Playle & Partners were approached by Runnmede Borough Council to convert an existing three storey mixed use building constructed in the 1980’s. The building front makes up part of the high street landscape. The ground floor is to be retained in use as a restaurant, however the first and second floors are to be converted from office use into residential. The Client’s aspiration is for the flats to showcase high end design so that they are an exemplary iteration of their type. The lighting scheme within the flats has been carefully considered, as this is one aspect where we believe a design can be lifted with minimal cost. Other internal fittings and fixtures such as the kitchens and bathrooms have also been designed to high standards with quality materials being used throughout. The finish has been discussed with the valuations expert in the area who has concluded the specification to be desirable for the target market. The restaurant is to be an exciting and vibrant new space to boost the high street and influence it’s continued viability. It is also hoped that the restaurant will improve the street scene of the local area. The interior of the restaurant is a contemporary interpretation of Venice, on which the inspiration of Caffe Gondola is based.