a night. Several hotel companies are showing interest.

Mr Johnson said: “We are confident in Bradford’s future and that it is the right place for such a development.”

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.u...e_hotel_rooms/

It appears that developers have found a new funding source (and quite an ingenious one in my opinion). The fact Bradford has been chosen as the company’s first UK project for this type of scheme is heartening and should instil greater confidence into the city from likeminded developers.

With this latest news does that mean we are likely to see more activity on the site in the very near future?