The Connexus housing development at Bath Street, Hereford has received a High Commendation in the Best Small Social Housing category at the LABC – Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Awards 2022.
The old council offices were transformed into 74 new build apartments for both affordable and private rent while maintaining the original building’s historic facade.
Connexus worked with Architype Architects and Harper & Sons to marry historic, much-loved features with modern living design.
The Bath Street site, situated on a former Victorian Working Boys Home, is an £8m development for Connexus built by Harper & Sons from designs drawn up by Architype, with £2.8m of grant funding from Homes England. It retains the historical façade while transforming the old council offices into 74 new build apartments for both private and affordable rent.
A ceremony to open the site was attended by local Councillor Ange Tyler, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regulatory Services and Community Safety and Connexus Board Member and Chair John Barker.
Amanda Knowles, Head of Development at Connexus said, “This site is very special. We knew how much the building meant to the local community, and it gave us a real opportunity to do something different by fusing the old with the new.
“Working with our partners Architype and Harper & Sons we were able to marry historic, much-loved features with modern living design. The courtyard styling of the new Bath Street will, we hope, create a real sense of togetherness, making good on our promise of investing not only in developments but in communities too.”
Councillor Tyler said how impressed with the development she was, speaking with residents and the key local teams involved.
She commented, “I was delighted to be invited by Connexus to officially open the Bath Street development that comprises affordable homes for a range of occupiers. We’re all aware that the current market is outsourcing young people and young families of being able to afford their own homes.”
“Everyone wants to be able to own their home, that sadly, this isn’t the case given the current climate. Herefordshire Council are committed to support and enable the delivery of genuinely affordable homes for the long-term future of our residents and look forward to working with Connexus and other registered partners.”
Anthony Rees, Group Managing Director of site contractor Harper & Sons, said: “We are proud that we have been able to bring much needed affordable housing to heart of the city on behalf of Connexus.
“We are pleased that we have been able to create contemporary, cleanly designed homes with attractive internal finishes, while retaining character from the previous land use by restoring the original red brick façade in keeping with the heritage of the site.
Residents have already started moving into the new properties, praising the location and atmosphere of the scheme.
