Next apartments, Leicester
Design and conversion of 19 en-suite apartments
Clothing and homeware company Next often recruits graduates from the University of Leicester and was finding that many of them had a problem finding good quality, affordable places to live in the city. So, the company decided to convert three, four-storey Georgian houses, previously used as offices by the university, into 19 en-suite apartments/bedsits. These would be rented to new starters and existing staff members. We handled all the alterations and refurbishment to create shared kitchen, living and recreational spaces plus 19 en-suite bedrooms. The project included:
- Stripping out all the existing offices and taking the buildings back to the brick
- Installing new partitions to re-organise the internal layout
- Installation of en-suite bathrooms
- New kitchen and lounge areas
- Installation of new electrical and mechanical services
- Redecoration and replacement of floors throughout
- Creation of decking areas for low-maintenance outdoor spaces
- Repair and replacement of external windows
- Improvements to insulation
- Waterproofing and security
The refurbishment was done to the client’s high standards. We kept character features, such as stained glass windows, but gave the apartments a contemporary feel. Conservation area restrictions apply to developments in that part of Leicester, so we worked within those constraints as well. Other challenges we faced on this project included difficult site access, because the buildings were in a pedestrianised area with limited parking. We overcame this by being well-organised and planning ahead. We also had to be mindful of party walls with neighbouring houses and we had to rebuild some large ornate chimneys. The work was completed on time and with no snags raised by the client.
Sector:
Residential
Commercial
Form of Contract:
JCT 05 Intermediate
Client:
Next Holdings PLC
Duration:
Eight months
Project Manager:
Mark Huchinson
Completion Date:
December 2017
Architect:
Pick Everard
Value:
£1.6m
Location:
Leicester
Next apartments, Leicester:
