Whittam Cox Architects_Practice Profile

Practice Profile

2017

inspiring

imaginationbuilding
realities

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Subtitle in Gotham Book Size 10

We make places that At Whittam Cox Architects, we’re a technical, Whittam Cox Architects our new brand for WCEC Group Ltd. The
matter to people, balancing design-led architectural practice with a 45-year name comes from our founders, and for us, it puts the people back
design, technical precision heritage. Every design we deliver is built on a robust at the centre of our practice. Our new look better reflects the work
and commercial reality to understanding of what drives our clients, creating we do – balancing technical precision with commercial reality, and
achieve results everyone high-performance places that balance form with form with function to make places we can all be proud of. It’s an
can be proud of. function. It’s an approach that’s earned us a reputation approach that’s earned us a reputation for award winning work and
for award-winning work and positive, lasting positive, lasting partnerships.
partnerships with a wide range of organisations. Whittam Cox Architects our new brand for WCEC Group Ltd. The
Our core strength is derived from our people. We name comes from our founders, and for us, it puts the people back
currently employ over 140 talented and committed at the centre of our practice. Our new look better reflects the work
individuals operating from our headquarters in the we do – balancing technical precision with commercial reality, and
Sheffield City Region and studios in London and form with function to make places we can all be proud of. It’s an
Leeds. approach that’s earned us a reputation for award winning work and
positive, lasting partnerships.
Body text in calibri light size 9.
Whittam Cox Architects our new brand for WCEC Group Ltd. The
name comes from our founders, and for us, it puts the people back
at the centre of our practice. Our new look better reflects the work
we do – balancing technical precision with commercial reality, and
form with function to make places we can all be proud of. It’s an
approach that’s earned us a reputation for award winning work and
positive, lasting partnerships.Whittam Cox Architects our new brand
for WCEC Group Ltd. The name comes from our founders, and for
us, it puts the people back at the centre of our practice. Our new
look better reflects the work we do – balancing technical precision
with commercial reality, and form with function to make places we
can all be proud of. It’s an approach that’s earned us a reputation

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Strength of experience

We work across a wide range of sectors, Over 8 million 5000 Almost 10 years
primarily on residential, retail and
masterplanning projects for a mix of commercial, sq.ft. of retail residential/ 10,000 units BIM
private and public sector clients. space delivered PRS schemes experience
currently on site at design/
The projects we work on cover a wide range of scale in 2016 planning stage
and complexity. We ensure that all projects in our
diverse portfolio are designed to the highest possible
standards.
From inception to completion and beyond, we
offer specific services including design, executive
architecture, technical advisory, masterplanning,
visualisation, interiors and BIM (Building Information
Modelling).

Building

140 staff Ranked in IIP Gold Ranked 47
Architects
across three Journal’s Top accredited in Building
national practice Magazine’s
locations 100 UK Top Employers

Architects

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We work with you to get it right tsteroanmg workpersonalised
service
Our team is genuinely passionate about creating
places and spaces which are defined by the
needs of people. We realise the potential and
recognise the challenges in each project and
in every place. Our objective is to define clear,
effective and efficient work processes that
respond to individual client aspirations allowing
us to deliver a unique and contextual response
to every project brief.
We’re ambitious for our clients. All clients and new
projects present a unique opportunity that captivates
us. In consideration we always begin our approach by
developing a detailed understanding of your vision,
the commercial reality and the site environment,
balancing the conceptual with the practical aspects
right from the start.
Our clients and project teams choose to work with
us, due to the approach our people apply to every
project – a powerful combination of impeccable
technical design, focused creativity and outstanding
client relationships. We’ve already established many
long-standing partnerships, based on mutual trust and
experience.
Great buildings are about people; our people, our
clients and our users.

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challeindgeinagsinspiring
clients

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We’re working with:

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Every project begins
with a detailed understanding
of your vision, commercial reality and

site environment, balancing
the buildable with the conceptual,

right from the start

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Better outcomes through partnering Designing successful solutions Delivering technical excellence

To craft and deliver a successful project we Our skill is to design places that matter to One of our main strengths is technical delivery
embrace collaboration. people. We’ve developed this ability through specialising in the delivery of large, complex
We work in an open and honest way with our clients, their project extensive education and experience. projects.
teams and all stakeholders. Working together towards clear and For us, a successful building responds to its functional needs, Our ability to develop pragmatic technical design solutions which
shared goals naturally delivers better results. purpose and context. We determine this by analysing individual are honest to the design vision enables us to build positive working
We believe in formal collaborative appointments where the needs, user experience and a contextually responsive aesthetic. As relationships with concept designers whilst also meeting the needs
objective is to combine specific skills and experience to provide the a result, our design is underpinned by a clear understanding of, and of design and build contractors.
client with the best holistic service. a focus on, people’s experience of movement and space. We have a track record of more than 45 years, during which we’ve
Successful partnering is based on mutual respect and At the same time, a successful building should be a balanced detailed and completed buildings on site for a wide range of clients.
understanding, and developing a shared culture of process and composition of proportion, form and materials – enjoyable and We employ robust work processes and systems, combined with
communications. All roles and responsibilities are therefore legible in terms of appreciation and look. the latest technologies, applications and software, to ensure that
clearly defined. This is a tried and tested approach that is key to a Finally, the design and construction of such a building should the technical implementation of buildings is effective and practical
successful project. appropriately respond to the brief, within the defined commercial but most importantly that we maintain quality in the architectural
parameters and demands on the building during its lifetime. integrity of the design.

Our approach is to design buildings, which are aspirational, but Our thorough knowledge is based on a full and current
realistic so that they can be constructed, are technically feasible understanding of methods of construction. At the same time
and remain commercially viable. Our design flair is unrestrained, we explore and embrace new ways of building, including off site
but we ensure that each project is sensitive to its specific needs manufactured systems.
and objectives. Finally, efficiency results from our focus on cost management,
process control and risk management. We’re confident in adding
value to projects in all these areas.

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innovative

technologyproven
methods

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Designing with technology

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has
become an established method to technically
design, deliver and operate buildings during their
lifetime.
We have invested heavily in BIM for over 10 years because
it creates greater efficiencies and more robust outputs in the
increasingly complex delivery of modern buildings.
BIM has many applications and layers of complexity that can
be used to satisfy specific client needs. Our dedicated team has
built up an extensive BIM knowledge and experience; they are
passionate ambassadors of the benefits of using BIM.
We work with clients, contractors and consultants to help create
and define BIM protocols and strategies.-BIM creates numerous
outputs but not all are relevant on every project or to every client.
Identifying what matters early is the key to the successful use of
BIM.

“Whittam Cox applied the latest 3D modelling and
visualisations techniques using BIM technologies to the full
to help us to create the highest quality of apartment possible.
The use of this technology has enabled us to capture
creativity, design and attention to detail in every aspect of
this development.”
Patrick Sheridan, Ballymore

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Executive Architecture

Our role as Executive Architects is to ensure the
design architect’s original vision is translated
into reality whilst ensuring compliance with
regulatory standards.
As a technical practice specialising in the successful delivery of
large, complex projects we will work proactively to help add
value and fulfil the client’s vision.
Whittam Cox Architects have an established track record acting as
Executive Architects working alongside and delivering high profile
developments for design led practices such as Glenn Howells, PLP
and Allies and Morrison.
Our ability to develop pragmatic technical design solutions which
are honest to the design vision enables us to build positive working
relationships with concept designers whilst also meeting the needs
of design and build contractors.

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delivering

qualitymanaging
value

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Project Experience

Bond Street The redevelopment of Bond Street was a long-standing aspiration “Throughout an extremely
of the council and is seen to play a central role in Chelmsford’s offer fast-paced development
Chelmsford as a major retail and leisure destination in the Essex region.
This project provides Chelmsford with a vibrant We were commissioned to lead the architectural and technical programme at Bond Street,
new retail and leisure destination, which caters delivery of the scheme for the construction of the development, we worked hard to implement
for its thriving and affluent population having initially assisted Bowmer & Kirkland during the tender and the needs of both operators and
negotiation stage with various design review and value engineering future tenants, without compromising
Client exercises. the overall design integrity of this
Bowmer and Kirkland / Aquila Holdings As lead designers, we were also responsible for the review, exciting retail scheme for Chelmsford.
Project Value comment and coordination of all consultant and design By collaborating closely with the
£150 million (gross) subcontractor information, which was managed and coordinated conceptual designers, our detailed design
Scale via a central BIM model. work has addressed a number of site-specific
300,000 ft2 construction On this project, typical of a large retail development, we had to challenges; including complex elevations and
Project Completion coordinate and deliver quick drawing updates and on site changes spatial constraints, as well as integrating a
Dec 2016 driven by the retail occupiers enabling them to reconfigure their diverse range of building materials to complement
unit layouts and in turn allowing the brands to express themselves. Chelmsford’s existing retail offer.”
It was important to us to streamline this process, providing a quick
turnaround and delivering to programme whilst policing the design Ashley Turner
to ensure that employers requirement specifications were met. CEO
Our established relationship with the contractor was beneficial as
we had to undertake significant client variations whilst maintaining Whittam Cox Architects
the contracted works programme and cost constraints. Throughout
the construction works close liaison with product manufacturers
and design sub-contractors was also paramount in order to
maintain delivery of the client’s required aesthetic, which used over
50 different external materials and finishes.

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Scope of Services An inspirational Key Challenges
The project was led by developer Aquila. We were appointed to development The scheme was technically very challenging with a variety of
the scheme by long-standing client Bowmer & Kirkland to lead the complex processes to manage, for example: Secant piled/tanked
construction and technical delivery from RIBA Stage 3 onwards. at the heart of basement car parking; Suspended shopping malls and servicing
Initially we directed the tender stage with various Design Chelmsford’s areas; Flood compensation measures; Numerous Party Wall issues;
Review and Value Engineering exercises. This involved leading city centre and over 50 different external materials/façade treatments. These
the pre-construction design process with other consultants and were absorbed into a very optimistic construction programme
stakeholders to agree the contract sum/construction programme. which required the commitment of all parties to deliver. To aid
Further to this we were responsible for coordinating and issuing the process we identified key design inputs i.e. 3rd party occupier
relevant information for discharge of Planning Conditions and designs. This often involved challenging the client’s commercial
providing the drawings for additional planning related applications. processes to ensure appointments were in place.
Design / Technical Approach Adding Value
Detailed technical design was achieved through the production We worked with the client to advise and agree detailed design
of working drawings and specifications based on compliance with release schedules based on the demands of procurement and
the Employers Requirement Information. Design Information was the construction programme and assisted with programme
issued as ‘Design Intent’ in readiness for detailed consultant and reviews. Progress was regularly monitored and reported to ensure
sub-contractor designs. Incoming design information was reviewed continuity of design information.
for compliance with the Employers Requirements/Planning The multifaceted programme was in a constant state of flux, we
Approvals, compliance with legislation & technical codes etc. were flexible and quick to react accordingly so that we maintained
All information was managed using BIM and further communicated design flow. There was a constant stream of design variations,
at regular Design Reviews, Site and Client Meetings where any which were absorbed within the design/programme. We advised
outstanding technical/architectural issues could be discussed. on cost and programme implications early to highlight any
problems.
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This scheme was subject to ongoing sectional completion. The
development progressed well on site and to programme. The first
stage, the John Lewis anchor store was handed over on the 21st
April 2016, with the final full development completed in December
in time for a Pre-Christmas opening.

Bond Street

Chelmsford
Chelmsford’s growing retail offering has been successful in
attracting more people into the city centre.

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Project Experience

Royal Wharf Located in the Royal Docks in East London, Royal Wharf is a flagship We had a positive working relationship
regeneration project developing a 40-acre site on the banks of the with Whittam Cox and worked well
London River Thames. The scheme will provide a variety of town houses together to ensure that best design
We are appointed as Lead Designer and and apartments with infrastructure, commercial and amenity
Executive Architects on the technical facilities. quality possible was delivered within
construction of this multi-phase 40 acre Our role is Lead Designer, working closely with the management the budget constraints of the project.”
development. contractor on the detailed design and technical construction
delivery of the concept scheme. Whittam Cox Architects are Umesh Luharia
Client also working closely with the concept designers, Glenn Howells Studio Director
Ballymore / Oxley Holdings Architects to ensure that the delivered project is true to the original Glenn Howells Architects
Project Value concept.
£720 million (construction) The overall scheme design is based on reinterpreting and recreating
Site Area successful local centres within large cities, such as Fitzrovia and
40 acres / 2,432 dwellings Belgravia in London. These areas are based on the creation of
213,000 ft2 commercial space blocks and squares, with a hierarchy of streets in terms of width.
32,000 ft2 of leisure use This creates a rich urban grain with a diversity of scale, movement
Project Start and use. Landscaping and public spaces are integral to the holistic
April 2014 design and work together to foster a strong sense of identity and
character.
The development seamlessly mixes studio apartments, one-bed/
two-bed and three-bed apartments, with large three and four
storey townhouses.
A major challenge of this scheme is the sheer scale of it. We
applied Revit BIM technology to enable an efficient and controlled
approach to our work, ensuring coordination, accuracy and quality
of information are optimised.

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Scope of Services 213,000 ft2 that will no doubt last well beyond the project itself.
The scheme is being funded by Oxley and delivered by Ballymore Our initial challenge was to initiate good practice principles to the
Group in terms of development management, construction and retail and entire team so that we all:
branding / marketing. Our role on the development is to work commercial • Identified clear lines of communication
with masterplan architects Glenn Howells on the technical / • Had a clear understanding of scope
construction delivery of the scheme, to date including Phases 1 and space • Respected the contractors programme and construction
2. Other consultants include Acumen Portfolio Solutions, O’Connor
Sutton Cronin (OCSC) and Flatt Consulting. methods
Our scope on this project has been to optimise building efficiency. • Recognised the importance of information flow and the
Using Revit/BIM for this project has been a major benefit.
Design / Technical Approach inherent quality of that information.
Whittam Cox Architects were the Executive Architects Adding Value
implementing a design concept led by Glenn Howells Architects. Our scope on this project has been to optimise building efficiency.
Our role as Lead Designer requires close collaboration with the We have delivered this in a number of ways. On phase 1, we
concept designers, the management contractor and the client to revisited the net/gross internal areas and provided £27m worth of
ensure that the delivered project is true to the original concept. cost savings through increasing the size of the net saleable area.
This project presented an intense management task primarily due This work also included the rationalisation of the basement design.
to its scale. Dealing with this mass scale and amount of information, Phase 1 was cast-in-situ concrete frame construction, but under
we have demonstrated a capacity to impose and adhere to strict phase 2 we have utilised a modular system (Hurks to provide
management procedures and lines of communication. The use of pre-cast frame systems, including facades). This has been made
conject ‘BIW’ document management software by our dedicated possible via a slightly greater design lead-in time but is producing
Royal Wharf administration team and the application of Revit BIM large programme benefits.
technology has been key. Successful Delivery
Key Challenges There are of course always lessons to be learned on any project.
On a challenging project such as Royal Wharf, with everybody Lessons learned on RW phase 1 have informed how the team have
under extreme pressure good relationships are key to the flow of approached phase 2. The extreme programme on phase 1 put real
the project. We recognise this and have built strong relationships pressure on the design team to fully coordinate with each other in
a timely manner. An increase in design coordination programmed
Page 20 | Practice Profile | 2017 up front would have ultimately benefited the overall programme.

32,000 ft2

leisure space plus

2,432 new homes

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Project Experience

Middlewood Locks We were appointed as lead consultant to develop the vision and “Working with Whittam Cox has
design for this vibrant new neighbourhood of over 2,000 new been a rewarding experience for BCEGI.
Salford, Greater Manchester homes and 750,000 ft2 for commercial use. The 24 acre brownfield We have found their professional, partnering
The site is located in Salford, on the edge site has been in a dilapidated state for decades, formerly occupied
of Manchester City Centre. This substantial by terraced housing, mills, warehouse, rail and industrial uses. approach has helped us to develop
residential-led development will create a new The scheme will consist predominantly of apartment homes, what we believe is a strong and long lasting
neighbourhood for Salford. together with other uses, including commercial office, retail,
restaurants, hotels and leisure. The scale and height of the outline relationship that will be beneficial to our
Client approval varies from 5 to 32 storeys. respective companies, clients and the
Scarborough Group International / BCEGI The layout provides clear legibility and connectivity with public communities we are working in.
Project Value realm and park space surrounding the canal, forming the Aaron Adams
£1 billion (gross) central feature to the development. The design intent for the Head Of Construction
Scale whole scheme is to provide for a long-term sustainable, liveable BCEGI
24 acres / 2,215 dwellings community, with strong ties to the local history and character of
750,000 ft2 commercial space the area.
Project Start From the outset we developed a clear and concise brief, this
May 2016 included the outline masterplan with flexible planning approvals,
which involved close liaison with the client, consultant teams and
Local Authority.
Phase 1 and 2 (1,117 homes and 3 commercial units) are now
on site, with the full masterplan area undergoing remediation.
Detailed design of Phase 3 is envisaged to progress during 2017
and will include commercial offices, a hotel and multi-storey car
park.

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More than meticulous planning,
we bring our ‘can do’ collaborative

approach to every project.
This enables us to successfully deliver
to challenging development programmes.

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Project Experience

The Collective Old Oak Described in the national press as the ‘World’s largest co-living
development’, The Collective Old Oak opened its doors in May
Ealing, London 2016; this property is the first example of the pioneering Co-Living
Build to Rent concept in the UK.
This 11-storey scheme comprises 323 residential The ground-breaking scheme is located in an emerging
units with 551 bedrooms, ground floor retail units, regeneration area of the London Borough of Ealing, Old Oak and
first floor co-working commercial space and Park Royal Development Area.
communal amenity spaces for residents.

Client Designed by PLP Architecture, we were appointed in 2014 post Flexible community space
The Collective/Mace planning, to undertake executive architect and lead consultant to live, work and play.
Project Value roles via a comprehensive design and build scope of services.
Confidential We undertook significant design development of the scheme “Architecture is responsible for
to improve buildability and cost viability whilst maintaining the creating great places by fostering
original design principles and strong aesthetic. and allowing a community to thrive.
This innovative building does just that,
Scale The team worked collaboratively to develop robust, yet efficient with diverse amenity spaces distributed
170,000 ft2 construction solutions within the client-defined parameters driving in added throughout and amongst the co-living
323 apartments value wherever possible. accommodation. The mix of uses sets a
Project Completion Through careful consideration of the layout, materials and detailing benchmark amongst the infantile PRS market,
May 2016 we delivered the concept, principles and aesthetics defined by with restaurant, gym, co-working and retail space
the concept architect and through close collaboration with the
whole team; client, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders, complimenting the co-living.“
successfully delivered the project. James Scott
COO

The Collective

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Project Experience

West Hampstead Square Located in the affluent, fashionable and vibrant neighbourhood of “The project involved a
West Hampstead in London, this project is a partnership between challenging site, close to
London Network Rail/Ballymore Group and A2Dominion. the London Overground and
This new-build, mixed use private and social This new mixed use residential-led development on a former Underground on both of its
residential development revives a forgotten brownfield site provides a mixed tenure of private sale apartments longitudinal edges, which created
area in the heart of this fashionable and vibrant and affordable housing. In addition a new public urban square will unique requirements and approaches
neighbourhood of London. define the entrance to the site, with retail units and restaurants. for construction. As lead consultant we
The design is inspired by the linear patterns of the rail lines at West delivered a scheme that mitigated the
Client Hampstead station. The development is identified by three basic in-ground vibration caused by the
Ballymore / Network Rail concepts: square, street and gardens, each one of these elements railways, and the high acoustic
is interconnected by one of the others, this inclusive approach problems a site like this creates.“
Project Value allows themed zones such as allotment areas, themed gardens,
Confidential café/deli to serve the residents and locale. This interconnection Dave Savage
allows easy access and servicing within this very confined site Board Director
Scale creating an inclusive feel. Whittam Cox Architects
96,878 ft² We were appointed initially to provide architectural services to
198 dwellings take the planning approved scheme from detailed design through
to tender stage, including a novation agreement with the main
Project Completion contractor to provide construction information to deliver the
May 2017 project. At an early stage it became apparent the approved scheme
did not meet the client’s requirements in terms of apartment
layouts, so we were also commissioned to redesign the internal
layouts and to obtain planning consent via S73 agreements for the
changes.
Our team successfully rationalised designs and layouts to
significantly increase the amount of residential accommodation
and net lettable commercial space.

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“An exemplar town centre regeneration
scheme that has created a quality

development involving the use of listed
buildings... Retailers are housed in units
of different sizes in a beautiful courtyard

setting, with superb attention to detail
throughout the scheme.”

British Council of Shopping Centres

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Project Experience

Marshall’s Yard We were appointed by development partnership Dransfield
Properties and Prospect Estates as architects for this landmark
Gainsborough scheme in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.
This site is steeped in industrial heritage, many This town centre regeneration project resulted in the conversion of
of the original structures are listed. These have an eight acre disused site, the Britannia Iron Works, into a modern
been refurbished and retained, and sensitively mixed use courtyard with bars, cafés, leisure outlets, shops and
designed new-build blends with the old. offices. Britannia Works, founded in 1848, was Gainsborough’s
The design provides a viable and sustainable largest employer until the 70s, and at its height exported
solution for the long-term retention of these agricultural machinery throughout the world. The existing site
important historic buildings comprised of a mix of Grade II buildings and industrial warehousing
which had been derelict for many years.
Client We worked closely with English Heritage and conservation officers
Dransfield Properties Ltd. to create a design solution to make the best use of the unique
Project Value Grade II listed buildings that remained on the site. Marshalls Yard
£39 million presented a number of design challenges which have resulted in
Scale a unique architectural mix, where carefully restored structures
236,000 ft2 sit alongside new buildings designed to compliment the historic
Project Completion buildings on the site. The design provides a viable and sustainable
2007 solution for the long-term retention of these important historic
buildings.
The scheme has been designed to improve links with the existing
town centre and heralds the economic transformation of
Gainsborough.
West Lindsey District Council has relocated into a landmark building
on the entrance to the centre bringing all council services under
one roof.

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Project Experience

Bakers Quay Located in Gloucester’s historic docks, we have been working with Plans for the
our client Rokeby Merchant to breathe life back into the former mixed-use scheme on
Gloucester docks at Bakers Quay in Gloucester. The regeneration project
We have been commissioned to regenerate this will connect directly to the award winning Gloucester Quay and Gloucester’s historic
significant brownfield site, including the sensitive will safeguard the future of a number of heritage assets that are waterfront were adapted
restoration of multiple historic listed structures. currently on the Buildings at Risk Register. We successfully secured last year, following an arson
planning permission in 2016 following a detailed design process, attack on one of the site’s
Client incorporating extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
Rokeby Development Ltd. Construction has now started on site. listed warehouses.
Project Value The multi-million pound investment project has seen the Many of the existing buildings
£55 million development of a new masterplan delivering a variety of building at Bakers Quay date back to the
Scale types, including bars and restaurants, a new hotel, over 120 19th Century, when Gloucester
13 acres / 300 apartments residential apartments and a café, as well as car parking and was the main corn-importing
104 bed hotel high quality public realm. Our objective is to ensure that the new
37,000 ft2 commercial space proposals will be sensitively developed to create a place for people, dock for the South West.
Project Start positively contributing to the local community and strengthening “Our designs for Bakers Quay aim to
Dec 2016 the city’s tourism offer. breathe new life into this historic industrial site,
This is a somewhat unique project which will bring a number of whilst paying tribute to the craftsmanship of
Grade II listed, dilapidated dockside warehouses back to life. With
the intervention of new buildings, we will sensitively create a high the existing buildings in the area.
quality, holistic leisure destination. Along with a new residential offering above
ground level, the plans for Bakers Quay include
high-quality public realm space to link dwellings
and encourage inclusive neighbourhoods for people

to live, work and visit“
Andrew Dabbs
Design Director

Whittam Cox Architects

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Project Experience

Bradford Street Identified as one of the city’s core areas for redevelopment, this
site is one of various development opportunities we are developing
Birmingham within the vicinity.
Our commission with ESRG Group focuses on Our proposal includes provision of 293 residential apartments,
the re-development of this former industrial site housed within two adjacent new buildings. Also integrated within
located in a dilapidated are of Digbeth, a district the scheme are sensitively considered ground floor shared amenity
of Birmingham. spaces and soft landscaped gardens which work with the resident
car-parking and serviced areas. To the central courtyard, we have
Client designed podium gardens which also provided private amenity
ESRG Developments space for residents of this new complex.
Our brief for this technically challenging site has included a careful
Scale balance in addressing the projects particularly sensitive commercial
293 residential apartments viability requirements, whilst meeting the evolving planning
requirements of Birmingham Local Authority for this expanding
Project Value area of the outer city centre. Our design also considers aspirations
Confidential to retain existing and dilapidated historic industrial building facades
deemed as valuable to local context, whilst integrating these into a
forward thinking and modern residential complex.
This project represents one of the first schemes to be actively
brought forward for redevelopment in a particularly aspirational
city location, and we are working with our client to create a high
quality landmark residential destination.

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ambitiously

creativeimpeccable
delivery

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Project Experience

Suburban District Centre On the former site of a Bally Shoe factory this project saw the
development of a new district centre in South Norwich consisting
Norwich of food and non-food retail, business units, a community centre,
A significant new mixed use development on a gym and public house. Due to the site’s prominent location our
11.2 ha site in South Norwich. brief was to design and develop a project that focused on quality
with a distinct architectural language that would provide an identity
Client for the area. The project also focused on sustainability and the
ASDA Stores Ltd. environment which created greater emphasis on the selection of
Project Value materials and building specification.
Confidential The previous building that was on the site has provided inspiration
Scale for the unique roof design, which references the silhouette of the
65,000 ft2 gross factory’s saw-tooth roof, whilst also facilitating the store’s aspiring
Project Completion green credentials by allowing north light to naturally illuminate
Oct 2015 areas of the building and enabling the positioning of PV panels to
maximise efficiency.
With the ever changing nature of retail it was important to work
closely with our client and their specialist team throughout
the project and this has seen the delivery of a successful and
sustainable district centre that has become a destination for the
area.

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Project Experience

Marriots Walk We worked with Simons Developments and West Oxfordshire District
Council to bring forward and develop a mixed use town centre retail
Witney, Oxfordshire Cotswolds led development that combined the character of the historic town
Witney is the largest of the market towns in centre of Witney with new facilities and features.
the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and much of its We responded with a sympathetic, yet high quality design that
architecture reflects the past prosperity of the mixed the various types and scale of units, with wide open spaces
woollen trade, the design had to reflect the interspersed with public art and paving features.
character of this historic town. The completed scheme provided a total of 116,000 sq ft of
retail, leisure and residential facilities, including a Cineworld and
Client restaurants including Frankie & Benny’s and Cafe Rouge. The
Simons Developments development also included a 600 space multi-storey car park, one of
Project Value Europe’s largest free multi-storey car parks, together with 130 new
Confidential residential homes.
Scale
116,000 ft2 retail, leisure and residential
130 apartments
Project Completion
Nov 2009

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Project Experience

St. James Retail Park We were approached by St James Securities to support them in
a competitive bid for a significant site in Sheffield, which formally
Sheffield housed Norton College. Our client defined their aspirations from
We’re creating 130,000 ft² of retail floorspace the outset to deliver a portfolio project that focused on quality,
with a mixture of single and double-height whilst driving an integrated value engineering approach to design
units, incorporating food stores, in a landmark development.
development. Whilst the site was not earmarked for retail in the Local Plan, our
team identified a lack of provision in this particular location and
Client developed a scheme accordingly with a focus on driving the greatest
St James Securities efficiency and financial return for the landowners, and ultimately
Project Value our client. The successful bid led to our further engagement in
Confidential developing the design, through to successfully obtaining planning.
Scale The striking design of the retail units and the development as a
8.23 acres whole demonstrates a marked change in retail park development.
Project Completion High-quality materials have been applied, providing multiple
Feb 2018 layers of architectural expression and language across the scheme,
and materials were chosen both for their longevity and aesthetic
appearance. Landscape features such as rain gardens with integrated
seating replace car parking spaces along the wide retail frontage,
providing a greater experience for the park’s customers.
As lead designer we worked with multiple tenants throughout the
design development stages and our expertise, combined with input
from the wider design team, ensured a coordinated and successful
design process that we are confident will drive the quality in the
construction stages.
Working together with various teams ensured a coordinated and
successful design process.

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Project Experience

Town Centre Masterplan Working with Chesterfield Borough Council and planning “Chesterfield Borough Council were
consultants Aspinall Verdi the objective of this strategic work was delighted to engage with Whittam
Chesterfield to define and promote key development sites for prospective
We were retained by Chesterfield Borough investors whilst also outlining key infrastructure projects that would Cox Architects on the development of
Council to review and update the current benefit the town. Chesterfield Town Centre Masterplan.
masterplan for the historic town centre of Our task was to establish whether the vision was still relevant and The team were positive, pro active
Chesterfield. to establish a clear set of priorities for projects to be delivered, and professional at all times and the
whilst also addressing the structural challenges facing the High completed Masterplan surpassed
Client Street. We identified a series of cross-cutting themes including: expectations.
Aspinall Verdi / Chesterfield Borough Council town centre management; public realm projects; major projects The Masterplan is proving to be a
Project Value and gateways; and ‘big changes in small spaces’ . useful tool in assisting with our ability
Confidential In order to maximise the potential for success, we recommended
Scale all of the themes should be continually considered and brought to realise the regeneration of our Town.
60km (approx.) forward in parallel across the town centre. We were able to approach the team
Project Completion We also established a series of ‘delivery principles’ to be applied at Whittam Cox Architects for their
Initial concept complete to all regeneration projects coming forward in or to help facilitate ongoing support, skills, knowledge
development. and expertise. An example of their
We are currently actively working with the Council and other exceptional client engagement
partnerships in the redevelopment of Chesterfield Town Centre. resulting in positive delivery.”
Lynda Sharpe

Economic Development Manager
Chesterfield Borough Council

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