Architects creating space for expansion

ONE of the longest established businesses in Oldham has moved to new premises at the Hollinwood Business Centre.

Architectural practice Thorpe, Whyman and Briggs, which began trading in 1902 in Union Street, has left its home for the past 96 years — Highlands, a Victorian villa at the junction of Werneth Hall Road and Windsor Road, Coppice — to give the firm a look more in keeping with its workload.

The practice, which has nine fee earners in its 10-strong staff and is recognised as one of the leading educational architects in the country, has undergone a radical change since senior partner Nick McGilvray bought the business in 2007.

Mr McGilvray (44), from Springhead, merged Thorpe, Whyman and Briggs with his previous firm and set about widening the portfolio.

Income is expected to double this year and be in excess of £1.8 million as a direct result of the firm’s expertise in the educational field and its expanding interest in regeneration.

Mr McGilvray said: “We needed to move into a more modern environment and to create space into which we can expand and grow.

“We are recognised as one of the leading firms in the field of education and we have a growing reputation in regeneration because what we draw we can build. We deliver buildability and that’s important.”

Passionate about Oldham and his chosen career, Mr McGilvray has developed a vision for Mumps which he firmly believes he can deliver.

“The whole concept is around a green space environment in a mixed use retail, commercial and residential setting.

“I can deliver blue chip high street names which will bring the whole of this area to life,” he said.

Mr McGilvray is hoping for a meeting with Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes to discuss his Mumps masterplan in more detail.

The whole project has been drawn up andcosted by Mr McGilvray and his team and the firm has borne all the costs to date.

“This is buildable, it is doable and it sits with the council’s masterplan for Mumps. I won’t give up on this,” he said.

Although 65 per cent of revenues are driven by the education sector, particularly in Oldham, Tameside, Bury, Bolton and Manchester, the firm is attracting more commercial, residential and regeneration work, which accounts for the remaining 35 per cent of revenues.

Thorpe, Whyman and Briggs has designed garden centres, bakeries and housing in the last two years since Mr McGilvray bought the firm from Steve Briggs, from Norfolk, whose father was one of the founders, and the late Mr Paul Powell.