Located on China Street in the busy city centre of Lancaster, the former YMCA building had fallen into considerable disrepair prior to being purchased by a developer wishing to convert it into student accommodation. Dry rot was rife throughout the building and new interventions and repair work had to be carefully planned and detailed as a result, yet the design work had to be delivered on a very tight timescale in order to achieve the client’s need to meet University term times.

The building is in the city centre conservation area so the design proposals had to be carefully planned and discussed with the local authority conservation officer who was very supportive of the change of use that would provide the landmark building with a new lease of life. The original façade was partly half timbered but the poor condition of the material meant that replacement was necessary. The design would see a modern interpretation of the half timbering using zinc panels.

Design Development

Plans and elevations were drawn up for discussion with the local authority conservation officer that conveyed the design intent. Planning permission for the project was secured in a relatively short space of time and JCA were instrumental in bringing together the design team and local authority approvals.