This November saw the 100 year anniversary of the end of The First World War. Cheltenham, like most towns, made an extra effort to commemorate the event and pay their respects to those who fought for freedom. Cheltenham Borough Council commissioned a short, animated film by Evenlode Films and the Everyman Theatre to be projected onto the grade II listed municipal council offices in the town centre. The stunning effect was breath-taking as the Georgian style façade came alive with war horses in the snow, soldiers and nurses telling their stories, the firing of guns and a multitude of poppies. To see the full video visit Evenlode Films ‘Cheltenham Remembers’.

We are very proud to confirm that RRA sponsored student, Rachel Palmer, passed her Masters in Marketing at the University of Gloucestershire and graduated with the highest award of Distinction. Rachel described the year as “extremely hard work, but I am very glad I had the opportunity to go back to university. I would like to thank my colleagues at RRA, as I would not have been able to do this without their support in taking on some of my role.”

Congratulations to Rachel from all the team at RRA.

On going site works are progressing well at St. Michael and All Angels Church in South Herefordshire. The opening up works to the nave are now complete and Conservation Architect, Fred Hamer, is now investigating the extent of the timber decay. The church has been closed since 2008 due to concerns over the structural stability of the roof. Now that the Herefordshire stone slates have been stripped, the full extent of the works is now apparent. Watch this space for more updates.

We are very pleased to announce our scheme of holiday lets in Withington Marsh, has received planning approval. The design includes sympathetically renovating a dilapidated barn alongside constructing a new build. The site required careful consideration and the approval could not have been accomplished without the exceptional determination and patience of our clients, Stephanie and Jarrod Clay. This is what they had to say about working with RRA:

“We commissioned RRA to work on our project and design for us a scheme which would be sympathetic to the local heritage. Alex Whibley and Alex Jones were exceptionally professional in their approach, efficient and responsive to the complexities of the planning rules and we were delighted with the scheme they designed. After much negotiation, with RRA’s support, we were successfully awarded planning consent,

Thank you Alex and Alex and RRA”

To read more about the project visit our blog ‘Holiday Home Approval in Withington Marsh’

Phase 2 of the refurbishment of Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Public Services Centre has been completed and is very proud to house ‘The Growth Hub.’ A facility for use by all businesses, but especially new enterprises, to visit for information, practical help, resources, advice on many aspects including funding, business strategy and business planning. The Growth Hub was officially opened this month with a presentation by Cllr Richard Bird, David Owen of First LEP and two of the businesses who have already benefitted from the service, Cinderhill Farm, Lydney, and Café au Chocolat, Tewkesbury. Working collaboratively with Kier Construction and Tewkesbury Borough Council, RRA’s design for the Growth Hub formed part of the larger re-ordering project of Tewkesbury Borough Councils public services centre.

RIBA has published a paper listing the top ten desirable attributes people look for when choosing their home. The paper, based on 10 UK case studies, seeks to highlight the use of design to create desirable and suitable habitats which promote the individual inhabitants well-being and the collective community spirit, rather than the fast build ethos of the red brick identikit houses. Unsurprisingly, ‘location’ tops the list, although the other features are, perhaps less, predictable, such as “A place which fosters a sense of belonging” coming in at number 3. If you would like to read more about this visit our blog at ‘What People Want’ which includes a link to the full RIBA paper.

Nestled amongst the hedges and trees a new contemporary dwelling is taking shape in Shropshire. Whilst the clients were keen to promote sustainability, budgetary constraints prohibited the inclusion of all the desired eco-friendly features during the initial build. To combat this the scheme has been adapted to allow retro-fitting of additions, such as pv panels and a ground source heat pump, at a later stage. The orientation maximises solar gain whilst also making the most of the views over the Shropshire landscape. The materials chosen relate to the surrounding area whilst adding a contemporary twist to the neighbourhood. Internally, the open-plan design has been carefully considered to take into account the changing demands of a growing family.

Working with consultants SF Planning and Cotswold Transport Planning, a residential apartment, town centre scheme has been approved by Cheltenham Borough Council. The confined site which replaces a run down garage block, presented several challenges, primarily the confined boundary and narrow access for construction vehicles which restricted design options. Aimed at providing affordable accommodation in a town centre location the zero-parking scheme achieved officer recommendation for approval.

Constructing Excellence Gloucestershire organised a members tour of Dunkertons Cider, the first occupier of the exciting Dowdeswell Park development. A presentation by project contractors, Dowdeswell Estates, and Oliver Steels of RRA Architects delivered an informative talk about the ethos behind the design of the vision for the development. The Dunkertons Cider scheme, uses Cotswold stone walling and large format timber cladding boards to fit within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The materials reflect an element of craft and echo the traditional values akin to the vision for Dowdeswell Park. To read more about this project click here.

One of RRA’s projects completed several years ago has recently come back onto the market. The project involved the sympathetic conversion of a former church into seven luxury apartments. The penthouse, which benefitted from views over Ross-on-Wye and the Wye Valley, featured a double height space to incorporate the impressive church window and a large open plan living area. To see more of the property visit Richard Butler Estate Agents.

As members of the Cheltenham Racecourse Business Club, RRA took a trip up the A46 to Warwick Racecourse, the third oldest racecourse in the world. RRA would like to thank The Jockey Club for organising a great event and sporting icons, John Barnes and Neil 'Razor' Ruddock for their great hospitality and amusing stories. Along with Bamboo Technology, Brace Creative and SF Planning, everyone enjoyed a fabulous day and even a few winners.

Congratulations to all the winners of the charitable art competition organised by Harrison Clark Rickerbys inc Gordon Lutton. Special congratulations are extended to Linda Pitcher who won the RRA sponsored category, 'The City'. The competition attracted 96 entries of an exceptionally high standard. Linda was delighted to win the award, which was £250 donated to a charity of her choice, in this instance the Yeleni Therapy and Support charity. RRA’s Alex Whibley also presented the winner with a bottle of award-winning Classic Cuvée, from local vineyard, Castle Brook. The winners were announced at All Saints Church, Hereford with hospitality by the Cafe at All Saints. To see more images of the event, see our blog ‘Congratulations to all the winners’.

RRA was very happy to support the Friends of Castle Green Fireworks Night in aid of St. James School, Hereford. With entertainment by Hereford’s Lil Z Street Dance, Wye Valley Circus Fire Performers and Like Radio the evening was a great success. At the final count 2500 tickets had been sold to raise money for the St James PTFA.

1st-31st Dec • Aladdin pantomime • Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Don’t miss the Aladdin pantomime at the Everyman Theatre. Polish your lamp and book yourself a place at the pantomime where wishes do come true.

1st-31st Dec • Peter Pan • Courtyard, Hereford
The courtyard’s annual panto is back and for the first time its Peter Pan. It promises to be full of magic and adventures.

6th Dec • Christmas at Ellenborough • Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
In aid of WellChild get into the Christmas spirit with festive demonstrations in wreath making, tips on making the best canapés at home and a lesson in gin history.

8th Dec • Nature’s Christmas Decorations • Queenswood Country Park, Herefordshire
Join Herefordshire’s Wildlife Trust to Make Nature’s Christmas Decorations with evergreen wreaths, Christmas willow decorations and more in this festive workshop for families.

8th-30th Dec • Spectacle of Light • Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire
Experience the night-time magic of Sudeley this winter with the return of the Spectacle of Light. Follow the beautiful illuminated trail around the grounds and along the way sip your favourite festive warmers of Mulled Wine or Hot chocolate.

10th Dec • Christmas Carol Service • Gloucester Cathedral
Join Age UK Gloucestershire for festive carols, seasonal readings and musical performances, celebrating Christmas and marking the 70th birthday of the NHS.

15th Dec • Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair • Hereford Cathedral
Set within a beautiful historic building, the Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair will have a festive atmosphere, but most importantly fabulous carols for shoppers.

15th Dec • Fawlty Towers Christmas Party Night • Hillside Brewery, Gloucestershire
Join us for the Christmas dinner event of the year which combines a delicious 3 course meal, finest comedy actors in the land and a friendly party atmosphere!

26th Dec • Boxing Day Challenge • Cheltenham Racecourse
For the 10th year, the Boxing Day Challenge returns to Cheltenham Racecourse. All ages and fitness levels are welcome to take part in the two-or four-mile course.