Daniel Francis of PR Company 'Your Shout' writes:
"As you know Goldcrest Architects propose to redevelop the redundant warehouse building at 10-14 Mercy Terrace. The proposals include flexible office space for small and medium businesses on the ground floor with high quality student accommodation above and will contribute to a wider mix of accommodation that is compatible with and will support local businesses in the existing shopping parade.
"Since last summer’s drop in session, we have carefully analysed all the feedback received, met with council officers and the Council’s Design Review Panel on three occasions. In addition, we have also met with Ladywell Councillors and the Ladywell Society to update them on our emerging proposals. This process has allowed us to amend our proposals and develop the design in line with the feedback we have received.
"As a result, the following changes have been made to the proposals since last summer’s consultation:
"As you know Goldcrest Architects propose to redevelop the redundant warehouse building at 10-14 Mercy Terrace. The proposals include flexible office space for small and medium businesses on the ground floor with high quality student accommodation above and will contribute to a wider mix of accommodation that is compatible with and will support local businesses in the existing shopping parade.
"Since last summer’s drop in session, we have carefully analysed all the feedback received, met with council officers and the Council’s Design Review Panel on three occasions. In addition, we have also met with Ladywell Councillors and the Ladywell Society to update them on our emerging proposals. This process has allowed us to amend our proposals and develop the design in line with the feedback we have received.
"As a result, the following changes have been made to the proposals since last summer’s consultation:
- The scheme is one and a half storeys lower at the bridge end (south of site) and two storeys lower at the Mercy Terrace end (north of site) than the scheme consulted upon last summer. As a result, the scheme now steps down from part five storeys to three storeys.
- The scheme continues to provide modern flexible B1 space suitable for start-up businesses that will help bring life to Mercy Terrace. We are working with our local commercial agents to ensure that these are as attractive as possible to future occupiers to ensure that they don’t sit empty in the future.
- The student reception area is located on Mercy Terrace helping to improve safety through passive surveillance of the street.
- We have identified to the council the potential for creating a greatly improved public realm along Mercy Terrace with a wider footpath, tree planting, hard landscaping, public space and the potential for a level access route to the station through one of the existing council-owned arches.
- The material palette has been revised to reflect the conservation area context with stock brick used throughout, as opposed to the previously predominately render above ground.
"We are currently making some minor revisions to the elevations and plan to submit a planning application during March."
Please contact Daniel on 0800 458 6976 if you have any further queries regarding the application.
Robert Sheppard, LVIG Secretary
