Chesterfield based architects appointed for ambitious regeneration scheme
Chesterfield Champions, Whittam Cox Architects, have been appointed as the first design practice in the Sheffield City Region to play a key role in the transformation of Park Hill.
The practice are working on proposals for phase three of the ambitious regeneration scheme that will add student accommodation to the mix of commercial and other residential uses at the Grade II listed high rise blocks.
Based at Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, Whittam Cox Architects are building a growing student housing portfolio across the UK, alongside contracts for major residential, commercial and leisure developments.
At Park Hill, they introduced student specialist Alumno Developments to regeneration company Urban Splash in a partnership that will deliver 350 student bedrooms for occupation in the 2020/21 academic year.
The student phase is being designed around groups of predominantly four and eight bedrooms with a range of unit sizes to offer students a spectrum of rents to suit different budgets. Units will have shared living space in a unique three-storey ‘townhouse’ model that will add a distinct yet complementary neighbourhood to Park Hill.
Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented:-
“Park Hill is captivating and infectious; its original design has timeless value and integrity architecturally. Our responsibility is to interpret what is there and create a design response which ensures a long-term future for the fabric of this historically important asset, whilst also seeking to promote a sustainable and diverse community. Being part of the Park Hill story is a genuine privilege for us, especially as so many of our team and their families live in the city.”
David Campbell, Managing Director at Alumno also commented:-
“This is a special project and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the regeneration of Park Hill. The Estate has an amazing historical structure and importance for Sheffield, and we would like to make a positive contribution to its vibrancy and future life.”
Mark Latham, Regeneration Director of Manchester-based Urban Splash, added:-
“We always intended to create a mixed community at Park Hill. With the first phase complete and fully occupied we now have hundreds of people from mixed backgrounds and all ages living and working at Park Hill. We are so pleased to see a mutual respect and support reflected in the events and activities they create together with other residents in the area. We look forward to students being a significant and positive part of that community.”
