The redevelopment of the historic Grade II listed Oliver Buildings, designed by LHC Architects, is the final piece of a fantastic regeneration scheme at Anchorwood Bank in Barnstaple. The proposal by Wessex Investors and Acorn Blue includes 47 apartments and 1,186sqm of retail and commercial space as well as associated landscaping and public realm works.
Task
Having worked on all stages of the Anchorwood Bank project over a number of years, Seaxburh was recruited to support communications for this final stage, including preparing materials for a public exhibition and engaging with stakeholders to deliver planning consent.
Challenges
- The heritage industrial buildings are a local landmark and entwined with Barnstaple’s history. They were listed during 2015 but are extremely dilapidated.
- The buildings’ heritage meant a wider range of stakeholders were interested in their future.
- A high quality and creative solution was needed to give the buildings new purpose and life and gain the support of the town and from groups including a Design Review Panel.
What We Did
- Worked with the project team to prepare and promote a public exhibition in Barnstaple Town Hall which was attended by 150 residents and other stakeholders.
- Prepared feedback from the exhibition to support further iterations of the design.
- Established supportive relationships with local news outlets which included recording video interviews from the exhibition.
Outcomes
A resolution to grant planning permission was made by unanimous decision at the North Devon Council Planning Committee meeting in March 2020, supported by Barnstaple Town Council.
Client feedback
‘Seaxburh’s passionate commitment to this important project, and the enduring relationships they developed right from the outset, strongly contributed to this successful outcome.’
Andrew Pegg, Managing Director, Wessex Investors
