RT directors, Phil and Steve, were spotted at the UK Housing Awards last week by Inside Housing magazine. RT's Cambridge Road, Fulbourn scheme became a finalist for Outstanding Development of the Year (up to 24 homes). The scheme represents an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional mental health supported accommodationThe project team included contractor Hill, the client Metropolitan, and RLF the employer's agent.
So here is the Rock Townsend submission for the Soar Island competition that was recently held by the RIBA. Our proposal was to give Leicester some all important water front public realm in the form of a beach. As Leicester is the furthest away city from the sea we believe this would be a great community focal point for the proposed new residential units on each side of the river.
We have now welcomed the latest member to RT, in the form of cactus, Geoffrey. Cactuses often divide opinion, unfortunately Tim quite likes them, and Geoffrey is now living on his desk.
A few of the RT architects have been working hard recently (in the pub) to get some ideas together for our latest competition entry. Hopefully all will be revealed soon!
Last Friday the RT team took a trip out of the office to visit some of our recently completed projects at the University of Westminster. While we were there we popped down to P3 for a look at the Potential Architecture exhibition, definitely worth a visit just to see the exhibition space, if nothing else.
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Great to hear Financial Close has been reached on RT's Herts Luton & Reading Schools PSBP project with Interserve/Kajima. Full steam ahead now!
Rock Townsend are designing four of seven secondary schools across Hertfordshire, Luton and Reading. Maber Architects are designing a further three. This is one of the first batch of schools to be funded using the Government’s new PF2 private finance model
The scheme, which was procured under the Priority School Building Programme, has a capital value in excess of £135 million. More than 8,900 pupils across the South East region will benefit from this investment, with almost 900 additional places for 11-18 years old to be created in modern, purpose-built buildings.
The secondary schools included in this tranche are Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School, Hatfield; Goffs School, near Cheshunt; Kings Langley School, Kings Langley; Longdean School, Hemel Hempstead; Reading Girls’ School, Reading; Stopsley High School, Luton; and Westfield Academy, Watford.
Construction started on all the schemes last month with the first due for completion in August 2016. All of the new schools will be open by November 2016.
Rock Townsend are delighted to confirm that our sheltered housing project with Metropolitan Housing at Cambridge Road, Fulbourn has been shortlisted by Chartered Institute of Housing Awards in Outstanding Development of the Year - Up to 24 homes category. The project for Metropolitan Housing Partnership replaces 6 tired semi-detached 1940’s houses with 18 new one and two bedrooms homes for residents that require supported housing.
Forming part of a wider programme to re-house vulnerable residents within the supported housing sector, the design provides an environment that gives residents improved living conditions, increased independence and greater privacy whilst preserving existing communities and maintaining existing networks of support. The site is set within the Green Belt and on the edge of a conservation area. Residents, the Parish Council and the Local Authority favoured the traditional almshouse concept as a way to permit increased development within the Greenbelt.
Built by Hill, the new development is of a discrete scale and character that sits gently within its wider setting and was welcomed by local residents.
Have you got a name for your bike?
It was called Walter before it was mine and I’d feel bad for renaming it.
Why did you start cycling to work?
I started cycling as soon as I moved to London when I started at RT. It’s faster, cheaper, healthier and more fun than the bus or tube - so it’s a no-brainer!
How far do you commute?
5.7 miles from East Dulwich.
What’s the best and worst thing about cycling to work?
The best thing is getting to know the city as you ride through it, you don’t get to see the sights when you’re underground.
The worst things are pedestrians and bad drivers.
How long have you had your bike?
About 2 months, I bought it off James (from RT) after my first pay cheque.
What’s your favourite bike accessory?
I’d say the pedals and clips as they’ve been the only thing I’ve upgraded so far.
Where do you most like to cycle?
My favourite place so far has been Dulwich Park but I’ve plenty of places to explore when the weather brightens up!
Try as we might to detain him with gifts of books, fireworks and lego, our Dan Bangs departed for pastures new on Thursday. Good luck in your new home Dan - RT just won't be the same without you.