A year’s achievements! We delivered a series of high-impact projects that demonstrate our commitment to unlocking the potential of historic environments. By balancing development needs with expert conservation, we have successfully navigated complex planning landscapes to achieve sustainable outcomes for both private clients and the public interest.
Heritage as a catalyst for regeneration
Our assessments have consistently turned planning constraints into opportunities for sustainable growth and community pride.
63 & 63A Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames: Commercial heritage transformation
We helped property owners to secure the future of two listed buildings through a sensitive change of use through sustainable and appropriate retrofit.
The project: Assessing the conversion of ‘The Doll’s House’ and ‘Bagatelle Toys’ into hotel accommodation and a function room linked to The Bull Inn.
The impact: We secured the future of these deteriorating buildings by establishing the compatibility of a more financially secure use. Our strategy focused on minimal intrusion to historic fabric. We also advised on utilising traditional materials like lime mortar and sheep’s wool insulation to bring vacant spaces back into habitable, productive use. Reoccupying vacant spaces enhances the local Conservation Area.
38 Bears Rails Park, Old Windsor: Listed building enhancement
By regularising essential repairs and unobtrusive improvements our advice secured the integrity of the former Windsor Union Workhouse. We ensured this sensitive curtilage-listed terrace through an alternative use.
The project: A Heritage Assessment to evaluate the impacts of proposed changes within the sensitive Bears Rails Park environment.
The impact: We provided a clear baseline of significance for the property and its surrounding heritage assets, identifying how proposed modifications could be integrated sensitively. Our assessment focused on maintaining the character of the setting while allowing for modern improvements, ensuring development remains proportionate and justified.
108-110 High Street, Witney: Proving that heritage is a catalyst for regeneration
The project: We helped secure permission for convesion of a dilapidated, “locally listed” building
The impact: We interpreted the building providing a baseline of significance for convesion from a state of near-collapse into a thriving mix of residential and commercial units. Our inputs ensured its architectural integrity and permission for a sustainable future. By replacing ad-hoc, corrugated metal structures with high-quality, contemporary designs, we advised on a new design that responds to local character and enhances the conservation area.
Respresenting the communities
Clouds Hill Farm, Oxshott: Our expert analysis highlighted the threat caused by a high-density development to the hotel’s long-term economic viability as a national heritage asset.
The year also saw a strong emphasis on community outreach and training, with the team working alongside local societies and volunteers to foster local pride. By bridging the gap between history and modern development, Archway Heritage has helped ensure that our historic environments continue to serve as vibrant places for people to live and work.
A personal milestone: Mary Neale, MSc
Mary Neale is newly awarded MSc in Historic Conservation from Oxford Brookes and Oxford University to further strengthen our ability to provide the authoritative, research-led advice that defines Archway Heritage Ltd. Adding a formal recognition to her extensive background in archaeology (MA) and her status as a Chartered Archaeologist (MCIfA), this new qualification reinforces Mary’s role as a leading expert in the field. Her work continues to focus on navigating complex regulations to achieve creative, compliant outcomes for historic buildings, ensuring that the past is not just preserved, but thoughtfully adapted for the future.
Wishing all our clients, colleagues, and community partners a happy New Year!
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