A planning decision is expected imminently from the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on the comprehensive refurbishment and restoration of the Castle Club in West London, a commission by The Thackery Estate which sees architect Darling Associates continuing to expand their portfolio in the education sector.
The Castle Club School, Fulham, London SW6
The Castle Club School, Fulham, London SW6
Originally founded as a “ragged school” in 1855, the historic Grade II listed building is located within the Hurlingham Conservation Area in Parsons Green, and has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years following diverse uses including as a school, youth club and in the last decade as a residential dwelling.
Darling Associates are developing plans to completely return the landmark building to its original use as a school, proposing a robust solution including the full restoration of the historic structure and the incorporation of modern facilities which will unite contemporary and historic design themes.
In order to save the Castle Club from slipping further into dilapidation, Darling Associates and The Thackery Estate had to ensure that the scheme was financially viable and catered to the criteria required to deliver a contemporary educational institution.
A proposed, sympathetic modern extension will also introduce the requisite additional floor space needed to bring the building up to modern schooling standards. This considered and complimentary expansion unlocks the development so that the revitalised listed building can function as a secondary school for 300 pupils, with a local institute selected to occupy the building once complete.
A thorough consultation process including pre-application discussions with the council, public consultations and a Design Review Panel have all been undertaken, and a decision on planning is expected September 2017.
Damion Burrows, Director, Darling Associates, comments:
Our design will reinvigorate and reinstate a local landmark building, while fully respecting and retaining the school’s historic character and principal architecture. The new extension is designed to sympathetically integrate with and mirror the school’s massing, carefully unifying both historic and contemporary design, and further enhancing the existing streetscape in this conservation area.
The Castle Club School, Fulham, London SW6
The project team for the Castle Club includes The Thackeray Estate (client/project manager), Town Planning Bureau (planning consultant), Donald Insall Associates (heritage consultant), Taylor Project Services LLP (services consultant), JSA Consulting Engineers (structural engineers), Andrew Coultate (principal designer), Opus (Transport/Water and Environment), Tom McNamara & Partners (QS) and Quatro (Public Affairs).
Subject to planning consent, work on the Castle Club is expected to commence September 2017 with completion by June 2019.
Plan, Ground Floor – The Castle Club School, Fulham, London SW6
Elevation, Front – The Castle Club School, Fulham, London SW6
Cross Section – The Castle Club School, Fulham, London SW6
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