Darren Heffer, Director of Saunders Boston Architects (SBA) worked with the client, Campbell Buchanan and Luminus to achieve a full planning consent on this sensitive brownfield site on the Eastern Gate approach into the city centre.
SBA subsequently prepared Feasibility and Viability assessments considering potential alternative mixed - uses (including student accommodation) but ultimately a general needs market led development was delivered.
The site previously contained a single storey building and by early engagement with the planners, other LA consultees, council members and local resident / lobby groups, a 5 storey building was realised, thus maximising the development potential of the site.
75 apartments are provided over 5 floors of accommodation. 30% of the dwellings are Affordable tenure, which includes 4 wheelchair accessible (M4 (3)) units.
A full basement accommodates 50 cars, 150 cycles and the CHP plant.
200m2 of commercial space is provided at the ground floor.
The scheme consists of a linear block running parallel to Newmarket Road and three ‘fingers’ of accommodation to the south, enclosing 2 large landscaped courtyards. These ‘fingers’ cascade down from 5 to 2 storey; creating generous south facing balconies that provide residents with views across the city.
4 generous penthouse flats benefit from having triple aspect.
The project utilizes MMC with a timber frame solution. Pod technology is also used. The building is highly sustainable with 20% of the developments energy demand being met via renewable technologies.
Highly visible Public Art has been fully integrated into the design.