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industry news 25 The new build design uses original


architectural themes and adds modern amenities. All the apartments are designed to be finished with attention to detail with bespoke German kitchens and spacious living areas.


Work begins


After the lengthy and extensive design work, consultation and community engagement, plan- ning and listed building consent was applied for in November 2012 and granted, without opposi- tion, in April 2013. Work began in July 2013 with Phase 1, the


refurbishment and conversion of the retained buildings, completed in September 2014.


Transformation


Baylis Old School has proved to be a positive example of how Henley Homes can convert a challenging listed site, which had deteriorated for over a decade, into a flourishing new community. The dark, damp and crumbling concrete jungle of squatter debris and graffiti has gone, and has been replaced by a thriving new residential quarter, which has already encouraged economic growth within local businesses. The 1960s architecture still inspires a strong


reaction with the site remaining one of the few surviving examples of the ‘Brutalist’ style of archi- tecture. However, feedback from new residents confirms that they really appreciate the properties’ enormous windows and the spacious layouts cre- ated within many of the conversion units. Some of the purchasers once attended the


school and were fascinated by the opportunity to live where their lessons once took place. Others have links to the community groups who have used the site and are now pleased to see its


Before Before


After


regeneration. The assembly hall also has planning for community activities and negotiations are pro- ceeding with various groups for its use. Also, the 40 per cent affordable housing


provision, which Henley Homes designs to the same high standard as private market housing, includes family‐sized apartments, has been wel- comed by local people.


Success story


Sales activities were formally launched in the autumn of 2013 and were immediately very strong, fuelled by press interest in the development, the site’s history and strong local profile, all supported by targeted marketing. Phase 2, which comprises of the new build


homes, is due to complete this month. The development is now completely sold and


nearly fully occupied. Explaining the success of the project Henley


Homes CEO, Tariq Usmani said: “Our focus was on the potential of the conversion units, working hard with English Heritage and planners to achieve maximum utility while retaining as much period detail as possible. The new‐build sector, with its carefully judged massing and high quality finish, both complements and is enhanced by the rest of the site. The landscaping balances beauty and prac- ticality. The site has an amazingly low density per hectare, with most new‐build sites typically 2‐3 times more densely built, due to the extensive grounds and low-rise blocks. This gives rise to a feel- ing of exclusivity, which is rare in this price band.”


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