Winter Newsletter
Practice Updates
As winter nears its end and we anticipate the arrival of spring, we offer an update on the final stages of 2023 and recent events in the new year.
Successes
During the 2023 festive period, we celebrated positive developments in planning, successful grant applications, and completed projects.
In December, Inkpen Downie received approval from Colchester City Council for our longstanding planning application for two new apartment buildings on Priory Walk containing 19 apartments. Sitting alongside the Queen Street development comprised of 31 apartments (approval achieved in 2022) this brings the total approved units in the Priory Walk development to 50. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our client to realise this project, providing Colchester city centre with necessary investment through modern development.
In the new year, two of Inkpen Downie Architects’ projects secured grant funding, enabling the commencement of design and construction phases. These projects include the adaptive re-use and refurbishment of a church and a vertical extension at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, enhancing its rentable space for meetings, workshops, or rehearsals.
Project Progress
Substantial progress has been achieved on numerous existing projects since our last update, with several new projects added to our portfolio.
Notably, the transformation of the old bus depot in Colchester into a creative grow-on space has commenced construction and remains on schedule for completion in early 2025. Updates on significant milestones will be provided on our news page.
Building regulation approval has been obtained for our Canterbury Tye project, which involves converting an existing listed barn into a family home with a two-storey extension, providing ample space for living, growing, and entertaining.
We continue to collaborate with clients and planning authorities across Essex to convert existing barns into residential properties using Class Q permitted development rights.
Completion
Roxwell Church in Chelmsford recently achieved practical completion, featuring new kitchen and toilet facilities for the congregation. This project marks the completion of another phase of development for the church, which is receiving investment into the historic building’s future. Necessary roof repairs have been completed, and internal additions have been finished, with further works planned.
Another project reaching practical completion before the end of the year was Plantation Hall in Maldon. The extension, providing new foyer and lobby space, is a sympathetic addition to the existing hall and enhances its entrance, aiding users in wayfinding.
Inkpen Downie Architects will continue to collaborate with new and existing clients to bring their projects to fruition. We eagerly anticipate sharing further insights into recent developments soon.
