Allan Joyce Architects won a competition organised by Rushcliffe Borough Council to redesign the outdated shopping precinct in Cotgrave Town Centre. The original run of ground floor retail units was retained and refurbished while the vacant first floor apartments were completely remodelled to form a new business hub comprising 8 new offices. As part of the commission a second phase followed directly afterwards with a new public realm scheme of hard and soft landscaping.
Providing space to shop, work and play, the scheme has created a real focal point for community activities. The addition of new offices above the retail units has improved the commercial viability of the town centre, and is enabling local businesses to thrive. The refurbishment work focussed around a complete transformation of the existing 1960s buildings, utilising a striking overhanging new roof and new elevation treatment to provide a contemporary and attractive exterior. The building performance was significantly improved and an attractive double height entrance space creates a welcoming central feature in the arcade.
An improved public realm, which takes inspiration from and expresses the town’s coal mining heritage has consolidated the whole project. There is now a new children’s play area, raised gabion planter beds and a much larger, fully accessible parking area, which far more effectively caters for the needs of local people and their families.
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Most importantly, this newly designed town centre not only respects the proud history of the area but provides for its community far into the future.
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design@ajaltd.co.uk
0115 841 8418