• Latest News
• News From 2009
• News From 2008
• News From 2007

Team at the Top of their Fields to Redevelop the Witham

21/10/2009

Barnard Castle Vision has named the team that aims to redevelop The Witham in Barnard Castle – and it includes a Stirling Prize-winning practice of architects.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) has been announced as the appointed architect to the project. FCBS will work alongside a team of contractors from across the North East. 

Billinghurst George and Partners of Stockton, which has worked on the Bowes Museum refurbishment and the Shaw Bank Youth Hub development, has been appointed as structural engineers for the project.

Mechanical and electrical engineering will be provided by WYG Engineering Ltd of Newcastle, the Newcastle-based team of EC Harris has been appointed as Quantity Surveyors, and Todd Milburn Partnership of Newcastle will act as Construction (Design and Management) Coordinator.

Edward Strickland, Capital Projects Manager for Barnard Castle Vision will be the Project Manager for the Witham redevelopment, whilst William Weston acts as the project leader for The Vision.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has built an international reputation for design quality, environmental expertise and architectural innovation.  It was one of the first practices in the UK to develop expertise in sustainable design and has consistently remained at the forefront of research and innovation in the built environment, whilst developing a strong track record in public and community buildings.

FCBS designed the Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Visitor Centre and Underground Gallery, as well as the new highly-sustainable North Yorkshire monastery, Stanbrook Abbey.  In 2008, FCBS won the RIBA Stirling Prize for Accordia in Cambridge, a substantial residential project which set a new benchmark for large scale housing, and was the first housing project to win the Stirling Prize.

Barnard Castle Vision is currently working to secure funding for the redevelopment of the Witham Hall.  Recognising the Witham Hall’s importance within the local community, The Vision is working with the Witham Trustees to find a broader role for the hall with a range of new business and cultural facilities to enhance the commercial heart of the town.  These include facilities for small businesses, a conference venue, exhibition space, a healthy life centre, studio cinema, and an event space.  The Witham Hall will maintain its role as a place for Barnard Castle community and cultural use.

David Woods, Chairman of the Witham Trustees, said:

“As many know, the restoration and redevelopment of The Witham is long overdue.  This is a vital facility at the heart of our town.  Barnard Castle Vision threw the trustees an invaluable lifeline, and we are working with them to develop a new vision for The Witham and to secure the funding to give Witham Hall the new lease of life it deserves.”

Deborah Jenkins, Independent Chair of Barnard Castle Vision, said:

“Barnard Castle Vision is committed to seeing this project come to fruition.  The resulting building has the potential to bring many benefits to residents, businesses and visitors and return an extended Witham Hall to its rightful position at the heart of the community.”

Richard Collis, Partner with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, added:

“We are immensely proud to have been selected by Barnard Castle Vision and the Witham Trustees to lead the redevelopment project at the Witham Hall.  We are working hard to produce a design which respects the historic nature of the listed building, fits carefully and comfortably within the town, and provides a range of commercial and community functions which will be accessible and beneficial to the people of Barnard Castle and the County Durham region as a whole.”

Outline designs for the redevelopment of The Witham are currently in development.  The first phase of design will be completed in November, at which time there will be an opportunity for the public to view the scheme and add their comments.