conversion

Keeping Busy!!

We have been particularly busy over the last few weeks, completing and submitting three significant planning applications.

Manor Farm, Andover

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Firstly, working with Adrian Barker at Lucid Planning we completed the design proposals for the redevelopment of Manor Farm, nr Andover. We have been employed directly by the site owners on the development of the former farm building site for residential use.

Situated in open countryside between the villages of Monxton and Abbotts Ann this has been a long process which required some innovative thinking to resolve the strategic planning issues. This has also involved extensive negotiation with the Planning Authority at Test Valley and local residents pressure groups. It has been a lengthy project extending over the last 18 months and the application is now heading towards a committee date in the middle of June. Fingers crossed.

The design has been developed in close co-operation with the landscape architect and has played particular regard to the setting and context with the open countryside. The original farmyard buildings have been retained to create a sense of continuity and the shared open space will act as a landscape buffer as well as creating opportunities for allotments and community facilities

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North Brook End House, Steeple Morden

Secondly, by contrast, we have submitted a Full Planning and Listed Building Consent Application for North Brook End House, Steeple Morden. The site overlooks our long-standing project at the neighbouring Stud Farm and is for a private client.

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The work has involved detailed design proposals to reflect the need to respect the historic fabric. We have also involved Cambridge Architectural Research (CAR Ltd) who have prepared the accompanying Heritage Statement.

The proposals are for a two-storey rear extension, which has been carefully integrated with the existing building, as well as internal alterations to create a new en-suite facility. These elements required a great deal of detailed work to ensure they could be satisfactorily implemented without disturbing the existing building fabric.

South Street, Bishops Stortford

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Finally, we have completed the design work on our town centre project in Bishops Stortford. Our client has purchased a former Co-operative Buildingon the corner of South Street and Station Road, which has, frankly, seen better days!!

The existing floors have been re-modelled to suit flexible future uses with an additional floor of residential apartments being added at second floor level. New external treatment to the elevations is proposed in response to the setting of the Conservation Area.

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Detailed massing models have been prepared utilising a 3D base model prepared by Joanna James Ltd. We have inserted our site sketch-up model into the wider context so that the impact can be fully considered.

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Forge DS Project Updates!

Regeneration Projects

Regeneration of previously developed urban sites remains at the heart of many of our projects.

Major news for the year included the Former Brewery Site, Portslade which was granted Planning Consent in August. After an intensive period of work immediately preceding the Committee it was passed by an over-whelming majority. The proposal includes a mixed-use of 48 residential units, in a mixture of new build and conversion, together with a Creative Arts complex providing start-up, low rental employment space.

The proposals retained the conceptual principles that have been at the heart of the project from the outset with a careful blend of context and contemporary design. We are in continued discussion with our Client and look forward to the stage of the project.

Our first site in Hertford, the Former Waters Garage on North Road has continued on site whilst on the opposite side of the road!! …. construction work has started on 60-68 St Andrew Street. Both projects are complex insertions within close proximity to grade II Listed Buildings. The archaeological investigation which was required on 66-68 as part of the planning conditions was completed and a start on site was made in Summer. The hybrid construction of steel and masonry is well underway and the shape and form of the building is now evident.

On a different scale construction is nearing completion at North Brook End Stud on Dragonfly Barn. Marketing advice has been taken and the property will be brought to the Market early in the New Year – the impressive interiors and panoramic views have been very well received so far and we look forward to a successful sales process.

Former Brewery Site, Portslade, Brighton, Permission Granted!!

We are delighted to confirm that the final proposals for the regeneration of the Former Brewery Site at Portslade were approved at Brighton and Hove City Council Planning committee on 9^th August. After healthy discussion, the vote was carried by a majority of 10:1 and the next chapter for the site can proceed.

Ground Floor and Workshop building to accommodate Phoenix Arts.

The final scheme includes 48 homes of which 11 are new build, 7 are renovations of the existing cottages and 30 are apartments created within the original Victorian Building. Parking and access is created within a new shared courtyard which will also provide a valuable area of open amenity space.

In addition, Phoenix Arts, Brighton are the likely tenants for the 6,500 sqft of studio/gallery/café space proposed for the ground floor of the Tower and Workshops fronting onto the High St. This is a particularly exciting element of the scheme as it will provide further much-needed, low rent studio space for Brighton’s creative community.

Detail of renovated tower.

The scheme has involved a tremendous effort by the whole team, who have tackled numerous demanding technical challenges, and represents approximately 24 months of hard work.

We look forward to being involved in the next stage of the project.

New Instructions!

Two new instructions have been received for residential development in Uxbridge and Leatherhead. Working with our joint client from the successful re-development of the Former Sun and Harrow site in Ware these two opportunities present interesting and different challenges.

One site is home to a business selling RV’s and the other has potential for backlands development as well as PD on the existing office block. They are typical of the type of sites which require careful handling to ensure that value is enhanced whilst in their own, relatively small way helping to tackle the shortfall in affordable, accessible housing.

Work is underway on the projects with the intention being to submit planning applications as soon as possible.

St Silas, Cheltenham YMCA

Work is well underway on the conversion of the former St Silas Church Centre to create 21no new units of accommodation for the young people of Cheltenham. Forge Design Studio have worked with the Contractor, Somerset Carpenters Ltd to develop the final design proposals. Experience has shown that the building fabric will need to be capable of withstanding some robust treatment. Operating within the constraints of the existing building we have created the most cost effective, long-lasting detailing possible within the budget.

Externally, the building is being given a new ‘overcoat’ with cladding to the upper section and render to the base, new windows and doors through-out will complete the work.

The building will provide move-on accommodation for the residents of the main at Vittoria Walk, Cheltenham who have progressed with the support and help of the YMCA. Funding for the project is being provided by the Borough Council, Homes and Community Agency and the YMCA.

The Contractor is making good progress and is on programme to complete in summer 2017.

It’s a long way but it’s worth it!!

Forge Design Studio are pleased to have been appointed to develop design proposals for the conversion and re-use of Grange Farm, Aldeburgh, Suffolk!

Located on a raised site with panoramic views over the estuary the farm is a short drive away from the desirable, festival town of Aldeburgh but a long drive away from the office! The site is well worth it however, as it has tremendous potential to be a really interesting project with a range of different building opportunities.

Sustainability will be key to its success and we look forward to teaming up with our fellow consultants to develop a comprehensive development strategy.

Progress On Site…

Forge Design Studio has a number of projects currently under construction on site

Cedardore, West Wellow

Setting-out and the below ground sub-structure has been completed at Cedardore for Mayflower Homes. The concrete beam and block floor is in and the first lift of masonary is well underway. Progress should be good as the better weather arrives!!

Cowesfield Lodge

Site clearance and excavations have been dug and foundations poured at Cowesfield Lodge. The beam and block floor has been installed, and, as you can see, all the preparations have taken place ready for the mini-steel frame to arrive.

Steel has been required to suit the light, open and airy extension. Almost 50sqm of new space is being created, as well the re-organisation of the existing house. This has been achieved under permitted development.

Richard Stanton at RFS is the Main Contractor.

North Brook End Stud

The first phase of development is well underway at North Brook End Stud. The first floor staff apartment is being dry-lined, rooflights are in, the original exposed trusses have been cleaned. The contractors, Overton Builders, have got the first fix installations in place and are getting ready for the fit-out and all second fix joinery.

Portslade Regeneration

The practice is currently finalising the planning application for a comprehensive masterplan for the whole site including new build residential, conversion of the existing buildings and a community arts café/studio complex.

Details proposals have been developed which relate well to the surroundings within the context of the Conservation Area. Discussions have taken place with a number of existing Art Groups in Brighton to explore the nature of the spaces being created within the existing workshop building. Start-up artisan businesses will be encouraged.

Working closely with the Local Authority, public consultation has taken place and was very well attended. We look forward to making the final submission and the project moving forward to create a new chapter in the life of the Old Brewery.