We`re proud to share that the Higham Whole Estate Plan received a Commendation at the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category!
The project was developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the @lakedistrictnpa, creating a long-term vision for a rural estate that balances landscape stewardship, biodiversity, heritage and economic resilience.
We had a fantastic evening celebrating planning projects from across the region. One of the highlights was hearing poet Tony Walsh perform a selection of poems inspired by places across the North West, including the Lake District - a fitting reminder of the connections between landscape, heritage and community that underpin so much of the work recognised on the night.
Congratulations to all those recognised on the night🌟
Jun 25
Last week at Holker Hall...
It was great to bring together landowners, estate managers and rural professionals to discuss how Whole Estate Planning can support long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our fellow speakers, panel members and attendees, for sharing valuable insights and contributing to some thought-provoking discussions around Biodiversity Net Gain, estate strategy and the evolving opportunities facing rural estates.
Thank you to @holkerhall for hosting us in such a beautiful setting.
Jun 9
We’re delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category for the Higham Whole Estate Plan!
Developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the Lake District National Park Authority, the plan sets out a long-term vision for a 1,170-acre rural estate. Bringing together landscape, heritage, biodiversity and rural enterprise, the WEP demonstrates how strategic planning can support resilient rural communities while safeguarding landscapes and enhancing what makes them special.
The project demonstrates the value of collaborative, landscape-scale planning in helping to shape rural places - identifying opportunities for sustainable change and lasting community benefit.
We’re proud to see this work recognised and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project.
Jun 4
Creating community engagement for an estate 🤝
Community engagement is one of the three core pillars of sustainable estate management. Our Whole Estate Plan ensures the estate is aligned with local aspirations.
We begin by listening to the community to understand their needs, concerns, and hopes for the area. This helps us identify opportunities to enhance connectivity, create employment and improve visitor access, all while respecting the character and tranquillity of the Lake District.
By aligning estate plans with community priorities, Higham can support a thriving local economy while ensuring a sense pride among residents.
#WholeEstatePlan #LandOwners #LakeDistrictNationalPark
May 29
Delivering environmental stewardship across an estate🌳
Environmental stewardship is one of the core pillars of a Whole Estate Plan. Our goal: ensure the estate actively benefits nature, the community and the landscape, while remaining financially sustainable.
By mapping habitats, improving biodiversity, and creating priority areas like wet woodland and lowland fen, Higham Estate will deliver net gains for wildlife. Strategic tree planting, buffer strips along the River Derwent and green corridors will protect habitats, enhance scenery and support sustainable access for locals and visitors.
Environmental improvements also open new opportunities for the estate, from biodiversity credits to visitor experiences, all while honouring the estate’s heritage and World Heritage Site status.
#EnvironmentalStewardship #Biodiversity #HabitatMapping
May 28
As farming changes, rural estates must adapt and diversify.
New uses for historic buildings and opportunities like Biodiversity Net Gain are key to ensuring long-term economic vaibility.
Through the Whole Estate Plan, we have shown how a struggling rural estate can be reimagined for long-term sustainability without losing its essence.
#EconomicViability #RuralDevelopment #WholeEstatePlan
May 26
Creating economic viability for an estate 💰
One of the three key elements for any Whole Estate Plan is creating a path to long-term economic sustainability - without losing heritage or character.
Starting with a newly established ‘Heart of Higham’ visitor hub, economic viability underpins the sustainable future of rural estates - balancing commercial opportunity with the preservation of heritage, landscape and local character.
#EconomicViability #RuralDevelopment #WholeEstatePlan
May 25
Heritage isn’t just found in buildings - it’s carried in people and memory.
At Higham Estate, centuries of history are woven into the landscape, and a key part of the Whole Estate Plan is understanding how to protect that story while guiding thoughtful change.
#WholeEstatePlanning #RuralEstates #EstateManagement
May 22
Collaboration is key to successful Whole Estate Planning 🧑🤝🧑
From improving visitor safety to enhancing access, active travel, and local business links - shared working delivers better outcomes for people, place, and landscape.
#WholeEstatePlanning #RuralEstates #EstateManagement
May 20
What does it take to truly understand an estate?🤷♀️
It starts with seeing it as a whole system - not just land and buildings, but landscape, ecology, heritage and the communities connected to it.
That wider perspective is what allows real strengths, challenges and opportunities to emerge.
#WholeEstatePlanning #RuralEstates #EstateManagement
May 18
We’re proud to share that our Whole Estate Plan for Higham Estate was endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority on 10 June 2025. This makes Higham only the second estate in Cumbria to achieve WEP endorsement!
Working alongside the new owners and in partnership with the National Park Authority, we created a holistic, long-term strategy for the next 20+ years - one that balances the estate’s need for economic resilience with the Park’s duty to safeguard this exceptional landscape.
This endorsement marks a significant step toward a future where Higham Estate enhances the landscape, supports local people and businesses, and contributes to the wider aims of the National Park.
#WholeEstatePlan #LakeDistrictNationalPark #HighamEstate
May 13
Join us at Holker Hall for an insightful event exploring how Whole Estate Planning is helping rural estates build long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Chris and Luke from Crosby Granger Architects will share our holistic approach to estate planning, alongside insights from CSX Carbon on the financial and environmental opportunities presented by Biodiversity Net Gain strategies.
The day will also include networking opportunities, lunch, an overview of the Holker Estate and a panel Q&A featuring representatives from the Lake District National Park Authority.
Whether you are a landowner, estate manager or rural professional, this event offers valuable insight into the future of sustainable estate management.
Spaces are limited, both CLA members and non-members are welcome.
📍 Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕙 10am–2pm
🎟 £35 + VAT
Link in our bio for more info & to book your place!
#RuralBusiness #EstateManagement #BiodiversityNetGain #LandManagement #Sustainability #WholeEstatePlanning #CLA
May 13
Introducing Higham Estate 🌿
Nestled in one of the world’s most admired landscapes, Higham Estate spans 1,170 acres in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now under new ownership after over 100 years, Higham is entering a bold new chapter.
Last year our team were entrusted to create a Whole Estate Plan, a 20-year vision to secure a sustainable, thriving future for the estate, its people and the environment. And it`s finally time to share the results!
This is more than a plan - it’s a commitment to preserve heritage, enhance biodiversity, support the local economy and create inspiring experiences for visitors.
Stay tuned as we share how Higham Estate is shaping the future of sustainable land management in the Lake District.
#LandManagement #StrategicPlanning #EstateOwners
May 12
Let`s talk Whole Estate Plans. National Park Authorities are increasingly encouraging estates to adopt Whole Estate Plans - a holistic, long-term strategy that treats land, heritage, community and the environment as one interconnected system.
For landowners, taking this proactive, long-term approach brings significant advantages:
👉Clear direction for the estate’s future.
👉Smoother planning consent for projects aligned with the estate’s agreed vision.
👉Opportunities to revive heritage assets and bring underused buildings back into purpose.
👉A balanced framework that supports economic resilience, community benefit and environmental enhancement.
WEPs are helping estates move beyond piecemeal decisions and plan confidently for the decades ahead. We`ll be sharing more about WEPs over the coming weeks so make sure to stay tuned or head to our website for more info.
#EstateManagement #LandManagement #WholeEstatePlan #RuralPlanning
May 10
Join us at Holker Hall for an insightful event exploring how Whole Estate Planning is helping rural estates build long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Chris and Luke from Crosby Granger Architects will share our holistic approach to estate planning, alongside insights from CSX Carbon on the financial and environmental opportunities presented by Biodiversity Net Gain strategies.
The day will also include networking opportunities, lunch, an overview of the Holker Estate and a panel Q&A featuring representatives from the Lake District National Park Authority.
Whether you are a landowner, estate manager or rural professional, this event offers valuable insight into the future of sustainable estate management.
Spaces are limited, both CLA members and non-members are welcome.
📍 Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕙 10am–2pm
🎟 £35 + VAT
Link in our bio for more info & to book your place!
#RuralBusiness #EstateManagement #BiodiversityNetGain #LandManagement #Sustainability #WholeEstatePlanning #CLA
May 8
We’re looking for an experienced Conservation Accredited Senior Architect to join the Crosby Granger Architects team with genuine scope for leadership and progression.
This is an opportunity to lead projects across some of the UK’s most sensitive landscapes, from National Parks to World Heritage Sites, while contributing to the strategic growth of the practice.
You will bring a track record of delivering projects across all RIBA stages, confidence in leading teams and a strong interest in conservation-led design. Just as importantly, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to shape client relationships, support business development and guide our junior architects.
For the right candidate, this role offers a pathway to Associate Director.
📍Kendal, Cumbria
📧Send your CV & portfolio to cg@crosbygrangerarchitects.co.uk
May 5
Tower House School was founded in September 1931 with only 3 boys. Today, Tower House School provides education for 180 pupils from the local and surrounding boroughs ✏️
The school had outgrown its Edwardian home which means that the once adequate classrooms are no longer suitable for employing 21st century teaching methods.
The development of 190 Sheen Lane provided four new classrooms with more space per child, providing a less cramped environment more conducive to todays teaching. A multi- purpose performance and play space also provides an indoor play facility that the school does not presently have, whilst also providing a flexible space which could be used for a number of different activities and events throughout the academic year, as well as the potential for community use during out of school hours 🙌
Find out more about the project on our website 🔗 link in our bio.
#Construction #Architecture
Apr 30
📍 Site visit to St Peter`s Church
Located in the heart of the Lake District National Park, this Grade II listed church is an important early example of the work of Lancaster-based architects Austen and Paley. St Peter’s is recognised by the PPC as being of significant architectural and historic value and continues to be carefully looked after by a dedicated team.
We recently completed quinquennial inspection report for the PCC.
From speaking to church wardens, it is clear there is a dedicated hard-working congregation, who have been keeping on top of general maintenance and keeping the building alive and part of the community. The church building and community is very welcoming to visitors, parking is made available for local walkers, and the church provides tea & coffee through an honesty box system as well as regular services on Sundays.
At the time of inspection, the churchyard was also home to several sheep, who do a good job of keeping the grass well mown! 🐑
#Construction #Architecture #LakeDistrict
Apr 28
We were delighted to attend the launch of Grosvenor TimberWorks 🪵
We’ve recently specified timber from Grosvenor TimberWorks on a number of projects, recognising their high-quality, responsibly sourced British-grown material - suitable for both structural and architectural applications.
The event offered valuable insight into their process, alongside the opportunity to visit a live timber construction project and tour their Hatton Heath Mill facility.
A thoroughly informative and enjoyable day 👏
#Construction #Architecture
Apr 22
Revitalising and expanding a Lake District heritage asset 🌿
We crafted a spacious, dynamic and design-centric concept, involving the replacement of an outdated single-story kitchen and family room. Crucial to the project was the enhancement of panoramic views showcasing the breathtaking landscape - a feature overlooked in the original structure.
Additionally, the proposal prioritiwed the restoration of thermal and airtight efficiencies, which had gradually failed. The revitalisation effort extended beyond mere cosmetic improvements. A holistic approach addressed the property’s infrastructure, leading to the rewiring and replumbing of the original house.
Do you have a renovation project of your own? Get in touch with us 👉 link in bio
#Conservation #LakeDistrict #Architecture
Apr 20
Pre tender visit to Dallam Estate Three Towers 📍
We have been asked to prepare a tender for Historic England, who have been given delegated authority by Defra to support Historic & Archaeological Feature Protection Grants under Countryside Stewardship.
This is part of the Environmental Land Management scheme and provides financial incentives for farmers and land managers to protect and improve the environment, including the historic environment.
These grants are awarded via the Rural Payments Agency. The Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service has a remit to provide pre-application support, application assessment and post-award monitoring for the RPA.
A great opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our historic landscape 👏
#Architects #HistoricEngland #Architecture
Apr 17
Two of our Architects, Will and Luke, recently had the opportunity to attend a heritage skills training day at Levens Hall 🙌
The session was led by accredited Conservation-Restorer and Stonemason Brendan Teasdale, delivered as part of a grant-funded re-roofing project at Levens.
The morning began with an insightful presentation exploring the use of lime in building conservation. In the afternoon, they took part in a practical session focused on the application of lime mortar, learning how to prepare and mix it, before applying it to the Potting Sheds using pointing and wet dash techniques.
A brilliant day of learning and preserving traditional skills 👏
#Architecture #Conservation
Apr 16
Swipe to see the after... 👉
We were invited to design, tender and oversee the replacement of the dilapidated glasshouse and loggia at Leighton Hall, Lancashire 🍃
The project restores the historic character of the Grade II* listed building while bringing the space back into use. Original metalwork was carefully retained and refurbished, the loggia enclosed with timber doors to match the existing windows, and underfloor heating installed beneath the reinstated stone flags. A discreet contemporary extension to the rear provides new ancillary facilities, designed to complement the restored glasshouse and surrounding historic fabric.
This project brings a significant historic structure back into active use while respecting the architectural heritage of Leighton Hall 👏
#RestorationProject #Architecture #Lancashire
Mar 27
We`re taking the first steps in implementing our endorsed Whole Estate Plan (WEP) at Higham Estate, located beside Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick in the Lake District National Park!
Luke`s recent visit focused on exploring opportunities for diversification, assessing the wider landscape and considering how the actions set out in the Whole Estate Plan could begin to take shape on the ground.
The assessment combines site observations with desktop analysis, including the use of LiDAR topography data to better understand the estate’s varying landforms, elevations and landscape character - helping inform how future changes can be carefully integrated within this sensitive landscape 🌿
#Conservation #Architecture #LakeDistrict
Mar 24
An update from Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens following the devestating 2023 arson attack and subsequent storm damage...
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens (also known as St Cuthbert’s College) occupies a special place in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in England and urgent work is now underway to secure their future 🙌
A £400,000 grant from Historic England will help with the initial protection and clearance of the chapel, which will allow the next stage of surveying to take place. Repair works to the roofs and masonry of both buildings will ultimately prevent further damage to the decorative plasterwork inside the chapel.
We`re working on a programme of clearance work, to be followed by erection of scaffolding and scaffold roof to provide protection to the chapel. Once scaffolding is in place, we are set to complete a Fabric Repair Survey which will help establish full repair costs for the fire damaged chapel.
A major feasibility study is running alongside this project to develop a sustainable use for the whole of the Junior House complex.
We`re proud to be working on the protection of a nationally significant heritage site and the next chapter in Ushaw’s story. We will keep you updated on this project`s journey 💫
Drone footage by @wham.visuals
#Heritage #Architecture #HistoricEngland
Mar 22
We are fast approaching the final handover of our work at the Snaizeholme Valley 🙌
This project has seen the careful repair and conversion of three agricultural barns into welfare and storage facilities for the Woodland Trust. With ambitions to plant and grow over half a million trees across the valley, we’ve helped create a practical, future-proof base to support this transformation.
At the heart of the scheme is a renovated `hub` barn, providing staff welfare facilities, office and meeting space and a dedicated health & safety refuge area. Alongside it, two sensitively repaired stone barns have been brought back into use, offering secure storage for vehicles and equipment.
Delivered within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the approach has prioritised conservation and robust rural performance - retaining the character of the existing buildings while ensuring they are safe, functional, and durable for year-round use.
The result is a set of facilities that support day-to-day operations now, and the valley’s long-term restoration ambitions for decades to come.🍃
#Renovation #Architecture #YorkshireDales
Mar 19
We were honored to have led the award-winning restoration of Eshton Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in North Yorkshire 🏆
Our work addressed previous substandard repairs, focusing on roof and guttering systems to prevent water ingress and structural damage. This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic estates through sensitive, sustainable interventions.
#Restoration #Architecture #HistoricEngland
Mar 12
Bringing new life to Fazeley Town Centre 👷
Our proposals transformed the historic mill into 50 characterful apartments, arranged around a central corridor, with a contemporary new escape stair sensitively added to complement the building’s scale and industrial heritage.
The annex was divided into a range of 2-4 bedroom townhouses while make full use of the annex and its dual aspect which over looks the canal and the new residential units being constructed within the wider site 🙌
#Conservation #Architecture #HistoricEngland
Mar 10
We`re proud to be working with Levens Hall Estate on a carefully agreed programme of conservation works guided by a deep respect for the site’s history, heritage and environment....
The works include:
🌿 The re-roofing of the cockloft
🌿 Chimney repairs and limewashing
🌿 Comprehensive leadwork replacement
🌿 Timber repairs
🌿 Repairs to gutters and downpipes
Alongside the physical works, the project places a strong emphasis on skills-sharing, with training provided to the estate team and estate workers from neighbouring properties. This involved training in traditional materials and techniques, including limewash, lime mortars and leadwork. Additional CPD days will open this knowledge more widely, supporting best practice in the care, repair and understanding of historic buildings.
Through every stage our approach remains rooted in context, preserving the past while building for the future.
Drone credit: @wham.visuals
#Conservation #Architecture #Kendal
Feb 19
St Chad’s sits at the heart of an urban and deprived community in Gateshead and is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
We have been involved in several phases of repair over recent years, particularly to the complex roofscape of eleven roofs, including earlier works to the tower and nave following a successful Roof Repair Fund application. Further targeted repairs have addressed dry rot and long-standing water ingress ⛪️
#Gateshead #Architecture #Heritage
Feb 16
A new chapter is beginning at Crosby Granger Architects... After 11 years of leadership and dedication within the practice, Paul Crosby is stepping down as director and branching out as a specialist high ropes conservation architect.
We are moving forwards with the same values, dedication to quality and commitment to excellence. Our ongoing projects and upcoming work remain uninterrupted with the same experienced team ensuring continuity as Crosby Granger Architects begins its next chapter.
Join us in wishing Paul every success as he takes his conservation expertise to new heights - literally!
Feb 13
In July of 2020 we completed the Lake Head Visitor facilities in one of the most sensitive sites in the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Lake District National Park 🏔️
Positioned at the gateway to some of the UK’s most iconic landscapes, including access to Scafell Pike and the shores of Wastwater, Lake Head is a place of both beauty and intense visitor pressure.
Commissioned by the National Trust, the project forms the first phase of a wider, long-term programme of carefully considered improvements in Wasdale. The new facilities were introduced to enhance the visitor experience while reducing impacts on local residents and businesses, without encouraging increased visitor numbers to this remote valley.
The new facilities have been designed with a keen awareness and understanding of the landscape and environmental sensitivity 🌱
Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the project was delivered on time and well within budget, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the project team and John Carr Construction Ltd 👏
#LakeDistrict #Architecture
Feb 12
A contemporary family retreat 🌿
Set within a private estate of mature trees, Water End House forms part of a unique collection of dwellings centered around Derwent Bay House. Rebuilt after storm damage in December 2015, the new two-storey home embraces a modern yet context-sensitive design, featuring full-height ground floor glazing and a zinc-clad timber upper floor.
Sustainably designed, the property is heated via a biomass system fuelled by wood pellets, while lime mortar and a breathable timber frame with cellulose insulation ensure a high-performance, environmentally conscious envelope. Burlington blue/grey stone walls provide privacy and complement the estate’s mix of architectural styles, creating a contemporary home that sits harmoniously in its woodland surroundings 🪵
Do you have a project we can help with? Get in touch with us through the link in our bio 🔗
#LakeDistrict #HouseRenovation #Architecture
Jan 30
Last week we did something a little bit different! We were thrilled to be guest sponsors at @thegathernetworking event at @thevenuebbb in Kendal, where we had an `Absolutely Fabulous` evening with Helen Lederer 🎤
The team had a great evening connecting with other business people from across Cumbria and we definitely had plenty of laughs as Helen shared personal stories and honest insights from her book `Not That I`m Bitter`.
Great people, great atmosphere 🙌
Jan 28
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the Lake District, surrounded by damson trees that gave it its name, Damson Fell has watched over its village since 1903 🌳
We were appointed to carefully refurbish and extend the house, creating a home that respects its heritage while responding to modern family life. The reconfigured interior now provides six generous bedrooms and six bathrooms, while three principal reception rooms continue to enjoy a southerly aspect across the front of the house.
A new two-storey extension has been designed to sit quietly within its context - proportional to the original north gable, set back from the corner and tucked beneath the existing projecting verge. At its heart is a light-filled open-plan garden room, with large sliding doors opening onto a level patio, dissolving the boundary between inside and out.
The project also included significant landscaping works, reshaping the garden to respond to the new extension and removing the awkward level changes of the old layout 🪴
Do you have a renovation project of your own? Get in touch with us through the link in our bio 🔗
#LakeDistrict #HouseRenovation #Architecture
Jan 27
A contemporary educational shelter hidden in the woods above Windermere 🌲
Designed for the National Trust, this project puts sustainability at the heart of its architecture: re-used tyres packed with slate quarry waste form the foundations, straw bales rendered in lime and clay create warm, breathable walls, and sheep’s wool insulation, rammed earth and adobe blocks add natural thermal mass.
All the oak, larch and beech came from storm-felled trees in nearby Monk Coniston - giving fallen timber a second life.
One of the few modern buildings featured in Pevsner’s The Buildings of England - Cumbria, described as “an exercise in sustainability” and praised for fitting its woodland setting “beautifully while being entirely contemporary.”
Completed in 2007 with £35,000 Sustainable Development Funding from the Lake District National Park 🙌
#LakeDistrict #Conservation #Architecture
Jan 23
Lakeland Barn transformation 🌾
This late 17th / early 18th century Grade II listed barn, set within the curtilage of a historic farmhouse in the Lake District National Park, has been carefully reimagined to provide two new bedroom suites - without impacting the character or setting of the main house.
Guided by conservation principles, the design keeps external change to a minimum:
👉 Two new vent style window openings that will match the existing and new oak framed windows to all window openings
👉 The retention and refurbishment of the existing barn doors
👉 Reconfiguring the internal layout to form new rooms using plastered timber partitions and high-level glazing
👉 Repointing the exterior walls and new rain water goods
👉 New perimeter land drainage, new soak away and package treatment plant
👉 Extension of GSH pump to supply domestic hotwater and UFH
👉 Bespoke joinery and bathrooms
Inside, the barn now houses two en-suite bedrooms arranged around a central bay, using plastered timber partitions and high-level glazing to bring in light while respecting the historic fabric. Sustainable upgrades include an extended ground source heat pump, underfloor heating, and new drainage systems - blending heritage with modern comfort.
A quiet, respectful conversion that lets the barn remain a barn - just with a new story to tell ✨
#LakeDistrict #Conservation #Architecture
Jan 20
Hidden in the Lancaster landscape is a remarkable piece of 19th‑century architectural heritage…
We were introduced to the unique Egyptian Revival Gillow Mausoleum in Thurnham by Simon Gillow Reynolds, a descendant of Robert Gillow who was at the heart of Gillow & Co Furniture company.
The circa 1830 mausoleum, attributed to sculptor, architect and Egyptologist Joseph Bonomi the Younger, predates the nearby Church of St. Thomas & St. Elizabeth and showcases Britain’s 19th‑century fascination with all things Egyptian - from its sloping `battered` elevations to recessed elegant papyrus columns.
As a cause close to his heart, Simon sought our specialist advice on this fascinating repair project to preserve his ancestors’ resting place. We’ve carefully assessed and recorded the significance of this exceptional building, inspecting its unusual all-stone structure and sketching out its detail to inform a light touch proposal to guide sensitive repairs, including reinstating lost sections of sandstone roof and improving stone guttering to make it more resilient against changing climate 🌎
The project has gained national recognition. Grants were successfully secured from The Georgian Group’s Cleary Fund (£9,109.76) - their largest grant in 2025 - and the Historic Houses Foundation (£20,000) 👏
We`ll look forward to sharing more updates as work begins on site this spring 🙌
#Thurnham #Conservation #Architecture
Jan 16
Revitalising a Sunderland landmark 🙌
Hutchinsons Buildings, known locally as Mackie’s Corner, is a Grade II listed Victorian building at the heart of Sunderland’s historic high streets. Built in the 1850s and shaped by fire, rebuild and change, it remains a defining feature of the city’s commercial quarter.
Now part of Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone, the building was carefully repaired and safeguarded for future use through a heritage-led regeneration programme with Sunderland City Council and Historic England.
Our work focused on sensitive repair, retention of historic fabric and targeted interventions, from stonework and roof repairs to reinstated shopfronts and improved drainage, ensuring this landmark can once again play an active role in the city ✨
#HeritageDesign #Conservation #Architecture
Jan 5
Along with Dominic Roberts, we lead a team of consultants to restore historic buildings in Burton-in-Kendal 🙌
The Partnership objectives were:
🔸 Restore and repurpose heritage buildings, boosting investment confidence and protecting the area’s environmental quality.
🔸 Enhance the public realm, improving floorscapes and visual character in The Square, the community’s central gathering space.
🔸 Promote heritage skills and community understanding, highlighting the benefits of building conservation, craftsmanship, and contextual design.
Working alongside Historic England, the team also developed a national housing exemplar, demonstrating how sensitive housing growth can regenerate rural villages and market towns while monitoring economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Through the Public Realm Improvement Plan, the project set a clear vision for The Square, combined stakeholder input into a cohesive scheme, incorporated community involvement via heritage training, and delivered works that truly reflect the local identity 👏
A great example of how design, heritage, and community can come together to sustain and enhance our built environment.
#HeritageDesign #Conservation #Architecture
Dec 28
