1. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
Director
ONC, HNC Building Studies,BA (Hons) B. Arch (Hons),
Diploma in Professional Practice & Management RIBA
Richard is a Chartered Architect and Director at Watson Batty Architects Limited leading the Housing & Regeneration
Team. He has a major influence on design strategy and technical quality on a number of projects.
Richard has undertaken a variety of public and private sector residential projects, procured via Design & Build, traditional
and PFI routes. He has led the PFI bids for Excellent Homes for Life in Kirklees and the Little London, Beeston Hill and
Holbeck Housing Leeds.
He has also completed some large masterplanning regeneration commissions, which involve extensive public consultation,
as part of New Deal, HMR Pathfinder and SRB funded initiatives.
Kirklees Excellent Homes for Life PFI for Wates Living Space & Regenter
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
Project architect for the delivery of 30 sites across the Kirklees area and management co-
ordination of the team in the delivery of the overall project. Watson Batty are working alongside
Regenter and Wates Living Space to deliver 500 new build Flats across over 30 different sites
within the Kirklees area. We are Lead designers for the General Needs and Wheelchair accessible
Flats. The units are all to be constructed to Code for Sustainable Homes level 4 which is the
largest of it’s kind in the UK.
The homes have been designed to meet the long-term needs of occupants which are well laid
out with good space standards which will enable flexible use by the families who live in them.
The design of all units aims to achieve Lifetime Homes Standard to meet the changing
requirements of tenants throughout their lives by making homes more flexible, convenient, safe
and accessible.
Richard's Role: Project Director
Valley View, Heptonstall - Pennine Housing 2000 & Strata Construction
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
The existing sheltered housing located on the Valley View site had been in low demand for
many years. Refurbishment was found to be undesirable and conversion, not cost effective. In
their place, 22no. 2 bed, 3 person newbuild apartments both for rent and shared ownership
were required. All of the new apartments are designed to comply with HCA Scheme
Development Standards (S.D.S) to an Eco-Homes standard of "Very Good". 4no have been
designed as fully compliant specialist wheelchair units. Value approx £2.9m
Richard's Role: Project Director
Rashcliffe Hill Road Redevelopment, Huddersfield for Sadeh Lok HA & Strata Construction
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
The project involved the demolition of existing high/low rise flats and bungalows to make way
for new build social housing for larger families. The scheme was designed in accordance with
Scheme Development Standards. Value approx £4 million.
Richard's Role: Project Architect then Project Director

2. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
Little London, Beeston Hill & Holbeck Housing PFI Bid
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
Watson Batty were appointed as Lead designers as Part of the ‘Community Solutions for
Regeneration’ Consortium. The Bid Team included Lovell, Morgan Sindall, Chevin Housing
Group, Latham Architects, SLR Consulting and WYG Consulting.
The PFI bid involved the detailed design and strategic masterplanning of several sites within the
Little London, Beeston Hill and Holbeck areas of Leeds. The scheme was for approximately 850
new build houses, apartments and bungalows. There was to be a tenure mix across the scheme
of Private Sales, Social rented and Shared ownership / home-buy units.The scheme looked to not
only live up to Leeds City councils aspirations for the are, but sensitively stitch into the existing
urban fabric of it’s immediate surroundings.As well as the New build we were also involved in
the design of the conversion, refurbishment and external remodelling works to existing Leeds
City Council properties.
Richard's Role: Project Director
Twin Valley Homes - North Road, Blackburn
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
North Road is our first project procured via the Riverside Framework and has proved to be a
success in terms of team working. The residential units formerly located on the North Road site
were demolished some years ago by Twin Valley Homes as they were poor quality, undesirable
and difficult to let. It was identified at an early stage to be a priority site for redevelopment as it
represented the continuation of the overall regeneration of the Lincoln Road estate area.
This newbuild scheme, which was completed on site in 2010, provides 29no. family dwellings
consisting of 20no. 3bed, 5 person houses, and 9no. 4bed 8 person houses. The scheme tenure
mix includes for the provision of 14no rented units and 15no shared ownership units. The
properties are arranged around a new mews court.
Richard's Role: Project Director

3. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
Thurnscoe Redevelopment, Barnsley - Keepmoat Homes
Watson Batty's Role: Masterplanner & Architect
Following our successful masterplanning work with Barnsley MBC at East Thurnscoe and the
REEMA Estate we were involved in the developer bid that would bring many of our strategic
ideas to fruition.
We were appointed by Keepmoat to be their lead designer for the bid. We were joined by GVA
Grimley and SLR Consulting to help produce a high quality, sustainable, deliverable solution to
enable the communities of East and West Thurnscoe to unite and be part of securing them a
long-term future.
Our vision for Thurnscoe provided a variety of housing types and tenures in an attractive and
well maintained neighbourhood, which benefits from a rural outlook and proximity to local
services.
It strengthened Thurnscoe’s role as a residential settlement serving wider employment markets,
through new housing investment and improved linkages to the local station.
Our proposals for Thurnscoe introduced significant green space and amenity value through the
creation of a green space network. Households would benefit from attractive views across
formal and informal open spaces, which provide a variety of use and activity, including formal
areas of play, enjoyment and relaxation. A series of character areas would be created, defined
by housing type and form, and set within an overall masterplanning strategy to ensure the
development of an integrated neighbourhood.
We have successfully obtained Outline Planning approval for the 875 unit masterplan, and
Detailed Planning approval for the 161 units which make up phase 1. The project started on site
in early 2010.
Richard's Role: Project Director
Burnham Avenue, Bierley - ROK & InCommunities
Watson Batty's Role: Masterplanner & Architect
Watson Batty Architects were involved with the proposed scheme at Burnham Avenue located
within the former Bradford council estate at Bierley. The site had been cleared by Bradford
Community Housing Trust (now InCommunities) with a view to redeveloping for new family
housing. The original Brief looked to provide a completely newbuild for sale option, however,
following consultation with residents and a review of the housing need in the area it was
decided to provide a more sustainable mixed tenure scheme.
The resulting scheme of 93no. newbuild houses consisted of rented and shared ownership units
with InCommunities, rented units with Manningham Housing Association (aimed specifically at
ethnic minority groups) and the remainder as low cost starter homes for sale by Richardson
Projects. The design brief stipulated that the For Rent and For Sale units were to be evenly
distributed, whilst maintaining a consistent quality of material and aesthetics. Based on this
design brief, we realised the need for a high density PPG3 courtyard approach.
Richard's Role: Project Architect then Project Director

4. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
Edgehill Estate, Scarborough - Sanctuary Housing Association
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
The Edgehill Estate has been the subject of a whole area urban regeneration strategy over the
past few years. Watson Batty Architects developed a masterplan for Sanctuary H.A. and Local
Authority owned properties.
The commission benefited from the establishment of a very close working relationship between
Sanctuary Housing and Scarborough Council.€ Good links were also quickly set up with the
community.€ It started life as a very difficult project as the area had unique regeneration
problems to be addressed, but it developed into a great success story.€
Our masterplanning commission included environmental improvements and the refurbishment
of existing properties on the estate.€ Our consultation work involved the presentation of sketch
proposals to residents for analysis and discussion in order to gain support for, and implement,
stock transfer.€ We produced a Best Value assessment including Stock Condition Surveys and a
final report that made recommendations to Sanctuary Housing and Scarborough Council.
The Edgehill Estate commission consisted of the erection of 70 new build social housing units
for rent, providing predominantly 2 ,3 and 4-bedroom family dwellings. The units are all
located within new adopted mews courts, to create a better sense of community between the
new residents, reduce high speed traffic problems, and endorse the planning objectives of the
'Secured by Design’ requirements.
Richard's Role: Project Architect
Selby PFI - Lovell & South Yorkshire Housing
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
Watson Batty were responsible for feasibility work, initial planning consultation work, scheme
design, client & local authority co-ordination. Partnership with Developer and RSL to build new
build for sale and housing for rent. Approx. value. £15million.
Richard's Role: Project Architect
Dudley Estate, Illingworth - Southdale & Pennine Housing 2000
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
We prepared a number of regeneration options for the Dudley Estate ranging from total
demolition and newbuild to comprehensive refurbishment.€ Following a number of
consultation events and cost appraisals we arrived at a preferred option consisting of a mix of
newbuild and refurbished units including a mixed tenure of rent, shared ownership and
privately owned/Right to Buy. €
€We have also strived to solve the Radburn layout issues via good quality external works
improvements, selective road closures and the introduction of more private garden spaces
Richard's Role: Project Architect then Project Director

5. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
North Bransholme Estate, Hull - Urban & Partners in Change
Watson Batty's Role: Masterplanner
Our commission at the North Bransholme Estate was for Partners in Change and the Residents’
Group ‘URBaN’ utilising Section 16 funding to explore the feasibility of a stock transfer from
Hull City Council Housing Stock to a resident run estate. We were given the brief of attempting
to remodel the existing courtyards into workable solutions. The entire estate was originally
designed as a ‘Radburn’ layout which of course has inherent social problems associated with it.
We prepared a series of phasing strategies to indicate how the whole project could be realised
with the minimum amount of disruption.
We ensured that the community were kept informed at regular intervals so they could make
educated decisions and ultimately take an ownership of their Strategy Plan. The North
Bransholme Planning was achieved via a very intense period of consultation with members of
the community. The Plan was also to be submitted as part of the North Hull bid for Housing
Market Renewal Pathfinder monies.
Richard's Role: Project Architect
Bank Top Regeneration, Blackburn - Twin Valley Homes
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
The Ashworth Street and Bank Top area had been laid out in the Radburn style of the early
1970s, now recognised as an outdated approach to residential development for its lack of
private, secure space around individual homes and lack of practical parking provision.
The masterplan addresses the transformation of the layout to resolve social issues such as crime
and vandalism and problems with existing ‘rat runs’ and poorly maintained open space.€ This
was carried out through a process of consultation with the residents.€ We were also in regular
contact with the appointed CABE enabler who monitored the design and masterplanning
quality throughout the strategic phase of the project.
The masterplan investigated utilising partial demolition and property conversion/ improvements
to achieve a safer environment for the community.€
Richard's Role: Project Architect

6. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
Mytholm Close, Hebden Bridge - Pennine Housing 2000
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
Mytholm Close is a newbuild housing scheme replacing five unpopular medium rise blocks of
flats with 29no. new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses and 1 and 2 bedroom flats in response to local
demand.€
Located on the fringe of a conservation area, the new dwellings were designed to respond to
their locality through the use of short terraces and by the choice of materials.€ The new
dwellings successfully blend in with the surrounding older stone terraces.€
The layout was designed and planned in close consultation with existing and returning residents
of the flats, and also the adjacent residents in the terraces who have benefited from some extra
parking spaces.€ Consultation was undertaken throughout the duration of the project and
involved the client, stakeholders and appointed tenant’s representatives who would be the final
users of the dwellings.€ The tenants had a significant influence on the progression of the
projects and the ultimate design solution as their particular circumstances were taken into
account.€
Several of the houses and flats have also been designed specifically for wheelchair users and
those with mobility difficulties.€ An area has been provided as a children’s play area for the
residents to equip as they wish.
Richard's Role: Project Architect
Responsible for feasibility work, scheme design, client & local authority co-ordination, resident &
tenant consultations and presentations.
Twin Valley Homes - Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn.
Watson Batty's Role: Architect
The New build residential scheme at Whitendale Crescent was our 2nd Riverside Partnership
Scheme delivered for Twin Valley Homes. The steeply sloping site posed several design and
engineering challenges, but the whole design and construction team combined well to create a
very successful project. The 3 & 4 bed family dwellings were split level and responded well to
the existing topography. The properties were handed over in September 2010.
Richard's Role: Project Director

7. Curriculum Vitae
Richard Merrills
Deighton & Brackenhall Initiative, Huddersfield -Southdale, Strata Homes & Kirklees MC
Watson Batty's Role: Masterplanner & Architect
The Deighton and Brackenhall estate has suffered significant problems of crime, anti-social
behaviour and drug abuse alongside a fall in housing demand.
Watson Batty’s initial involvement consisted of resident and partner consultation and strategic
masterplanning. The masterplan illustrated the need for a new community centre,
environmental improvements, new housing, jobs and training opportunities; village centre
improvements and the inclusion of education and sporting facilities. The radical approach here
required major areas of demolition that needed very sensitive and thorough consultation.€
Phase 3 represents the completion of a strategy to reactivate demand for housing in the area,
improve environmental aesthetics and stimulate the development of sustainable communities
within the area. For this phase, a new range of house types were designed. These provide a
wider variety of external appearances across the development whilst remaining sympathetic to
the building vernacular of the surrounding area. The mixture of house types has also been
chosen to ensure that the development attracts a wide demographic of residents, with 2, 3 and
4 bedroom houses and apartments within the scheme.
The objective was to create a vibrant and sustainable community via inward investment and a
mixture of housing tenures.€ Our experience of housing for rent and affordable housing put us
in a strong position to successfully integrate newbuild housing for rent and for sale into a
regeneration area without creating the feeling of segregation.€
Richard's Role: Project Architect then Project Director
Beeston Hill and Holbeck NRA - Leeds City Council
Watson Batty's Role: Masterplanner
Housing-led whole area regeneration initiative including public consultation, analysis of
problems and sustainability issues.€ We contributed towards the Beeston Hill and Holbeck Land
Use Framework document, which was being prepared by Leeds City Council.€ Watson Batty’s
involvement included an overall visioning plan, detailed courtyard remodelling, preparation of
urban codes, public consultation, and stock appraisal.
The areas largely consist of street-lined back-to-back terraced properties, posing particular
problems in terms of car parking and private gardens. In-depth consultation gave rise to the
idea of partial demolition and newbuild, retaining their character.
€
Richard's Role: Project Architect