Lowest US home builds in 17 years
CNN have reported that US housing starts dropped to a seventeen year low in July. Falling 11% to an annual rate of 965,000 from 1.084 million in June the fall follows predictions by an Briefing.com of a fall to 960,000.
Most builders have reported larger than expected losses, although Pulte Home, the largest builder by revenue managed to keep above forecasted losses. One major builder, NVR, reported a profit although their earnings have plunged.
Permits also plunged by 17% to 937,000 signalling a lack of confidence from builders.
RMJM’s European expansion cemented with new appointment
RMJM have cemented their move into Europe with the appointment of a new Marketing Director to support the expansion. Julie Bartlett will take the helm as European Marketing Director in charge of coordinating the activities of the 11-strong European marketing team and introducing new ways of presenting the company’s credentials to its clients and the wider business community. She will also be crucial to the company’s roll out of a new logo and brand which are expected to be unveiled next month. The appointment is particularly positive given the current economic situation and is a marked achievement for the practise who have 15 worldwide offices.
Bartlett brings with her a wealth of experience in marketing and business development in the architectural and construction industry in both the US and Europe, including senior positions at leading design and architecture brands ARUP and SOM and part of her remit will also be marketing upcoming projects outside of Europe in Kazakhstan, Algeria, Libya and Cairo.
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Football fans to score luxury Highbury Stadium development
For 93 years Highbury stadium was energised by thousands of fans who would pile in to cheer on the world-renowned Arsenal football team. Following the team’s move to the new Emirates Stadium two years ago, the old art-deco arena is getting a new pulse as it is transformed into a luxury residential development.
The design, by Allies and Morrison and commissioned as an investment by Arsenal, will create 700 residential 1, 2 or 3 bed apartments and penthouses encircling a two-acre communal garden space, cleverly divided along the old chalk lines of the pitch.
The development acts as part of a wider regeneration scheme for the Kings Cross area which saw the development of the Emirates Stadium and the renovation of St Pancras Station.
Highbury Square, as the residential phase of the stadium development is known, will retain many of the original art deco features including the Marble Hall. The design is based upon the retention and conversion of the existing Grade II listed East Stand, the West Stand, also of historic significance but not listed, and the existing pitch area located between the two stands. The original tunnel will also be preserved as an entrance to the pitch-turned-landscaped-gardens designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole.
Despite turbulent times for the housing market, 90% of the apartments have been pre-sold to residents hoping to score a piece of football history. Surrounding the old football pitch the layout lends itself to the balconies and terraces which help to give the development a luxurious edge, along with the 24 hour concierge and fitness centre with pool of course. Similar to the hierarchy in football stadia, the North and South stands are at the top of the hierarchy with their own separate courtyards. While the development as a whole is scheduled to complete in 2010, South Stand residents will be able to move in later this month. Niki May Young
News Editor
English Heritage Chairman dies
English Heritage Chairman Lord Sandy Bruce Lockhart has died of cancer, aged 62. Lord Lockhart took his position with English Heritage in August last year and has been called a 'Heritage Crusader' by his peers at the Heritage. Lord Lockhart recently made progress in convincing ministers of English Heritage's latest affordable plans for Stonehenge. Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage said: "We shall all miss him and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
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