Stone Terraform Expands UK Presence

    Leading architectural practice Stone Terraform has expanded its UK operation by acquiring Chapmen Robbinson Architects in Manchester. The company will now trade as Stone Terraform Chapmen Robbinson and will be based in Commercial Street in the heart of Manchester.

    The move is part of Stone Terraform's strategic objective to offer clients a national service. This will enhance the practices presence and will enable it to offer a comprehensive range of services across the country.

    Gill Robinson has been appointed to manage the Manchester office as regional director. Gill has an extensive track record in urban regeneration, conservation and master planning. Already a number of exciting projects have been secured in Manchester, Liverpool and Burnley. Including a project for a 22 storey residential tower on the Queens Dock Waterfront, which was part of the Liverpool Garden Festival Site.

    Kevin Steer, Chairman of Stone Terraform explains,
    "2006 has been a fantastic year for them. They've secured many exciting commissions and received a number of awards for their design and environmental capability. Gill and her team's experience is a great fit both strategically and culturally with Stone Terraform. I believe that they can expect further success this year with the introduction of the Manchester office."



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    Outline Planning Application for Regional Casino (100,000ft²)

    Their client Amaury Taittinger is seeking to build on the success of the Leo Casino in Liverpool, which has been welcomed locally, since opening in 2002.

    The bright contemporary design has become a landmark at the southern gateway into the City. Mr Taittinger intends to bring a continental style of leisure development to Liverpool, welcoming to all the family. This is an exciting design challenge which they have grasped enthusiastically. They are seeking to create a substantial building of the highest quality with a strong visual presence on this prominent waterfront setting. A number of design studies have been carried out, and they are looking forward to taking this forward at the detailed planning stage. Outline Planning Approval is anticipated in April.

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    Knott Mill Apartments go up and up!

    The steelwork to the three blocks is complete and external wall cladding is progressing. Completion is due in August. The apartments particularly at the highest levels will enjoy a spectacular view over the city centre.




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    Spear Street / Great Ancoats Street – new client

    This site was purchased by a private developer towards the end of 2004. They expect the scheme, which received detailed planning approval in January 2004, will finally be built, after a year’s delay. Watch this space!




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    New East Manchester – design training for residents

    After completing their first successful design training programme with Miles Platting residents steering group, they have now started a similar exercise with Openshaw West residents. Training workshops and visits will take place over the next 6 months.
    They are also piloting a youth design training day for young people in Openshaw West, with a mix of visits to contemporary housing schemes and design training sessions.



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    Housing Market Renewal Bids

    They are currently bidding with a developer led team to carry out projects in the Elevate and South Yorkshire Pathfinder schemes.






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    Hotel expansion scheme in Salford

    The Stay Inn (formally the Dolby) is situated at a major road junction and gateway into the City. Their design proposes an elegant tower on this prominent site – outline planning approval is anticipated shortly. This promises to be a flagship regeneration scheme.





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    Bridge Design

    Although their competition winning bridge is not proceeding, they expect to be involved in the design of another bridge shortly.






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