ECA architects have worked up redevelopment proposals for 74 flats across 4 floors for a prominent site on St Mary Street, Southampton. The site is currently occupied by buildings that are in a state of disrepair and the proposals will make a significant contribution towards upgrading the appearance of the street scene.
The scheme proposes a substantial building of modern design that will present a dual street frontage to St Mary Street and Golden Grove at the rear and will also wrap around the northern boundary. The southern section will remain open and a courtyard is proposed to provide an area of open space. The redevelopment of the site will retain commercial uses at ground floor and proposes residential flats on the floors above.
The building will sit at 4 storeys high with the 4th floor set back. The front elevation to St Mary Street has been designed with a series of vertical brick columns to reflect the vertical emphasis of neighbouring buildings. The materials proposed reflect aspects of warehouse building types evident in the docks of Southampton. The fenestration has been kept light and open where possible to maximise the light within the development.
The Town Planning Issues
We researched the character of the architecture in the area, with buildings from 1860 including redundant buildings degrading the appearance of the area on top of recent developments with more modern appearances.
We justified the development in accordance with the Southampton core strategy, demonstrating how the development would help maintain vitality of local centres, was of acceptable density, and contained an acceptable mix of affordable and non-affordable. Principle, we worked with the architects to ensure the design was in accordance with the City centre Action plan and City Characterisation Appraisal. An analysis of the context of the immediate and wider area in terms of character and appearance has been carried out, along with a thorough assessment of the relevant national and local planning policies, in particular the very recent Southampton City Centre Action Plan.
One challenge was suitable access. We demonstrated how a car free development was appropriate due to its central location and convenient links to public transport and cycle routes.
Pre-application advice indicates that planning officers support the principle of a high-density development on the site that will contribute towards the City’s housing stock, including affordable housing.
