PROJECTS

Planning and Listed Building Consent has been granted by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for up to 62,000 square feet of new Offices and up to 39,000 square feet of prime Retail space. This follows extensive consultation with local stakeholders for the proposed extension, reconfiguration and refurbishment of the 1969 Dickins & Jones Department Store (currently House of Fraser) within Central Richmond’s Conservation Areas. Retail activity is reinvigorated over 2 levels, along George Street and with return frontage to King Street and Golden Court. Specialist Retail is also reintroduced to 6-8 Paved Court. The main, double height, Office Entrance is located on Golden Court with a Staff Entrance at 4 Paved Court leading to a new “Atrium” amenity space. The contemporary, distinctive, “Cat A” , BREEAM “Excellent”, Office space includes external terraces and extensive cycling facilities.

Planning and Listed Building Consent were granted by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for 26,000 sq./ft. of New Offices and a reconfigured 31,000 sq./ft. Retail Unit over 3 levels within this Grade II* Listed Building. The Basement, Ground & First Floor Unit of 31 000 sq./ft. was handed over to Japan House.

Appointed lead consultants, Colman Architects completed the design and construction of the new police station in Great Dunmow, Essex after winning a European competition for the project. The brief was to create a 27,000 sq./ft. contemporary structure with a budget of £5-6m that encompasses the responsibilities of the police today – a structure that is as appropriate to law enforcement as it is to the welfare of the public they serve. With this challenge, Colman Architects designed a contemporary structure that combines the use of zinc and cedar. This combination represents the intricate nature of modern police work. The structure is strong and bold. It is predominantly steel in order to provide a flexible workspace that can be easily adapted according to the changing demands of 21st century policing.

This large shopping centre in central Cardiff needed a new focused retail design strategy of the interior circulation and new exterior design for the entrances and facades. The new design, which was completed in November 1999, includes an increased floor area, a reworked circulation strategy and a contemporary aesthetic. The work on site was overseen by local architects while the centre remained open for existing mall tenants to continue trading. “Winner of the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) - Refurbishment Award - 2001”

Moor House School & College is a co-educational, non-maintained day and residential special needs school for children with severe speech and language impairments. Located at Hurst Green in Surrey, it provides help and a nurturing environment for students all over the south of England. It receives no Government funding for its building projects. Colman Architects proposed a solution outside the scope of the original school brief which included limited residential improvements and an additional group of buildings. Taking a strategic approach, Colman Architects’ proposal would meet the brief but also re-organise the main school functions on a better footing going forward. Colman Architects realised that the students’ educational needs could all be accommodated within the existing central school buildings if the residential bedrooms were moved out. This move would also allow for modernisation of the residential facilities as individual bedrooms in houses instead of the existing, outdated, less homely dormitories. The first phase of the future vision of Moor House School & College was approved by the school enabling the residential village to start the phased improvements which opened in 2016. The Student Village consists of three 3-storey boarding houses with connecting common rooms to replace the existing second floor dormitory provisions; a new medical centre; and a student centre for use by both day and residential students. Future Phases for the project include new classrooms and a therapy suite. “We were/are very happy with Colman Architect’s quality of work and punctuality. In particular, we enjoyed working with Dave and Simon who were excellent in customer services and relationships.” — Dr Fariba Kellaway, Head of Capital Appeals, Moor House School & College

Our 24th Planning & Listed Building Consents for the Church Commissioners for England within Connaught Village were approved by Westminster City Council in May 2021. These proposals will create a new Retail unit and 2-storey Apartment within this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace. Our Tender information has now been completed and construction is programmed to start on 23rd May 2022 and to be completed by 23rd December.

Our Material Amendment Planning Application has been approved by Westminster City Council. This enhances design and landscaping details and amends the Energy Strategy within our 2018 Planning Permission for the London Diocesan Fund to create a Medical Centre and 9 Apartments within this sensitive Bayswater location. “We are delighted that Westminster Council has approved our application to regenerate the Newton Road Medical Centre and deliver new accommodation for the local area. We have worked constantly with the medical practice and neighbours in bringing forward the proposals. Once complete the rehomed medical centre, operating from purpose-built accommodation, will be able to increase its provision and continue to support the local community.” — William Hagger - Diocese of London

Our fourth completed project within Connaught Village saw the Ground and Basement floors of this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace transformed, including extensive Structural and damp proofing works, to create a new shop for Cashmirino - “a luxurious collection of unique high end clothing for babies and children”.

Our tenth construction project within Connaught Village, for the Church Commissioners for England, was completed on 22 May 2020. Minerva Building Restoration operated safely throughout the COVID19 pandemic to reconfigure and refurbish the Basement and Ground Floors within this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace to provide a high quality unit for Duncan & Namara, the prestigious cashmere retailer.

This is our seventh completed project within Connaught Village with the Ground and Basement floors of this Grade II Listed Building in a Georgian terrace transformed to create a bright, open 2-storey Unit with refurbished Heritage features and a South facing courtyard.

This was our first project within Connaught Village for the Church Commissioners for England. The Ground and Basement levels of this Grade II Listed Georgian end of terrace have been transformed, including extensive Structural and damp proofing works, to create the new “RN at 5A” Gallery for fine artists Rob and Nick Carter. This £265k project took just 4 months on site to complete. “You need to visit Rob and Nick Carter’s new artist space” — GQ Magazine

This will be our sixth completed project in Connaught Village, with the Ground & Basement floors of this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace transformed to create a distinctive new Retail Unit.

Our Mixed Use scheme, for CBRE Investors to create a 3,000 sq./ft., 2-story Pret-a-Manger and three, 2 Bedroom Apartments within the Epsom Town Centre Conservation Area.

This construction comprises of a new multi-level shopping centre entrance on Ainsworth Street and the reconfiguration of existing mall and retail space to provide a new 16,000 sq./ft. PureGym and three shop units facing the bus station. The new entrance solves access problems, provides a modern and high-profile entrance and adds visual interest to an otherwise low key concrete-clad elevation. The elliptical glass form echoes the glass clock tower access constructed on the opposite side of the Centre during our substantial redevelopment. The Ainsworth Street Mall entrance builds on the strong form now associated with the Centre brand. The location rebalances and enhances footfall to the North of the Centre and is ideally located the bus station and the old market redevelopment site adjacent.

A strategic approach for both landlord and end user created an additional 5,000 sq./ft. of floor space, allowing valuable existing tenants to be retained and provided an attractive environment to new office tenants. With a clear glass roof to the ground floor reception and new courtyard space, glass floor lights between floors, this £975,000 project took just six months to complete. Within Audrey House, we also reconfigured and expanded Gibson’s the shipbrokers and traders offices. We programmed this £750,000 refurbishment around Gibson’s so they were able to trade throughout the works.

This transformation of the former 60,000 sq./ft. M&S at Broad Walk, Harlow provides 4 new Retail Units, 2 Restaurant Cafes, a Building Society and a 30,000 sq./ft. Gym to enhance the linkage between the Harvey Centre and Broad Walk. Our Planning Application was approved within 3 months. Speller Metcalfe commenced work immediately and F Hinds, Holland & Barrett, Starbucks, Peacocks and Xercise4less were all trading within 8 months of planning approval.

This award winning town centre car park in Newport, South Wales is a landmark seen from the outskirts of Newport. This iconic statement built in concrete and stainless steel, is a key town centre car park with 1050 spaces. It is located central to the town and is integral to the extended, improved and enhanced Kingsway Shopping Centre. The column free parking, transparent steel mesh cladding and bold use of colour creates a premium quality, modern, parking environment with the maximum natural light. Colman Architects gained an award in the category of ‘Best New Car Park’ at the British Parking Awards for this project. “'Best New Car Park'” — British Car Parking Awards - 2009

Following the successful completion of the Harvey Centre’s new First Floor Mall, our 6 (including IMAX) Screen, 987 seat Cinema shell has now been successfully handed over to Cineworld for fit out. Colman Architects were Finalists in both the “Best Change of Use Of An Existing Building” and “Best Commercial Building” categories of the Local Authorities Building Control East Anglia Awards for this project.

Planning approval has been granted by Trafford Council for the conversion of a vacant office building to create 60 new apartments at Clarendon House, Stamford New Road, Altrincham. Careful consideration was given to the design ensuring that the extended building and redesigned elevations responded to its surrounds, taking into consideration the Listed Buildings and Conservation Area in close proximity. Colman Architects’ design maximises the existing floor plate to meet demand for 1 and 2 bedroom flats at this important town centre transport hub. The design extends the main volume and adds two new floors to the top of the existing building. These will be predominantly glazed for maximum visual impact.

We have received 28 Planning Permissions/Listed Building Consents recently from Westminster Council for Connaught Village. The first was for a two story Retail unit and three bed town house within a Georgian Terrace at 12 & 3 Porchester Place. A two story Art Gallery at 5A Bathurst Street followed, together with two story Retail Units at 7, 8, 10 and 14, Porchester Place, 11, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24, 25, 27, 35, 39, 44 61 & 65 Connaught Street and 2 Bathurst Street (all within Georgian terraces). We also obtained Planning Permission for the conversion of a former N.C.P. to create a new 60,000 sq./ft. Safestore within the Water Gardens, the refurbishment of a prominent Restaurant at 17-20 Kendal Street and created a new, 4,000 sq./ft. health and fitness studio at Burwood Place.

Our latest phase of the Elmsleigh Centre redevelopment has been successfully completed. Decathlon opened in 2018 following a Fit Out of the 18,000 square feet, 2 level space that we have created on the South Mall. This followed Primark’s opening earlier that year of the 51,000 square feet, two level store that we created in the East Mall. These opening have significantly increased footfall within the Centre.

The extension of 10,000 sq./ft. single-storey retail space on the first floor, facing on to the Town Square was linked through to an existing vacant unit on the Ealing Broadway Mall to provide ground floor access. It’s façade was designed in keeping with the existing orange brick Victorian style building on this particularly sensitive site.

Newport City Council has given Planning approval to our design for Queensberry for the development of a new public square in the centre of Newport. Building on Newport’s regeneration initiatives the development in Commercial Street will create a new focal point in the city centre and a high profile approach to the Kingsway Shopping Centre. The hybrid application also provides Outline Consent for the creation of a signature building as part of the square development.

Colman Architects was appointed to create an extension and refurbishment to the existing food court within the Galeria Pomorska, Bydgoszcz, Poland. The extension increased the food court covers from 212 to 320. The redesign of the Galeria Pomorska, the largest shopping centre in the city of Bydgoszcz in northern Poland, was the result of a complete 3D asset management review of the 400,000 sq./ft. retail and leisure scheme. Working with Balmain Asset Management, Colman Architects developed a long-term, strategic masterplan for the scheme, which included a major extension as well as internal reorganisation designed to enhance the performance of the centre by improving circulation and creating new retail space.

Clapham, North Street is a high quality 23,000 sq./ft. health club located within a Mixed Use development. The Club’s facilities include a swimming pool, studio, gym, crèche and members bar and lounge.

The Kensington project, involved the renovation of an existing office building providing space for a 24,000 sq./ft. Club. Its facilities include a swimming pool, spa, steam and sauna rooms, two gyms, two studios, crèche, lounge and bar.

Our conversion of a listed, former Victorian station including the roof, platform and buildings to provide a 60,000 sq./ft. health club. Colman Architects scooped the pool with a raft of awards for this project, beating amongst others, the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff to win the Leisure Properties Forum Award for Best Commercial Project. The health club also won for us the Nottingham Civic Society Award, the Lord Mayors Award for re-use of an existing building and a RIBA Regional Award. We enjoyed a strong relationship with the client through completion of 10 high quality Health Clubs. “A wonderful Club and lovely restoration.” — Allan Fisher

Colman Architects created this high quality, low cost, specialist digital photographic studio within the Piper Building near Parson's Green. The unique facilities allowed Hungry Tiger to quickly prosper and we were delighted to extend the accommodation with two large studios within a year of initial completion.

As part of a £33 million project, Colman Architects completed a refurbishment and extension to the Kingsway Centre, Newport, for our client UBS Global Asset Management Ltd. Colman Architects undertook a complete review of the 200,000 sq./ft. centre, its retail offer, circulation, entrances and interior design. The reconfiguration and redesign of the interiors created contemporary and fresh look to the centre, providing visitors with a modern shopping experience. The project included sites for two anchor stores, one being a new Wilkinson ‘Wilko’ store. The review of the existing centre created 25,000 sq./ft. of new retail space, new entrances opened up the sightlines giving a clean, bright space and provided a central area where people could meet. The installation of a glazed roof provided improved daylighting and focused a large, open area for a café. The failed lower ground level was reconfigured into new retail units trading from the Mall. Colman Architects gained an award in the category of ‘Best New Car Park’ at the British Parking Awards for the new, safer and brighter car park of concrete and stainless steel, providing space for 1050 cars.

The construction was completed of a 43,000 sq./ft. extension of Langney Shopping Centre. This created a new entrance and mall lined with modern retail units, anchor store and car park improvements. The scale of the development will re-position the Centre in the area, significantly increasing the offer thereby bucking the current trend.

We were appointed by Aberdeen Asset Management on behalf of Barclays Bank Retirement Fund to complete an important linkage of this Cornerstone Investment with the adjacent Grand Arcade.

The project entails the subdivision and strip-out of former Debenhams retail space at “Longus House” on Eastgate Row South in Chester. The development aims to prepare & reconfigure existing vacant retail space ready for up to three new incoming retail tenants. The main space will form “Unit 6” and become a new 13,200 sq./ft. store accessed from the historic Rows.

Colman Architects designed both the new residential and teaching blocks for a new Sixth Form College, designed to today’s standards in a contemporary traditional style. The first residential phase has been completed. By careful landscaping and use of circulation space between the terrace block and the Sixth Form Teaching block the Sixth Form College now has its own unique identity and forms an attractive adjunct to the existing Moor House School.

We obtained Planning Permission from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead for this landmark 35,000 sq./ft. Category A Office building and Café on a very sensitive corner site on Maidenhead High Street.

Colman Architects worked closely with the Borough of Spelthorne and clients Clerical Medical Investment Group in the successful transformation of the Elmsleigh Centre in Staines, Middlesex. The multi-phased development strategy of the Elmsleigh Centre formed the initial component of our Master plan to expand Staines town centre, in accordance with Spelthorne’s Planning Brief. Phase 1 saw the £7.8m redevelopment of the 250,000 sq./ft Elmsleigh Centre. Refurbishments included a new front entrance, a new 7,000 sq ft Unit and the installation of a new, glazed roof to allow natural lighting and ventilation, contemporary interiors and a new brand identity and signage. Spelthorne Borough Council purchased the Centre in 2020.

This major reconfiguration of existing units and new extension to the First Floor created a new 50,000 sq./ft. store for BHS and one of the largest Costa Coffee cafés in the country. New Units were also created for La Senza and Johnson’s Shoes in the East Mall. A new £0.5m, over tiling, flooring contract was completed in February 2008 to enhance brand identity and create infrastructure for RMU’s and marketing/promotions.

Phase 3 - Colman Architects is continuing to work closely with the Borough of Spelthorne and clients Clerical Medical Investment Group in the successful transformation of the Elmsleigh Centre in Staines, Middlesex. Spelthorne are freeholders of the Centre, with a 125 year lease granted to CMIG. The multi-phased development strategy of the Elmsleigh Centre forms the initial component of our Master plan to expand Staines town centre, in accordance with Spelthorne’s Planning Brief. Planning Consent was granted for the Phase 3, extension, to the South Mall. This includes 125,000 sq./ft. of residential development comprising 124 apartments, of which at least 43 will be affordable. All units have been pre-assessed to level 3*** of the Code for Sustainable Homes and are also designed as Lifetime Homes. Two new retail units (of 50,000 sq./ft. and 19,000 sq./ft.) anchor the South Mall extension which integrates the new Bus Station.

The 440,000 sq./ft. Centre was always a successful shopping centre, being sited next to a thriving Swansea Market and annexed to the Swansea Bus Station. However, at the time that Colman Architects was asked to look at the scheme, it was apparent that it was looking dated. As well as needing improvement in the Malls, the entrances were extremely weak and it did not demonstrate the presence of such a large retail offer. The roof of the Centre, formed in yellowing polycarbonate sheeting, was replaced with a new glazed structure, bringing daylight into the mall and resolving the rain and snow ingress that occurred with the previous design. The new design also allowed a greater degree of temperature control within the unconditioned Malls. The entrances to the Centre were extended with low, contemporary entrance canopies, the whole entrance elevations opened up to show the retail malls within and the Centre was given a new identity through its new colour, lighting and floor schemes. To further enhance the main square of the Centre and introduce a food offer, a café was created in the new space at first floor level overlooking this focal point. The additional A3 space made use of secondary administration areas within the Centre and an infill of double height Mall within a new floor, thus an additional asset was created at minimal construction cost.

We are delighted to announce that Colman Architects have completed a substantial new house in the South Downs National Park. The new house is situated on a large plot in the village of Slindon, a particularly sensitive location within the National Park. Whilst the design is unashamedly contemporary in nature, it has adopted design elements from the local village architecture. It has also used a palette of local materials including flint, slate and stained timber. The final design provides an exciting, modern family home while complementing the building stock in the local area. The client commented: “It has been a long, hard process to achieve planning for the site. Colman Architects have been resilient and determined throughout and the resultant design is wonderful. Our family are really looking forward to living in this beautiful, modern house.”

Colman Architects completed the Stafford Hotel at 9 Park Place, St. James's, London for client Shire Hotels. Originally a 1961 office building, it underwent extension, reconfiguration and conversion into a 5* Star luxury hotel to attract the high net worth individual and affluent transatlantic market. As the site is within the St. James’s Conservation Area the design and materials used were crucial. A thoughtful combination of reconstructed and natural stone, slate, glass, brick and timber completed the development. Included was a gym, 26 luxurious junior and master suites including a penthouse unit, a self-contained private space on the rooftop overlooking the London skyline. The Stafford Hotel was awarded the ‘Hotel of the Year’ CATEY Award.

Colman Architects designed a new look atrium as a key part of the reposition of the Star City Leisure Development creating a family destination, attracting visitors during the day and evening. This new scheme has been achieved by removing the indoor ski-slope and creating a coherent environment using neutral tones and new lighting.

Colman Architects developed an interior design to bring to life a partially completed office ‘slot’ atrium and reception space. The brief was to create a high impact and playful image for the difficult shaped spaces. The work was completed with existing tenants in occupation and the offices re-launched as ‘The Department’. All office bathrooms were also given a simple ‘lift’ with additional showers, basins, mirrors, lighting and colour added.

Over 20 years ago, this shopping centre, with huge potential being central London's only major shopping centre, was not meeting either the demands of the target market or the retailers. Colman Architects developed the strategy to completely reconfigure the Centre creating a 22,000 sq./ft. unit in the basement (let to JJB Sports), relocation of the food court to the rear of the first floor with branded kiosks (this has been a huge success drawing customers to the full depth of the Centre), relocating escalators to improve sight lines and usage patterns on the first floor, removing the scenic lift from the atrium, and locating a 22,000 sq./ft. Holmes Place Health Club on the second floor. The result is a highly visible well used Centre with a massive increase in foot fall. Colman Architects developed the strategy of the public entrance into the shopping centre. The doors were removed and replaced with sliding, folding doors so it became easier to move into the shopping centre. The smoked glass was replaced with clear glazing and the entry mall converted from single height to double height. This reveals the whole glory of the Plaza and the retail shops inside. It is very noticeable that people who are passing, stop and look in, and are drawn in by the attractive signature space inside. The signage and new canopy were designed to bring the message of the Plaza down to street level making it much more prominent as one moves along the street towards the entrance. The Practice also designed the Holmes Place Health Club on the top floor of the Centre. The Plaza won the Refurbishment Award at the British Council of Shopping Centres Gold Awards.

Arndale House, adjacent to The Broadway Shopping Centre, comprises half a city block with retail space on the Ground and First Floors and office accommodation on the 7 upper floors with Change of Use Consent for Residential and facing a second floor roof garden. We re-configured the outdated, retail space into 9 shell units with modern double-height shopfronts. These targeted the restaurant and cafe tenants reflecting the changing environment stimulated by The Broadway. Providing all the shopfronts and fully modernising the 3 double height retail elevations allowed the branding of the retail block as a single entity. Xchange, Bradford. The design exploited the 2 storey opportunity and created an image for the end of the city block as a branded location. To achieve this we removed the 1960’s gridded down-stand metal screen to expose the hidden first floor retail space and removed the tired pilaster cladding. We celebrated the concealed first floor retail space by extending new glazed shopfronts up full height in a unified shopfront design. We kept the existing canopy above them to mark the top of the double height retail space but re-lined it with a warm timber boarding and concealed lighting. New porcelain and metal pilasters were added with lighting and projecting signage featuring both the Xchange brand and tenant signs. Tenant shop signage was placed internally behind the shopfronts. New tenants including Five Guys burger restaurant and Esquires Coffee were focused on the adjacent pedestrianised streets beside The Broadway and existing traders Bon Marché & Bright House were relocated near bus services on the main road.

The Union Gate project is located in an established retail pitch in the centre of Bristol, close to the office and retail heart of the city. The works included the complete re-cladding of the elevations. The existing cream and blue-coloured metal cladding was replaced by a combination of red brick and light recon stone to reflect the traditional local building materials used nearby. Cedar cladding and glazing was also used to provide a contemporary feel and to reflect the modern retail usage behind. The dark overhanging first floor was cut back to provide greater visibility for the ground floor shopfronts and to open up the existing covered pavement. As well as increasing the height of the units to modern standards at first floor, the retail units were also extended into the existing service yard. This provided better sized and shaped units that again, suit the modern retailer.

Colman Architects developed a mixed use scheme in Walthamstow which incorporated a new 50,000 sq./ft. Central Library and 70,000 sq./ft. of retail and restaurant units, a 20,000 sq./ft. fitness club and 32 apartments. The London Borough of Waltham Forest selected Henry Boot Developments as the preferred development partner in February 2001 from a short-list of developers following the submission of detailed proposals. The distinctive form of the Library and the dramatic 3-storey glazed entrance formed the visual focus of the design and created a signature building.

Our new 12 000 sq./ft. gateway building was successfully completed, with Racconto Lounge opening the first of the 3 double height Restaurant Units. This £2m project for Kennedy Wilson started on site following our acquisition of Planning Approvals in January 2017 swiftly followed by completion that November. “We have to say our gorgeous, vast double height light and airy space is pretty magnificent too.” — Racconto

44/44A King Henry's Road, Primrose Hill, is a large, four-storey residential property that provides the home for the vicarage serving St. Mary's Primrose Hill parish, together with a small private studio flat in the basement. Colman Architects has been appointed by the Diocese of London to work on the development to refurbish and improve the interior of the building to provide a more compact and efficient new vicarage on the upper levels over a larger, better-presented one-bedroom flat below. Wheelchair access for visitors will be introduced from the street up to the vicarage and a new external staircase will provide a connection between the vicarage's reception areas and the rear garden. The basement flat will benefit from a new external terrace providing some improved external amenity space. A Full Planning Application has just been submitted for these external works. The thermal performance of the fabric will be improved and the existing windows will be replaced throughout with new ones to match in appearance. The introduction of new ASHP-powered heating, some roof-mounted PV panels and an MVHR system will improve the Energy Rating of both properties to a "B".

Colman Architects has been appointed by the Diocese of London for the construction of a new two-storey vicarage in the grounds of St Mark’s Church in Teddington. The proposed vicarage will become the residence for the vicar at St Mark’s Church, and as such will also offer public facilities for the vicar to hold meetings and events as required in their role. The building will be built to high sustainability standards reflecting the Diocese’s resolution to work towards “net zero” development for their property portfolio. Included in the development will be the provision of private amenity space for the vicarage, together with a garage for on-site parking. The site will be landscaped and planted to a high standard and public access to the parish community workshops will be retained by providing a new footpath across the site that will link to the existing one that runs behind the Site.

Colman Architects was appointed by the shopping centre owners, Resolution Property then, together with Balmain Asset Management, we developed a long-term strategic masterplan for the 400,000 sq./ft. retail and leisure scheme. This included a major €25m extension as well as internal reorganisation designed to enhance the performance of the centre by improving circulation and creating new retail space. The project was completed in three carefully planned phases to help keep disruption to a minimum. Phase 1 included a new car park and public entrance adjacent to Carrefour; Phase 2 saw the construction of the largest multi-storey car park in Bydgoszcz, providing space for 900 cars. At over 110,000 sq./ft., Phase 3 brought about a 35% increase in the shopping centre’s footprint and included the addition of a generously proportioned, brightly day-lit shopping mall which is accessed by new, two-storey, glazed entrances. The newly extended centre attracted international brands such as Bershka, Stradivarius, Reserved, Cropp, House, Sinsay, Home & You, and Rossmann, saw the expansion of a number of existing brands such as H&M & Deichmann. Since opening, footfall has been reported to have increased by 20% (ACROSS – The European Retail Real Estate Magazine).

The footprint of the Kennet Centre extension occupies the area of a former car park. It comprises of a seven-screen, 1,000 seat Vue cinema and foyer on the first floor, accessed by lift, stairs and escalators, from the ground floor cafes and restaurants. The structural design comprises a steel frame with concrete slabs poured onto metal decking. There is lightweight roofing above the auditoriums, each with an interior acoustically isolated from the main structure of the building. West Berkshire District Council sees the cinema development as central to their vision of renewal and regeneration of the Conservation Area of Newbury.

Our long term transformation strategy for Sirosa’s prominent historic building developed from our successful acquisition of Planning Permissions in 2013 and 2015. for its comprehensive reconfiguration, extension and refurbishment. Following Arcadia’s implementation of the refurbishment of their Colegrave House Offices, we completed the 3 floor reconfiguration of the former Plaza/Bourne & Hollingsworth to create a flagship store of 73,000 sq./ft for Next to Oxford Street (which opened in September 2018), expanded 2nd Floor for The Gym and 6,000 sq./ft of Offices, 9,000 sq./ft Restaurant for Arros QD on Eastcastle Street (which opened in June 2019) and 15,000 sq./ft retail unit to Berners Street.

Colman Architects undertook a complete review of The Mall, Blackburn then developed proposals for the refurbishment of the whole centre and a 250,000 sq./ft extension to the value of £34m. The project included a 3 storey extension comprising 20 new retail units ranging from 4,000 sq./ft. to 50,000 sq./ft. with a 68,000 sq./ft. lower level continental style market of 90 local market stalls. 200 car parking spaces were created on a new 3 level car park, above. A double height mall and 3 storey glazed atrium at the heart of the extension completed The Mall circulation loop. The existing malls were refurbished to match the interior design of the new malls. The West entrance was marked with a new clock tower in an elliptical form with an envelope of structural glazing, enclosing a central lift shaft wrapped with an open edged staircase and with a colour-changing lighting design. The development won a BCSC/Revo award and has significantly strengthened the Shopping Centre and regeneration within the city centre. “Winner of the BCSC Refurbishment Award”

This sensitive reconfiguration and restoration of 'Antiquarius', the Grade II listed former Temperance Billiard Hall (c1912) and former Chelsea Garage (c1919) was handed over to American fashion retailer, Anthropologie. The reconfiguration has created a series of dynamic linked spaces together with 2 small shops, offices and a new 2 bedroom apartment. Planning and Listed Building Consent and Certificate of Lawfulness was granted by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for the restoration and adaption proposals. “If you want a glimpse of what is possible with careful visual merchandising, sensitive architectural restoration and a huge amount of creativity, look no further.” — Retail Week

We have reached completion on the reconfiguration and refurbishment of a Grade II Listed Georgian Terrace over the Basement, Ground, 1st, 2nd & 3rd floors to create a new 2 story Retail unit and 3 story, 3 bedroom apartment at 12 Porchester Place, Connaught Village, London. The project was completed just 6 months after planning consent was given.

Colman Architects created this high quality two bedroom apartment within the vacant first and second floor space of a Grade 2 listed building. On the ground floor, the reconfiguration and restoration has created an area to accommodate fashion retail.

Our third completed project within Connaught Village transformed the Ground and Basement floors of this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace to provide a new Art Gallery for Dellasposa “ to create an immersive and contemplative experience for guests and visitors”.

Our Eleventh construction project within Connaught Village, for the Church Commissioners for England, was completed in August 2021. Godfrey Martin worked safely throughout the pandemic to reconfigure and fully refurbish the Basement to 3rd Floors and external fabric of this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace to create a high quality 2-storey Retail Unit and 3-storey 3 Bedroom Apartment.

Our eighth construction project within Connaught Village has been completed. Ground and Basement floors of this Grade II Listed Building within a Georgian terrace have been transformed to create a bright, open Unit for a luxury holiday company.

Our fifth completed project within Connaught Village included extensive Structural and damp proofing works to transform the Ground and Basement floors of this Grade II Listed Georgian terrace. We have now received Westminster’s approval of our Application for Medical Use within the Basement for the new Tenant, Skin Science Clinic.

We obtained Planning consent for the extension and conversion of this 3-storey, concrete framed and brick-clad building on the western side of the Lordship Lane, Dulwich. The existing building comprised a frozen food store (Iceland) at ground floor and predominantly vacant office space on the upper floors. The redevelopment extended the existing Iceland supermarket and changed office and residential space on upper floors into eight new two-bedroom flats. The enlarged ground floor provided an improved unit for the incoming Marks and Spencer Food Hall. The M&S store used the entire original ground floor space as sales area. The new extension to the rear provided space for ancillary accommodation with goods handling and storage, staff areas and cold rooms. Above the store, dividing the floor plan of the existing first and second floor levels into four allowed the formation of eight 2-bedroom flats within the envelope of the existing building. Access to the upper floors and the new flats was relocated to the rear of the building. The flats were approached via a first-floor amenity space on the roof of the retail extension.

Work has been completed on the development of a new 10,800 sq./ft. retail space at Albert Square Shopping Centre, Widnes, Cheshire. The space has been let in it's entirety to 99p Stores. The new retail space creates the second side of the entrance mall and strengthens the retail pitch and presence of the entrance. “I wanted to let you all know that the recently completed 99p Stores in Widnes has been very well received by all and in particular 99p Stores have provided positive feedback about the quality of the store....Thank you very much to all of you for your efforts in making this a great project.” — Matthew Gonzalez, New River Retail Senior Project Manager

This refurbishment and modernisation of an open shopping centre to upgrade the mall image with stone paving in a new design and modern street furniture. New lighting and façade treatments were provided in addition to new branded gateway features.

Master planning proposal for Bargate, Southampton which reconnects the City and provides an enhanced setting for its heritage assets including event spaces, Residential, Retail, Leisure/Hotel & Student Accommodation.

Our Detailed Planning Application for the Church Commissioners for England to create a new 3-story Health & Fitness Studio has been submitted to Westminster Council. This innovative design rejuvenates an underused area by combining existing features with new facilities and high quality landscaping to improve the public realm and create a distinctive gateway to The Hyde Park Estate.

Our proposals set out a new satellite town 30 miles east of Chengdu City, creating sustainable design for the major infrastructure to accommodate residential, retail, public facilities, leisure and harbour.

Augur Liverpool purchased the iconic Lewis’s Department Store and 4 related plots in the old Liverpool Central Station site in 2016. Colman Architects has since developed the ‘Circus’ masterplan strategy which enables the re-birth of the Lewis’s store, giving it new life by making it an integral and exciting part of the wider major development opportunity. By combining Lewis’s, the old station site and a direct access into Central Station into a hub of Leisure and Retail around a new public space, ‘Circus’ will be a new and dynamic destination within Liverpool. It will extend and create links between the main retail of Liverpool and the developing Knowledge Quarter, and create a focal point for the regeneration of the area in a significant place-making opportunity. The current scheme design provides more than 275,000 sq./ft. of retail and leisure space over 5 floors. This is in addition to the existing 126 room Adagio Aparthotel and over 70,000 sq./ft. of grade A refurbished office space over 4 floors and a 25,000 sq./ft. Pure Gym on the lower ground floor. Proceeding in advance of the major project, works have been completed to safeguard and regenerate the Grade II listed Lewis’s building itself. Elevational refurbishment and a new external lighting scheme have been completed and heritage works to original internal features are being developed. Proposals for improvements to the existing upper-floor Adagio aparthotel have been developed with new reception, lounge and dining areas being created at ground floor and meeting rooms and break-out spaces at 5th. Also, a striking new interior design for the existing office entrance and atrium has been delivered for ‘The Department’, Liverpool, regenerating office interest in the building.

Following the successful completion of the refurbishment of the ground and first floors of this building, to provide two retail units, Colman Architects was appointed to give the building a much needed face lift to the Elevations and provide six new luxury apartments on the second and third floors. The works also included the existing landlord’s areas and a residential entrance to give the entire building a long awaited contemporary design. The modern interiors, bathrooms and kitchens contributed to all units being sold before completion and attracting premium sale price.

After delivering The Eden Centre's TK Maxx a few months before, another fast track Programme ensured that the shell was completed, ready for handover to Decathlon’s fit out, within 6 months.

At the time we completed our project on Diagonal Mar it was the largest Shopping Centre in Cataluña and the 3rd largest in Spain. Colman Architects was initially asked to assist the client with a redesign of the interiors. We also carried out a strategic review of the whole Centre resulting in some radical visions for the future. The first phase of works for the interior refurbishment, completed in April 09, now provides a contemporary, bright and vibrant environment. The contract value for this phase of works was £1.5m It included painting, re-cladding of columns and beams and lighting. A tour was given of the completed refurbishment as part of the ICSC Conference that year.

Colman Architects was appointed by Elmbridge Borough Council to restore a locally-listed, Victorian brick building, originally a school house and more recently home to the Walton Library. The newly created ‘Community Hub’ brought life back to the building which had been held in high regard by its local residents. It became home to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), together with other community-serving organisations. A new glazed porch was designed to give emphasis to the main, public entrance. Landscaping of the external areas included an internal courtyard for use by staff and a small public square at the front of the building, accessed directly from the High Street. The original single-storey building was converted to create a mezzanine floor providing additional accommodation for twenty desk spaces; including a manager’s office and private office for use by the CAB – a valuable and cost effective addition to the original footprint. The ground floor level accommodation is used by the Police and Counselling Partnership. The repairs and restoration of this locally-listed building ensure the longer term sustainability as well as positively contributing to the streetscape along the High Street. Colman Architects was nominated for two categories of the LABC South East Awards for our work on the Elmbridge Community Hub and won an award in the Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion category. “The refurbishment of this old Victorian building has proved to be a real success” — Mike Bennison , Elmbridge Mayor

The proposed development reconfigures and extends the Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston on a site located within the city's Principle Retail Core and directly adjacent the Preston railway station. It comprises the reconfiguration of existing retail space in the shopping centre, extending the existing popular Primark store to bring significant areas of vacant retail space back into use, and creating a new mall giving direct access from Fishergate to the large surface car park at the rear of the scheme. New and remodelled retail units are provided for new incoming tenants. There will also be a new nine screen cinema and a restaurant hub comprising five new restaurants and a smaller food kiosk. The rear elevation, facing the car park, is completely remodelled to incorporate a new entrance to the Centre and to prominently display new, large, retail units. The whole of the rear of the Centre has been designed to encourage pedestrian flow to and from the Winckley Square quarter. The ground floor restaurants are arranged for easy access from Winckley Square with a new attractive pedestrian realm incorporating customer seating as well as high quality hard and soft landscaping. In turn, this will easily link to the new mall via the new entrance and on to Fishergate, providing a new, convenient shopping and leisure circuit to enhance the City’s offer. In providing this improved link to the car park and by reconfiguring the existing shops at that level, this development aims to bring all existing vacant and under-used retail space back into use by attracting new, incoming, national retailers. The first element of the scheme, the reconfiguration and extension of the Primark store, was granted Planning Consent in 2017.

A new streetscape project for Legal & General. We opened new sightlines and created a high quality retail link between Debenhams and Westfield’s Friary Centre to integrate with the High Street. The transformation was achieved through the creation of new double height stone and planar glazed frontages. York Stone paving, ambient and accent lighting and integrated signage all supplement the fresh contemporary design.

This £5m scheme for a conversion of a former art deco cinema into a health club. The cinema was one of the most prominent buildings in Hendon and the design of the interior uses ideas from its art deco style exterior and former use. The club has three studios, two large gym spaces, one exclusively a ladies gym, a crèche, a members bar and lounge, treatment rooms and a swimming pool.

This £5m Health Club in Notting Hill was the conversion of a 1930's school building. A new curved roof over the scheme and new structure housed a swimming pool on the third floor of the building. The design refers to the fluid forms of Art Nouveau within a contemporary context. The Club was built with three studios, general and women’s gym spaces, beauty/ treatment suite, a hairdresser, luxury members’ bar/ café and lounge, crèche and a top floor pool and spa.

This small site, a redevelopment and extension of a former squash court in Ockley Road, Streatham, incorporated a £3.2 Health Club with a swimming pool, and 2 gym spaces around a glazed atrium with a staircase to 2 studios, treatment rooms and a members bar and lounge.

Colman China was instructed to develop a strategic master plan for the development of a new neighbourhood to accommodate 20,000 inhabitants in Jintang, an area 30 miles outside of Chengdu. The aim was to create a sustainable community that would mix residential with commercial, health and education facilities. By effective land use planning, shopping, work and leisure would be brought closer together, reducing journey distance enabling people to walk or cycle. The whole project was intended to reverse the current trends of large scale developments and recreate town centres in a form that referenced traditional Chinese villages, developing a uniquely Chinese contemporary style.

Our Detailed Planning Application to create 4 new Family (3 x 3 Bed and 1 x 4 Bed) Homes was unanimously approved by Hillingdon’s Planning Committee. This sensitive site required a finely balanced design to provide high quality accommodation whilst protecting trees, maintaining separation distances to neighbouring properties and satisfying height/massing and highways requirements.

Colman Architects was asked to investigate the possibilities to improve an area within Letchworth that was deemed to not positively contribute to the Town Centre. Our response sought to improve the critical mass of the retail by providing larger shops that will attract both national and international retailers. In addition, the proposals reinforced the historical leisure uses to the south of the site by creating a new Town Square with surrounding restaurants and cafes, adjacent to the Grade II listed Hall. The budget cost for this mixed use development was £60m and included 80,000 sq./ft. of retail space and 8,000 sq./ft. of leisure facilities. 365 underground car parking spaces would be provided for the 250 contemporary residential units made up of flats, maisonettes and penthouse apartments, surrounded by landscaped gardens. The project incorporate sustainable measures that would not only affect the design and construction processes but also the lifetime cost of running the building.

Phases 1 to 7 have now been completed as programmed. Our reconfiguration and refurbishment of this iconic building is nearing completion. It has attracted a wide range of Leisure and Retail Tenants to trade alongside Lloyds Bank. Rutland Cycling, Indigo Sun, Coral, Pepe’s Piri Piri, Caprino’s Pizza, Wonderful Nails, Elizabeth’s Coffee & Cakes, City Haircuts, MK Hair & Beauty, Schmidt Kitchens, F45 Gym, a Yoga Studio, an Escape Room and Slot Car Racing centre are all trading and the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum is located there too.

This major redevelopment in the heart of Wolverhampton saw the introduction of a brand new 90,000 sq./ft. Debenhams, reconfigured retail units on the lower and upper mall and full refurbishment and redesign of the malls. Following the demolition of a large portion of the existing shopping centre, Colman Architects have created a new, elegant and efficient 3 storey retail unit for Debenhams in the Mander Centre. Large, glazed openings create attractive entrances on all three levels with sleek brick and sophisticated panelling to the external facades. The public malls and circulation were refurbished to provide slim, glazed bridges and a new, modern circulation core which has improved access and visitor movement through the centre whilst also creating long views across the malls of the retailers. The project also saw the introduction of a new, double height atrium roof which creates an impressive, light filled frontage to Debenhams. Further assessment of the existing centre necessitated the reconfiguration of existing retail units to accommodate future retail needs. Tenants including H&M and Superdrug now occupy these larger, simplified units adding extra activity to the now rejuvenated malls.

Colman Architects has been appointed to develop a new motorway service area on the M25. The service station area will include a new facilities building, hotel, recreational areas, fuel filling station and extensive vehicle parking. The design approach will integrate the whole development into the landscape, create forms and use materials which are sympathetic to the surrounding Chiltern Hills.

This project was the 6th of 8 phases Colman Architects worked on at Orchard Square Shopping Centre. Phase 6 was to form a 45 000 sq./ft. anchor unit for TK Maxx. This was created from several smaller units and kiosks (which the previous tenants had found difficult to trade from) and new extension to provide a significant increase in lettable area. By reconfiguring and creating new space from the smaller retail units constructed in the mid 1980’s, this phased development strategy created by Colman Architects has brought in major, national retailers, maximising the centre’s potential.

Following the approval of a major re-design of the car park including 4 new restaurants forming a public enclave around the cinema entrance, the design has now focused on the relocation of the region’s major nightclub into smaller adjacent premises. The vacated nightclub has been completely refurbished to provide a 360 play unit on two levels and three new restaurants on the car park frontage. The area to the front of the car park was re-landscaped to improve the public forecourt to the restaurants and children's play facility.

Following the successful completion of the Nightclub/Play 360 redevelopment, Aviva asked Colman Architects to update and refresh the public realm which comprises the 1,000 space car park, cinema and restaurant malls. The scheme was presented to the tenants in June 2018 and works commenced on site in Spring 2019. The scheme included new lighting for the car park, re-asphalting and the creation of an events space at the front of the cinema and restaurant mall entrance. The glass canopies fronting onto the car park were renewed, the elevations refreshed and 'jumbrellas' installed. Within the cinema and restaurant malls, new ceilings, flooring and LED lighting have been installed and purpose designed spiral lights adding a unique feature to the public areas.

The development comprises the strip-out and reconfiguration of a vacant existing BHS department store at the Elmsleigh Shopping Centre in Staines-upon-Thames. The completed store is approximately 51,000 sq./ft. over two floors. The project has included the provision of new shopfronts to ground & first floor, a new staircase, goods lift shafts and new openings for customer lifts and escalators. Areas of the existing roof were re-covered and a designated roof plant space provided at second-floor level. New shutters and doors were provided throughout. A high standard of finishes has been provided for “shell” works including plastered walls & columns and new floor screed to both floors.

This prominent corner building in a City of London Conservation Area was transformed through the creation of 38% additional floor space and complete refurbishment, resulting in a dynamic workspace. Behind the elegant, traditional façade of Queen’s House lies a new, very contemporary office space. An exciting palette of quality materials was specified for the interior, including beech panelled access flooring and walls of cast glass and polished plaster. This was in stark contrast to the mundane ‘grid ceiling and carpet floors’ language of typical office space in the city. In fact, it has more in common with Soho!

This £12.5m project at 11 St James' Square, London, was executed to a very high quality with fast track reconfiguration of the 81,000 sq./ft. office Category A fit out whilst retaining the integrity of the two listed buildings. The transformation took just 12 months to complete. The style of this refurbishment is essentially clean and contemporary with bold use of glass, stone, ceramic, veneer and stainless steel. These sophisticated office spaces in a prime West End location attracted prominent high quality tenants. The refurbishment attracted much media attention and the offices were successfully leased out as the highest value office spaces in the world.

Construction is complete for substantial improvements and re-modelling of The Stamford Quarter, Altrincham for M&M Asset Management. The design consists of a major anchor unit created on Stamford Square, a new elevational image and new double height glazed retail façades. The result has been to strengthen & lengthen the main retail pitch and create greater retail value. Other initiatives are improved unit shops and the regeneration of vacant office buildings for residential use.

Planning and Advertisement Consents were acquired to create a new 22,000 sq./ft., 2 level T.K. Maxx to anchor the Guild Hall Entrance of Eden, High Wycombe. Our fast track programme ensured that the project was designed, procured and delivered on time. The St Albans and Harpenden Review reported that more than 1,000 people walked through the doors within ten minutes of the store opening and it has traded beyond expectations.

Colman Architects completed The Library Space in Battersea, London for Anthony and Pat Mascolo. The Grade 2 Listed former Tate Library has been converted into a stunning Studio and Gallery which host a wide range of prestigious events. “Thanks to a group of savvy developers and a clan of ambitious artists this unique Edwardian Grade II listed gem, complete with original oak panelled walls and beautiful stained glass windows, has been transformed from a dusty, unappreciated library into one of the quirkiest exhibition spaces in London.” — Love Art, London

We have worked closely with Colliers International Building Consultancy and Refolo Landscape Architects to convert this former Basement Car Park (constructed in 1966) into a 61,000 sq./ft. Safestore and 12,000 sq./ft. potential Leisure Unit with new Landscaping and Public Realm above. This project was shortlisted for both the Placemaking and Wellbeing sections within the New London Architecture Awards and as also listed as a Grade II addition to Historic England’s Register of Parks and Gardens “Beautiful scheme, and a fantastic example of retrofitting our towns and cities with green and blue” — Jane Findlay - President of the Landscape Institute and Director of Fira.

This high quality building was reconfigured at ground floor level to provide a new prestigious reception area and an 1100 sq./ft. retail unit adjacent to Oxford Street.

The redevelopment on the site of the former JE Beales store within the Vancouver Quarter in King’s Lynn seeked to create new commercial spaces that met the demands of current multiple store users. Because of the existing configuration of the units and the lack of architectural merit of the existing buildings, these had to be demolished to make way for attractive, modern retail units. The site was been divided into a two-storey 20,000 sq./ft. unit for H&M on the corner of St. Dominic Square and New Conduit Street. The block is connected to 12-14 St Dominic Square by four smaller, two-storey retail units. Throughout the design, particular attention has been paid to the verticality of the elevations in the form of brick pilasters subdividing the elevations. Brick has been chosen to provide a textured contrast to the smooth white render panels. This verticality has been further emphasised by the use of vertical curtain walling in the double height glazed façade. Large portions of glazing have been employed on all units to create a modern appearance and provide retailers with an active street frontage. Unit 1 features a curved double height curtain walling system, which provides an interesting and sweeping entrance into the Vancouver Quarter as you approach from New Conduit Street and Baxters Plain.

Colman Architects was been appointed by Elmbridge Borough Council to create an exciting new sports facility in Waterside Drive, Walton. The site, adjacent to the Xcel Centre comprised of Walton Casuals Football Ground and a public park area. An Outline Planning Application received approval for a new sports facility that will include a new football and athletic stadium with a 300 seat, covered, spectator stand and further seating on the opposite side of the stadium, making use of the existing Walton Casuals’ stands, with the additional of a covered standing area behind each goal. New Astro turf and extra grass pitches were to be used by the club’s Youth Teams and new changing rooms to be located below the stands. The proposals for a new 8 lane all weather athletics track, including areas for field events, was been designed to meet Club and ‘Sport England’ requirements with the addition, too, of changing rooms available for use by schools and the community. The new sport and leisure facility was designed to provide community facilities such as a children’s playground, picnic area, outdoor gym area and open space.

Our Planning and Listed Building Consent applications have been submitted to Westminster City Council for the reconfiguration, refurbishment, environmental upgrade, and provision of external amenity spaces within this Grade II Listed Building to enhance its attractiveness to contemporary occupiers of high-quality workspace and residential accommodation. Works are currently programmed to commence in Spring 2024 and be completed by the end of that year.

Our refurbishment and reconfiguration of the Grade II Listed Winton House and Coach House/Garden Cottage within the Nether Wallop Conservation Area will create this new residential clinic to help teenagers overcome challenges with mental ill-health and associated high risk behaviours. Listed Building Consent has been granted by Test Valley Borough Council for the internal works which started in January 2023 and will be completed this Summer.