Grosvenor Garage
Grosvenor Garage
The former garage plays a part in the historical development of Tunbridge Wells through the railway. Opposite the location of the former world-famous Charbonnel et Walker chocolate factory, and next to a street of two-storey railway cottages, the current garage showroom does not contribute much to the historic streetscape. It offers only a tarmac forecourt and plate-glass showrooms. However, as a potential place to live, the site can provide a prominent position in an established community, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park on its doorstep and a short cycle route for future residents to the town centre and station.
The massing of our proposals for 24 flats brings a new block with a landscape margin to the back of the pavement line, responds to the streetscape with a set-back top floor and negotiates the sensitive neighbouring condition by stepping down the number of stories towards the edge of the plot. The facades are articulated with a modern interpretation of a bay window which echoes a common feature of the nearby villa typology. Most flats are dual-aspect, and penthouse flats benefit further from a valuated roofline and the brickwork detailing includes centred found in local constructions.
The design achieved a successful planning committee resolution to grant permission in May 2023.
Project Information
Grosvenor Garage 123 - 125 St James Road
New Residential Development
Value: Confidential / Client: Confidential / Programme: Planning Received May 2023 / Location: Tunbridge Wells / Architect's Role: RIBA Stages 1 - 3 + Lead Design Consultant
