Vintage Sustainability

John and Gordon talk to Kevin Turnbull about the Rivergreen Centre, a innovative successful green building. The conversation wanders into the joy in construction projects and their lasting effect on those involved. We find out what features had lasted and some that didn't .

We revisit the design of the first BREEAM "Outstanding" office, Lion House, through a discussion with Nigel Banks, one of the original design team. Nigel, who is now Technical director with Octopus also takes us through the current developments, issues and possible changes and to the UK energy market.

John and Gordon chat about the visits and interviews in season 1 and think about subjects for season 2 

Vintage Sustainability meets the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust in the shape of Martin Hulse the Trust Manger. T&WBPT is a heroic organisation working to preserve the architectural heritage of Tyne and Wear through the repair, conservation and regeneration of historic buildings and structures. Their greatest hits include 28-30 The Close (House of Tides), the Old Low Lights building on North Shields Fish Quay, All Saints Church in Newcastle and St Mary’s Gateshead.  Buildings which currently keep him awake at night include Dunston Staithes and the Keelman’s Hospital in Newcastle.Martin has the daunting task of balancing authentic historic building preservation, community engagement and commercial viability all the while navigating sources of funding from a myriad of organisations. His interview is both interesting and entertaining, he exudes a pragmatic enthusiasm for the preservation of buildings we know and love, without his drive and skill they may have become car parks or supermarkets long ago.But hey, why am I wittering on, get listening…….

For many centuries, Bishop Auckland was a thriving market town but since the demise of the mining industry, like many British towns, it has been affected by an economic and social decline. The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity working to establish Bishop Auckland as a must-visit cultural destination. In this episode John and Gordon head off to Bishop Auckland to meet David Land, CEO of the Auckland Project to find out how the project is progressing.

John and Gordon return to the Ouseburn in Newcastle upon Tyne to meet Tim Baily of Xsite Architecture. Tim talks about the Toffee Factory and its role in the Ouseburn development, BOHO on Teesside and the recently completed Pattern Shop in Newcastle.

John and Gordon talk to Dale Bolland about the Ouseburn and its transformation into the City's coolest district. Punk Rock, Workers Revolutionary Party and the Tunnel are all recalled.

In this episode we talk to Professor George Marston, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Projects at Northumbria University.George works closely with the University Executive shaping and delivering the University’s Vision, Strategy. He is Chair of the University Sustainability Management Group which oversees the Environmental Management System and related activities and the University’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Management Group.  George discusses atmospheric chemistry, the University’s success in the sustainable league tables, campus development and the time he got stranded in Youngstown, Ohio. John also mentions how important squirrels (biodiverse campus environment) are in attracting impressionable students at open days.