Latest news with #revamp
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Kinross children's hospice Rachel House set for £17m revamp
Kinross children's hospice Rachel House is set for a £17m revamp, thirty years after it hospice, which was the first of its kind in Scotland, is one of two run by Children's Hospices Across Scotland (Chas). The redesign will include an additional hydrotherapy pool, better-equipped bedrooms and fully accessible adventure work is due to start next year with the full project set for completion in 2027, subject to approval from Perth and Kinross Council. Rachel House was built in 1996 at a cost of £10m and opened by HRH The Princess supported just under 100 children a year in the 1990s, but that number has more than doubled and continues to charity said that the redesign had "put children and families at the heart of the process" with their input key to the changes being Qusai Alhamdan, whose children Mo and Elaine have been supported by Rachel House since 2021, said the hospice was "very close to our hearts."The children both suffer from ataxia with oculomotor apraxia, which causes problems with movement, co-ordination and balance. Dr Alhamdan said: "As their condition is degenerative, making memories together as a family is very important to us and we have spent many wonderful respite visits at Rachel House over the last four years."My wife Esraa and I find our visits to the hospice very relaxing because we don't have to worry about our caring responsibilities as the lovely nurses and staff take over and do everything that is needed so we can just enjoy precious time together." Ken Lowndes' two daughters Jenny and Marion were two of the first children to be cared for in Rachel House when it opened. Born healthy normal babies with a two-year age gap, both Jenny and Marion were diagnosed with leukodystrophy when they were four years old. Before Rachel House opened, the family made regular 900-mile round trips from their home in Achiltibuie, north of Ullapool, to Martin House in West Lowndes said: "We helped to fundraise for Rachel House but we never knew if Jenny and Marion would get to visit, if they'd live to see it. "They did. They loved it, as did we all."Ensuring the next generation of families has the same standard of care that my family experienced is vital and the redesigned Rachel House will go on to make a huge difference to hundreds more Scottish families." Chas chief executive Rami Okasha said the charity wanted to transform end-of-life care for children and their families in said: "No one should face the death of their child alone and to be successful we are once again asking or donors to get on board and help raise the millions of pounds that will make a difference every day for families dealing with the unimaginable reality of loving and caring for a child who will die young."
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Victorian seaside town home to MASSIVE abandoned lido is being brought back to life in £6.8million makeover
A PICTURESQUE seaside town plans to give its promenade and abandoned lido a £6.8 million revamp. Victorian town Grange-over-sands has managed to keep much of its charm and elegance, despite many coastal resorts in the UK falling in to disrepair. 4 4 4 The popular resort, located near the Lake District in Cumbria, is packed with quaint cafes and a bustling promenade. Grange-over-sands doesn't technically have a beach, as it is a salt marsh, but in times gone by this was not an issue as holidaymakers headed to the town's lido to soak up the sun. However, despite the holiday resort having its own micro-climate its popular lido was closed back in 1993, and fell into disrepair. Since its closure, the Grade II listed building has become filled with stagnant water, with weeds growing uncontrollably around the poolside. A local charity group called Save Grange Lido has now been formed, with locals desperate to get the attraction back up and running. "Grange Baths became a focal point for the community with bathers coming from far and wide by train on the Furness Line – a part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway," the group said. "The pool hosted many events over the years including beauty contests, competitive galas and synchronised swimming. "It was the place to be seen on a summer 's day." Back in 2023, work began on restoring the lido to its former glory, as well as giving the 2.4 mile long promenade a facelift. Almost £5 million has been allocated to transforming the pool, which will be given a temporary infill so that it can be used as a 'multi-use' public space. I left iconic UK seaside town to live on tiny Scottish island with just 60 people However, the lido's return is currently dependent on the council being satisfied by the business case, amongst other criteria. The rest of the money is being used to transform the promenade. "Work on the 1,900m-long promenade will include the removal of unstable sections of the sea defence wall; the application of a durable coating to the upper surface of the promenade; and, a combination of pre-cast and in situ concrete repairs to the upper edge 'bull nose' and sea-facing elevation of the sea wall," Westmorland and Furness Council said. "The work also includes connectivity works to link the promenade to the town; public realm furniture; signage; improvements to railings; and a new child's playground area." In February 2023, the council said that the refurbishment would take 14 months to complete, however it has been hit by a number of delays, including problems with concrete. Last month, the council announced that it is "unlikely" the project will be finished this summer, and revealed that a new opening date will be announced this week. "While it is frustrating that the construction phase must be extended due to further assessment of the repairs required to complete the project, it highlights the complexity of working with historic assets of this nature," Councillor Jonathon Brook said. "It is important that we get this right, understanding that the lido project seeks to restore this important structure after more than 30 years of closure and several previous attempts to bring it back to life." But for those desperate to visit the idyllic town before the lido is completely, there are plenty of other attractions nearby, such as a visit to Holker Hall and Garden - an award-winning stately home with beautiful gardens, woodland walks and a deer park. Cartmel Village is known for its famous sticky toffee pudding and it's also a short drive away from Grange-over-Sands. Other neighbouring attractions include The Lakeland Motor Museum, Yewbarrow House Garden and Sizergh Castle and Garden.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Popular splash park to have six-metre-tall ‘super splash' tipping bucket and interactive water play in £900k revamp
A POPULAR splash park is undergoing a £900k revamp that will be finished just in time for the summer holidays. A family favourite, Clifton Park's waterplay in Rotheram, is getting an upgrade after almost 20 years. 3 3 3 Fresh details have now emerged about the exciting redevelopment with planning applications now submitted. The environmentally-friendly revamp will feature a wider range of interactive features while retaining much-loved elements like fountains and paddling pools. The new £900k facility will include exciting high-impact features such as a huge six-metre tall "Super Splash" tipping bucket alongside water jets and fountains. There will also be interactive water play elements designed to provide a more inclusive and exciting experience. And it should all be ready in time for the summer holidays. In addition to the impressive new features, surfacing will be made safer and a new foot-washing station will be installed. Changes will also be made to allow for smoother circulation and new planting to support biodiversity. The area will also include an upgraded system for more efficient water use and children will be encouraged to learn about water conservation and the environment. A new plant system and plant room will be put in place which filters and recycles the water. Toilets, changing rooms, and the adjacent kiosk will remain in place and the surrounding green area used for picnics and relaxation will be preserved. The upgrades are designed to enhance access, boost reliability and continue to serve as a family-friendly attraction in the local community. Clifton Park waterplay was created in 2008 as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund project with children and families flocking to the splash park for years. TUI resort next door to giant waterpark Owing to its popularity, wear and tear started to have an impact resulting in continuous breakdowns. The project has been shaped by community feedback with a public consultation launched last year that received 200 respondents. They called for retaining the open space and existing play elements while adding a mix of new features. Capacity will remain similar to before with room for up to 600 people including spectators. Five new water attractions opening in the UK Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK. Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Rotherham Council, said: "Our aim is for every neighbourhood in Rotherham to be a thriving neighbourhood, and part of that commitment is to enhance our green spaces like Clifton Park. 'The redevelopment the park's waterplay is more than just a face lift - it's a commitment to enhancing community infrastructure, promoting health and well-being, and creating a safe and engaging space for children to play. "We know how much residents enjoy the current facility. However, much of the equipment is outdated, with some features no longer working. "That's why we're forging ahead with a scheme that will replace old infrastructure and equipment and make sure that children are able to easily access a high quality waterplay facility. "This particular investment will encourage physical activity, family engagement, and environmental awareness and put outdoor play at the heart of the community.' Once planning approval is confirmed, work is expected to get underway. The revamped splash park will provide a major boost to Clifton Park's popular line-up of attractions. Clifton Park was named the fourth best UK theme park for 2019 by TripAdvisor. In addition to the splash park, it features a number of family-friendly activities including rollercoasters, mini-golf and a fun park for kids.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Abandoned UK city centre branded a ‘grot spot' where empty department store left to rot is set for £200,000 makeover
A HIGH street 'grot spot' is set to undergo a £200,000 transformation in the hopes of reviving the area. The street has been tarnished by an abandoned department store and is in desperate need of rejuvenation. 2 2 A £200,000 revamp project is set to restore a Canterbury high street to its former glory. St Mary Bredman Square, Kent, which contains a Grade-II listed war memorial, has been approved for development. Plans were approved this week following their submission in March. Canturbery City Council plan to use some of the £22 million they received from the previous government's Levelling Up scheme. The proposals include new steps and seating, improved flowerbeds and a new mural. The planning officer wrote: "The proposal preserves the special interest pf the Grade-II listed memorials and is acceptable." They added: "In conclusion, the works proposed are acceptable and preserve the historic and architectural significance of the war memorials." The memorial commemorates Royal East Kent Yeomanry soldiers who died in the Boer and First World War, in addition to a memorial for animals that died during the conflict. Comments from locals seemed less enthusiastic about the development. One wrote: "Save the money. It's such a small space." While another added: "Need a bit more than £200k to sort this!" Yet others felt that the £200k cost seemed unreasonable given how little work the square needs. One Facebook user commented: "I'm sorry, but I can't believe it's going to take £200k to pretty it up slightly, add a few steps and do next to nothing with the department store building around it that's been empty for years. "Surely you could do this for a fraction of the money?" Others said that the square itself isn't the problem - it's the derelict buildings surrounding it that have left it feeling uninviting. Some locals suggested that the community should come together to clean up the area. Stewart Ross, chairman of Canterbury Commemoration Society has said that the war memorial should be moved alongside other memorials in Dane John Gardens. Stewart told the BBC: "Certainly, [the refurbishment] needs to be done because it's a pretty crucial area in the history of Canterbury. "It could be quite attractive and we'd support any work being done to improve it. "It needs a bit of artwork there rather than that out-of-place memorial statue." The abandoned department store - a former Nasons - is also Grade II listed. It comes as towns across the country have tried to revive their high streets following a decline in footfall since Covid. High streets have been left with empty stores and dilapidated shop fronts as councils try to revive the struggling areas. Croydon recently promised a £5 billion revamp complete with a new shopping centre and train station. While Oxford Council has become increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress on a redevelopment project in Cowley.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
UK's ‘worst seaside town' where drug gangs run rampant and locals ‘don't feel safe outside' set for massive revamp
THE UK's 'worst seaside town' where drug gangs run rampant and the locals 'don't feel safe outside' is now set for a huge revamp. The Welsh resort town of Bangor was hit with the unfortunate title following a survey by the consumer champion Which? where it was described as being 'drab' and 'run down'. 6 6 6 Bangor scored just 42 percent approval rating in the Which? survey with a lack of shopping highlighted. It scored one-star ratings for food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping. For everything else, Bangor received just two stars. However, it was praised as a good base for visiting the 'fabulous' scenery and coast of North Wales. Nestled less than an hour away from Snowdonia national park, overlooking the Menai Strait, the North Wales city has been ravaged in recent years by rampant drug gangs and a high street battling to stay afloat. The 700 people quizzed by Which? gave the town an approval rating of just 42 percent. Nathan Griffiths, 25, a tyre technician, told The Sun last year: 'It's a s***hole. It's gone downhill massively for years. It's a dump in the city centre. 'I don't feel safe coming out here.' Dewi Rees, 55, said: 'It's been declining for 20 years. It's a shame it has gone downhill.' Dewi added: 'There's a lack of investment, the retail park is outside the town and tariffs on the properties are too high. Inside UK's 'worst seaside town' where shuttered restaurants are turned into drug farms But the high street is a mess, with boarded-up buildings and most national retailers long disappeared. Since the pandemic, the shopping centre has incredibly been 80 per cent vacant as the high street struggles to get back on its feet. The closure of Debenhams in 2021 sounded the death klaxon for the main shopping road. Drug gangs have seized the vacant lots to brazenly run secret cannabis factories. There have also been complaints of drug dealing in nearby Caernarfon Road, where many well-known high street names have relocated to new stores. In 2024, two men were jailed for their role in running a cannabis farm, claiming they had been forced into the work after being brought over illegally. The factory they were caught in was estimated to be worth £730,000, with Albanian nationals Fatjon Tarja, 32, and Indrit Balliu, 31, caught trying to escape out the back. The property used to have a restaurant on the ground floor, but it had been turned into a four-story operation housing 700 cannabis plants and all the equipment needed to grow them. Both men were jailed each for a year and eight months, with a ten-month minimum time served inside. But now the town is having new life breathed into it with its main shopping centre – the Menai Centre – being put on the market. The "shopping dream" precinct was developed in 2007 and cost £18.5million to build - but is listed for auction with a guide price of just £4.2million. The centre once housed High Street fashion retailers such as Debenhams and H&M but they left during the pandemic and is now 80 percent vacant. Among the shops left include a Greggs, The Original Factory Shop, and Hays Travel opening, as well as a cocktail bar. History of Bangor The city's name is Welsh for 'wattled enclosure', meaning it takes its name from the fenced area that originally surrounded the cathedral site. In 973 the city became the site of peace talks between Iago, ruler of the Kingdom of Gwynedd, and Hywel who had usurped him. The talks were facilitated by Edgar, King of England, who persuaded the warring kings to share ruling the realm. Bangor remained a relatively small settlement until the beginning of the 18th century, when it was designated a postal town on the route to Ireland. It then developed a shipbuilding industry and tourism via steamboats from Liverpool docks. In 1826, the Menai Bridge was built, connecting the isle of Anglesey to the mainland physically for the first time. By 1848, the city had a train station, allowing tourists to visit it more easily. In 1893, the Garth Pier opened. It's the second-longest pier in Wales and is now Grade II listed. During World War II, Bangor was used to rehouse parts of the BBC to avoid the blitz in London. The corporation still retains facilities in the city to this day. A health centre is set to open in the former Debenhams store funded by the Welsh Government, which is hoped will attract footfall but that unit is not part of the sale. The 130,000 sq ft building was bought by Bearmont Capital - run by Rob Lloyd - in 2023 and is listed for auction with property giant Savills in a two-stage bidding process. Savills said: "The property is arranged over ground and one upper floor and arranged as 19 separate units. It comprises 64,321 sq ft of retail and leisure space. "Tenants include JD Sport, Cafe Nero, Hays Travel, 3 mobile, Superdrug and Greggs amongst others. "Each shop benefits from their own street frontage. 'The Shopping Centre has no communal atrium, thus minimising the common parts. 'To the rear is a service yard." Savills say the current annual rents paid by tenants add up to £508,000. Explaining the bidding process, they said: "In stage 1 potential purchasers will be invited to place bids via a set deadline. 'These offers will then be considered by the client and a best and final offers may be called. "Should an offer meet the client's requirements a successful bidder will be selected and a sale will take place via an auction contract, which will be signed immediately along with receiving a 10 per cent deposit. 'The property will be deemed as 'sold prior to auction'. "If no stand out bids are received or bids received are of a similar value then a reserve price will be set on the property and it will be sold via a live online auction (date to be determined subject to Stage 1 of the process)." The stage one bids close on June 10. After receiving the title, Bangor City Council said: "It's disappointing to see Bangor City named as one of the UK's worst seaside towns. 'Such rankings often fail to capture the full picture and the unique charms that make Bangor City so special." 6 6 6
