POWICK MILLS

WORCESTER
 

Client:North East Essex Building Group
Completed:1999
Contract Value: £1.2M
Contractor: Thomas Vale Construction Ltd

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Awards:

• Special Development House Design  Birmingham Post and Evening Mail 2000

• Commended Worcester City Awards 2000

• Citation for best restoration and conversion in the National Homebuilder Design Awards 2001.

Description: Powick Mills was almost certainly the first commercial scale hydro-electric power station constructed in Europe, and initially provided power for the street lighting of Worcester from 1894.

The Grade 1 listed building was in poor condition when planning consent was obtained by Lett + Sweetland Architects to convert the building into residential use. The conversion divides the buildings into ten vertical apartments and the converted manager's house.

Double height volumes are created within the apartments to create space and maximise the views and light from the existing openings and new roof glazing. Apartments have their own balconies over the river.