conversion

Arts studios in St Ives

View from public footpath towards Burthallan Farm (central to left of white gable end)

Burthallan Farm is a conversion of semi-derelict agricultural buildings to create a range of artists studios and managers residential accommodation on a prominent site on the edge of St Ives.

The site, unoccupied since 1927, occupies a prominent location within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); it is within the Green Belt and includes land down to the South West Coastal Path and beyond to the sea.

Working within the tight constraints of the St Ives Neighbourhood Development Plan 2015 – 2030 and the Cornwall Design Guide, the project seeks to build within the original envelope of the farm building formed of cob and granite, enhance the artist studio offer available in the area and provide a further boost to local tourism. The studios will include tuition space for painting and life drawings, private studios and space for sculpture.

A planning application is due to be submitted before the end of 2018 and if successful, it is anticipated the artists studios will be 40% funded by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Rural Tourism Infrastructure Growth Programme.

This is the third project undertaken for this client over a rewarding and successful ten-year period.

David Murray John Building, the Number One Wonder of Swindon

David Murray John tower block above the Brunel Centre

A feasibility study to explore potential redevelopment options for the David Murray John Building, an iconic 21 storey 1970’s tower block in the centre of Swindon situated above the Brunel Shopping Centre. Known as the Number One Wonder of Swindon, originally designed and built by the local authority, the building has over 3,500 sq metres of office accommodation on floors 2 to 13 and 72 flats from floors 14 to 21 flats. The office accommodation has been vacant for several years, the cladding has come to the end of its economic life and the services installations needs a major overhaul.

The study investigates a range of interventions including complete recladding and a wide range of alternative uses. The report sits with the council awaiting further instruction.