We were recently commissioned to produce a feasibility study for a brownfield site conversion in Croydon, transforming an old print works into residential units.

Our clients – the directors of the print works – are retiring and closing the business. Their brief is for us to design a scheme that will achieve planning and ultimately realise the full value of the site. They are taking a long-term view and want to leave a legacy for Croydon through well-designed, sustainable homes and that also provide for their retirement.

The scheme is shown in the sketch drawing above. It includes nine self-contained living units that have been designed with the context of the surrounding residences, but with a semi-industrial feel to reflect the history of the site. Each has an outdoor garden area and parking space.

The site is not without challenges.

It is located in between two rows of houses, which creates complications around access, shared boundaries and ‘overlooking’. To help overcome these challenges we have positioned the homes at angles that face away from the adjacent homes and gardens, creating desirable south facing homes.

We are looking forward to taking this scheme forward to planning and ultimately to seeing the homes built.

To find out more about this site, or to discuss how we might support you in developing a brownfield site in London, please contact our commercial architecture team.