Latest news with #restoration
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic Catford venue set to reopen as community hub
A historic Catford venue is set to reopen as a community hub this autumn, it has been revealed. The former Catford Constitutional Club and original farmhouse will be unveiled as The Catford House after extensive restoration. This initiative is spearheaded by the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA). The council began working with conservation experts in 2021 to uncover the building's past as a farmhouse, clubhouse, and pub. The venue will now be a space for the community to enjoy. The restoration effort will see the pub and garden revived, alongside a community kitchen and smaller, flexible spaces. Catford's oldest building, the Georgian Hall, will be opened to the public for the first time. The GCDA, a not-for-profit organisation with more than 40 years' experience, will operate the venue. Visualisation showing the proposed Georgian Hall (Image: Hayatsu Architects) Having worked in the borough for the last 15 years, GCDA have found a permanent home in the heart of Catford. Alongside drinking, the group plan to host casual social gatherings, food pop-ups, exercise classes, exhibitions, and performances at the venue. James-J Walsh, councillor responsible for inclusive regeneration and planning, and councillor for Rushey Green ward, added: "The Catford House is a vibrant example of the Council's ambitions for Catford brought to life. "This is regeneration with a clear social purpose, bringing together conservation, culture and community to transform Catford's almost 300-year-old building into a space shaped by, and for, local people." Residents and groups in the area are encouraged to propose event ideas to the GCDA. The GCDA is a London Living Wage employer and aims to support the local economy by creating jobs and sourcing from local suppliers. Partnerships with Portobello Brewery and others will help bring their vision for The Catford House to life. The restoration project is part of the Catford Town Centre Framework, shaped by thousands of residents and adopted by the council in 2021. The £1.8 million refurbishment was supported by the Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund. Earlier this year, Thomas Lane Yard, a significant housing and mixed-use regeneration scheme, was unanimously approved by the Council. This will see an underused carpark transformed to provide more than100 new affordable homes, green public spaces, and commercial and affordable workspace. Brenda Dacres OBE, Mayor of Lewisham, said: "This marks the start of an exciting chapter for Catford. "This new multipurpose community venue will breathe life into this area as well as creating new local jobs, opportunities for Lewisham businesses and a boost to our cultural and creative scene." Claire Pritchard, CEO of the GCDA, added: "GCDA has been working in Lewisham for nearly fifteen years and has always wanted a base there, a place to grow roots and connect with the community. "Our search ended when we found the former Catford Constitutional Club, a building that holds a special place in the hearts of many. "Imagine a place where the warmth of a classic British pub meets the soul of the community. "We're not just pouring pints, we're creating a space where neighbours become friends, local musicians and artists find their voice, and fresh, locally sourced food fuels meaningful conversations."
News.com.au
10 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
2025 Victorian Architecture Awards hail best in the business
A cemetery depot, $90m Parliament House rescue mission and an innovative cancer treatment centre have been crowned among Victoria's best architectural projects of 2025. The state's Architecture Awards handed out 40 gongs at a ceremony last night. More than 380 submissions were made across 15 categories to the Australian Institute of Architects' Victorian Chapter for this year's competition. FPPV Architecture received the Conservation Architecture Award for its 18-year long restoration of Parliament House in Spring St. Global second-hand fashion fave eyes big entry to Geelong The studio's director Paul Viney said that in the beginning, he had to justify to the Victorian government's Treasury department why the circa-1850s, heritage-listed site 'should be restored and why it shouldn't just be replaced in another location'. At the time, FPPV produced concept plans that showed moving Parliament House to Spring St's southern end would cost taxpayers an estimated $2bn. Instead, Mr Viney and his team embarked on a $90m marathon effort to return the state's seat of democracy to its former glory. 'We put nearly 1000 cubic metres of stone into the building,' Mr Viney said. The entire process involved more than 340 drawings, 13 separate stages and research into historic construction techniques. Mr Viney said working on the restoration had given him a sense of pride. 'It is really is about delivering the restoration … for one of the most important Victorian-era architecture buildings in Australia,' he added. Mr Viney credited the ex-Department of Premier and Cabinet Strategic Projects director Peter Lockett for his work in the decision-making process to restore Parliament House. A multi-award recipient in the competition was Glenroy's Northern Memorial Park depot. Commissioned by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, it features training spaces for workers to practise grave-digging and working with mausoleums away from crying eyes. Searle X Waldron Architects director and design lead Suzannah Waldron said a training wall with six crypts was created for this purpose. 'It's a unique project, I would say in that it's a very specific workplace for people who have quite challenging roles and dealing daily with grief and loss at a cemetery,' Ms Waldron said. Searle X Waldron's aimed to transform the typical 'shed' idea of a traditional depot into a light-filled workplace that fostered wellbeing and connection. The result was a two-storey timber building with a pleated and perforated screen that wraps around it, set near woody meadows, wetlands and future public space within the memorial park. Between 80 to 100 employees are based at the depot which also incorporates a timber workshop, a horticulture space and work areas for stone masons, mechanics, metalwork and welding. Another award winner was the $152.4m Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at Alfred Hospital. Designed by the Melbourne-based Lyons, it was named in honour of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox's wife Paula who had the first of their six children at the hospital. The Fox family were among the project's philanthropic supporters. Lyons director Hari Pliambas said the centre's eye-catching patterned facade was inspired by the cellular structure of healthy skin, while features include gardens and a dedicated wellness centre with a gym and larger areas for yoga and group exercise. The Lyons team aimed to re-imagine the traditional clinical model while creating a property suited to cancer treatment, clinical trials and partners like Monash University. 'From our very first conversation with Paula Fox — who articulated her deeply personal vision for the centre — through to the clinicians, researchers, and the wider Alfred Health team, there was a genuine collective commitment to creating something meaningful for future patients,' Mr Pliambas said. Elsewhere, fashion label Decjuba's Cremorne headquarters by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects received a Commercial Architecture commendation. Architecture firm Hassell was commended in the same category for the revitalisation of 120 Collins St, one of Australia's tallest office structures at 265m tall. Victorian Medal The Northern Memorial Park depot by Searle X Waldron Architects Melbourne Prize The Northern Memorial Park depot by Searle X Waldron Architects Commercial architecture The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture: Melbourne Place, Kennedy Nolan Architecture awards 116 Rokeby St, Carr Everlane Cremorne, Fieldwork Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture The StandardX, Woods Bagot Commendations 120 Collins St Revitalisation, Hassell Decjuba HQ, Jackson Clements Burrows Architecture Educational architecture The Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture: Pascoe Vale Primary School, Kosloff Architecture Architecture award Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Commendations Kangan Institute Health and Community Centre of Excellence, Architectus Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio, Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker Heritage architecture The John George Knight Award for Heritage Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Nervegna Reed Architecture Architecture Award for Creative Adaptation Gunn Ridge House, Kennedy Nolan Architecture Award for Conservation Parliament House Stone Restoration Works, FPPV Architecture Commendation for Conservation Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Lovell Chen Interior architecture The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture Melbourne Place, Kennedy Nolan Architecture Awards: Eva and Marc Besen Centre, Kerstin Thompson Architects she sells sea shells, Multiplicity Domain, Flack Studio Commendation Hume Council Chamber, Architecture Associates Public architecture The William Wardell Award for Public Architecture Eva and Marc Besen Centre. Kerstin Thompson Architects Architecture Awards Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, Lyons Truganina Community Centre, Jasmax (Canvas Projects) Commendations Dendy Beach Pavilion and Brighton Life Saving Club, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects St Mary's Coptic Church, Studio Bright Residential architecture – houses (alterations and additions) The John and Phyllis Murphy Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Dunstan, SSdh Architecture Awards Carlton Cottage, Lovell Burton Architecture Gunn Ridge House, Kennedy Nolan Commendation A Light Addition, Office MI-JI Residential architecture – houses (new) The Harold Desbrowe Annear Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Hedge and Arbour House, Studio Bright Architecture Awards Otway Beach House, Kerstin Thompson Architects she sells sea shells, Multiplicity Terrace House, Rob Kennon Architects Commendations Fishharven, Neil Architecture Shady Creek Farm House, MRTN Architects Stumpy Gully House, Adam Markowitz Design with Stavrias Architecture Residential architecture – multiple housing The Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Nightingale Preston, Breathe Architecture Architecture Awards Newburgh Light House, Splinter Society Architecture Shiel St North Melbourne, Community Housing Project, Clare Cousins Architects Commendation The Paddock, CROSBY architects Small project architecture The Kevin Borland Award for Small Project Architecture Grace Darling Hotel Parklet, Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice Architecture Award Geelong Laneways: Malop Arcade, NMBW Architecture Studio with ASPECT Studios Commendation Wangun Amphitheatre, Equity Office Urban design The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design Glen Huntly Station, COX Architecture with Rush Wright Associates Architecture Award Dendy Beach Pavillion and Brighton Life Saving Club, Jackson Clements Burrows Commendation Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Enduring architecture Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award Nicholas Building, Harry Norris COLORBOND award for steel architecture Casuarina Pavilion, Greenaway Architects (GA) Commendation Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Dimity Reed Melbourne prize Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture EmAGN project award Dunstan, SSdH Regional prize Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Sustainable architecture The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture The Paddock, CROSBY architects Architecture Award Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio, Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker Commendation Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture Emerging architect prize Stephanie Kitingan, Jacqueline OBrien, James Flaherty, Placement Bates Smart architecture in media State Award March Studio: Making Architecture, Material & Process, Dr Fleur Watson National Award Gromboyd, Maria Larkins Advocacy Award When Robin Boys Went to Japan, NMBW Architecture Studio and Robin Boyd Foundation
Russia Today
19 hours ago
- Russia Today
Major European museum announces complete restoration (VIDEOS)
Russia's State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg will undergo a full restoration of its entire architectural complex, including the iconic imperial Winter Palace, museum director Mikhail Piotrovsky has announced. The large-scale effort is expected to span several years and will involve detailed scientific and architectural planning, he said at a press conference on Thursday. 'We are embarking on another major task. We need to restore the entire complex of Hermitage buildings again. A long time has passed since all this was done last,' Piotrovsky said. 10 facts about Russias astounding Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg The word 'Hermitage' is translated from French as 'place of solitude.'The Hermitage is among the top five most visited museums in our country and the top twenty most popular museums in the Russia,… The head of construction and restoration, Sergey Makarov, said the work will start with the Winter Palace, which has served as the museum's main building since 1917, and the Hermitage Theater. 'We are currently preparing plans for a major restoration of the main museum building. We need to restore the facades, several halls, parquet floors, which are very worn out,' he said, citing high visitor traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. Makarov added that the theater's renovation will be completed as quickly as possible to minimize disruption. State Hermitage Museum 🇷🇺متحف هيرميتاج في سان بطرسبرغ the Great began assembling the Hermitage's art collection in 1764, initially for private royal use. In 1852, Tsar Nicholas I opened part of the collection to the public with the inauguration of the New Hermitage building, which became Russia's first museum purpose-built to display art. Today, the Hermitage ranks among the world's most visited museums. Major restorations last took place in the late 20th century and continued into the early 2000s, including upgrades to the General Staff Building and the Small Hermitage. The museum recently completed the restoration of the facades of the Menshikov Palace, a historic building dating to the era of Peter the Great.
E&E News
a day ago
- Politics
- E&E News
Former Biden admin official heads home to Florida and a new Everglades gig
The Everglades Foundation this week announced the hiring of former Interior Department official Shannon Estenoz as the nonprofit organization's first-ever chief policy officer. The move marks a return home for Estenoz, a fifth-generation Florida native who worked for the foundation prior to her service in the Biden administration from 2021 to 2025 as Interior's assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks. 'For more than 30 years, the Everglades Foundation has been a leading voice in the effort to restore America's Everglades,' Estenoz said in a statement. 'As chief policy officer, I am eager to collaborate with scientists, decision makers, and environmental advocates to advance the Foundation's restoration efforts and to secure the long-term protection of the Everglades.' Advertisement According to the foundation, the Florida State University graduate will be responsible for 'developing and advancing Everglades policy' through collaboration with the organization's staff as well as outside policymakers, scholars, conservation groups and others.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I pumped £3.2MILLION into doomed revamp of crumbling historic hotel – now I'm selling up for £1.. but there's a catch
A PROPERTY developer has been forced to put a derelict hotel on sale for just £1 after pumping £3.2 million into its restoration. Na'im Payman spent three years trying to revive The Royal Hotel in Kettering, Northants back to its former glory. 7 7 7 7 He bought the historic Grade II-listed hotel back in December 2020 for £2.2 million. Payman then forked out another million pounds to refurbish the 147-year-old landmark, which once hosted the likes of Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. The businessman had grand plans of transforming the 43-bedroom hotel into a wedding venue, restaurant, nightclub and cafe. However, he has run out of funding before he could complete his dream project. The Victorian landmark has now been put on the market for the "unprecedented" price of just £1 with no reserve. Just a quid would get prospective owners the main hotel building with a grand ballroom, a billiard room with a beautiful glass dome, former bar and multiple function spaces. The offer sounds almost too good to be true, and property-hunters should be warned that there is a catch. The crumbling hotel's revamp is estimated to cost another £1million to finish. Mr Payman said: "It is with great regret that we're selling the Royal Hotel in Kettering. "This hotel has held a particularly special place in my heart, given its prominent role in the town and the deep affection the local community has for it. "I had truly hoped we would be able to restore it in a way that honoured its legacy and served as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Kettering's town centre." Payman poured nearly £1million to rebuild parts of the property while preserving its historically significant features. The businessman said the hotel showed great potential of becoming "a popular venue for weddings and events". The development plans also included opening a mini-spa, bridal salon, co-working spaces, cafe and restaurant. Following a strong demand from the community after the closure of local Odeon, Payman added a boutique cinema into the project. He continued: "Unfortunately, despite my best efforts over the past year, I have been unable to secure the remaining funds required to complete the project. "We had an investor willing to lend £3 million but they pulled out, so we have run out of time and money. "As a result, I have had to make the very difficult decision to sell. "I sincerely hope that someone who shares our vision for the future of the Royal Hotel will step forward to purchase the property and carry the project through, rather than see it converted into apartments." The future owners will receive all drawings and heritage reports to help them bring the project to life. Payman added: "I anticipate it would still cost at least £1 million to see the vision through and hope potential buyers will see the amazing potential it still holds." The Duke of Buccleuch reconstructed the hotel in the Jacobean style in 1878, and in 1896 he sold it to Pickering, Phipps and Co., brewers. Charles Dickens stayed in the hotel in 1835 while reporting the Northamptonshire elections for the Morning Chronicle. The hotel's name changed in 1844 when Queen Victoria stopped in room 12 on her way to Stamford, Lincs. Construction work began on the ballroom to restore it to its former splendour after it was used by the Home Office to shelter migrants. All the bedrooms were stripped back to renovate the interiors while preserving the historically significant Victorian architectural elements. The hotel features commercial shopfronts and a café facing the Market Place, along with a sizeable nightclub in the basement. Estate agents Howsold say on their property listing: "A truly unique opportunity to acquire and re-imagine one of Kettering's most iconic buildings. "The Royal Hotel, a Grade II listed, late-Victorian landmark, is now available for purchase, offering a substantial footprint in the town's primary commercial centre. "With proposed architectural plans available, the Royal Hotel offers the chance to create a modern hotel and premier events venue, restoring a treasured piece of local heritage to its former glory." Bidding offers can now be made online before the hotel goes under the hammer on July 31. 7 7
