Project: 20-26 Hill Street, Wisbech

Description: The proposals occupy a sequence of four linked existing (unoccupied) buildings on the south side of Hill Street in Wisbech, in the Fenlands of Cambridgeshire. The proposed new ‘boutique’ hotel will purposefully occupy this vacant site, refurbish the existing neglected built fabric, and enhance the local environment, animating and improving the quality and character of the urban realm. The scheme will bring much needed economic activity to the area in a high quality project which respects the prevailing conditions on site, repairing and upgrading the existing fabric of the host buildings; sensitively adapting and extending this where necessary, and inserting a series of functions which will provide activity and animation in place of abandonment.

The site planning reflects local patterns and arrangements (public functions opening off of street level using the existing ’shop front’ entrance ways; ancillary functions located at the upper levels).

The form and materiality of the roof level interventions achieves a contemporary interpretation of a recognisable traditional model—the ‘attic storey’, which in this case provides a lightweight counterpoint to the masonry structures below.

Status: Design Development.