Castle Works

Edward Street

Castle Works was purchased unconditionally from the resident engineering business whose owners were retiring. 

Although residential use was contrary to the UDP in place at the time and the planning authority was very reluctant to permit anything other than business space.

With existing businesses moving out to more suitable and more easily accessible sites on flat ground the district had developed social problems with substance abuse and prostitution. A detailed case was built with extensive local consultation to demonstrate that there was negligible demand for the marginal business units typical of the area.

Support from residents in nearby social housing and local police commanders underlined that the rapid regeneration benefits of student accommodation would be the catalyst to turning around the fortunes of the area.

The scheme utilised the existing footprint of Castle Works and retained the two and three storey blocks of the central courtyard. The front elevation was removed and new structure formed the rebuilt section as well as extending the property upwards to four and five storeys. 

Eventually the local authority were convinced of the merits of the scheme and the wider benefits to the district and agreed that the proposal should be approved. Planning permission was granted by committee.