We are pleased to announce our new appointment for Phase II – Sciences Redevelopment on behalf of University of Sunderland. J H Partners will carry out the second phase of the redevelopment for the following areas; Pasteur building (first floor) and Fleming building (ground and first floor) . The project will consist of a mixture of staff accommodation, teaching spaces together with laboratories and associated preparation and support areas.

Beacon of Light is an exciting and inspiring education, training and sports facility Centre which will be built adjacent to Sunderland Aquatic Centre and the Stadium of Light.

The Centre will provide a safe, feel-good environment where young people can meet socially; to learn and take part in courses to gain skills and qualifications; and where their fascination and love of football will start them on a journey that will help them make choices to improve their lives.

The unique Centre will be the first of its kind in the UK and include engaging and interactive zones in education, health, fitness, and sport. Facilities will include a sports halls, football pitches, flexible informal learning spaces, education suites and a ‘players’ lounge’.

The Beacon of Light will be three storeys high and will celebrate the history of its city within its design.

The design is now underway and construction work will begin in late 2015, with the doors opening to the public in 2017.

What a great experience! Good team building enjoyed by all, the competitive edge definitely showed with a little bit of bumping and some ungentlemanly conduct.

Congratulations to Iain Garfield who came 1st with Martin Shaw not too far behind scooping up 2nd place and Glen Stephenson in a respectable 3rd. John Dutton (or ‘Captain Birdseye’ as nicknamed by our very special host) unfortunately retired and was awarded the booby prize. Lauren came last but did seem to enjoy herself driving around the grass instead of the track!

A quotation from the birthday boy ‘Steve Bird’ who felt every one of his fifty years on his way up the summit. The Lang dale fell is not exactly Everest but it’s fair to say that most of the team would have benefited from oxygen on the way up.
The weather was not kind and we got soaking wet on the way down. With the pub in sight half of the team made a run for it and bought the beers for the stragglers, an open fire and a warm welcome topped the walk off. The refreshments continued into the night. All in all a great trip. Craig also attended the walk but got the job of being camera man for the day.

Steve Bird is now in full fitness mode ready for the next team building event.

We have challenged our Client and the Design Team to a go-kart challenge at the national outdoor go-karting circuit at Warden Law, Sunderland. The karts can apparently reach speeds of 60mph! on the main straight, with your ‘backside’ literally millimetres from the ground this event is not for the faint hearted! Thankfully the team is up for the challenge, this promises to be a well deserved afternoon away from the office for all concerned. We shall post the results and photos (if we win!).

We have recently been appointed by the Trust to assist in the delivery of the Service Improvement Space Utilisation Plan. The project includes the refurbishment and remodeling of a number of healthcare buildings owned and operated by the trust.

This projects sits within our Specialist Design sector. The facility shall be a new build, market leading, classified clean room facility at the client’s existing site in Essex. The facility shall strengthen the client’s position in animal vaccination production and development.

I know it’s hard to believe but Steve Bird has only just turned 50 this year. To celebrate this momentous occasion we are going to scale one of the largest hills in the Lake District (I know what you’re thinking Steve is already ‘over the hill’). This will be a great team building event for all staff from both London and Durham offices and we will no doubt sample some on Cumbria’s finest liquid refreshments after we have conquered the summit! We shall post some photos when (if) we return. Please wish us luck!