Ellis Williams continues commitment as Sponsor of PLACED Academy

Breathing New Life into Northwich Library known as the Brunner Library

Thie Clag – A Landmark Reimagined

20 Years in 20 Minutes: The Legacy of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Ellis Williams has been named as a supplier on NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement

Cerith Wyn Evans’ show isn’t just at Mostyn, but for Mostyn

Company Activity Away Day

Upgrade project at the home of British Cycling completes

Wirral’s £25m Maritime Knowledge Hub gets the green light from Wirral Council planners

St Anne Street Police Station in Liverpool get the keys following refurbishment

Onion Collective named RIBA Client of the Year 2023 for its East Quay project in Somerset

Halton Leisure Centre Opens its Doors!

Cheshire’s Archives a Shared Story for Heritage and Community

Plans Revealed for Oldham Coliseum Revitalisation

Ellis Williams Architects Secures Place on £175m Fusion21 Construction Consultancy Framework

Hannah Bendon – Best Undergraduate Project Scotland + Andy MacMillian Drawing Prize Highly Commended

Ellis Williams selected as a consultancy partner on the newly launched NWCH Consult Framework

Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Institute of Technology, Cutting-edge Design for Staffordshire Students

Pioneering Design for Global Health Innovation with one of the UK’s First Cat 3 Robotic AI Laboratories

Ellis Williams Activity Day 2025

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The Vernon Stockton Centre

<h3>Climate-resilient forests boosted by new state-of-the-art tree seed processing centre</h3>
Forestry Minister Mary Creagh formally opened the new timber-framed, net zero building, which will process up to four tonnes of tree seeds each year and represents a major investment in the UK’s forestry sector.
<a href="https://ewa.co.uk/news/climate-resilient-forests-boosted-by-new-state-of-the-art-tree-seed-processing-centre">READ MORE HERE</a>

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Creating better environments for the benefit of all 

Contact us on email <a href="mailto:info@ewa.co.uk">info@ewa.co.uk</a> or call our HQ on <a href="tel:0303 003 2375">0303 003 2375</a>.

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Our HQ based in Cheshire is supported by Regional Studios in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Isle of Man and our International Studio in Berlin.

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Wrexham Sheltered Housing Programme

Wrexham County Borough Council’s £16.9 million sheltered housing refurbishment programme has reached a significant milestone.

Wrexham Sheltered Housing Scheme is delivering modern, accessible, and energy-efficient homes for older residents across the region. This transformative initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving quality of life and supporting independent living.
Ellis Williams played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and design of these schemes, working closely with partners to ensure each development meets the highest standards. The programme includes the successful completion of Tir y Capel in Llay, Llys y Mynydd in Rhos, Maes Y Capel in Coedpoeth, and most recently, Wisteria Court in Wrexham. The refurbishments have focused on:
<ul>
<li>Enhanced Accessibility: Larger apartments and improved layouts to support mobility.</li>
<li>Modernised Communal Spaces: Creating welcoming environments for social interaction.</li>
<li>Sustainability Measures: Incorporating triple-glazed windows and air source heat pumps to boost energy efficiency.</li>
</ul>
As the Wrexham sheltered housing programme continues to progress, we remain at the forefront of delivering design solutions that enrich vulnerable communities and set new benchmarks for social housing excellence.

Frameworks

Strengthening Our Role in Public Sector Design Through a National Framework

Ellis Williams Architects is proud to announce our successful appointment to the Fusion21 Construction Consultancy Services Framework, a national initiative worth up to £175 million over four years.
This follows a highly competitive tender process and positions us among 120 specialist firms selected to deliver consultancy services for the built environment.
The framework is designed to support public sector organisations, providing access to experienced and qualified consultants.
Our appointment reinforces Ellis Williams Architects’ dedication to delivering design excellence, sustainability, and community impact across the UK. We look forward to collaborating with Fusion21 members to create spaces that inspire and improve lives.
Projects delivered by Ellis Williams Architects through the previous Fusion21 Framework include: Bewsey Intermediate Care Facility, Warrington Peace Centre, Nursing &amp; Midwifery Council Office.

Planning

Revitalisation of historic Greater Manchester theatre gets the green light.

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Ellis Williams Architects is proud to see that planning permission has been granted for the extensive refurbishment and redesign of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, marking a significant milestone in the venue’s long-awaited revival.
The approved plans will breathe new life into the 138-year-old building, which has stood unused since March 2023. Working in partnership with Oldham Council and delivery partner Tilbury Douglas, Ellis Williams has developed a scheme that combines respect for the theatre’s heritage with a bold, contemporary vision for its future. 
Key features of the approved design include:
<ul>
<li>A new façade, creating a welcoming and high-quality frontage that reflects the Coliseum’s cultural significance.</li>
<li>Improved accessibility through a remodelled entrance, new ramp, and upgraded steps.</li>
<li>Comprehensive internal refurbishment, including modernised changing facilities, enhanced bar areas, and improved soundproofing.</li>
<li>Major structural works such as re-roofing and asbestos removal to ensure compliance with modern standards.</li>
</ul>
Originally built as a timber circus in 1887, the theatre has hosted generations of performers and audiences. Its restoration is the result of a determined community campaign and strong support from local stakeholders.
With planning now approved, construction work will progress towards ensuring the Coliseum can once again take centre stage in Greater Manchester’s cultural landscape.

Revitalisation of the cherished Northwich Library continues following planning and listed building consent approval marking a significant milestone in its restoration journey.

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Ellis Williams Architects is delighted to announce that planning permission and listed building consent has been granted for the redevelopment of Northwich Library.
The new library, designed by Ellis Williams in close collaboration with Cheshire West and Chester Council, will replace the existing 1909 building with a modern, energy-efficient facility that reflects Northwich’s heritage while embracing the needs of a 21st-century community.
The two-storey design will include a state-of-the-art library, flexible community spaces, a café, and enhanced digital services.
The project has been shaped by extensive community engagement and consultation. Feedback from residents, library users, and local organisations has played a key role in informing the design and ensuring the new facility meets the needs of all users.
The new library will be built on the same site as the current building, which will be respectfully decommissioned following over a century of service.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the new library anticipated to open in 2027.

Thought Leadership

Hannah Bendon Honoured at Prestigious Scottish Architecture Awards

We are proud to share that our colleague and Architectural Assistant Hannah Bendon has achieved outstanding recognition at the 2025 Scottish Student Awards for Architecture, hosted by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and Architecture &amp; Design Scotland (A&amp;DS). 
At this year’s ceremony, held at Civic House in Glasgow, Hannah was awarded:
<ul>
<li>Best Undergraduate Project – a testament to creativity, technical skill, and innovative approach to architectural design.</li>
<li>Highly Commended for the Andy MacMillan Drawing Prize – highlighting exceptional talent in architectural representation and visual storytelling.</li>
</ul>
These awards celebrate the very best emerging talent from Scotland’s five schools of architecture, showcasing projects that push boundaries and inspire new ways of thinking about design and sustainability. Hannah’s achievement reflects not only individual brilliance but also the collaborative spirit and dedication that define Ellis Williams.
Hannah’s project, ‘Foraged Construction’, was completed during her final year at Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, whilst she worked part time at Ellis Williams following her part 1 placement with us. The judges described the project as a “well-researched and future-focused proposal which presents a phased strategy for sustainable development, grounded in material reuse, community involvement and skill-building.”
Winning these honours places Hannah among the top future architects shaping the built environment.
We are proud to support such talent and look forward to seeing how Hannah’s ideas influence the future of architecture as she starts a new chapter studying at the London School of Architecture alongside her work in the London studio.

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Education Estates 2025 - Architectural Practice of the Year

Awards

We are delighted to share that our team has been shortlisted for two major categories at the Education Estates Awards 2025: Architectural Practice of the Year, and Project of the Year Colleges, for the Stafford College Skills &amp; Innovation Centre.

The Stafford College Skills and Innovation Centre, shortlisted for Project of the Year – Colleges at the Education Estates Awards 2025, sets new benchmarks for creativity and student experience. With an innovative design that prioritises adaptability, sustainability, and industry collaboration, the Centre showcases flexible learning spaces and energy-efficient architecture. Its impact is already evident including a 25% rise in student applications, reductions in operational carbon, and meaningful contributions to community regeneration positioning it as a model for future-ready educational environments.

Being shortlisted for these awards is a testament to the passion and expertise of our team and our collaborative approach with clients and partners. The winners will be announced on October the 14th at the Education Estates Awards Dinner, taking place during the Education Estates Conference in Manchester.
We are proud to be recognised among the very best in the sector and look forward to celebrating together with our peers at this prestigious event.

The Brindley’s refurbishment and extension continues apace.

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The Brindley Theatre

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We are delighted to mark a significant milestone in the transformation of The Brindley Theatre, as the building reaches watertight status!
Working alongside our partners at Halton Borough Council, Krol Corlett Construction, Arcadis, Clancy, Stantec and KOK, Ellis Williams Architects is proud to lead the architectural vision for this £6.3m extension and refurbishment. The scheme forms part of the wider Reconnecting Runcorn programme promoting town centre regeneration.
The installation of 40no. individual 9-sqm glazing panels to the steel frame extension, marks the completion of the building envelope.
The extension will house a relocated public library, a new 80-cover eatery and dedicated education spaces. The design has been carefully considered to ensure accessibility, sustainability and flexibility, with materials and finishes selected to support long-term use and ease of maintenance.
Despite the complexity of working within a live venue, performances at The Brindley continue uninterrupted thanks to careful planning and collaboration across the project team. Completion is anticipated in early spring 2026, and we look forward to unveiling a revitalised Brindley Theatre that reflects the ambition and creativity of Runcorn.

Despite the complexity of working within a live venue, performances at The Brindley continue uninterrupted thanks to careful planning and collaboration across the project team. 
Completion is anticipated in early spring 2026, and we look forward to unveiling a revitalised Brindley Theatre that reflects the ambition and creativity of Runcorn.

Berlin

Events

As part of our annual Ellis Williams Architects Indian Summer Event in our German Studio we welcomed business partners, planning partners and friends of our office on 25th September 2025 to also celebrate 30 years of Ellis Williams Architects in Berlin.

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The anniversary provided a great opportunity to say a toast to our joint achievements and future projects and to spend a relaxed evening in our studio with friends of the office.
With Mirko Gabler appointed as our new Berlin Studio Director, and a fresh, effective colour scheme now brightening our meeting room, we’re stepping into our next decade with real tailwind.
Many thanks to everyone who celebrated this special evening with us!

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Forestry England has officially opened its new seed processing centre at Delamere in Cheshire. The cutting-edge facility will support creating climate-resilient forests for future generations and strengthen the UK’s forestry infrastructure. Forestry Minister Mary Creagh formally opened the new timber-framed, net zero building, which will process up to four tonnes of tree seeds each year and represents a major investment in the UK’s forestry sector.

Built next to one of Forestry England’s tree nursery sites, the centre will significantly expand its capacity to process seeds from a wider variety of tree species, including those identified through research as better suited to thrive in changing climate conditions. Forestry England will publish later this autumn a list of tree species they will focus on growing and planting for the future, and the research behind it. All the future tree species are expected to grow well and become more important as sources of sustainable, high-quality timber in drier, hotter conditions and play their part in storing carbon, improving air quality and mitigating flooding.

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The centre features advanced equipment including cone dryers for conifer tree seeds, gravity tables to sort and grade seed material, and climate-controlled storage that can preserve conifer and broadleaf tree seeds for up to 20 years. Forestry England is installing more machinery and upgrades including a 3D X-ray scanner which can measure seed quality and a laser sorter to further improve processing accuracy, speed and quality.
Seed processed in the centre come from Forestry England’s network of 12 specially planted seed orchards and 29 seed stands that stretch across the nation&#8217;s forests, covering just over 300 hectares. Forestry England is planting and identifying more of these to increase the supply of high-quality genetic material.
Trees grown from the processed seed go to restock forests harvested for their timber and create new woodlands which provide rich habitats for wildlife and beautiful spaces for people to enjoy. Supported by government funding, this year Forestry England completed a four-year woodland creation programme which saw 16 new woodlands planted with approximately 1.8 million trees.
Built by lead contractor <a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/projects/delamere-forest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Willmott Dixon,</a> the 2,000m2 building is timber-framed and has been designed to achieve excellent levels of environmental performance and will be net zero carbon in operation. Funding for the project came from the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund alongside Forestry England investment.
Seed processing has already got underway, with Scots pine cones collected from Forestry England Thetford in East Anglia being among the first batch through the new processing machinery.
The centre has been named in honour of a long-serving and dedicated member of Forestry England’s plant and seed supply team, Vernon Stockton. He played a key role in the organisation’s plant and seed supply work for more than 40 years and passed away in 2022.

The centre features advanced equipment including cone dryers for conifer tree seeds, gravity tables to sort and grade seed material, and climate-controlled storage that can preserve conifer and broadleaf tree seeds for up to 20 years. Forestry England is installing more machinery and upgrades including a 3D X-ray scanner which can measure seed quality and a laser sorter to further improve processing accuracy, speed and quality.
Seed processed in the centre come from Forestry England’s network of 12 specially planted seed orchards and 29 seed stands that stretch across the nation&#8217;s forests, covering just over 300 hectares. Forestry England is planting and identifying more of these to increase the supply of high-quality genetic material.
Trees grown from the processed seed go to restock forests harvested for their timber and create new woodlands which provide rich habitats for wildlife and beautiful spaces for people to enjoy. Supported by government funding, this year Forestry England completed a four-year woodland creation programme which saw 16 new woodlands planted with approximately 1.8 million trees.
Built by lead contractor Willmott Dixon, the 2,000m2 building is timber-framed and has been designed to achieve excellent levels of environmental performance and will be net zero carbon in operation. Funding for the project came from the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund alongside Forestry England investment.
Seed processing has already got underway, with Scots pine cones collected from Forestry England Thetford in East Anglia being among the first batch through the new processing machinery.
The centre has been named in honour of a long-serving and dedicated member of Forestry England’s plant and seed supply team, Vernon Stockton. He played a key role in the organisation’s plant and seed supply work for more than 40 years and passed away in 2022.
Photography: Henry Terry &amp; Willmott Dixon

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (SoSIoT) opens its doors to first cohort of learners.

Ellis Williams is pleased to see the completion of SoSIoT for our client, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG). This transformative £22.5m development utilises a hub-and-spoke approach, serving the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The new three-storey, 8,000 sq. ft. centre in Staffordshire will serve as the central hub.
The building features state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment. Inside, learners will find a VR/AR immersive space, a mock hospital ward, testing laboratories, robotics and automation equipment, as well as an advanced manufacturing learning factory. Learners will also benefit from conference rooms, a lecture theatre, a bistro and a range of immersive teaching spaces.
Constructed in the heart of the Staffordshire Station Gateway regeneration scheme, SoSIoT brings together key industry, education, and research opportunities in targeted STEM areas. It provides advanced manufacturing and engineering qualifications, deepening the relationship between educators and industry to better align with the needs of employers hiring technical education graduates. Local employers including Siemens, Hitachi, Dell, MOOG, and Indurent act as core employer partners and members of the SoSIoT governing body.
One of only 21 Institutes of Technology located in England, SoSIoT offers non-traditional routes to higher education for sectors facing significant skills challenges including advanced engineering, high-value manufacturing, modern methods of construction, digital technology, and health and life sciences.
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