Influences of urban design on perceived social attributes and quality of life

Research recently published in the Journal Urban Design International has examined the influence of features of urban design on perceived social attributes and quality of life. The article is based on comparative on-site assessments and survey research carried out in Angell Town London, which was designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, and another development in Oxford. It found that residents in Angell Town, designed using strong urban design principals, have a stronger sense of community, more satisfaction and a richer perception of quality of life within their neighbourhood.

Article Abstract

Although a well-planned and well-designed neighbourhood might seem essential for the social life and satisfaction of the residents of a neighbourhood, there is a limited amount of research that examines the influence of features of urban design on perceived social attributes. This article, based on comparative on-site assessments and survey research carried out in Angell Town (London) and Greater Leys (Oxford), UK, deliberately selected according to their contrasting types of planning/design, aims to investigate whether the situational, morphological, spatial, and aesthetic features of urban environment impact on neighbourhood attachment, satisfaction, and quality of life.

Overall, the evidence from this study shows that perceived social attributes and quality of life are strongly linked to urban design and physical environment characteristics, as well as perceived physical attributes of the neighbourhood. The respondents of Angell Town, a consciously designed development, were found to have a stronger sense of community, more profound sense of the neighbourhood as home, stronger agreement on the friendliness of their neighbourhood, stronger attachment to their neighbourhood, more satisfaction with their neighbourhood, and richer perception of quality of life in their neighbourhood, compared to respondents of Greater Leys, a typical development based on planning that ignores urban design principles

The Angell Town project began as a pilot scheme in Brixton, South London, to address the design and management problems typical of a 1970s deck-access estate. The initiative to improve the environment of what had become a ‘sink estate’ and which led to Burrell Foley Fischer's appointment came initially from the tenants, who were very keen to make sure that the proposals by the London Borough of Lambeth were tailored to the needs and desires of people of the estate. The Pilot Project became a radical remodelling of three floors of flats above garages and associated, poorly used external areas.

Fifteen new flats were given individual stair access, improved interiors, and additional rooms by converting the redundant access walkway. Disused car parks were converted to create a new square with a safe play area to replace a previously unused, railed-off area of unattractive grass. Apart from improving the housing and urban environment, an essential component of the regeneration of Angell Town was the introduction of a range of facilities to encourage street level activity. The Pilot Project led to the residents agreeing to a full master plan for new houses, a mews and shared amenity areas and a total of 138 new dwellings designed with BFF and includes eleven self-built dwellings.

BFF’s work at Angell Town received many awards including a 2002 RIBA Award where the citation read:

“The architecture of this community housing for the London Borough of Lambeth is exemplary in many ways, but especially in the delightful quality of environment that is created for the users. This is a triumph for stakeholder power and the development programmes that are designed to support them.”

Read more about BFF’s work at Angell Town here

Burrell Foley Fischer have continued to apply and develop the Urban Design principles upon which Angell Town was based, with John Burrell receiving the Honour Prize at the 2017 International Making Cities Liveable Conference in New Mexico. BFF’s latest new housing for the London Borough of Islington will be completed this summer and we are currently designing a new mixed-use development planned for Salthouse Mills. This new ECO Village, on the site of a former paper factory overlooking Cavendish Dock and the Irish Sea, will provide around 700 homes, together with supporting commercial leisure and retail facilities, including cafes and restaurants.

The research by Derya Oktay can be read in the Urban Design International Journal here:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41289-023-00218-z#citeas

Hall for Cornwall shortlisted for Michelmores Property Awards

The refurbishment and remodelling of the Grade II* Listed Hall for Cornwall has been shortlisted for Michelmores Property Awards in three categories, Heritage Project of the Year, Leisure and Tourism Project of the Year and Building of the Year.

The Michelmores Property Awards were established in 2002 and celebrate the very best construction and real estate projects taking place each year in the South West – from the most prestigious and exciting, to the truly innovative and daring. The awards champion sustainability, community and social engagement and the environmental credentials of all projects.

The regeneration of the Hall for Cornwall energises a beloved venue, skilfully weaving Truro’s rich heritage into its vibrant future at Cornwall’s cultural heart. The £17m redevelopment project sees the hugely popular theatre transformed and updated for modern audiences. The venue is now furnished to maximise the organisations artistic ambitions through the creation of an innovative auditorium, named Cornwall Playhouse, offering increased capacity, enhanced audience experience and facilities required to support its sustainable future. 

Emma Honey, Head of Property at Michelmores said:

“Congratulations to all of the projects shortlisted in the Michelmores Property Awards 2023. As we celebrate the 20th year of the Awards, the quality of the projects in the region is higher than ever and highlight the creativity and commitment of those working in the sector.”

The 2023’s winning projects will be announced at a gala dinner in June. Further details of the full shortlist can be found here

Chamberlain Highbury Trust consults on restoration plans

Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) are working with the Chamberlain Highbury Trust (CHT) on plans to restore Highbury a Grade II* listed building, which was commissioned as his Birmingham residence by Joseph Chamberlain in 1878, two years after he became member of parliament for Birmingham. It took its name from the Highbury area of London, where Chamberlain had lived as a child. The south facing grounds of 30 acres associated with Highbury were mainly landscaped by Edward Milner in 1879.

Activities in the grounds, courtesy of Chamberlain Highbury Trust

The Trust’s Vision is:

“Inspired and informed by the story of the Chamberlain Family and the history and heritage of the house and grounds, the restored Highbury estate will be a vibrant, well used place. Young people will come to develop leadership and governance skills, local people will be able to participate in an inclusive and diverse programme of activities, and visitors to the City will be welcome to enjoy a unique heritage attraction. Its green space will be open year-round, will be free to visit and will provide a relaxed learning space with nature and conservation at its heart. Highbury will contribute to the economic vitality of the local area by providing space and facilities for local people to build businesses and nurture community organisations.”

The restored Mansion will include:

·      Visitor heritage attraction

·      Cafe

·      Wedding and events hire

·      Leadership training

·      Education activities for groups and schools

·      Small Business and enterprise spaces

·      Rooms for hire for the community

·      Café kiosk outdoors and courtyard seating

BFF Managing Director and Specialist Conservation Architect, Faye Davies, uses drone technology to assist with the condition survey of the Mansion

The grounds have real heritage value and are Grade 2 listed on Historic England’s Register of Park and Gardens as of national importance but ‘at risk’ of loss. The grounds have been neglected over time and are in a poor state requiring specialist planning and designs in multiple parts of the grounds. The plans will balance the needs to restore some of the elements within the grounds such as the Dutch and Italian Gardens, whilst maintaining the nature value of the grounds as part of the wider park. The grounds plans include additional interventions to support biodiversity. The plans present a net-gain in nature conservation value with for example, the additions of natural drainage and ‘wet-meadow’ areas near to the current reedbed area.

Historic photographs of the Mansion and grounds, courtesy of Chamberlain’s Highbury Trust

Chamberlain Highbury Trust are running a number of consultation sessions and open days across evenings and weekends throughout the project and have published on their website the plans so far as part of the consultation process and their continued dialogue through the project.

In September 2021 the Trust was awarded £368,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards costs of £619,000 to develop the plans to restore Highbury as a community Heritage asset. This award is known as ‘Round 1 Funding’. The Trust intends to submit its application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for Round 2 Funding later this summer.

John Burrell contributes to Article 25’s 10 x 10 Art event

John Burrell has once again contributed a drawing to Article 25’s 10 x 10 Art Auction to raise funds for the charity’s humanitarian architecture activities. John has regularly contributed to the event for more than a decade and this year’s drawing is titled “Afternoon Sun...The Streets of E17, Paved in Silver”.

Detail from Afternoon Sun...The Streets of E17, Paved in Silver by John Burrell

10×10 London is Article 25’s flagship fundraising event bringing together prominent artists, designers, and architects to create pieces of artwork offering unique reflections on the constantly changing landscape of the city. Originally, a grid of 100 squares was cast over an area of London and assigned to each artist. Today, a theme is given for artists to interpret as they wish. A special fundraising art auction is the outcome and funds are generated in support of Article 25’s work.

Article 25

You can’t eliminate leprosy without health clinics, or provide universal education without building schools. Through the creation of buildings that deliver essential services, we place human rights at the centre of our work.

We design and build schools, hospitals, and homes, with local communities, worldwide. We do this so that people have better access to education, healthcare, safer housing, and greater employment opportunities. We support the development of thriving, resilient communities, giving access to safe places to live, learn, work, play, and recover from illness, throughout life.

By designing and delivering better housing, safe school buildings, and effective hospitals and clinics, in often remote areas with challenging contexts, we aim for a more equitable future.

This year’s theme given to artists was reflection.

Consider the Reflecting Pool in The Mall in Washington DC, the Canopus at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, or the mirror writing of Leonardo; the way Venice is shown in its canals or images of London reflected in the Thames. The Velvet Underground’s sang ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’; while William Shakespeare wrote in an early sonnet, ‘Look in thy glass and tell the face thou viewest’. The symmetry of reflection is so beautifully expressed in Richard Wilson’s 20:50 where a room filled with recycled engine oil reflects the architecture of the space. A body of water may offer a physical reflection awakening an emotional one. So many interpretations to be reflected in this year’s 10x10 art auction. 

You can view, and bid on, all of the artworks online here:

https://ww2.emma-live.com/10x10reflection/?home_page

Work starts to create the Kidderminster Creative Hub

Work has begun on transforming the former Magistrates Court in Kidderminster into a new Creative Hub, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer. The transformation of the historic Grade II Listed buildings and former weaving sheds will provide contemporary multi-functional arts and cultural development space, co-working and research space. It also includes a complete renovation and re-development of the public area on Worcester Street – Coronation Gardens - and the Worcester Cross.

Artist’s impression of the front of Kidderminster Creative Hub, courtesy of NWedR

International multi-disciplinary property and construction company, BAM, has been appointed to deliver the construction and engineering work which will bring the former Magistrates Court back into use. Burrell Foley Fischer are delighted to be providing architectural services to them during the construction phase.

This project is funded through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund and is being progressed by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council. The £10.5 million project was granted planning permission in January 2022. Due to a national rise in building and construction costs, original plans have been modified to bring the project into budget. 

Artist’s impression of the front elevation of the former magistrates' court regeneration , courtesy of NWedR

Ostap Paparega, Head of NWedR said:

“It’s great to see work starting on site at the new Kidderminster Creative Hub which has been a long-term project in the making. A great deal of work has gone into bringing this project forward, including making difficult decisions in the light of current budget and logistics challenges.  Our original plan to construct a new office block within the old part of the building is simply too costly to include at this stage, but there is a provision to return to this at a later date.

The important thing is to keep the momentum going on the transformation of this heritage building and deliver on the council’s promise of a new Creative Hub for Kidderminster. It forms part of the overall Regenerating Kidderminster transformation programme which will see significant changes across the town over the next two years.”

Artist’s impression of the side elevation of the former magistrates' court regeneration , courtesy of NWedR

Steve Roome, Director of BAM said

“BAM is delighted to be involved in building the new Creative Hub.  We have worked hard with all local stakeholders to make this scheme happen and it’s fantastic that the scheme is now on site.  BAM are committed to working with NWedR and Wyre Forest District Council to regenerate Kidderminster town centre.  BAM is a local company and part of the local community.  We hope this partnership with the local authorities can now start to deliver opportunities and outcomes for the businesses and people who live in Kidderminster through our “Think Kidderminster First” approach.

Further details can be found here: https://www.nwedr.org.uk/news/posts/2023/march/work-starts-to-create-the-kidderminster-creative-hub/

Burrell Foley Fischer appointed to the Prestwick Broadway Cinema

We are delighted that Burrell Foley Fischer have been appointed as architects to prepare a Feasibility Study for the restoration of the Broadway, Preswick into a neighbourhood cinema and community hub. Registered charity Friends of the Broadway Prestwick have announced today that they “have commissioned the UK’s leading architectural firm of heritage cinema and theatre restoration to draw up plans for the iconic 1930s building on Prestwick Main Street”.

The Broadway Cinema was officially opened on 29th April 1935 as Prestwick’s new super cinema with a grand opening ceremony and the film ‘The Barretts of Wimpole Street’.  With a capacity of 1,060 seats, beautifully designed in Art Deco with state-of-the-art projection equipment, and featuring a furnished tea room and four new shop units, the Broadway instantly became a jewel in Prestwick’s crown and a central hub for the community.  Designed by the famous cinema architect Alister Gladstone MacDonald, the Broadway was constructed with an elegant central tower and Art Deco wings curving in to meet it above wide entrance doors and a sheltered canopy.  The architect was the son of Ramsey MacDonald, the UK’s first labour Prime Minister.

Image courtesy of the Friends of Broadway Prestwick

The Broadway brought the magic of film to the town during the golden age of cinema and stood as a pillar of the community for decades. Sadly, the rise of television ownership in the second half of the century led to a reduction in cinema going and, like many other cinemas, Broadway eventually became a bingo hall and then a leisure centre before closing completely in 2003.

Friends of the Broadway Prestwick was founded in 2012 by local volunteers, with the aim of purchasing the building and reopening the Broadway Cinema once again. After many years of work, they have signed a licence to occupy the cinema with the current owners, and have secured funding from the Coastal Communities Fund to undertake a Feasibility Study into the options for restoring the Category C Listed Building and reopen it as a neighbourhood cinema and community hub.

Image courtesy of the Friends of Broadway Prestwick

Burrell Foley Fischer have four decades of experience designing all types of community arts buildings, used for drama to music and dance to cinema. The majority of our arts projects utilise existing buildings in some way. Our projects have included the Broadway Media Centre in Nottingham, Cinema City in Norwich, Listed Grade I, the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn and the Rio in London, Listed Grade II. Most recently we completed the refurbishment and remodelling of the Campbeltown Picture House, a Category A Listed Building on the Kintyre Peninsula, which is now a thriving neighbourhood cinema and community hub.

The restored historic cinema screen at Campbeltown Picture House

Trustee Kyle Macfarlane said:

“Prestwick residents have spoken clearly about their desire to preserve ‘the soul of the Broadway’. The vision for the Broadway Cinema is definitely cinematic, but the Broadway will be so much more than just a cinema. It is to be a flexible multi-use space which will use its evocative 1930s auditorium to maximum effect. It will be able to support everything from the smallest of community gatherings to the largest of gala film shows, and all points in between. It will be, in essence, a living room for the town.

Burrell Foley Fischer will be producing a feasibility study which will bring the community’s vision for the Broadway to life. We are incredibly excited to be working with the best heritage cinema architects in the country. The Broadway deserves nothing less”.

Image shows (left to right) Friends of the Broadway Trustee Kyle Macfarlane, Faye Davies, Managing Director of Burrell Foley Fischer architects, and Chloe Chandler from Emplace Design (structural engineers).  Group are pictured inside the Broadway’s surviving 1930s art deco auditorium.

Faye Davies, Managing Director of Burrell Foley Fischer and a Specialist Conservation Architect said:

“As architects we understand the value placed on a town’s historic buildings by its citizens and the importance of restoring them to modern uses without losing the look and feel of the spaces which are fondly remembered and loved. We take immense pleasure in designing cinemas that meet modern cinemagoers expectations of facilities and comfort but are also flexible enough to contribute to economic regeneration and play a much wider role as a hub for the community. We therefore look forward to working with the Friends of Broadway Prestwick on the next stage of their journey to turn their dreams into reality.”

Campbeltown Picture House shortlisted for 2022 Argyll and Bute Sustainable Design Awards

The restoration and remodelling of the Campbeltown Picture House has been shortlisted for the 2022 Argyll and Bute Sustainable Design Awards. The awards recognise, promote and celebrate examples of exceptional design and sustainability across the whole of the Argyll and Bute Council planning area. The cinema has been shortlisted in the built heritage category, which recognises renovations in a completely traditional style as well as contemporary interventions, and the community-led regeneration category, which aims to recognise the importance of communities in Planning.

The Picture House is an important and rare example of an early purpose-built cinema and it is included in the Statutory List as a Category A building in recognition of its high architectural and historical significance. The Centenary Project was launched to conserve and upgrade it to meet the expectations of a modern cinema operator and cinema-going audience, and provide it with a sustainable future.

The completed development has provided a sensitively restored historic main auditorium, (193 seats) meeting modern expectations of comfort. The unique character of the ‘atmospheric’ cinema, with the ‘wee houses’ around the proscenium, was carefully maintained, understanding the importance of maintaining the look and feel of the space to the local community. A new accessible entrance and foyer in the gap between the historic cinema building and Annexe houses the single sales point for tickets and the café.

The addition of a second screen (52 seats), in a new build extension in the rear courtyard, has been important in allowing a greater diversity of films. The new café bar, with views across the harbour, and flexible education/community room provides additional spaces for the local community to meet, both formally and informally.

Councillor Kieron Green, Policy Lead for Planning and Regulatory Services, said:

“People continue to be attracted to live, work, and visit Argyll and Bute by our stunning landscape and quality design. Reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change are key elements to sustainable development locally. The shortlist therefore not only celebrates design, but also recognises innovative ways buildings can help support our environment. I have been deeply impressed by the standard of entries this year, and hope these will inspire future design projects across the area.”

The Picture House has also been included in the projects selected for the People’s Choice Award, where members of the public are invited to vote for their favourite project. Further details of how to vote can be found here:

https://investinargyllandbute.co.uk/design-awards/4/

Twentieth Anniversary of Brighton West Pier fire

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of the fire which destroyed Brighton West Pier, at a time when Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) had been appointed as heritage architects for its restoration. 

The Pier was designed and engineered by Eugenius Birch to attract visitors and survive in the hostile environment of the seashore. Opened in 1866, it was a simple and functional structure built using dozens of cast iron threaded columns screwed into the seabed and strengthened by a lattice of ties and girders that provide the necessary strength to support the promenade deck whilst allowing seas to pass harmlessly through.

John Burrell drawing of one of pier’s kiosks

A full architectural scheme for the restoration to its original design was prepared by BFF, based upon a combination of surveys of the remaining structure and historic research. However, a catastrophic storm in December 2002 brought restoration plans to a halt and a major fire in March 2003 finally dashed hopes that the pier could be saved. Components were however recovered from the severely damaged pier and stored.

Burrell Foley Fischer’s scheme to restore the West Pier

John Burrell’s association with the Pier goes back to his student days when he prepared measured drawings of the kiosks and the entire pier. These are now deposited with the Royal Commission for Historic Monuments.

Now, two decades later, BFF, are leading the design team for the restoration and reconstruction of the sole surviving complete kiosk, from the original 1866 pier, the world’s oldest surviving pleasure pier building. In order to successfully restore 19th-century structural cast iron an understanding of the fabric was established through the investigation and assessment of the 228 components, all tagged and catalogued by BFF.

Working with the West Pier Trust, BFF developed a brief to ensure there is a viable use for the kiosk. It will be the home for Britain’s First Seaside Learning Centre, building on and expanding their long-established programme of activities, talks, lectures, guided tours and exhibitions for both adults and children. Internally the kiosk will be a flexible space suitable for workshops, lectures and exhibitions designed to increase peoples’ enjoyment, understanding and knowledge of the seaside and coastal environment. It will also respond to the seasonal requirements of the city: ranging from a gallery and performance space during the Brighton Festival to Punch and Judy workshops during the summer.

BFF’s current proposals to restore the kiosk

BFF’s team for the kiosk project is led by our Managing Director, Faye Davies, an RIBA accredited Specialist Conservation Architect, whose Thesis for her Post Graduate Diploma in Building Conservation from the Architectural Association was on the life and work of Eugenius Birch.

Consultation on plans for the refurbishment of Chamberlain’s Highbury

This Sunday, 26th March, representatives from Burrell Foley Fischer will join the rest of the Design Restoration Team as they share the plans for Chamberlain’s Highbury's Future and get the public’s input and ideas.

Highbury is a Grade II* listed building, which was commissioned as his Birmingham residence by Joseph Chamberlain in 1878, two years after he became member of parliament for Birmingham. It took its name from the Highbury area of London, where Chamberlain had lived as a child. The south facing grounds of 30 acres associated with Highbury were mainly landscaped by Edward Milner in 1879.

The Chamberlain Highbury Trust was established in 2016 to preserve and restore the house and grounds and give them both a sustainable future. Their vision for the project is

“Inspired and informed by the story of the Chamberlain Family and the history and heritage of the house and grounds, the restored Highbury estate will be a vibrant, well used place. Young people will come to develop leadership and governance skills, local people will be able to participate in an inclusive and diverse programme of activities, and visitors to the City will be welcome to enjoy a unique heritage attraction.

Its green space will be open year round, will be free to visit and will provide a relaxed learning space with nature and conservation at its heart. Highbury will contribute to the economic vitality of the local area by providing space and facilities for local people to build businesses and nurture community organisations.

Our aspiration is to make Highbury fully accessible to everyone and regain its rightful place in Birmingham’s historical and cultural landscape. Most importantly, we want Highbury to engage young people from all backgrounds and encourage them to take inspiration from the Chamberlain family heritage. We want them to critically reflect upon leadership in all its forms and to take their place in the future of the region and country.”

Free tours of the Mansion and Grounds will be available as well as viewings of rooms currently unusable but with so much potential!

Birmingham Roundhouse Shortlisted for Tomorrow’s Procurement Festival of Achievement Award

Birmingham Roundhouse has been shortlisted for the Social Value Project of the Year in the Tomorrow’s Procurement Festival of Achievement Awards.

Celebrating the very best in construction and development – the Festival of Achievement at Tomorrow’s Procurement will showcase organisations, individuals and collaboration work on projects which are leading the way in delivering sustainable and inclusive development through a positive procurement process.

The Roundhouse, Listed Grade II*, is one of Birmingham’s most interesting, and iconic, industrial heritage buildings. A pioneering partnership between the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust, with funding from the NLHF Heritage Enterprise programme, has brought it back to life through an innovative blend of heritage and enterprise. The 19th century canal-side building has been transformed into a hub from which to explore the city by foot, bike or water. 

The horseshoe-shaped building, a real landmark in the city, was built in 1874 by the Birmingham Corporation and originally used as stables and stores; serving as the base for the City’s lamplighters and the horses of the Public Works department. The refurbishment project has given the building a brand-new purpose, offering visitors the chance to see the city differently through a range of sustainable volunteer-powered guided and self-guided city and canal tours. The Kayak tours of the City’s Canal network are especially popular.

The project involved the extensive restoration of the building including urgent conservation works to the roof; major internal structural repairs; the relaying of part of the cobbled courtyard to provide universal access; stripping back previous inappropriate alterations; reservicing and improving energy efficiency; and reconfiguring the building to accommodate its range of new uses. 

The reopened building is a thriving home to local businesses and enterprise. It includes a visitor centre, café, kayak hire, facilities for volunteers and shared working space. In addition to a permanent exhibition explaining its history, there are spaces for temporary exhibitions linked to community events and festivals.

To create a vibrant day-to-day culture there has been a focus on building a permanent community of users working on site. This has resulted in dedicated workspace provision for the NT and the C&RT client bodies combining with a shared working space available to the local community. The management strategy for the site is supporting a growing network of volunteering opportunities. It is hoped that it will attract 50,000 people a year, both from the local community and visitors from further afield.

Local independent businesses operating from the refurbished building include Sustrans, a charity dedicated to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, and Johnathan’s in the Roundhouse, a restaurant and tearoom whose customers can enjoy everything from an exceptional barista coffee & slice of cake to a sumptuous quintessential afternoon tea or a relaxing three course Sunday lunch.

Tom Grovesnor, Senior Project Manager for the National Trust said:

Roundhouse Birmingham is here to celebrate our city’s heritage and its here-and-now. We showcase the work put in to the making of our city. It’s now used as a springboard for locals and visitors alike to explore and enjoy our city by foot, bike and boat. Our work with nearby neighbours has led to co-created exhibitions and walking tours and lots of new friends to invite to our socials. With their help Roundhouse has mapped lesser-known walks and built exhibitions sharing what is truly treasured by the community alongside the landmarks and people that combine to tell Birmingham’s bigger story.

The awards will be announced at a ceremony to be held at The Custard Factory in Birmingham on 7th March.

York Guildhall shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards 2023

We are delighted to announce that Burrell Foley Fischer’s refurbishment and remodelling of York Guildhall has been shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards 2023 in the Listed Building (£5 million and over) category. 

The AJ Retrofit Awards, presented by The Architects’ Journal, recognise and celebrate the design expertise behind the vital renewal and repurposing of existing buildings, setting a precedent for ways to slash the industry’s carbon footprint in the process. With a huge spend on upgrading housing, commercial and industrial buildings, retrofit plays a major role in the future of UK construction.

The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guild Hall. The refurbishment and remodelling has provided a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant creative businesses; combining events and exhibition space with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, securing a sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.

The main hall suffered significant bomb damage during the second world war and since its reopening in 1960 had received only reactive repairs, putting the building at risk. The project has secured the future of the Guildhall complex, through the delivery of an economically viable and sustainable scheme. It has delivered a comprehensive (once in 100 years) refurbishment of the complex, together with new build interventions as necessary to re-purpose the complex for its new use.

The core requirement for modern flexible offices and the associated provision of multipurpose space to suit a variety of potential uses as co-working / conferencing / meeting and events / exhibition space has been achieved through sensitive planning and an understanding of the balance between new and existing, volume and space.

A café and a separate restaurant unit benefit from a new south facing riverside courtyard and garden space with an exemplary landscape treatment, creating more attractive circulation routes and linking to the adjacent retail centre and independent cinema development. The refurbishment of Common Hall Yard into a flexible external space builds on its ceremonial traditions with the new riverside courtyard created as a destination to view the River Ouse and improve public access throughout the complex.

The York Guildhall is one of two BFF projects shortlisted for the 2023 Awards, with our refurbishment and remodelling of Hall for Cornwall in Truro also being nominated in the Cultural and Religious Buildings (£5 million and over) category. The winners will be announced at the AJ Retrofit Awards ceremony on Thursday 30th March 2023 at the Brewery, London.

Hall For Cornwall shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards 2023

We are delighted to announce that Burrell Foley Fischer’s refurbishment and remodelling of Hall For Cornwall has been shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards 2023 in the Cultural and Religious Buildings (£5 million and over) category. 

The AJ Retrofit Awards, presented by The Architects’ Journal, recognise and celebrate the design expertise behind the vital renewal and repurposing of existing buildings, setting a precedent for ways to slash the industry’s carbon footprint in the process. With a huge spend on upgrading housing, commercial and industrial buildings, retrofit plays a major role in the future of UK construction.

The refurbishment and remodelling of the Grade II* Listed Hall For Cornwall has increased its audience capacity, conserved and restored its important heritage elements and brought them into better use. The new, three-tiered theatre space has enabled the organisation to deliver their artistic vision and provided a new dynamic relationship between performer and audience. Improved access to Arts and Culture for the community of Cornwall will result, together with the facilities required to support a sustainable business model for the organisation. 

The site was saved from public sale in the 1990s and converted into a 900 seat auditorium.  The successful campaign founded the Hall For Cornwall and developed a significant audience across the county.  However, the auditorium was difficult to play, the seating was tired, the bar and café were constricted and the seating capacity insufficient to attract the larger touring shows. 

The project has stripped out the old arena style auditorium back to the bones. We inserted a new steel and timber frame across 3 levels, digging down for the stalls and popping up a roof extension. We installed a flexible proscenium and variable acoustic banners supporting a range of performance from orchestral to stand-up comedy. Gentle ramps across the site, combined with lifts, have provided universal access into the theatre, and comfortable seating installed, including thirteen wheelchair spaces with a variety of positions within the auditorium.  The seats are covered in a durable fabric with a specially woven pattern based on the colours within the granite harbour walls of Port Isaac. 

Improved dressing room facilities, and proper facilities for performers with disabilities, have been provided for the first time. The Boscawen Hall, the arcaded marketplace designed by Christopher Eales, has been restored and forms a new foyer and bar for the theatre. A casual café restaurant has been opened in the Back Quay building which is open throughout the day. The Back Quay spaces have been transformed to provide offices for Hall For Cornwall as well as lettable spaces for the creative community in Truro, a facility named Husa, meaning ‘to dream’ in Cornish. 

In revitalising the Hall for Cornwall, Burrell Foley Fischer Architects were asked to design a theatre that was representative of its location and culture: a space that was open to all, without barriers to attendance or participation.  The finished building successfully connects the past and the present, the social with the artistic, and the community with heritage and place.

Hall For Cornwall is one of two BFF projects shortlisted for the 2023 Awards, with our refurbishment and remodelling of York Guildhall also being nominated in the Listed Building (£5 million and over) category. The winners will be announced at the AJ Retrofit Awards ceremony on Thursday 30th March 2023 at the Brewery, London.

Hall for Cornwall Highly Commended at LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Finals

Burrell Foley Fischer’s restoration and remodelling of Hall for Cornwall, a Grade II* Listed 1350 seat theatre and Creative Hub in Truro, has been awarded Highly Commended at the Grand Finals of the 2022 LABC Building Excellence Awards.

Hall for Cornwall, including two Listed buildings, is a performing arts venue in Truro, housing the largest theatre in Cornwall along with a cultural hub. The new auditorium, named Cornwall Playhouse, is a beautiful and flexible open space on three tiered-levels, providing a new dynamic relationship between performer and audience and enabling the organisation to deliver their artistic vision. The auditorium is seen as an open space, sitting within the granite box of the original marketplace walls visible from within the theatre space.

The project has increased the theatre’s audience capacity and provides a more intimate atmosphere with improved sightlines and acoustics, whilst improving accessibility and conserving and restoring important heritage elements and bringing them into better use. The refurbished venue also provides a warmer welcome and improved audience experience, including new cafés and bar areas on both sides of the listed buildings and a space to change facility.

More than 850 leading construction industry figures attended the awards ceremony at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel to celebrate best practice, quality, and exemplary standards in construction. The LABC Building Excellence Awards focus on professional skills and competence, as well as projects, with categories for ‘People’ and ‘Places.’

A panel of industry experts judged a selection of the highest quality projects, professionals, and teams from around England and Wales to showcase solutions to complex technical or construction issues, site constraints and technical innovation. The awards highlight the vital contribution public sector building control teams make as part of the project team, ensuring safe, sustainable, and high-quality construction projects.

Congratulating the whole team on their success, Lorna Stimpson, LABC Chief Executive said,

“These awards reflect LABC’s new focus on skills, quality and competency and showcase the best projects, people and teams working in construction from a technical compliance perspective.”

SAVE Britain’s Heritage welcomes a spectacular new public piazza for London

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has welcomed the spectacular new public piazza that has been created out of a notorious traffic and pollution hotspot in London’s West End. St Mary-le-Strand, the grade I-listed Baroque church which was for years marooned on a traffic island in the middle of the Strand, has been reconnected to the pedestrian realm, allowing people to enjoy strolling between it and Somerset House for the first time in decades.

The landscaped piazza – proposed by SAVE Britain’s Heritage working with Burrell Foley Fischer in 2015 – also creates an unrivalled opportunity to bring the historically important “little houses on the Strand” – which they saved – back into use, with plenty of space for cafe tables to spill into the new square.

Restored facades and al fresco dining: SAVE and John Burrell's 2015 vision for the Strand piazza and 'little houses'

Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, says:

“This new piazza not only dramatically reduces the noise and pollution which has characterised this part of the Strand for so many decades, but it also showcases the beauty of St Mary’s and the Strand buildings to full effect. We look forward to King’s College seizing this opportunity and reopening the shop fronts of the Strand buildings – taking full advantage of the new public space on their doorstep."

SAVE fought a successful battle to protect this terrace of five Victorian and Georgian buildings from redevelopment in 2015. Demolition plans by King’s College unleashed a storm of public outrage and national press attention, leading to 10,000 signatures on their petition and the announcement of a public inquiry by the Secretary of State. As a result King’s withdrew their plans. Working with architect John Burrell, SAVE set out a positive vision for transforming the area, key elements of which have now been realised.

Marcus Binney, executive president of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, describes it as

“the best and most enlightened example of good town planning since the creation of Covent Garden Piazza in the 1970s. As a result two of London’s finest 18th-century buildings, Somerset House and St Mary-le-Strand, now look as good as their counterparts in Rome and Paris.”

The transformation allows some of London’s finest Georgian buildings to be fully enjoyed for the first time in more than a generation. An area that was once part of a multi-lane gyratory, characterised by traffic fumes and pedestrians hurrying along narrow pavements, is now an attractive destination for meeting, strolling and lingering over a coffee or al fresco meal.

John Burrell, principal at BFF Architects and Urban Designers, says:

“I’m so pleased that the ideas I produced working with SAVE way back in 2015 have been realised. We proposed both the restoration of the historic facades to save them from demolition and the enhancement of the ‘grey land’ around King’s College to make a new busy, active, public space – linking King’s, St Mary-le-Strand, the Courtauld and Somerset House. At that time the Strand was one of the most highly polluted traffic spots in London. Thankfully that dubious honour has now been consigned to history.”

The east end of the church has become a pocket park [Credit: Photographer Agnese Sanvito and SAVE Britain's Heritage] 

Canon Peter Babington, priest-in-charge at St Mary-le-Strand, said the new piazza has already prompted a significant increase in visitors to the church. He is hopeful of 50,000 visits a year, with a sound-and-light installation opening this month to celebrate the church’s history. Rev Babington said:

“Bus drivers used to call St Mary-le-Strand church ‘St Mary’s in the Way’. [Now it has…] become the centrepiece of a new piazza at the heart of London.”

Read the full SAVE Britain’s Heritage press release here

Birmingham Roundhouse included on 2023 RIBA Journal MacEwen Award Longlist

We are delighted that Birmingham Roundhouse has been included on the longlist for the 2023 RIBA Journal MacEwen Award. It is amongst 32 socially aware designs recognised and celebrated as ‘architecture for the common good’. The award is for “buildings and places demonstrating a clear social purpose, which enhance the lives of people”.

The Roundhouse, Listed Grade II*, is one of Birmingham’s most interesting, and iconic, industrial heritage buildings. A pioneering partnership between the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust, with funding from the NLHF Heritage Enterprise programme, has brought it back to life through an innovative blend of heritage and enterprise. The 19th century canal-side building has been transformed into a hub from which to explore the city by foot, bike or water. 

The horseshoe-shaped building, a real landmark in the city, was built in 1874 by the Birmingham Corporation and originally used as stables and stores; serving as the base for the City’s lamplighters and the horses of the Public Works department. The refurbishment project has given the building a brand-new purpose, offering visitors the chance to see the city differently through a range of sustainable volunteer-powered guided and self-guided city and canal tours. The Kayak tours of the City’s Canal network are especially popular.

The project involved the extensive restoration of the building including urgent conservation works to the roof; major internal structural repairs; the relaying of part of the cobbled courtyard to provide universal access; stripping back previous inappropriate alterations; reservicing and improving energy efficiency; and reconfiguring the building to accommodate its range of new uses. 

“Roundhouse Birmingham is here to celebrate our city’s heritage and its here-and-now.

We showcase the work put in to the making of our city. It’s now used as a springboard for locals and visitors alike to explore and enjoy our city by foot, bike and boat.

Our work with nearby neighbours has led to co-created exhibitions and walking tours and lots of new friends to invite to our socials.

With their help Roundhouse has mapped lesser-known walks and built exhibitions sharing what is truly treasured by the community alongside the landmarks and people that combine to tell Birmingham’s bigger story.”

Tom Grosvenor, Senior Project Manager for the National Trust

The reopened building is a thriving home to local businesses and enterprise. It includes a visitor centre, café, kayak hire, facilities for volunteers and shared working space. In addition to a permanent exhibition explaining its history, there are spaces for temporary exhibitions linked to community events and festivals.

To create a vibrant day-to-day culture there has been a focus on building a permanent community of users working on site. This has resulted in dedicated workspace provision for the NT and the C&RT client bodies combining with a shared working space available to the local community. The management strategy for the site is supporting a growing network of volunteering opportunities. It is hoped that it will attract 50,000 people a year, both from the local community and visitors from further afield.

Local independent businesses operating from the refurbished building include Sustrans, a charity dedicated to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, and Johnathan’s in the Roundhouse, a restaurant and tearoom whose customers can enjoy everything from an exceptional barista coffee & slice of cake to a sumptuous quintessential afternoon tea or a relaxing three course Sunday lunch.

The judges’ will announce the shortlist for the award in mid-January and then the winners at the end of the month. The full longlist can be viewed here:

https://www.ribaj.com/buildings/macewen-awards-2023-longlist-architecture-for-the-common-good

Public Consultation held for new Worcester Arts Centre

Plans for an exciting new arts venue in the heart of Worcester city centre have been discussed at a Public Consultation event in the City’s Guildhall. This followed Worcester City Council's Policy and Resources Committee giving its approval for a planning application for the scheme, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, to be submitted.

The new performance arts venue will include a 500-seat main theatre and auditorium, eating and drinking areas, and fully accessible entrances and facilities, suitable for wheelchair-users. The ambitious proposals will transform the Angel Place area, attracting world-class arts, music, and comedy acts to the Worcester, as well as giving a much-needed boost to local businesses. Subject to agreement of a business plan early next year, the eagerly anticipated arts centre – a revival of the historic Scala Theatre, Worcester's original 1920s cinema – will be managed by Worcester Theatres.

Helen Grassly, the BFF Project Director for the Arts Centre said:

“It’s a project we have fallen in love with, because the basic buildings in Worcester are just gorgeous. There is the original Scala building and the Grade II Listed Corn Exchange, which are sitting there currently unused but have such potential.  It’s a very exciting project to work on and part of the regeneration of that part of Worcester.”

Councillor James Stanley, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council's Policy and Resources Committee, said:

"Worcester City Council recognises the immense contribution that the arts sector makes to our entire community, and we are keen to support and invest in that. I'm pleased that the proposed plans for the Scala redevelopment were so positively received at the public consultation and hope that bodes well for the planning process.

"Reviving the city's stunning 1920s cinema would bring a beautiful listed building back alive, while transforming the cultural offering of the region and attracting many thousands of new visitors to boost our economy."

Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive Officer at Worcester Theatres said:

"This is an exciting time for Worcester and for Worcester Theatres. Adding a new venue to our already-popular portfolio will enable us to offer additional programming and opportunities for cultural engagement for the city. We are really pleased to have heard so many affirmative comments at the public consultation."

The project was featured on BBC Hereford and Worcester and their report can be viewed on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=869409534092256

Plans unveiled for Worcester’s new arts centre

Draft plans have been revealed for an exciting new arts venue in the heart of Worcester city centre, and a new image of how the building could look has been released. Worcester City Council's Policy and Resources Committee will next week be asked to give its approval for a planning application for the scheme, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, to be submitted.

The ambitious proposals will transform the Angel Place area, attracting world-class arts, music, and comedy acts to the Worcester, as well as giving a much-needed boost to local businesses. Subject to agreement of a business plan early next year, the eagerly anticipated arts centre – a revival of the historic Scala Theatre, Worcester's original 1920s cinema – will be managed by Worcester Theatres.

Councillor Marjory Bisset, Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, said:

"This is an exciting project that will enhance the local cultural and entertainment offering, and will attract new and larger audiences to our city. I very much hope that the committee will approve the submission of the plans for this new arts centre."

Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive of Worcester Theatres, said:

"The arts scene in Worcester is thriving and we support all developments that will allow both our organisation and our associates in the city to thrive and build on that success. The planned venue will allow opportunities for new, enhanced and varied programming, and will attract different performers and theatre companies to Worcester. We look forward to welcoming more diverse arts and artists to the city, as well as providing improved facilities for existing companies and partners."

Community arts groups have already contributed to design plans for the Scala, suggesting several ideas that were adopted by the architects.

If the committee agrees to the submission of the planning application, residents and other interested parties will be able to have their say on the scheme at a public consultation event at the Guildhall on Wednesday December 14. The report to the committee meeting on 13 December notes that the rising costs of construction have led to a scaling down of the plans for the arts centre, with a studio theatre no longer included.

The arts centre is part of the City Council's plans for investing the £17.9 million awarded from the Government's Future High Streets Fund. Because of the rising costs, the committee report notes that the Council has requested permission from the Government to reallocate how it plans to spend that money, to increase funding for the Scala and Corn Exchange developments.

Early next year the Policy & Resources Committee will also be asked to approve a business plan under which Worcester Theatres would take on the running of the new arts centre, alongside their existing venues of Huntingdon Hall and the Swan Theatre, the latter being used to meet the needs of community theatre groups.

Depot Lewes wins Green Screen Award

Depot a community cinema for the town of Lewes, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, has won the Green Screen Award at the 2022 Big Screen Awards. Sustainability was built into the design and the venue has taken that forward with their “aim to be an exemplar of sustainable business both as a local venue and in the wider cinema industry”. Their achievements have been recognised by the leading British Film Industry magazine at their annual awards.

The new cinema was built on the site of the old Harvey’s Brewery depot. It shows feature and independent art-house films, as well as hosting events, exhibitions and festivals, and provides facilities for film education and community activities. BFF’s design approach was to retain the much-loved existing warehouse building, a popular landmark in a prominent location by the station and insert three new cinema screens. A modern glazed foyer houses the box office, café/bar, meeting and film education facilities: and provides a contemporary setting against the former industrial building.

Reflecting the historic site layout of orchards and meadows, the tarmacked yard has been landscaped to provide a new public realm; a ‘Town Square’ for Lewes. With native plant species, a small orchard and wildflower meadow maintained by volunteers, it is open all day and used for outdoor events and screenings. The café/bar is open throughout the day welcoming all sectors of the community and visitors to Lewes and uses produce grown in the on-site orchard.

Extensive consultation with local access groups ensured a welcoming and accessible facility for people of all abilities. The Depot is now a local landmark, achieving occupancy levels well beyond the original business case and there has been a noticeable increase in other independent businesses opening locally. Sustainability was embedded into the design from the beginning: local building materials; high thermal performance; a Ground Source Heat Pump; solar panels and an extensive green roof. The cinema has developed a green-focussed management strategy with careful control of procurement and waste and consequently the building became carbon-neutral in 2019.

The Depot responds to the unique qualities of the South Downs National Park and is authentic to Lewes. We worked with a local expert flint subcontractor to push the boundaries of flint craftsmanship within the South Downs with the knapped flint entrance portico and the visible roofscape featuring flint paving, as well a green roof planted with chalk loving plants all found in the SDNP.

Sustainability was built into the development project by:

• Retention of the existing masonry to form the massive acoustic boxes of the cinema screens;

• Use of local materials in construction: chestnut timber, downland flint;

• Foundation design to accommodate flooding in the River Ouse risk area;

• Incorporation of on-site energy generation: PV cells, ground source heat pumps;

• Increase of biodiversity through a green roof planted with local downland species;

• Replacement of the tarmac delivery yard with a community garden space incorporating local species planting and food production (fruit trees/bushes).

The cinema is also run to deliver sustainability goals through their operational policies, including:

• Localism in procurement;

• No non-recyclable waste;

• Support for green transport;

• Garden training for volunteer network.

York Guildhall receives Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Award

The accolade of Commercial Development of the Year was presented at the 2022 Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards to the restoration and remodelling of the Medieval York Guildhall, led by Burrell Foley Fischer. The award citation reads:

“While up against some truly impressive competition in this category, judges believed The Guildhall project was a deserving winner for the way in which a landmark Yorkshire building has been given a new lease of life that will provide it with an exciting future for generations to come.”

The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guild Hall. The refurbishment and remodelling has provided a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant creative businesses; combining events and exhibition space with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, securing a sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.

The main hall suffered significant bomb damage during the second world war and since its reopening in 1960 had received only reactive repairs, putting the building at risk. The project has secured the future of the Guildhall complex, through the delivery of an economically viable and sustainable scheme. It has delivered a comprehensive (once in 100 years) refurbishment of the complex, together with new build interventions as necessary to re-purpose the complex for its new use.

Best practice conservation principles have been adopted, in terms of the approach to enhancing and better revealing the significance of the heritage assets, whilst incorporating modern servicing and amenity requirements. A Water Source Heat Pump provides sustainable green energy from the adjacent River Ouse, lowering running costs and reducing carbon emissions.

The works were completed successfully despite the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic and significant engineering challenges given the buildings unique location and heritage. The River Ouse was used to transport equipment and materials to site to avoid construction traffic in York’s narrow historic city centre streets.    

The University of York, through York Science Park Ltd, a partnership between the University and City of York Council, has taken a long-term lease on the historic buildings, to create a hub for business, enterprise and events. The new space is enabling the University to bring the innovation and support it offers to local business and enterprise into the heart of York, driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the City as it recovers from the pandemic.

Union Chapel Sunday School Stories project to receive National Lottery funding

Union Chapel has been awarded a grant of £1,054,500 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their Sunday School Stories project. This three-year project will restore the Grade II* listed Sunday School building and create an archive of some of the greatest moments in Union Chapel’s history, alongside an engaging activity programme, co-created with and for the community.

The Union Chapel is an architectural treasure that’s home to a working church, an award-winning venue, a unique organ and The Margins Project for those homeless and in crisis in London. The Chapel is a Victorian brick complex of buildings, which includes the Grade I listed Tower and Chapel, the separately Grade II* Listed Sunday School, Halls, Committee room building and the recently repurposed Vestry block.

Image courtesy of Union Chapel

Inside, the Hall is a large, airy, double height space with a three-sided wrap-around wrought iron balcony. The balcony is complete with original study booths and library. It is a space that combines simple grandeur and practicality – it was intended to cater for a wide range of activities, including classes for up to 180 children and families, sports, tea parties and bazaars.

The buildings were in danger of collapse in the 80’s when a huge program of repairs averted the imminent danger. However, it is still on the Heritage at Risk Register, Category C. The Sunday School Stories project is the next phase in the masterplan, produced by BFF, for its conservation and ongoing development, following extensive community and stakeholder consultation.

Faye Davies explains the regional and national significance of the Sunday School Hall

The Sunday School has a huge undocumented archive of records, books, artefacts and memorabilia from the last 200 years. The archive is an untapped treasure trove of stories. It tells the tales of nonconformists and their 100-year journey from persecuted minority to being part of the establishment and of Union Chapel’s unique history as one of the UK’s most respected music venues. The project will transform the currently decaying, inaccessible collection into a restored and fully catalogued archive for the first time inviting the community to discover the everyday life at Union Chapel with insights into the lives of real local people and their ambitions for a better world.

The community will be able to get involved throughout this project, whether as a volunteer to help discover lost history or by taking part in a pre-gig heritage tour. The people of Islington have been integral to the history of Union Chapel and will continue to be so to bring the Sunday School back to life. Once the project is complete, it will be returned to the community as a space that everyone can enjoy.

Image courtesy of Union Chapel

Stuart McLeod, Director England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“We are delighted to support Union Chapel with their Sunday School Stories project. The restoration of the building for the community and creation of an amazing legacy through the archive is a fitting way to celebrate their 30th anniversary as a music venue. The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the UK’s largest investors in heritage. Now more than ever, investing in heritage is a top priority for us, particularly as a result of the pandemic. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can invest in projects such as this where it improves people’s lives and makes communities better places to live.”

Michael Chandler, Union Chapel Project CEO, said:

“We are very grateful to the Heritage Fund for this grant. The Sunday School Stories capital and activity programme is an incredibly exciting moment for us at Union Chapel. An opportunity for us to reflect on 30 years as a venue and a charity, and over 200 years of Nonconformist history through the Church, with an incredible role in social justice across the years. And an opportunity for us to look to the future, coming out of the last few incredibly difficult years and looking ahead at an ongoing challenging world with a revitalised commitment to culture, community, social justice and celebrating all of our rich important heritage. Creating this vital, unique space open to all - for supporting and empowering communities, for supporting upcoming talent and for creating a blueprint for genuine creative, community cocreation and change to address injustices – is vital now and for our future”