The scheme is located within the Hillgate Conservation Area of Stockport and includes the conversion of an 18th century tobacco warehouse as well as a newbuild infill to existing streetscape to form a mixed development of 8 residential units for shared ownership and 3 No. retail units. The development of the site and its historical context gave the opportunity to enhance and put back original spaces and to introduce a new extended ground floor courtyard which affords a better view of the medieval town wall, which had been previously covered. The newbuild residential development of 4 No. 2 bed/3 person apartments is centred around this secured courtyard which is accessed by a gated passageway from Mealhouse Brow. A bridge link from the stairwell gives access to a high level private terrace. In addition, each apartment has a private external balcony accessed from the Living Room. Externally, the design, scale and massing of the newbuild block completed the streetscape, whilst internally (from the courtyard and terrace) the spatial quality between buildings is maximised. Although sympathetic to its historic context, there is a blend of new and old based on careful selection and the introduction of new technology to complement and protect retained elements. The ground floor courtyard contains the Meter Room, Bin Store and Recycling area and is sensitively lit at night to highlight the medieval town wall which is a 15th century listed structure. The remaining 3 No. 2 bed/4 person and 1 No. 2 bed/3 person apartments are accessed via a secured gateway from Rostron Brow and are contained within an existing 18th century building which was originally used as a tobacco warehouse. The two shop units to Mealhouse Brow and particularly, 5 Lower Hillgate have been restored and are currently let as long-term leasehold. The materials and method of construction were specifically selected for their appropriateness in the repair and refurbishment of these premises and take into consideration both the historic content of the premises and the structural instability and deterioration of the site and its environs. During the demolition stages, brickwork, stonework and sound timber beams were cleaned, palleted and wrapped and taken to storage off site for re-use at a later date. New and reclaimed materials were selected for the appropriateness of use and setting out methods of construction were traditional in the spirit of retained structures. The high level terrace planters, stone trough, timber beams and infill stone setts are all reclaimed from the site and reinforce a sense of identity and context. Traditional sliding sash windows to the street elevations were made locally and the design was based on original window features. The scheme completes the restoration of a longstanding dilapidated and blighted area of Stockport and serves as a catalyst for the continued regeneration of historic Stockport. Quotes: “New and old intermingle in building construction and also in design approach. The outward-facing facades demonstrate sensitive restoration and successful pastiche. Internal courtyards are more contemporary in design, incorporating some of the historic walls and with topography assisting the creation of appealing, multi-layered open spaces ... ... the design of the two Brow developments is most definitely ‘specific to the scheme”. Annie Coombs, BfL accredited assessor and Places Matter! And CABE design panel member. “How much locals owe this Development Team ... ... Flats in the newbuild have comfortable plans but what impresses is the size and design of their huge balconies overlooking the internal courtyard. These are well screened from each other, so offer private outdoor space in a location which has all the geography of a medieval hill town, but until now little of the serendipity”. David Birkbeck, Design for Homes