Norban Estates, Abington Street, Northampton

Refurbishment of fire-damaged building

SWB were commissioned by Norban Estates and Aviva Insurance to reinstate a mid-nineteenth century Baptist Chapel. It had been converted to commercial space before a severe internal fire led to the complete collapse of the roof, internal structure and subsequent water damage.

The project was to rebuild the damaged structure including a new roof, supporting steelwork and a new commercial fit-out in the basement, ground and first floor areas.

SWB were subsequently instructed to insert a new second floor into the building and convert the upper two floors into 8 self-contained one-bedroom flats. The development retains the existing building vernacular with the only visible changes externally being the removal of the steel fire escape stairs and doorway to the rear of the building, introduction of new conservation roof lights and replacement windows to match the existing.

Value: £900,000