Project Lavender

A commuter town north of London, Project Lavender presents a unique opportunity to deliver a masterplan which converts a predominantly commercial site into a mixed-use residential-led development to regenerate the local community and High-street.

The former office blocks have been reimagined as a small neighbourhood with improved public space and walkability. With an approach to retain and convert much of the existing structures, reducing potential carbon emissions whilst introducing more than 500 residential properties. The development provides for mixed family units, from singles to larger families with at least 35% classified as affordable. Accommodating multi-generational communities with assisted living and care housing to meet local needs.

Initial design studies focused on how to best use this largely underdeveloped site which was dominated by an expansive car park. The team identified key heritage sites and massing in the local context to determine the best opportunities to respond to the site’s heritage. A local landmark sitting at the historical centre of the community, the masterplan looked to unlock the previously isolated site. Pockets of open space were then strategically placed to minimise impact and to maintain a similar grain to the existing High Street. New commercial opportunities were identified at ground level which also allowed for pedestrian routes through the site providing an employment-generating use and retaining employment on the site.

PRS worked closely with Heritage, Highways, Daylight and Sunlight consultants to conduct an initial assessment, making recommendations to best serve the local community in line with the Local Plan. Parking on the site was also retained and densified, capped by new green space centrally located between the housing blocks.

This redevelopment looks to open up the site for better pedestrian access, permeability and connectivity with a further introduction of new uses including residential, retail, commercial and leisure uses. The objective of such redevelopment being to increasing footfall, local spending and the evening economy to support the vitality and viability of the town centre.