Architecture and design news
New Kent water park and housing development gets planning permission in Ashford
by Tom Anstey | 24 May 2013
Planning permission has been given for a new country park and housing development in Ashford, Kent. The Conningbrook Lakes project will see the new site, formerly a quarry for sand and gravel, transformed into a country park with water-based activities, foot and cycle paths, nature trails, a water-front restaurant and a lakeside village of 300 homes. The site will be planned and designed by BDB Design Ltd, based in Canterbury
Guggenheim Museum planned for Wales
by Tom Anstey | 24 May 2013
Plans are in the works to bring a Guggenheim museum to Wales as early as 2019 in a bid to replicate the success that came from opening one in Bilbao, Spain. In 2012 the Guggenheim in Bilbao helped generate €294.6m (£252.2m, US$380.2m) in GDP for the country. The predicted opening date of 2019 or 2020 would coincide with the current timetable for the electrification of the south Wales rail line.
New short-film celebrates the Games unsung design heros
by Aoife Dowling | 23 May 2013
The architectural and structural design firms and individuals who helped to shape the 2012 Games legacy have been celebrated in the short film Designing for Champions. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and New London Architecture (NLA) initiated the DROPTHEBAN campaign and commissioned the ‘Designing for Champions’ film to advocate many of the Games’ unsung heroes. The DROPTHEBAN campaign which launched in July 2012
303 room Flaxby hotel development confirmed
by Tom Anstey | 21 May 2013
A £100m (US$151.3m, €117.7m) development in Yorkshire is set to be built on the existing Flaxby Park Golf Course and will feature a 27-hole course and a 303 room hotel. York-based property firm, Skelwith Leisure, will begin work on the new site at the end of May, which will also feature a floodlit driving range, conference centre, four helipads, three restaurants, and an 18,000sq ft (1,672sq m) spa, gym and
New community stadium being built as part of £90m development in York
by Tom Anstey | 21 May 2013
York City Football Club and York City Knights Rugby League Club are set to share a new stadium following construction of a £90m (US$137.1m, €106m) development, which will include a brand new 6,000-seat facility. Planning permission was sought by Oakgate PLC in respect of a new retail development being built close to the site. The stadium design permits expansion to 12,000-seats should the need arise, following York’s recent promotion to
Construction underway on British Museum's new £135m project
by Aoife Dowling | 20 May 2013
London's cultural landmark the British Museum has broken ground on its new multi-million pound capital project, the World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre (WCEC). Designed by Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners (RSHP) and constructed by Mace, the new WCEC is one of the largest redevelopment projects in the museum's 260 year history. The aim of the project is to safeguard and enhance collections, while enabling the museum to store, conserve, study
Ripley to open Toronto aquarium this summer
by Tom Anstey | 17 May 2013
Attractions operator Ripley Entertainment is set to open a CA$130m (£83.7m, US$126.8m, 98.5m euro) aquarium in Toronto, Canada this summer. When completed, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will home 15,000 inhabitants in its 12,500sq m (135,000sq ft) facility and is expected to have a projected annual economic impact of more than CA$35m (£22.5m) for the Toronto area. The traditional layout walk through aquarium will include a 96-metre long (315ft) walkway in
£10.1m Kidderminster leisure centre given the go ahead
by Tom Anstey | 17 May 2013
Plans for a new £10.1m leisure centre in Kidderminster have moved forward after Wyre Forest District Council's (WFDC) planning committee green lighted the project. The proposal for the former Victoria Sports Ground include a 25-metre six-lane pool, a learner pool, fitness suite, six-court sports hall and outdoor football pitches. Other facilities will include fitness and dance studios and a cafe. "This project is about providing first class leisure and sports
Construction gaffe means £8m cinema has to be torn down
by Tom Anstey | 17 May 2013
An £8m cinema and leisure complex being constructed in St Neots will be pulled down because it is less than one metre out of place. The new Cineworld will be torn down and rebuilt after a design error left the complex too close to existing houses. "We have taken the unprecedented step of halting the existing work and have parts to rebuilt to assuage any concerns that adjoining landowners may
Singapore's 'hotel in a garden' unveils its green wellness facilities
by Aoife Dowling | 17 May 2013
The newly opened PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore's development that's based on a 'hotel-in-a-garden concept', has unveiled its spa and wellness facilities. The eco-inspired, 16-storey hotel, which will be operated by Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), has an entire 44,000 sq ft (4,085sq m) floor dedicated to wellness. A large proportion of the floor has been set aside for green outdoor space and features a two-storey descent waterfall, a 300m garden
Revamped Oasis plans could give Swindon UK's longest indoor ski slope
by Tom Anstey | 16 May 2013
Swindon could become home to the longest ski slope in the UK as part of the revised plans for the multi million pound revamp of the Oasis Leisure centre. In the new plans, the slope would exceed the current longest UK slope at Xscape Braehead in Scotland, which holds the record at 200 metres in length. "This development will make Swindon the best indoor skiing venue in the country," said
Funding secured for USD930m New York tower that will house a new Four Seasons hotel
by Aoife Dowling | 16 May 2013
Real estate company Silverstein Properties has secured financing to construct an 82-storey tower in Manhattan, New York, US that will include a Four Seasons hotel and private residences. At 926ft (282m) the property will be one of the tallest residential towers in Downtown Manhattan offering visitors panoramic views of the Midtown skyline and New York Harbor. Located at Park Place and Church Street in Tribeca, Four Seasons Hotel and Private
Romford’s new "Ice Cube" leisure project gets go ahead
by Aoife Dowling | 15 May 2013
The new Romford Leisure Development in Essex, which includes an ice rink has been given the green light by Havering’s Regulatory Services Committee. The new project will be located on a compact urban site in Romford centre includes a competition pool and ice rink under one roof, something the town has never seen before. A new eight-lane 25m pool and kiddie’s learner pool will occupy the ground floor together with
£17.9m Splashpoint leisure centre opens in Worthing
by Tom Walker | 15 May 2013
The new £17.9m Splashpoint leisure complex has opened to the public in Worthing, West Sussex. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, the centre has replaced the former Aquarena venue on the site. The scheme was project managed by Deloitte Real Estate on behalf of Worthing Borough Council following a RIBA design competition in 2009. Facilities include a six lane, 25m competition pool and a learner/diving pool, an indoor leisure pool with
Shangri-La unveils new Istanbul property with Europe’s first CHI, The Spa
by Aoife Dowling | 13 May 2013
Istanbul has welcomed the opening of the new Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul featuring Europe's first CHI, The Spa. Inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies, all treatments are based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to mind and body. The spa contains eight large private spa suites offering Asian and Turkish treatments, customized massages and organic products. The extensive hammam facilities cater to both private groups and individuals. Both the
Work begins on Burgess Park BMX track
by Tom Walker | 13 May 2013
Construction work has started on a 400m (1,312ft) BMX track in Burgess Park, Southwark, South London. Ground Control Ltd has been appointed as the contractor for the new £800,000 track which will open in summer 2013. The track will be free to use and has been designed to cater for both novices and competition-standard riders. It will feature a starting hill, a variety of jumps and floodlighting. The venue will
Broken Sound Club in Florida gets new US$7m "moonstone" inspired spa facility
by Aoife Dowling | 10 May 2013
Broken Sound Club, a luxury Platinum Club in Boca Raton, Florida, US has unveiled a US$7m (5.4m euro,£4.5m)free-standing spa and fitness centre. The 13,100sq ft (1,217sq m) Moonstone, The Spa at Broken Sound will be managed by American Leisure who are also responsible for the treatment concepts and protocols, product selection, and overseeing operations. The spa, designed in warm natural tones, features six treatment rooms, plus a "Moonstone Suite" couples
New Spa Cenvaree to open in Pattaya in December
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 10 May 2013
Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced it will open its five-star Grand-branded hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, in August, with a spa to open at the property in December. Centara Grand Phraramnak Resort Pattaya will be the third Centara Grand in upmarket Pattaya and will include 165 rooms and suites over eight storeys. Designed by Model 1to1 and Gooodlux Design Consultants, the hotel features marble and granite public areas and Fendi
MAD Architects reveal new China Wood Sculpture Museum
by Aoife Dowling | 10 May 2013
Beijing-based MAD Architects have unveiled the completed China Wood Sculpture Museum located in Harbin, China. The 200m (656ft) long building is sheathed in metal and surrounded by a densely populated Chinese-style neighbourhood and residential complexes. It was constructed with the aim of adding cultural and surreal essence to the surrounding urban context. The museum takes the form of a twisted strip of steel, punctuated with curved windows. MAD describes the
Opening of Shangri-La, The Shard delayed
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 08 May 2013
The opening of the Shangri-La, The Shard in London has been delayed with the hotel now set to open in September rather than summer. The five-star 202-room property will be London's first elevated luxury hotel, occupying levels 34 to 52 of the landmark skyscraper. Room features will include custom-made beds, iPod docking stations, complimentary high-speed internet access, coffee machines, heated floors, washlet toilets, and a butler service in all suites.
£24m leisure centre opens in Linwood, Scotland
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 08 May 2013
Linwood's sport and community centre ON-X has officially opened following a £24m investment by Renfrewshire Council. Designed by Cr8 Architecture and built by BAM Construction, the facility includes an eight court sports hall, two squash courts, 600sq m gym, four fitness studios, and athletics track. The new centre is part of the council's £40m investment in local leisure facilities. It also features three swimming pools including a six-lane 25m competition
Council rejects Geffrye Museum's £18.9m plans
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 07 May 2013
London's Hackney Council has rejected a planning application for an £18.9m redevelopment project at the Geffrye Museum. The museum, which examines the changing face of middle class homes in England over the past 400 years, appointed David Chipperfield Architects to increase its capacity, which it says is stretched to the limit. The plans included a two-storey extension, new gallery, library, collections and archive stores, conference suite, restaurant, and a new
Kent council wins Dreamland court battle
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 03 May 2013
Plans for a £10m heritage theme park attraction in Margate, Kent are back on track, following a High Court ruling against a legal challenge that would have prevented the development. Judge Sycamore dismissed a legal challenge by current owners, Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company, over the decision to grant the council ownership of the site. The secretary of state for communities and local government gave the council approval for compulsory
Plans underway for € 1.5bn 'Barcelona Island' featuring world's first 'zero-gravity spa'
by Aoife Dowling | 03 May 2013
A new development featuring Europe's tallest hotel is underway on a man-made island that will be connected through a glideway and overseas walkway with the city of Barcelona, Spain. The Barcelona Island project has entered the next phase following an agreement between investment company Apogee Investors and Mobilona LLC to manage the financing. With the initial investment projected at €1.5bn (US$2bn, £1.3bn), Mobilona plans to construct the first of its
Construction starts on Mirbeau Inn & Spa
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 03 May 2013
Construction has started on the new Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills in Plymouth, Massachusetts, US. Designed by Boston architectural-firm Arrowstreet in the style of a French manor house, the 50-room getaway includes the 14,000sq ft (1,301sq m) Spa Mirbeau, which will offer massages, body wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicures, and couple treatments. It will also feature yoga and fitness studios, aerobic exercise equipment, eucalyptus-infused steamrooms and an outdoor
£19m leisure plans for Westminster borough
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 03 May 2013
Westminster City Council and Willmott Dixon have announced £19m proposals for sports and leisure in the north west of the borough, which will deliver a 40 per cent increase in facilities. The plans include a new Moberly Sports Centre with two swimming pools and large sports hall and gym, and a new sports facility at Jubilee Leisure Centre. The cost will be entirely funded by Willmott Dixon, which will develop
Ellesmere Port plans £15m sports and leisure village
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 02 May 2013
Cheshire West & Chester Council has approved £15m plans for a new sports and leisure village in Ellesmere Port. To be built on the former Stanney High School site, the village would include: an eight-court badminton hall with seating capacity for 1,400; an eight-lane competition pool; and an 80-station gym. The leisure offer would meet the town's predicted needs in growth and usage until at least 2030, however, the council
Vivanta by Taj reopens Sri Lanka resort
by Tom Walker | 02 May 2013
Vivanta by Taj has reopened its Bentota resort in Sri Lanka following an US$12.5m (9.5m euro, £8m) redevelopment of the property. The resort's new look, by Malaysia-based interior designer Nic Proud, has been described as a "blend of contemporary style with colonial charm". The centrepiece of the redesigned resort is the 7,500sq ft (700sq m) Jiva Spa, which houses six treatment rooms. Located adjacent to the main resort, the free-standing,
Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa to open
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 02 May 2013
Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa will open in Kuwait on 7 May - the first Jumeirah hotel in the Gulf region outside the United Arab Emirates. Designed by New York's Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the luxury beachfront development includes 316 rooms and suites, 80 residential suites and 12 villas with views of the hotel gardens. The 3,500sq m (37,674sq ft) Talise Spa includes 17 treatment rooms and two private
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai opens
by Jessica Tasman-Jones | 02 May 2013
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has officially opened its new Shanghai resort in China. Located on the banks of Huangpu River, Mandarin Oriental Pudong is housed within Harbour City, a new 62-acre waterfront destination developed by Shanghai Rui Ming real estate company. The resort, which occupies 111,000sq m (1,195,000 sq ft), features 318 guestrooms and 44 suites along with 210 executive apartments, designed by architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. Presidential suites
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