British Land and AustralianSuper have submitted a reserved matters planning application to reinstate a permanent cultural venue at the Printworks building within its Canada Water development.

Through a six-year temporary consent, Printworks London – managed by pioneering electronic music and arts operator Broadwick – evolved into one of the world’s best-known cultural venues before closing its doors to the public this summer. British Land and AustralianSuper are in exclusive talks with Broadwick to operate the new venue. Since opening in 2017, Printworks saw more than 2.5 million visitors, 300 music concerts, 200 film shoots, and hosted hundreds more cultural moments at the site, cementing its place in UK cultural history. 

With the new application, British Land and AustralianSuper aim to deliver a highly flexible leisure and cultural destination within the Canada Water Masterplan that expands on the success of the meanwhile use venue, with a programme that both intensifies and diversifies the mix of cultural experiences. This new world-class permanent venue will occupy one half of the existing building, while the other half will deliver next generation sustainable workspace and retail, known as The Grand Press.

The designs, led by architects Hawkins\Brown, seek to maintain the building’s volume and character while creating a highly sustainable and modern cultural venue. Once home to the largest printing factory in western Europe known as Harmsworth Quays, the original aesthetics and printing presses have been preserved to create a stunning, industrial environment, all overlooking a new 3.5-acre park just a short distance from the River Thames and historic docks.

There are four key new cultural spaces planned at the new Printworks, which is scheduled to reopen in 2026: 

• Printworks’ world-renowned Press Halls will be retained. The iconic space that has become globally synonymous with the Printworks brand will be kept with the Press Halls remaining the focal point of the Printworks’ programme. Live music events, concerts, immersive art exhibitions and corporate events of similar capacity will be hosted here
• A brand-new rooftop leisure and cultural space. This new state-of-the-art event space – complete with soaring views of London – will provide a unique space for performance, rehearsals, product launches or curated talks
• The Inkwells. A performance space dedicated to immersive exhibitions, multi-disciplinary art shows and more intimate music events 
• A series of new suites with views of the Press Halls. These will offer versatile spaces for meetings, conferences, events, and corporate hospitality

Emma Cariaga, joint head of Canada Water at British Land, said: “We want to deliver a permanent world-class cultural venue at Printworks that builds on its globally acclaimed legacy. Combining the best of the capital’s culture with next generation workspace at The Grand Press will create an unrivalled experiential destination, which generations will benefit from for years to come.

“Printworks had a tremendous impact on the UK’s cultural landscape, and its popularity over the past six years has demonstrated how important this multi-dimensional venue is to Londoners and visitors from all over the world who were drawn to its cutting-edge programming. We’re extremely proud to be the stewards of this important cultural destination, and we look forward to progressing our plans to deliver the new Printworks as part of our wider Canada Water masterplan.”

AustralianSuper’s head of Real Assets for Europe, Paul Clark, said: “Printworks will be a cultural centre piece to a major placemaking project that reflects both the long-term nature of AustralianSuper’s capital and our ongoing commitment to London and the UK.

“We believe this strategic project will provide long-term benefits to AustralianSuper members, as well as enhancing the cultural offering at Canada Water and contributing positively to the local community.”

Simeon Aldred, co-owner and director of strategy at Broadwick Live, commented: “Broadwick Group is delighted to continue our exclusive partnership with British Land and AustralianSuper for the highly anticipated next phase of Printworks London. The preservation and repurposing of the cherished Press Halls, coupled with the profound cultural implications of this undertaking, represent our joint commitment to the advancement of culture in the capital.

“We eagerly anticipate engaging with our community and wider audiences on this groundbreaking cultural investment of global significance. Their ongoing support is paramount to the revival of Printworks London for both local, national and international audiences to enjoy.

London Night Czar Amy Lamé added: “Printworks was a fantastic addition to London’s world-renowned cultural scene, attracting people from all around the globe and setting new and ambitious standards for all to follow. I’ve worked closely with the operator and owner, and I’m thrilled by these inspiring new plans to create an incredible permanent venue. This will be an exciting new chapter as we build a better London for everyone.”

Other notable cultural plans and initiatives at Canada Water include:

• Asif Khan-designed Canada Dock boardwalk – a key piece of architecture designed that will attract visitors to the 170m-long red bridge
• New public square – brand new open space the size of Leicester Square, surrounded by leisure and retail
• ‘The Cuts’ – pedestrianised, highly-curated leisure and retail space with unique independent shops and F&B designed to feel akin to Brighton’s The Lanes, and London’s Seven Dials
• Careful curation of the 1 million sq ft leisure and retail across the masterplan including daytime and nighttime lifestyle – a truly 24-hour high street
• Thoughtful and engaging meanwhile use: artist Rod Kitson’s gallery, and community environmental education hub the Paper Garden are two current examples
• Ongoing cultural events and activations for the local community, enriching the use of existing spaces: Love Summer, an annual community festival with live music and creative workshops; Christmas activations; the weekly Canada Water Market which offers fresh and sustainable food from local producers and artisans; and the monthly Thrive market which provides a regular platform to showcase talented local traders

Plans to transform the centre of Prestwich Village into a thriving heart of the community have been submitted to Bury Council.

Prestwich Regeneration LLP – the joint venture between nationwide placemaker Muse and Bury Council – has lodged a planning application for the £100m+ regeneration of the Longfield Centre site. The ambitious plans are set to cement Prestwich as one of the best places to live and spend time in the North West.

The design has been shaped significantly by input from locals following two stages of consultation, with the final plans including:

• A community hub including a library and flexible community space that can be used for events, clubs and art and culture. The building will also offer an opportunity to deliver a new Prestwich Health Centre, with discussions ongoing with the NHS and local GP practices.

• A new village square with family-friendly social places for all the community to meet and relax, which has been flexibly designed so it provides space for pop-up events like markets, food festivals, art exhibitions and live performances.
• A market hall providing smaller spaces for local retailers to thrive and grow. This includes a food hall for local food operators and communal seating that spills out onto the village square.
• Flexible retail and leisure spaces across the site, which will complement the high street and help to cater for Prestwich’s diverse business community. This includes a new gym.
• Landscaped outdoor and green spaces, trees and places to wander, relax and sit. The existing fountain will be removed and new public art installations will be incorporated throughout the development.
• Enhancing the Prestwich arrival experience from the tram by delivering landscaping which connects with green spaces in the village.
• Relocating car parking in the centre of the site to a new travel hub off Fairfax Road, which will contain electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and parcel lockers.
• Around 200 new homes, which forms part of the outline application, is envisaged will include a mix from affordable homes to homes for first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers. The design, materials and style will follow in a future detailed planning application.
  

Stuart Rogers, Director of Project Management at Muse, said:

“This is a major moment for the future of Prestwich and the culmination of many months of in-depth community consultation. We’ve been blown away by the response from the local community and their passion. They had some really useful ideas and feedback, much of which we’ve been able to incorporate into the plans.

“One of the things people love about Prestwich is the many independent businesses already here and this really came through during the consultation. So, we decided to increase the amount of retail space by removing one of the residential buildings and added a larger market hall to provide smaller spaces for local retailers to thrive and grow. We’re also looking at how we can provide temporary space during construction for businesses so that the village can continue to be a bustling place for food, drink and shopping. The idea of the village square was also really popular so we’ve increased that in size and also included more green spaces and planting throughout the site.”

Bury Council and Muse formed the Prestwich Regeneration LLP joint venture in October 2022 to drive the project forward. It is expected that a decision on the plans will be made in Spring 2024 with construction starting in mid-late 2024.

With Flawless Kitchens, Durkan Homes and Southwark Council on the prime development, Manor & Braganza

Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps & sinks, Pronteau hot water taps, bathroom taps & showering solutions collaborate with Flawless Kitchens, Durkan Homes and Southwark Council on the prime development, Manor & Braganza: an innovative building project in Kennington, SE17.

In a quiet corner of South London where Braganza Street meets Manor Place, lives a modest community with big personality at the heart of an exciting regeneration project. Comprising of 89 new homes across neighbouring sites, this development offers a series of one-to-four-bedroom apartments, duplexes and three-storey townhouses with 33 affordable homes and three intermediate homes being offered for sale and rent. Just two minutes’ walk from Kennington tube station to give easy access to the West End and City of London, the first phase was finished in Autumn 2023, with the remaining homes scheduled for completion early 2024.

Graeme Blythe, National Contract Sales Manager at Abode says, “Creating new homes in established neighbourhoods requires careful planning and creative design, which is sympathetic to the needs of the community and anticipates future living trends. As the aesthetic at Manor & Braganza is bright and beautifully finished while demanding quality at the highest level, we were delighted to collaborate with kitchen furniture supplier, Flawless Kitchens, on the design and supply of all sinks and taps.”

To complement the high specification of this prime London development, Abode supplied both its Globe Single Lever tap (AT2149) in Matt Black and bestselling R15 Matrix 1.5 bowl stainless steel sinks (AWS124/26). The sleek WRAS-approved Globe Single Lever features a slim body and sleek spout with discreet hot and cold indicators, making it the perfect complement to the practical luxury of open plan living. The on-trend Matt Black finish makes Globe the ideal tap choice for a deluxe modern kitchen and is supplied with a five-year warranty.

The bestselling Abode R15 Matrix 1.5 bowl stainless steel sink ensures that homeowners can take care of food prep and home hygiene with ease. The very latest pressing technology has been used to create a very precise shape to the sink with almost square radiuses to ensure that the kitchen planning team could make the most of the available worktop space without compromising on style. The R15 Matrix sink can be installed undermounted or as a low profile inset option, and is available in both a left hand and right-handed option.

As a homebuilder of choice for London and the South East, Durkan Homes is committed to excellence, expertise and innovation, and like Abode it thrives on continually responding to the ever-evolving needs of homeowners while delivering a robust ESG policy which supports local communities. In addition to new affordable homes, the project will be adding a new health centre, pharmacy, café and employment space to an area of Southwark, which already benefits from a strong sense of community pride and reputation as being a great place to live.

Elegantly set back from the bustling residential streets, Braganza fosters a quietly different place to live, which encircles a central courtyard of landscaped gardens for a beautiful slice of nature. With a selection of properties available that cater to families, couples, co-habiters and solo occupiers, Braganza is the place to be if you desire convenience, space and a rewarding lifestyle. Complemented by a modernist architectural style, the clean lines and crisp edges of the flat roofs and bronzed glazing add a simple elegance throughout this development, where many properties get to enjoy their own private outdoor space with a number of homes with added cycle storage in the front garden.

Manor is an island site that looks over Pasley Park to the rear and Walworth Community Gardens in front. Featuring convenient ground floor retail, a dedicated entrance to the 26 private sale apartments over 5 floors, and secure cycle storage for residents. The old building at Manor was a big presence in this quiet neighbourhood, with an aesthetic charm that is the signature of South London. The building was unsuitable for conversion and renovation, so Durkan Homes faithfully replicated the original Victorian facade with an entirely new building constructed within to create a collection of contemporary apartments without compromising on architectural style, space, and layout. To further preserve the heritage of the area, the developer also reinstated retail units to benefit the whole community.

The considered blend of old and new coming together at the Manor & Braganza development helps to preserve the history and heritage of this prime area, all the while creating beautiful new homes that deliver on design and contemporary living.

Councillors at the City of Edinburgh Council have today (10 January) given their unanimous approval for a major planning application redeveloping the Ocean Terminal centre at Leith waterfront. 

The Ocean Terminal Masterplan has been in development and consultation with the local community since 2020, and promises to deliver a sustainable new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with the provision of new homes in addition to community amenities, health and leisure facilities for people from all over the Capital and further afield. 

Planning consent for the first phase of the masterplan, for part-demolition of the multi-storey car park and former Debenhams retail unit, was received in autumn 2022. Phase 2, which has received approval from councillors today, will deliver the full Masterplan with the provision of a pedestrian-centred waterfront, new mixed-use community amenities comprising residential, retail and commercial spaces, and high-quality public realm spaces. 

During the hearing of City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee, councillors commended the developer’s attention to detail and incorporation of key Council and national priorities including housing provision, green space provision, community amenity and sustainability. 

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owner of Ocean Terminal, said:

“Having worked closely with residents, businesses, locally-elected representatives and planning officers at the City of Edinburgh Council since 2020, we are delighted to have received approval for our Masterplan today.

“The result of our collaborative engagement with local stakeholders is a development which puts community front and centre. Our plans will meet Edinburgh’s housing needs during a housing emergency, support the vibrancy of Leith waterfront with the creation of new commercial units, serve our community through various amenities including a supermarket and medical centre, and embed sustainability. 

“With planning approvals in place, we look forward to delivering this vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront.”

The plans amount to a £250 million investment in Leith’s waterfront, retaining and creating over 600 local jobs, with further job opportunities during the construction phase, and had won the support of neighbouring businesses and community groups.

Brendan Reilly, President of Leith Chamber of Commerce said:

“We at the Leith Chamber of Commerce are delighted to hear that the proposed transformation of Ocean Terminal has gained consent. The redevelopment of this area will improve and add significant enjoyment value to the cosmopolitan and European feel that visitors and residents alike already experience when spending time in this thriving area that is Leith.”

Over 530 new homes with multiple tenure options will be constructed under the Masterplan, with a key focus being residential amenity with secure courtyard gardens and raised terraces. 

Opening up access to the waterfront and The Royal Yacht Britannia via an extension to Ocean Drive, the project will re-connect the new neighbourhood back to Leith. Together with the re-imagined retail centre, the high-quality public realm spaces will create a safe, vibrant neighbourhood and new waterfront destination for the wider community.

Neil Whatley, Associate Director at Keppie Design which developed the architectural design of the proposals, said: 

“Keppie is delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council has approved the proposals for Phase 2 of the re-imaging of the existing retail centre, securing its future retention and operation as a key local amenity and introducing a new, residential-led, mixed-use neighbourhood.

“Ambassador Investment Management’s bold and determined vision will allow the Ocean Terminal project to buck the current trend for whole-scale retail demolition – instead retaining and reimagining the existing asset, creating an outward looking development, integrated into a wider, residential-led urban environment that embodies the rich history, character and vibrant spirit of Leith.”

Colin Smith, Director, Head of Planning Scotland at Turley, acting for Ambassador Investment Management said:

“This approval marks a significant milestone in Ocean Terminal and Leith’s regeneration, completing the strategic reshaping of Ocean Terminal from an inward-looking, retail and leisure driven commercial centre, to an outward-looking, mixed-use town centre.

“The dynamic neighbourhood will enhance the quality of living, working and leisure space for all, including new public realm next to the waterfront. Key sustainability and climate change objectives from the National Planning Framework 4 – which supports the recycling of assets, such as brownfield land, promotes local living and compact urban growth – are delivered by this development, providing convenient, accessible, mixed-tenure living, well connected to the wider city.”

In Port Vauban, Antibes, lying between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera, the Quai des Milliardaires –  ‘Billionaires’ Quay’ – has undergone an extensive transformation, consolidating its position as the leading yachting hub in the Mediterranean. A paradise for yachting and super yachting enthusiasts, Port Vauban is Europe’s largest yachting harbour, with over 1,500 berths and 18 superyacht berths of up to 160 metres.  

Since May 2023, both the quay and IYCA (International Yacht Club d’Antibes) building – which houses a yacht club, bar, and crew centre – have been renovated to renew both the appearance and infrastructure of the quay, making it the centre of a 21^st century port, focused on offering a range of high-end, high-quality utilities, combining amenities, technical services, a concierge service, and festive and sports events. Also crucial was preserving its refined aesthetic appearance that complements the architectural character of the local area and surrounding landscape, with the terraces of the Quai des Milliardaires facing the Mediterranean horizon on one side, and the heritage old town and Fort Carré on the other.    

The entire complex now boasts a distinctive and compelling architecture, masterminded by Atelier d’Architecture Philippe Prost, combining traditional heritage techniques with cutting edge construction technology and materials. Concrete, stainless steel, marble, intelligent glass, and ceramics are blended to produce an engaging visual façade, while the decking surfaces of the quay itself, as well as the stairs, pontoons, benches, and handrails, have been made from environmentally friendly Kebony Clear wood. Its elegant knot-free appearance and silvery patina allow it to blend harmoniously into this prestigious setting, whilst its enhanced durability and minimal maintenance requirements – guaranteed for 30 years – mean it can withstand all the demands of an exposed marine environment.  

Developed in Norway, Kebony transforms sustainable softwoods, such as pine, into products with comparable aesthetic and mechanical characteristics to tropical hardwoods. This diverts the need for deforestation of the planet’s vital rainforest sinks, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions.    

The wood is first infused with a bio-based liquid, activating a reaction in the wood cell walls to become 50% thicker, increasing the dimensional stability, durability, and hardness of the wood. The resulting Kebony wood has a significantly reduced water sensitivity and does not splinter which, alongside its minimal environmental impact and refined aesthetic finish, made it the ideal material to deal with the high levels of weathering and intensive use in the coastal setting of the Quai des Milliardaires.   

As the lead architects from Atelier d’Architecture Philippe Prost commented, “The desire to use strips of wood for large outdoor terraces came early on, by analogy with boat decks. Kebony wood was chosen for its aesthetic qualities, its durability – particularly in a highly exposed marine environment – and for its natural character.”   

Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager for Kebony, adds: “The regeneration of Quai des Milliardaires represents the versatility of Kebony, providing a simultaneously sustainable, beautiful, and high performing modified wood product that will last for many years to come.”  

Expanding the footprint of the kitchen is one of the best ways to turn a small, awkward space into a versatile area for the entire family. Contemporary kitchens serve as more than just cooking areas; they encompass living, dining, entertaining, studying and more. A kitchen extension allows you to create the ideal layout for an interconnected open-plan space that encompasses all these functionalities.

Undertaking a kitchen extension, regardless of its size or style, is a substantial project. Given the cost involved, creating a design which delivers is key.

Here, Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr shares his top tips for planning the ultimate kitchen extension.

Purpose and Functionality

“It might seem obvious, but one of the first things to consider when undertaking a kitchen extension is how are you going to use the space and what you hope to gain from it. Do you need more general living space for your growing family, or perhaps you are a keen cook who requires a dedicated area to entertain, or, is gardening your passion and you would love to create more of a connection between indoors and outdoors.

By breaking down your ideas you can begin to create a non-negotiables list, prioritising key items that your new extension needs to include. This might be a boot room, a large kitchen island or bi-fold doors to create a light-flooded living space. 

At this stage, it’s good to note down your favourite kitchen styles, perhaps a traditional painted shaker kitchen is your preference or maybe a Scandi minimalist wood design. Once you have gathered your ideas perhaps using a scrap or notebook (drawings or a mini mood board help here too), you can discuss your plans, both big and small, with a kitchen designer, who will help guide you in prioritising your requirements.”

The Budget

“As one of the most common types of home renovation, kitchen extensions are known for increasing the overall value of a property. 

The cost can vary depending on many factors which include size, structural work, quality of materials and more, don’t forget that there can be hidden costs, which is why it’s always worth including a contingency within your budget. Relocating the kitchen will mean extra expense, so if you’re planning to do this take into account the plumbing and electrical fees. Remember, to familiarise yourself with local building regulations and seek planning permission if needed, these will also be an additional cost to factor in. 

Finally, don’t forget to set a realistic budget for your kitchen design and discuss with your kitchen designer what is included in the overall cost, this will ensure you know what the final fee will be and you can get started on the fun part (without any worry of hidden costs) of designing your dream kitchen.”

The Kitchen Design

“Undoubtedly you have already envisioned your dream kitchen, now it’s time to convey these ideas to a kitchen designer. A design consultation is the perfect opportunity to discuss plans, including all those little details, these appointments are usually free too. A designer will reference the plans working alongside your team, be it a builder or architect, together your vision will be brought to life.

Planning the layout thoughtfully will enable you to have a kitchen that provides all those key wish list items and more. Remember to try and visualise the entire space, consider where you will stand to cook and what your outlook will be, for example. The small details often make the biggest difference. Connection is an important factor, where will you entertain and dine and what is the flow like between the zones within the kitchen. Your new kitchen should enhance your day-to-day life, so ask the designer about any smart storage solutions, appliances or materials that will suit your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.” 

A TikTok sensation has emerged, showcasing an extraordinary ‘man cave’ transformation in a basement, featuring a television, several PCs, and a vast gaming zone.

Hussain embarked on revamping his basement after growing tired of its previous style, aspiring to craft a vibrant bachelor haven. He equipped the space with fog machines, a poker table, and a golf mat.

His transformation journey, shared on TikTok (@gamesroomtheater), swiftly amassed over 8.4 million views.

Speaking to NeedToKnow.co.uk, Hussain, a tech professional from Toronto, Canada, shared, “There are TVs, projectors, PCs, and more – everything necessary for the ultimate gaming room.”

“It can comfortably accommodate 20 people; the most I’ve hosted is 60. First-time guests often find it awe-inspiring, and I still get that feeling too, even living here. They’re typically overwhelmed with a sensory overload, happy to just sit and soak in the atmosphere.”

The viral video begins by panning across a landing area, then descends stairs to unveil the basement ‘man cave’.

Inside, the room is filled with a pool table, ping-pong table, six substantial gaming chairs, and two large screens.

Another staircase leads to a private theatre, complete with a vast cinema screen and red leather seats.

Hussain has invested $100,000 (about £59,200) in this 1,750 square foot haven and has plans for further enhancements.

He added, “Running costs are low, thanks to smart switches and sensors that turn everything off if there’s no motion for 30 minutes. There are over 100 connected devices, all automated for ease. I’ve reached the space limit, but I plan to make room for new additions like a racing rig soon.”

The clip has garnered over 766,300 likes and 5,000 comments from admirers.

Reactions include acclaim like “Okay, this is rad,” and playful requests like “Please adopt me and my son.” Others expressed admiration for Hussain’s world, impressive internet setup, and hinted at his apparent love for Formula 1, with one user exclaiming, “DAMN! What a dream.”

Experience the tranquility of a converted Methodist church that retains its original charm, from intricate stained-glass windows portraying biblical scenes to a fully functional organ and bell.

This remarkable three-bedroom home spans 6,000 sq ft across two floors, a testament to the loving restoration it has undergone. The house offers a spacious kitchen, a grand fireplace, and a sunroom that once served as the sanctuary.

Originally built in 1858, the Episcopalian church houses the very bell that once summoned the faithful to worship, a historical artifact added in 1902.

Stepping inside, visitors are welcomed by the iconic purple carpet that gracefully ascends the stairs.

The main chapel, which still boasts the original organ, serves as an expansive living room. It features several floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in natural light and an exquisite stained glass window depicting Jesus Christ.

The residence comprises one and a half bathrooms, adorned with stone accents, elegant pillared furniture, and a luxurious spa bathtub.

Beyond its unique features, the church-turned-home offers practical amenities like a pantry, an office, a laundry room, and wired stereo speakers in every room. Ample storage space is also available.

Nestled in Mendota, Illinois, the property enjoys proximity to local attractions including the golf club, Lake Mendota, and Starved Rock State Park.

Currently on the market for £237,000 ($299,000), this distinctive church conversion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying modern comforts.

A former Kidderminster office block named after Margaret Thatcher, with planning permission to be turned into homes and shops, is among the star lots in Bond Wolfe’s livestreamed auction on Thursday 14 September.

Originally built in the late 1970s to house Kidderminster’s new Conservative Club, it was named to honour the country’s first woman Prime Minister, who served from 1979 to 1990.

But the three-storey building has now been empty for several years. Wyre Forest Council granted permission to convert the building into apartments and retail space in 2020.

Margaret Thatcher House, at 35 Mill Street, is listed for sale with a guide price* of £432,000+ at Bond Wolfe’s auction.

Ron Darlington , consultant director at Bond Wolfe, said: “This is a landmark building with car parking for 32 vehicles and stands close to Kidderminster’s town centre and the Crossley Retail Park.

“Planning consent was granted for four shop units on the ground floor with nine apartments on the first and second floors with a side extension.

“The building already stands in a popular residential area, just five minutes’ walk from the town centre with a variety of shops, pubs and local businesses.

“We expect this to make Margaret Thatcher House a very attractive proposition for a wide range of investors and developers. As a result, we predict some fierce bidding when the property comes up for auction on 14 September.

“This is the kind of property that regularly sees our livestreamed auctions attract literally thousands of people from across the UK – and abroad – keen to watch or take part in the proceedings.”

Margaret Thatcher House was first put on the market by Wyre Forest Conservative Association in 2018 after their long-term office tenant, civil engineering firm George Law, announced it was moving out after around 40 years.

The Conservative Association itself subsequently moving out, leaving the building empty.

Mr Darlington said: “The property is in a cleared condition and ready for improvement.”

Cycle shelters and electric vehicle charging points have been installed under conditions of the planning permission.

Covering a 16,500 sq ft site, the building itself currently extends to around 4,714 sq ft over three floors.

On the ground floor is an entrance hall, small offices, a larger office, plant room and stairs to the first floor.

The first floor has a landing, small and large offices, male and female WCs and a fire escape.

The second floor has WCs, a small office and a large office off the landing, with a fire escape and access to the roof.

Margaret Thatcher House is among 180 lots appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at 9am on Thursday 14 September.

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

If you’re seeking an affordable way to enhance the appearance of a room in your home, decorative crown molding offers a simple solution to add a touch of elegance and sophistication without breaking the bank.

Crown molding is typically applied as a decorative trim along the junction of walls and ceilings. It is often painted in the same color as baseboards, door frames, and other woodwork, although you can choose to match it with the ceiling or opt for a contrasting shade for a more dramatic effect.

While the challenge of dealing with corner angles might seem intimidating, installing crown molding is a project that you can take on without the need for a professional. However, enlisting some assistance during the process can be helpful, as tasks like measuring, marking, and holding up pieces for nailing can be quite involved for a single person.

Follow this step-by-step guide to incorporate a stunning design element into your home:

1. Measure the Room: Calculate the perimeter of the room, accounting for any insets or bump-outs that might add extra inches. Always purchase slightly more materials than needed to allow for errors.
2. Prepare the Molding: Apply primer and paint to both sides of the molding and ensure it dries completely.
3. Locate Studs: Identify the studs near the ceiling on all walls to provide a secure attachment point for the molding.
4. Establish Baseline: Measure down from the ceiling to the depth of the molding and mark this point. Use a level to establish a level baseline for each wall.
5. Cut Angles: Utilize a miter saw or coping saw to cut angles for corner pieces. Keep in mind that the molding’s position on the saw table is the reverse of its fit to the wall, so practice cuts are advisable.
6. Secure Molding: Employ a nail gun to attach the molding, ensuring that it connects to as many studs as possible for stability.
7. Deal with Corners: For corner sections, start by nailing the center of the molding and leave the corner end slightly loose. Adjust the bottom edge using a wood shim or screwdriver to eliminate gaps before securing the corners.
8. Joining Pieces: When joining two pieces for an extended wall stretch, ensure the seam aligns with a stud for firm attachment. For a polished appearance, align the ends with complementary 45-degree angles.
9. Finishing Touches: If nails are not flush, use a nail set to push them in further. Conceal nail holes using wood putty.
10. Caulking: Apply caulk along the seams using a thin bead and smooth away excess using a water-dipped finger.
11. Final Touch-Up: Conduct any necessary paint touch-ups, particularly over putty spots and seams.

For more home improvement tips, explore eLivingtoday.com.