BAP were commissioned in early 2019 to carry out a review and feasibility study for 33-38 Billing Road in Northamptonshire.

The site comprises two large semi-detached Grade II listed Victorian villas, which were designed by locally renowned Architect Matthew Holding.

The buildings are currently used for a range of services including offices, recording studios and health care.

BAP’s proposals include the conversion and restoration of the Villas back to residential use and the development of the rear area for new build residential accommodation.

The scheme is ready for planning and will be submitted in early summer.

The proposals consist of two parts; the first is the sensitive restoration of the Villas. This will include works to restore the rear of the properties to their original design by removing non-original fabric including several late 20th century extensions and reinstating original window and door openings. The interiors will then be renovated, with updated internal layouts preserving any original features so that the properties can be returned to their original function as housing.

The rear of the site is to be developed to create a 9 unit new build housing scheme. The designs insert two blocks, one fronting onto Palmerston Road to complete the ‘streetscape’ and a smaller mews to the rear of the site.

Shoes and other footwear is an industry that has long been synonymous with the town of Northampton and the site is located within the heart of this industry, with small warehouse style industrial units and residential terraces located side by side. The façade design is a reinterpretation of the surrounding architectural language and incorporates features that celebrate the rich heritage of the original buildings. Bootlace metalwork and decorative stitch work panels reference one of the first residents to the Villas.