Fountain Hall, on Fountain Street off Hamm Strasse, was built in the 1840s as a Friend’s Meeting House, and was Grade II Listed in 1983. Around 25 years ago it was badly damaged in a fire that destroyed much of the building, leaving just the facade. Derelict ever since, the façade had fallen into uneconomical repair and had become a concern for public safety.

Our proposed development acknowledged the importance of the site location at the entrance to the city and City Centre Conservation Area, as well as its relationship with the Grade II Listed Penny Bank building on the other side of North Parade. The planning approval also included for the demolition of the adjacent retail building, an unremarkable building at the end of North Parade.

It was noted that, ‘The loss of the Listed building is acceptable,’ referring to the new building as appropriate in the context of its key location and an assessment of neighbouring heritage assets. The proposed development provides 57 apartments to assist with the district’s housing needs on previously developed land.

Our design includes for landscaped courtyards to support the amenity of future residents, the centrally located squares, which are a common feature within the Bradford City Centre Conservation Area.