11-DLG Architects Architecture, planning and development News 200308

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DLG Architects - Plans Progress For Caleys Store Transformation

DLG Architects has successfully secured planning approval for the transformation of the famous Caleys department store In Windsor. Works have already started on site to provided renewed space for retail and hotel trading.
Located in the heart of the Windsor Town Centre Conservation Area, to the south west of Windsor castle, the building enjoys a prime position on the main High Street alongside other Grade II Listed buildings of Georgian proportion. In addition to the High Street buildings, the rear acre passage ‘Gothic Cottages’ will also be included in the redevelopment.
Caleys has operated in Windsor for over 190 years and became renowned as a department store having served the royal household since 1818. It was sold to Selfridges in 1910 and later to John Lewis before closing in 2006.
High Point Estates acquired the Grade II listed building in August 2006 with a vision to transform the cluster of buildings into a more practical layout for profitable trading. High Point Estates is renowned for transforming difficult sites and this is no exception having inherited a collection of interconnected buildings built over many years each with varying levels.
DLG Architects was appointed by High Point Estates for its extensive expertise in listed building refurbishment and conservation. DLG had also already established a strong relationship with Windsor after completing the award winning restoration of Windsor Royal Station in 2000.
Demi Chervak of High Point Estates commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside DLG Architects as a trusted advisor for such complex schemes. The Caleys building is of great historical relevance for Windsor and close to the hearts of its people. It is important that we maintain its character and heritage but also salvage its future by providing a renewed space for modern day use.”
The approved plans include three new retail units with frontage onto the high street at ground floor level and a four star hotel totalling 69,000 sq ft. No. 23 High Street will provide the main entrance to the four star hotel, with the retained Gothic Cottages providing an entrance off Acre Passage. Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has recently completed a deal to operate the hotel which will offer 128 bedrooms.
The informal connection between the High Street and Acre Passage will also be retained through the larger retail space, an important link and historical reference to Caleys, which will accord with the public’s memory of the store. Forming a major part of the retail offer in Windsor, the three large units, totalling 25,000 sq ft, will improve the attractiveness of the town as a destination for people to shop.
The overall design aims to enhance the already well established economic and social context of Windsor, and improve site access and circulation. Furthermore the new build elements as well as the refurbishment of the retained buildings will be environmentally sustainable from the outset. Key issues such as energy minimisation and the efficient use of resources, water and minerals will be addressed and old materials reused.
Andrew Richardson, Associate Director at DLG Architects said: “The success of the planning application is testament to the experience and design attributes that our team has brought to bear on such a challenging redevelopment. It was essential that we were sympathetic to the building’s history and that we respected the surrounding areas to create synergy with the neighbouring buildings and local community.”
Through extensive consultation with the Local Authority, The Windsor and Eton Society and English Heritage, DLG has designed a vibrant mixed use scheme which will revitalise a historic landmark in the town of Windsor and ensure that its legacy lives on. Demolition works have begun on site with the build programme due to start in May 2008 the development is expected to be completed by late summer 2009.

Email: Dee@frenchpr.co.uk