Development entails a continual evolution and reshaping of the existing environment and, with each new use of an area of land or a building, a new dimension to its cultural history. Over the course of a few years the changing form of an individual site or property may remain subtle, but, cumulatively, over the course of centuries, there are significant changes in how it is used, and perceived.
In order to learn more about our cultural history and how processes of continuity and discontinuity continue to inform the present day, we must not only preserve a record of more recent history via the existing environment, but also unearth a past that is concealed beneath the ground.
RPS experts in archaeology and historic environment have just completed management of a large-scale project to excavate and record the past uses of a 300ha site in Elstow, Bedfordshire that includes the remains of a huge munitions manufacturing operation from the Second World War. The land is undergoing a new transformation as ‘Wixams’ residential development by Gallagher Estates. The ten-year project began with RPS conducting an EIA for the site.
The Elstow Royal Ordnance Factory operated between 1942-5, employing staff from thirty-three local villages. Comprising more than 250 buildings, it included a factory, filling sheds, fire and police services, medical surgeries, a laundry, 15 miles of railway lines and 16 miles of roads. More recently the site has held warehouses.
A detailed drawn and photographic record was made of the entire factory site whilst an oral history project recorded the memories of former workers during its operation. A full archaeological investigation of the landscape revealed a late Iron Age and Roman ditch enclosed farmstead and a series of Saxon wells.
Working with listed buildings may cover a smaller site area, but brings its own complex workload requiring the preparation of a detailed heritage statement to support any application for works to the property. The accuracy and depth of information provided is under even greater scrutiny when the application is for a high profile establishment.
RPS has prepared and submitted the planning application and listed building applications for the internal refurbishment and upgrade of Morton’s Club in Mayfair for client MARC1. Situated to the north of Berkeley Square, the Grade II listed property was built between 1821-2 and was a private residence until the 1920s when it operated as a casino. It has housed Morton’s – a private members Club since 2004. The high-profile club has a world-class restaurant and one of the largest private wine collections in the UK.
The applications seek consent for the upgrade of the restaurant, bar and reception areas of the Club, and the introduction of a night lounge at basement level. Works will include re-cladding the entrance steps with a natural stone, painting the exterior window frames and door frame in black, installing a solid timber entrance door, replacing the modern bar, and laying a stone tiled floor in the reception area. The whole project will provide a subtle upgrade to the existing modern fittings to maintain the quality of the existing design scheme: blending in new modern design while enhancing the historic features of the building.
RPS provides an extensive range of expert historical and archaeological services which complement its planning, design and environmental consultancy services, including: archaeological surveys, heritage statements, listed building services, conservation areas, and building and landscape restoration design.
Contact:
Elstow ROF site project:
Rob Masefield
T: +44 (0) 20 7939 8000
E: masefieldR@rpsgroup.com
Morton’s Club refurbishment:
Roger Birtles
T: +44 (0) 20 7939 8000
E: birtlesR@rpsgroup.com
1 Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation.