Reynard House
...the 'wily fox' of Welford Road
Leicester City Council, under the leadership of Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, has worked hard to encourage investment into the city for its City Regeneration Scheme. By combining public funds, Government Grants and a powerful sense of ‘will do’, it has been able to convince private investors to plough in excess of £200 million into development and redevelopment projects across central Leicester.
JMS have been, are and will continue to be
heavily involved in many of central Leicester’s construction activities. JMS
Leicester is growing at pretty much the same pace as the office, retail and
residential schemes that surround it.
Reynard House in Welford Road is one such
development.
Located close to De Montford University and
the Leicester Royal Infirmary and a stone’s throw from the Leicester Tiger’s,
Reynard House is currently an ageing building containing redundant office suites.
"It has taken a long, long time but we are getting there at last" said Sir Peter. "It is the biggest regeneration scheme Leicester has seen in decades in terms of homes built, jobs created and economic output."
This is why JMS' Leicester Office is in the right place at the right time. It is no coincidence really, being part of Daniel Staines' (founder of JMS Group Ltd) long term policy for deploying regional JMS Civil & Structural Engineering services at the heart of such investment and development activity.
Reynard House is being redeveloped from its current state of redundant offices into a total of 79 residential apartments, 38 being in the extension. Not only will a 7 story extension be added to the side and rear, it is growing upwards adding 3 stories to the top.
Architecturally, the design is intended to enhance the existing 1980s style of the building. The dark, dated brickwork will be covered in a palette of renders with contrasts taking full advantage of the existing proportions.
The corner section fronting Welford Road and Norton Street extends in similar style, creating a taller focal point. The facia of the neighbouring Shoe & Boot factory (now also a residential conversion) has been considered and reflected sympathetically in the design.