PROJECT NEWS
PLANNERS GIVE GREEN LIGHT FOR DEXTER MOREN ASSOCIATES’ BICESTER HERITAGE HOTEL Bicester Heritage’s ambition to become the number one leisure destination for automotive fans has moved into pole position with the granting of planning permission for a new hotel, designed by award-winning hotel architects and interior designers Dexter Moren Associates. Situated on a former RAF base in the heart of Motorsport Valley, a stone’s throw from numerous Formula One teams and the Silverstone Circuit, the approved scheme will feature a 252-room hotel, 92-unit aparthotel, restaurant, leisure facilities and conference centre. The hotel design, granted unanimous approval by Cherwell District Council last week, is inspired by RAF Bicester’s rich heritage, offering a modern interpretation of the form of adjoining listed hangars and featuring a signature entrance atrium designed around the display of classic motor vehicles. Says DMA: “We were thrilled to be selected to design this landmark hotel within the former RAF base, forming part of the Bicester Heritage Masterplan vision focusing on motorcars and aeroplanes. The design objective has been to respond in a contemporary manner to the site’s unique past, drawing inspiration from its historic position at the forefront of aviation, engineering, and innovation while complementing the existing period buildings. The elevations take inspiration from the listed aircraft hangers within Bicester Heritage, whilst the metal-clad curved façade references the sinuous line of a classic car. Providing 344 hotel and aparthotel rooms, and with extensive facilities including food and beverage, leisure and conferencing, this new hotel will contribute to the greater Bicester and Oxford area hospitality offer while enhancing the activities of Bicester Heritage and its future plans for accommodation, theatre, automotive research and maintenance.”
GRAHAM WINS £25 MILLION GRAMOPHONE WORKS DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACT GRAHAM has won the £25 million design and build contract for Phase 2 of The Gramophone Works, a new commercial campus in Kensal Rise, London. Once home to Saga Records and at the forefront of London’s reggae scene, the 20th century buildings are being developed by Resolution Property to make way for up to 85,000 sq ft of contemporary workspace by the Grand Union Canal. Phase one of the redevelopment, which has completed, features 20,000 sq ft of office space, communal terrace and four outside terraces. As part of the second phase, GRAHAM will deliver an additional 65,000 sq ft of contemporary workspace across five floors, with some of the upper offices benefitting from 6,500 sq ft of rooftop access space. There will also be a new shared reception/event space and canal side café, as well as a cycle hub with 130 spaces.
Architect Projects
GRAHAM will adapt and refurbish the existing Gramophone Works building to create the new commercial campus. A fourstorey timber extension above the building will be installed with new brick and glazed façades added to all elevations, while other improvements will include a louvred rooftop plant enclosure, green roof and photovoltaic solar
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panel installation. Mechanical and engineering works include the installation of a new plant including a generator room and sub-station. Internally, new suspended ceiling lights and heating and cooling systems will be fitted throughout. Mark Owen, Head of Development at Resolution Property, said: “This is a major office project that will further establish this part of West London as a growth area for new and existing businesses. We are pleased to be working with GRAHAM to deliver such a striking and innovative office scheme.” Rob Joyce, GRAHAM’s London office Director, added: “This new development will provide state-ofthe-art business facilities and public spaces to support the needs and talents of the local community and workforce in Kensal Rise. Our aim is to create a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that offers a real ‘London Village’ community feel.” The scheme has been designed to meet the standards set out in the London Plan, as well as aiming to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification. The project will also comply with ‘Secured by Design National Building Approval’ guidelines. Works are due to commence and will take place over a 120-week programme.