ACANTHUS WSM ARCHITECTS
NEWS
Penn Street, Oakham
June 2019
Located in the traditional market town of Oakham, Rutland our latest McCarthy and Stone residential scheme is nearing completion. This “Retirement Living Plus” development provides 56 well appointed, assisted living apartments and associated communal facilities including a coffee bar and restaurant.
The location dictated a traditional vernacular design approach including pitched roofs with projecting gables to provide rhythm and give a strong vertical emphasis to the façade. Main body brickwork is enhanced with feature areas of the local Iron Stone.
Award Win
At the West Yorkshire Building Excellence Awards ceremony earlier this month, Acanthus Director Darren Parr was jointly awarded the LABC Residential Construction Professional of the Year 2019. It was particularly gratifying as the award recognises not just Darren personally but the technical quality of the practice, over which he has responsibility.
Queenshill Estate, Leeds
May 2019
Following a competitive selection process, Acanthus WSM were appointed by Leeds Jewish Housing Association to prepare design proposals for a major new apartment scheme on the Queenshill Estate in north Leeds.
The Association already has 3 sheltered schemes on site and due to a strong demand for more older persons accommodation their portfolio is to be extended. This development of approximately 50 apartments will contribute to the “sheltered village” they have built up over the last 35 years. It is intended that all 4 blocks will be physically linked by enclosed walkways giving greater access to the adjacent and vibrant Ziff Community Centre where many support services are delivered.
Acanthus WSM have prepared initial design proposals and participated in the public consultation process. In addition to the sheltered scheme design proposals for 36 new “general needs” apartments have also been prepared. It is anticipated that both projects would be delivered together.
Award Nomination
We are delighted that Acanthus Director, Darren Parr, nominated by Leeds City Council, has been announced as a finalist in the West Yorkshire Building Excellence Awards in the LABC Residential Construction Professional of the Year category. The decision will be announced at the Awards ceremony on the 7th June.
Ground Breaking
April 2019
April marked the official ground breaking at this large residential development in Wombwell, Barnsley. Strategic Team Group are the Main Contractor having promoted the site for 60 new homes to Acis Housing Group. The new development comprises homes for outright purchase, shared ownership and affordable rent. The ceremony was also attended by Barnsley Metropolitan Council along with children from the neighbouring King Oak Primary School.
Award Nomination
Acanthus WSM were delighted to have our development at Hall Way off Raynville Crescent, Leeds for specialist housing provider Habinteg shortlisted for the national 24Housing Diversity in Housing Awards. Comprising 14 units this small development provides much needed fully wheelchair accessible bungalow accommodation including Lifetime Homes dwellings and is in the highly sought after Best Accessible Scheme category with results to be announced in May.