New Flats Will Help Boost Town Regeneration
Planning permission has been given for a new development of nine flats to replace rundown industrial premises in Havelock Street, Kettering. The attractive new scheme has been designed by GSS Architecture, and will comprise a mix of one- and two-bed flats.
GSS partner David Allsop explained, "We were approached and asked to help after our client, Mrs Bella Connolly, had had an original planning application turned down. We decided the best course of action would be to meet the planners to find out what the problems were, and as a result we have been able to design a very attractive and sustainable scheme that has met with approval first time. Havelock Street is in the traditional heart of the town's Victorian centre, and while part of it has already been redeveloped, this new scheme should provide a very welcome boost to the local environment."
The site is currently let to Maco Refrigeration, a long established firm of industrial refrigeration engineers who have seen rapid growth since being acquired in 2003 by new Managing Director Steve Connolly. He said, "This year Maco has won a number of prestigious contracts to design and install new industrial refrigeration systems for clients across the UK. To accommodate our expansion we have found a new head office in Kimbolton, near Huntingdon."
It had become apparent that the premises in Havelock Street needed considerable updating to be of interest to another tenant, and it was felt the best long-term solution for the site would be some attractive, modern housing. "We were delighted that GSS Architecture was able to come up with an exciting solution which met all the requirements of the local planners," said Mrs Connolly. "Both GSS and ourselves were also very pleased with the constructive help and advice given by the planning department."
GSS is currently working on a number of housing schemes throughout the country.
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