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PROJECT REPORT: ADAPTIVE REUSE


The stripped-back material palette helped the project meet a relatively tight budget of less than £1000 per square metre


displaying locally-made videos. Leaving much of the power station in its original form helped minimise the need for new construction thereby reducing embodied carbon. For example, the mezzanine was confi gured to fi t around an existing staircase to avoid its demolition. The project had no BREEAM target, and the insulation was not upgraded; however a new energy-effi cient heating system and low-energy sensor activated lighting were installed. The building will be naturally ventilated in warmer months with some cooling, for example in the events space. Improvements made to the adjacent


Youth Zone building include a reconfi gured reception and a new wellbeing room, gaming area, dance studio and gym. Outside, the triangular parcel of land was upgraded with skate friendly curvy concrete landscaping and coloured canopies that shelter people sitting below. A new green wall running along the side of the site adds


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to the project’s biodiversity. According to Puttick, the project was straightforward from a planning point of view, mainly because the existing facades were retained. However, the sunken green wall created “some complexity” with the Environment Agency because it runs adjacent to a river. With many councils in England struggling fi nancially, the outlook for youth focused projects is bleak. A 2024 Local Government Authority survey of council chief executives found that 63% of them were anticipating making cutbacks in services and support for children, young people and families. Nevertheless, projects like Fusebox ignite a spark of hope, demonstrating how, with limited investment and careful design, disused buildings can be brought back to life to provide young people with dedicated spaces to create, learn, socialise and express themselves. 


ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025


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