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Client
Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd
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Services
Architecture • Interior Design + Fit-out
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Sectors
Office + Workplace • Science + Innovation
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Value
£7.3 million
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Year Completed
2019
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Region
Leicester, UK
The regeneration site also features a 152-bed Novotel hotel and 100 bed Adagio “aparthotel”, along with the refurbishment of the old Great Central Railway Station, including its glass canopy and front façade. A new traffic-free public space will include part of Great Central Street so that the refurbished station becomes integral to the development.
The five-storey office’s V-shaped form evolved with the design of SGP’s masterplan; the splayed footprint creates a new public realm which focuses onto the former railway station. Double storey height curtain walling at ground and high level achieves a critical lightness whilst the twisting roof parapet adds further visual interest to the building, creating an attractive and aspirational place for future tenants to work and do business.
The main feature of the project is the slanting element in the façade – a conscious design decision to reduce the building’s scale in respect of its neighbours, creating street harmony and bringing forward the once neglected Great Central Railway Station.
The development had to be carefully designed to client’s wish to not overshadow the two hotels on site. This challenged us to develop a practical yet contextual design, controlling the building’s height, service core position, the extent of glazed façade and its levels.
“Hing’s designs have taken into account a pleasing aesthetic and an awareness of economy to ensure that each development was viable. He is a cheerful person and many of our clients have welcomed his approach to explain the process that is necessary to achieve the end result. That comment also applies to his dealings with planning officers who as most developers know can be awkward at the best of times. I would happily recommend him to anyone.”
Hugh Murphy, Chairman of The Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd
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