Archaeology and heritage
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Heritage assessment and statement for refurb plans at St James's Palace
Our consultants were instructed to inform the development of designs to refurbish apartments 30A and 30B within the Gatehouse of St James’s Palace. The proposals intended to convert the majority of the rooms to office use, leaving a small residential apartment within the upper stories.
Key details
Project name
St James's Palace
Client
The Royal Household
Location
London
Services provided
- Heritage Statement
- Survey of Significance
- Archival Research
- Design Advocacy
Challenge
The site is housed within the Gatehouse of St James’s Palace, recognised as a building of national importance by virtue of status as a Grade I listed building. Apartment 30 A and B comprise the upper stories of the Gatehouse from first to fourth floors, as well as additional rooms within the first three bays of the adjacent north eastern elevation at ground floor level. Unsurprisingly the site is located within a highly designated area found within the St James Conservation Area. Neighbouring listed buildings include Clarence House, the Queens Chapel and the Deans Residence, all Grade I listed buildings. Additionally, the eastern boundary wall to St James’s Palace is Grade II listed as is the Stable Yard Gate Lodge. Immediately to the south of the Palace, St James Park is recognised as a Grade I listed Park and Garden.
Solution
Our team were appointed to undertake the full portfolio of design advocacy for the project for the renovation and conversion of apartment 30A. An initial Heritage Assessment was completed including a detailed room by room significance survey. This information was then calibrated against existing archival information, working closely with the staff of the Royal Household. Through the completion of this project a phased plan regression, identifying historic and modern fabric throughout the building was produced. This information was used as the basis to complete designs for the renovation and conversion of the apartment to office use. The Heritage Assessment was subsequently assimilated to produce a full Heritage Statement advocating for the proposals. The application for listed building consent was then independently managed and submitted.
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