former art school, darwen

location | darwen, UK

stages | RIBA 0-4

completion | 2012

project description

​

This former Art College was originally built in 1894 and was last used as Darwen Moorland Lower School until 1995. 

Working mainly with a derelict shell, we inherited a scheme layout which needed re-designing. Working around and maintaining many of the original features, we rationalised the conversion of the building into 43no. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Taking advantage of the high floor to floor heights some of the apartments had mezzanine bed decks with en-suites.

Unfortunately, in 2009 the recession resulted in our developer client going into liquidation and the building went into receivership with the bank. 

​

The art college was eventually completed by a local building contractor for a new building developer in 2012.