THE BANK, CREWE
MARKET STREET, CREWE - FORMER BANK TO 7x BEDROOM HMO AND SHOP UNIT
ARNI Architects were delighted to be the HMO Architects in the conversion of a former bank to a 7x ensuite bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) and self-contained shop unit after a long and difficult journey for client, Steve Evans.
Steve is an experienced property developer, who had previously renovated residential properties and decided to take on a new challenge; converting commercial premises into one of residential occupancy. Whilst keeping the shop unit at the front of the property as a prime location for his letting’s agency.
Steve chose to purchase the former bank because of its simple layout and its central location. However, he came into difficulties when he appointed a non-qualified Architectural Designer to prepare plans for the conversion. These plans included moving a 1 metre thick reinforced concrete wall and adding windows to the walls that were below ground!
ARNI Architects were then appointed by Steve to reconfigure the layout, reapply for planning permission, tender the building works to contractors and oversee the construction phase.
Following the creation of new plans, the basement area was utilised as a kitchen space (not requiring windows due to it not being a habitable room), with the shop front/4 of the ensuite bedrooms being located on the ground floor and a further 3 ensuite bedrooms on the 1st floor. We were even able to create two “brewing stations” for the occupants of the property, giving them access to a sink and small electrical kitchen appliances on each floor.
Through the support, dedication, creativity and imagination of the team at ARNI Architects, Steve’s vision for the conversion was able to become a reality.
The project was featured on BBC Homes Under the Hammer and will be aired again 10am Thursday 14 September on BBC1.
Location
Crewe,
Cheshire,
CW1
Typology
House of Multiple Occupancy,
Residential