Whittam Cox Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Destination Chesterfield

Work progresses on Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

15th February 2021

Work on high-quality office accommodation which will support new and growing businesses in the town is on track to be complete by the summer – despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is now weatherproof – meaning another key milestone has been reached in the project programme.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “It is fantastic to see this building progressing with such pace. Our contractor – Robert Woodhead has worked incredibly hard and overcome many challenges to make sure they can deliver this project without delay in a Covid-secure environment.

“I’m confident that this enterprise centre will provide the space and support for businesses to express their entrepreneurial spirit and start or grow local businesses in the borough. This will help ensure that we a creating a thriving borough with lots of opportunities for young people to develop excellent careers in our town.”

In January glazing was added to the building, which is of a high standard for maximum thermal efficiency. The first fix for mechanical and electrical engineering has begun and work is set to begin on the brickwork and cladding very soon.

Dan Cove, Project Manager from Robert Woodhead Limited said “Works are progressing really well despite a few challenging days with the snow and ice. The team on site are working to enhanced covid secure measures too so that has added to the operational complexities of the scheme. It’s taking shape and you can see what a great addition this will be for Chesterfield.”

Work dividing the interior and installing a lift has begun.

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “As a local practice we are delighted to see progress still being made on site despite the pandemic.

“The Enterprise Centre is such an important part of the Northern Gateway regeneration in Chesterfield, providing a new and unique commercial offer which is designed to be a catalyst for further investment and development. As well as providing high quality facilities for businesses wanting to locate in the town centre, the architecture will provide a new contemporary landmark which will enrich the urban fabric of the town.”

Contractors Robert Woodhead have also achieved an ‘excellent’ mark in the initial Considerate Constructor Scheme assessment, which aims to raise standards in the construction industry. The building also remains on target to achieve an ‘excellent’ rating for its environmental sustainability.

Find out more about office facilities at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre here.

Whittam Cox Architects and Robert Woodhead Ltd. support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Whittam Cox Architects appointed on Brent Cross Town project

11th January 2021

Argent Related has appointed Whittam Cox Architects on the first phase of their 180-acre regeneration Masterplan in London.

Brent Cross Town will be a new park town for London and is set to be net carbon zero by 2030. Surrounded by 50-acres of parks and playing fields, the area will feature 6,700 new homes, workspace for over 25,000 people pedestrian-friendly streets, local shops, restaurants, schools and student accommodation.

Whittam Cox Architects will lead the technical implementation as Executive Architects for two plots initially, working in collaboration with several other high-profile architecture practices and interior designers.

In this initial phase of construction, a mix of tenures for ownership and rent will be incorporated, along with complimentary commercial, amenity and leisure spaces.

Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented, “Our appointment on Brent Cross Town reflects our experience in high-quality urban residential projects. This appointment with Argent Related is a significant instruction for us. The vision is bold and ambitious, and Argent Related’s commitment to the environmental agenda is commendable”.

Tom Goodall, Head of Residential for Argent Related said, “We have developed a relationship with Whittam Cox Architects on the back of their track-record and experience. We believe their technical and commercial strength, as well their understanding of modern methods of construction, will help ensure we deliver exceptional quality buildings and homes”.

Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Argent Related and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and greenspaces in the area.

Early work started on site in early 2020 and construction is also underway on the new Brent Cross West station which will be completed by the end of 2022. Building on the strengths of this diverse part of the city, Brent Cross Town will draw inspiration from the best of London’s long-established neighbourhoods with all their complexity and character.

At its heart, will be a focus on sport, play, health and well-being. The new neighbourhood will provide 6,700 homes, state-of-the-art workspace for over 25,000 people, and pedestrian friendly streets and squares with local shops and restaurants that will complement the offer at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The community will be supported by first-class public transport infrastructure, a new and improved network of walking and cycle routes and a series of new parks and other amenities.

Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.