Tuesday, March 26, 2024

News: Camellia House opening at Wentworth Woodhouse

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Bookings are open for The Camellia House, a new dining destination at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, following the completion of a £5m regeneration project.

Rothbiz reported last year that the Grade II* Listed was no longer on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register following the completion of the scheme, funded primarily with £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and just over £614,000 from Historic England.

Work got underway last year to bring the Georgian building back into use as a speciality tea house and events space. Historic camellias, some surviving from the early 1800s, will have pride of place.

In the 1800s the Camellia House was used as a tea house by Lady Rockingham, wife of the 2nd Marquess, to entertain guests with the most fashionable new drink of the day.

Having already hosted a number of events, including its first wedding and an official launch last week, guests will be able to enjoy the new space from Tuesday April 2.

The menu features teas from across the globe and a food offer includes international tapas. In the evenings, the venue will serve as an events space.

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Mondays are reserved exclusively for charities and community groups. Partnering with Home Instead, monthly Memory Cafes will run for people living with dementia.

With the support of architects Donald Insall Associates and York-based construction specialists William Birch Ltd, the restoration has set a new benchmark for sustainable design in heritage and listed buildings, winning best Innovation in Environmental Improvement in the Green Apple Environmental Awards 2023 and shortlisted for the RICS Award 2024.

Numerous heritage conservation challenges, not least the protection of the historic camellias, were overcome. Wherever possible, original materials and features were retained - including some of the country’s largest Georgian sash windows.

Energy-conserving methods introduced include carbon-neutral heating and a rainwater harvesting system, which irrigates the camellia plants and provides water for the WCs.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “Saving the Camellia House, removing it from the Heritage At Risk Register and giving it a new life is a huge achievement for us.

“It’s a significant step in our mission to build a financially sustainable long-term solution for Wentworth Woodhouse, so it can be enjoyed and used by local people for many years to come.

“We prioritised the Camellia House because it was in the most urgent need and it was vital that we protected our historic camellia collection. It now provides much-needed facilities for the gardens and means visitors can enjoy tea among the camellias, as the Marchioness did in the 1800s.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It is incredibly exciting to see the wonderful Camellia House now open to the public. We’re very proud that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support this restoration project that has not only breathed new life into a beautiful venue steeped in the history of tea, one of the globe’s most popular drinks, but also safeguarded it for future generations.

“This element of the important work being undertaken by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is a great example of the role heritage can play in creating a sense of pride in place, and the positive impact it can have on boosting the economy.”

Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: “It’s wonderful to see this important part of the Wentworth Woodhouse site brought back to life through strong partnership working. I’m proud that Historic England has played a role in transforming what was a derelict, roofless building into this stunning new public tearoom, complete with historic blooms.”

Construction specialists William Birch & Sons Ltd were lead contractors, working alongside UK-wide specialist conservation architects, Donald Insall Associates.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Pizza chain to close Rotherham store

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A US pizza giant has announced the closure of 43 "underperforming" UK stores - including the one in Rotherham.

Back in 2018, Rothbiz revealed that Papa John's had outlined proposals to take on an empty restaurant in Rotherham town centre.

As one of the largest pizza companies in the world, Kentucky-based Papa John's has over 5,000 establishments, and operates a quality guarantee and commitment to making better pizza. With 450 units in the UK, where it has operated since 2001, the firm is expecting significant growth.

However, in January, the company undertook a comprehensive review of its UK-based restaurants to assess viability, and earlier this month, it announced that it would close around 50 underperforming corporate-owned locations.

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An earlier statement from Papa John's said: “Based on our current analysis, we are planning to close approximately 50 underperforming corporate-owned locations. The strategic closure of these restaurants would give us the opportunity to invest back into the right locations with the right partners; optimising the brand for long-term growth.

“For any proposed restaurant closures that impact team members, we will work to find alternative roles within Papa Johns.”

The restaurant on Wellgate in Rotherham is set to close, along with locations in Doncaster and Barnsley, by mid-May following a consultation process.

Papa John's website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Alucraft administration confirmed

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Alucraft, which has a significant operation in Rotherham, has gone into administration. It is the second time the Manvers site has been affected by problems with construction contracts.

Alucraft Systems, Ireland's leading designer, manufacturer and installer of architectural glazing systems, acquired certain assets, including the fabrication facility in Rotherham, when Façade and Glazing Solutions (FGS) Limited went into administration in 2020.

Now Helen Wheeler-Jones, Edward Williams and Peter Dickens of PwC have been appointed as joint administrators of Alucraft Systems Limited.

Founded in 1975 and part of The Clarison Group, the company manufactures and fits aluminium cladding to the outer walls of infrastructure properties for main contractors.

Recent problematic contracts have resulted in claims and offsets against projects which have impacted on cash flow and profitability of the business.

Administrators confirmed that the 38 people employed by the company have sadly been made redundant and the company’s existing projects will not be completed.

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The Joint Administrators said that they will now focus on the closure of the company’s operations which includes sites at Tamworth and Rotherham and recovery of assets for the benefit of creditors.

The remainder of The Clarison Group is not directly affected by the administration of the company and continues to trade normally.

Alucraft was working on contracts for the new Everton Football Stadium, Portland House in Westminster and various other commercial and residential buildings.

The Clarison Group is majority owned by Elaghmore, the UK-based private equity fund, and acquired Alucraft in 2018.

Previously known as Glassolutions as part of a French multinational, FGS specialised in conception, engineering and installation of glazed façades and building envelopes. Employing hundreds of staff, it rebranded from Sologlas in 2012 and brought together three separate operating divisions into its 65,000 sq ft premises at Manvers in Rotherham in 2011. In 2018, CoBe Capital, acquired the Glassolutions Installation business of the Saint-Gobain Group.

FGS was undone by problems with major projects that caused cashflow issues when a lending facility expired.

Images: Alucraft

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Monday, March 25, 2024

News: Partners see inside £47m Forge Island leisure development

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Project partners were given a sneak peek inside the new leisure spaces at Forge Island, ahead of the development reaching practical completion in the spring.

The landmark leisure destination in Rotherham town centre is being delivered by teams from Rotherham Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland.

Last week, Council Leader Chris Read; Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, and Hamza Sayed, Operations Director of Thistle Group Holding – who are opening three food and drink eateries at Forge Island - headed to site for special ‘behind the scenes’ tour. This was an opportunity for a first look inside the buildings ahead of them being handed over to the tenants to begin their fit-outs in a few weeks’ time.

The family-friendly destination is set to add to Rotherham town centre’s foodie offering, with Thistle opening Portuguese and Southern African eatery, Casa Peri Peri, created by Masterchef finalist, Bobby Geetha; Estabulo Rodizio, a concept honouring the Gaucho style of cooking and luxury coffee shop Caffé Noor. Other Yorkshire independents coming to Forge Island also include The Rustic Pizza Co.

Forge Island will also include an 8-screen state-of-the-art boutique cinema, delivered by The Arc Cinema, alongside a 69-room Travelodge hotel, complemented by stunning public realm and a new riverside park. Hundreds of local people recently flocked to Rotherham Council’s annual recruitment fair to find about employment opportunities at Forge Island, who will become a substantial local employer once open creating around 100 jobs.

Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough.

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Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Denise Lelliott said: "To see the development today rising up out of the old Forge Island site is really something and we’re firmly on track to putting a sense pride back into the town centre. This presents a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to be part of one of the most attractive leisure destinations in the region. This site will offer high quality restaurants, a hotel on a scale of which has not been seen in the town centre before, and a new cinema bringing blockbuster movies back to the town centre for the first time in over 30 years. With spring having sprung, and summer round the corner. we’re on track and very much looking forward to celebrating an amazing launch.”

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “It’s exciting to share with our partners the work that’s been going on inside these spaces: the project team have done an amazing job of keeping us on track to open this summer. We’re looking forward to handing over the keys to the new tenants so that they can begin their fit-out works and bring us even closer to realising Forge Island – which will soon be a new leisure destination for everyone to enjoy.”

Hamza Sayed, Operations Director of Thistle Group Holding added: "We are thrilled to introduce these new culinary experiences to the community. Each restaurant embodies our passion for food, service, and creating memorable dining experiences. We can't wait to welcome guests and share our vision with them."

Forge Island is due to open to the public in summer 2024.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC

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News: AMRC helps drive forward blueprint for production rates of SMEs electric motors

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New processes have been devised and technology de-risked by the University of Sheffield AMRC to help increase electric motor production rates for the UK’s largest supplier of electric drive systems - with an ambition of transitioning from 60 to 5,000 traction motors per year.

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) formed part of a consortium of experts tasked by Magtec, based in Rotherham, to support the business need for new ways to reduce bottlenecks within its production processes to enable an increase in the number of electric motors it could make per year.

Based at Templeborough, Magtec is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric commercial vehicles.

AMRC engineers with expertise in composites and integrated manufacturing supported Magtec by successfully creating factory simulations to optimise vital decisions prior to implementing changes to production and making investment decisions, helped them adopt a towpreg winding technique, reducing set-up time and increasing throughput, as well as providing ideas and advice on alternative lamination technologies it could use in the future as the business grows.

Lloyd Tinkler, senior technical fellow who led on the project for the AMRC, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Magtec again as a follow on from a previous five-day assist programme we did with them in 2022, which looked at their factory flow and how they could save time and money.

“This extended project has enabled us to use our expertise and delve deeper into their factory workflows and processes, complementing the work other consortium members have contributed.

“We believe our work has been useful to help Magtec on its growth journey – it has been rewarding to see them move into a bigger facility, bring in new equipment and technologies off the back of our research work and recommendations, and grow from a small to a medium-sized business in just a few short years. We look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Andrew Gilligan, managing director at Magtec, said: “Global demand for EV drive systems continues to increase at rate. Magtec has been challenged by its clients to increase production significantly and this requires a fresh perspective on how we produce our EV systems, especially traction motors, in a volume environment.

“Magtec has a strong and long-standing relationship with the team at the AMRC, so we engaged them to help us on this exciting industrialisation journey. Through the evaluation of current manufacturing methods and the adoption of best in class manufacturing processes, AMRC has helped Magtec to define its industrial roadmap, as well as embed processes which have had an immediate and long lasting effect.”

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The AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, secured £350,000 of the total £5.5m project value, £2.6m of which was funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which provides funding for the development of low emission transport solutions and automotive technologies – supporting the UK’s transition towards net zero product manufacturing and supply chain in the automotive sector.

Other members of the consortium included fellow HVM Catapult centre, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Angel Trains and Dennis Eagle Trucks.

On supporting new composite technology and processes for Magtec, Jonathan Di Lorenzo, technical lead at the AMRC, said his team's work focused on in-situ filament winding of the carbon fibre rotor sleeve which keeps the magnets in place whilst spinning at high speed.

“We firstly developed a calculator to estimate the inward pressure the sleeve could apply with different fibre tensions, which ultimately limits the maximum operating speed. We also performed experimental trials creating rotor sleeves, using microscopy to compare these results to Magtec’s existing wet-wind process.

“In addition, we investigated the influence of process parameters on throughput and provided information to help Magtec with future production adoptions. The calculators helped predict the minimum amount of material and tension required and as part of this project we were able to set up the foundations for mechanically testing composite rings to verify performance, which can be useful tools moving forward.”

As a result of working with the AMRC, Magtec is set to adopt a new technology – moving away from its former wet-winding process and now utilising a different method called towpreg winding.

“The towpreg method starts with the material having the resin already impregnated into the fibre and provides better consistency, less set-up time and processing, and can result in a more stable product at the end,” added Jonathan. “This is instead of using the wet-winding process involving dipping dry fibre into a resin bath which can be messy and time consuming.

“It’s a small, but important part of the motor build process, but by de-risking the new capability method first has helped provide confidence in the technology and justifies costs that this method can contribute to helping them achieve the build rate they are aiming for.”

Scoping lamination technologies and factory simulation also played a part in the AMRC’s work.

Alongside the updated composite processes, Lloyd said the team pushed further, providing recommendations that could take Magtec forward in the future.

He added: “We also helped Magtec with providing recommendations around lamination technologies which could support them as they increase the volume of their production. As well as the rotator, a motor also has a stator, both made up of sheets of steel, stacked and glued together – and we recommended a better way of doing that, looking at alternative cutting and glueing methods they could use.

“It’s not something Magtec is looking to adopt at the moment, but there’s potential for the future and new ways of working for them to explore.”

Cansu Kandemir, technical fellow at the AMRC worked with Magtec to create a factory simulation, and analysis of its supply chain, using Siemens’ tecnomatix plant simulation technology, which helped the business to understand what critical materials and precautions were needed to help validate and optimise their decision processes prior to production.

“We were responsible for integrating advancements to their factory floor via a virtual simulation and provided recommendations and support to enable the business to reach its ‘Blueprint 5000’ to create 5,000 motors per year," said Cansu.

“We looked to see how everything was working and if it was coherent with the rest of the production floor and to see if bottlenecks were cleared.”

The simulation was also able to plan out how many machines would be needed to enable Magtec to reach its aimed production goal. First, the team devised a baseline model that represented what went on in the facility currently and then added in new advancements, automations and new technology.

“At the beginning we didn’t have the exact process of their new operations, so we had to make some initial assumptions and came back with pessimistic and optimistic estimations,” added Cansu. “As a result of this, we created two models to reflect this and we were able to come up with the optimum number of machines and/or workers needed and gave them a profile to follow on how to achieve the blueprint 5,000 motors per year.”

As Magtec began purchasing new equipment off the back of projections coming from the simulation, the team was able to update the simulation model accordingly to ensure the projected production rate remains on track.

Alongside the updated composite processes and factory simulation creation, Lloyd said the team pushed further, providing recommendations that could take Magtec forward in the future.

Andrew Sloan, engineering director at Magtec said: “Magtec are committed to developing and manufacturing the best EV drive systems to meet the challenging demands of commercial vehicle operation.

“The team at the AMRC and Magtec will continue to work together to eliminate the limitations in our manufacturing processes, implement new and class leading technology and enable competitive industrial growth of traction motor production in the UK”.

Magtec website
AMRC website

Images: Magtec / AMRC

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