News

Aston University transformation plans receives planning support

Dec 15 2024

Birmingham City Council planners have recommended Aston University’s plan to transform their main building for approval by the Council’s planning sub-committee. The design will see the south wing demolished to create space for a landscaped approach to a new front entrance, reinstating the original façade and relocating the vertical circulation throughout the building.

The proposals will significantly change arrival at the University creating a more accessible experience for students and a new public open space in the campus.

Robothams are working as architect and lead designer with project manager Ridge, quantity surveyor PMP and planning consultant, Delta Planning with support from engineering teams at Ridge, BDP and Hoare Lea.

The project aligns with the campus masterplan developed by Hawkins Brown and Ridge.

Wheatridge School approved at Planning Committee

Dec 01 2024

Gloucestershire County Council planning sub-committee have given there support to a new SEN school in the Abbeydale part of Gloucester. The school will provide spaces for children with moderate and additional learning difficulties, across age groups 4 – 16 years. Robothams Architects have worked with Gloucester based contractor, E G Carter and GCC to develop the design following the practice’s appointment in 2023. Reach South were appointed in 2024 to operate the school, as a Trust with experience operating similar SEN schools.

Working with landscape architects and transport consultants Rappor, close attention was given to the operation of the school and the process of transport at the beginning and end of the day, reducing stress on pupils and impacts on local residents. The design works with the existing perimeter landscaping to retain a soft edge to neighbouring houses as well as pedestrian routes to the Ash path along the site’s western boundary.

The project should be on site during 2025, with more information available on the County Council’s website.

John Cadbury House completes on site

Mar 23 2024

Working with the Aston University and contractor, Overbury, handover has now been achieved in the city centre location know as the Citadel.  The building provides a new home for the University’s senior leadership team with work and meeting spaces throughout the refurbished building. Operationally carbon net zero, the new spaces provide a modern, innovative take on the traditional function of the chancellery.

John Cadbury House, Birmingham

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:

“I am delighted that the Cadbury family has agreed to our flagship building in the city centre being named after John Cadbury, the founder of the Cadbury business. His great grandson, Sir Adrian Cadbury, served as Aston University’s Chancellor for 25 years and we retain close links with the family to this day.

“The landmark acquisition of this building represents our major civic commitment as an urban university to the regeneration of Birmingham city centre and the prominent location in Corporation Street will provide a strategic space for engagement with our diverse communities, businesses and entrepreneurs.”

 

New Teaching Block, Wolverley Secondary School

Oct 11 2023

Work is nearing completion on the practice’s largest school project delivered using MMC modular units. Constructed by Kier the new building for Wolverley Secondary School in Worcestershire will provide 12 general classrooms with associated staff workspace, WC’s and breakout space and uses modules provided by Integra. The units were largely completed off site with only façade treatments and final finishes remaining when they arrived on site in August.

Above, full height WC gender neutral cubicles

Above, original 3D image of proposed teaching block

Promotions at Robothams Architects

May 03 2023

The Partners are delighted to announce the promotion of Associates, Steve Hodges and Sam Karr to positions as Associate Directors within the practice. Sam and Steve are both familiar faces to our clients and collaborators having worked in our team for over ten years.  Their promotions are timed to coincide with changes in the structure of the business as Andrew Haines moves to a consultant role and steps down from the board.

Andrew will continue to work with the practice where he has provided strong leadership for over 30 years, and designed and managed the delivery of many of our award winning projects across a range of sectors. His ongoing focus will be project management within the independent school sector.

Sam and  Steve’s promotions reflect their hard work and commitment to the business, and the Partner’s ongoing desire to deploy senior individuals to look after key client relationships in the coming years.