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.