The Steelworks

PROJECT: New Build Housing for the Private Rental Sector

SUMMARY: This new build development consists of an 8-storey complex containing 362 apartments and commercial units, alongside a 10-storey 796-space multi-storey car park. The Private Rental Sector (PRS) scheme is on a former industrial site adjacent Warrington Central Train Station and comprises a mix of 56% 1-bed and 44% 2-bed apartments. The site partially sits within the Winwick Street conservation area and includes a 500m2 Commercial unit to front Winwick Street, with a Café  to front the train station on Central Way and a rooftop sky-lounge and garden.

Key design principles included:

1. A good mix of open plan contemporary apartment types.

2. A set-back John Street elevation to provide additional privacy and allow façade articulation on the long north-facing frontage.

3. Predominantly red-brick massing to compliment the Grade II listed Cheshire Lines building adjacent, with dark contrast panels and yellow-glazed brickwork included to break up elevations and create interest on feature corners.

4. Prominent building massing with building setbacks fronting Winwick Street, with double-height glazed café and Central Way entrance foyer focused on a new station square being proposed as part of a wider Warrington masterplan.

5. Individual balconies to key flats to provide amenity and help articulate elevations, with further balconies, timber/glazed fins and canopies included to mitigate against strong wind conditions at pedestrian level.

6. Two large communal landscaped courtyards, a living-green wall to the car park and further external amenity spaces on the 7^th floor adjacent the new sky-lounge.

7. Perforated metal cladding to aid the natural ventilation strategy in the multi-storey car park.

The building utilises steel frame construction with lightweight metal frame partitions.

SERVICES: Full architectural services from inception to completion.

• CLIENT: EDRR
• LOCATION: Warrington