Redevelopment adjoining Royal Arcade approved

ECA have obtained planning permission for the redevelopment of the site adjoining the Royal Arcade, Boscombe.

The proposals will contribute towards the ongoing regeneration of the area and will result in improvements to the street frontage of this part of the High Street. Planning permission has been approved for the conversion and extension across four floors to include commercial floorspace at ground floor and 15 residential flats above.

ECA architects worked up the designs and the planning team drafted a Planning, Design, Heritage and Access statement to support the proposals and demonstrate how the designs will enhance the street frontage and the special interest of the Grade II Royal Arcade immediately adjoining the site. ECA planning team have worked closely with the council's urban design and planning officers to work towards a successful conclusion for our client, Mentor Inns. This also involved undertaking a Viability Appraisal and negotiating financial contributions, saving our client a significant sum.

The parapet of the building has been designed to continue the definitive line of sight established by the Royal Arcade, creating a more legible street frontage. The fourth floor will be set back and will comprise large areas of glazing to take advantage of the afternoon and evening light and views towards the sea to the south and west.

The front elevation is the main elevation of the Royal Arcade that affords the greatest significance. Careful, sympathetic design considerations have evolved in close consultation with council officers. The detailed design now provides far more vertical emphasis. The proposals show improved size and regularity in the fenestration treatment, which creates a clear rhythm with door and balcony details of identical size regularly spaced.

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