Regeneration

Many regeneration projects will involve a mix of uses and are often located in historic areas. Our heritage, urban design, landscape and planning expertise allow us to understand the historic and townscape significance of a site and its context, as well as identifying the development constraints and opportunities for enhancement.

Ben Ainslie Racing Team America's Cup Facilities Building, Portsmouth

BAR & HGP Architects

RMA Heritage was appointed to undertake a Heritage Significance Statement and assess the visual impact of the proposed building on the historic environment. The site is located on Portsmouth’s historic waterfront in the Old Town Conservation Area and involved the redevelopment of a post war fish market and moving an existing boatyard. While the new building is clearly much larger than its immediate neighbours, which included a Grade II listed pub, we were able to argue that the public benefits of such a proposal outweighed any harm caused. The stunning design by HGP Architects will undoubtedly become a new landmark building on the city’s skyline. The scheme was approved in June 2014.

Admirals Quay, Ocean Village, Southampton

HGP Architects

RMA Heritage appointed by HGP Architects to prepare a Heritage Statement assessing the impact of their proposed scheme on nearby listed buildings and other heritage assets. The proposal comprises of 3 buildings including a 24-storey tower and will complete the latest phase of regeneration at Ocean Village. It will provide new shops and restaurants, 299 apartments, two raised terraces, underground resident parking and a new piazza next to the dockside. The Outer Dock has Grade II listed granite dock walls and was built in 1838-40 and allowed Southampton to expand into a major port.

Staple Chambers, Staple Gardens, Winchester

Staple Gardens Developments Ltd.

A redevelopment proposal involving the demolition of a 1960s office building and replacement with a 4-storey building of contemporary design comprising offices at ground floor and 10 apartments above. The site is located in Winchester Conservation Area and an archaeologically sensitive area.

RMA Heritage was brought in when the original scheme met with opposition. We worked closely with T2 architects, who totally redesigned the scheme so it sits more comfortably in the local context. We also persuaded the Council’s Historic Environment Team and the City of Winchester Trust to support the scheme. Despite this, there were over a dozen objections from local residents but we got a unanimous vote of approval from the Planning Committee in July 2011.