"As designers, we want to see the creation of top quality, impactful projects."
Andy Pickup, managing director PDG Architectural
A Leeds-based architectural practice has secured planning approval for a new £1.8m aparthotel complex in the heart of a north west county town.
PDG Architectural is behind ambitious plans to convert a former Grade II listed post office in Warrington town centre into 21 high quality hotel style bedroomed apartments, while commercial space on the ground floor will remain as popular bars and restaurants.
The Killingbeck Office Village-based architectural firm, which currently has a six-strong workforce, resolved several conservation and planning issues, including producing a design that will incorporate a number of existing external features, to secure approval for its plans.
This is the first planning approval of its type in Warrington and once work is completed in 2021, it is expected that local and itinerant workers will use the rooms, which will be available on short term lets.
Andy Pickup, managing director of PDG Architectural, has steered the application through the planning process with the local borough council.
He said that the news offers a great opportunity to create a building that will be seen as a critical boost to the regeneration of an important county town.
Welcoming the decision, he added that it’s also a big step forward in delivering well-designed, high quality accommodation for the regional jobs market. He added: “Working closely with the planning authority from the outset has been invaluable in securing planning approval.
“As designers, we want to see the creation of top quality, impactful projects that will leave a long-lasting legacy. This one will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the regeneration of an important town centre.”
In addition, he said that it was encouraging to see planning applications being approved by the local authority planning department despite the difficulties imposed on the process by Covid-19.
The scheme is a joint venture between property developer Nathan Priestley with Priestley homes (Priestley Group) in partnership with property firm Immedi-Let.
