Out with the old and in with the new: vacant Oswestry premises converted into nine flats
The upper floors of Nightingales and former Dorothy Perkins shops on Cross Street, Oswestry will become nine 1- and 2-bedroom flats complemented by refurbished commercial units on the ground floor.
The property has been under Ultrahaven Ltd ownership for several years and now, along with local architects DPA design and TED builders, is undergoing renovations.
Cross Street, Oswestry
The works have also received funding from the High Street Heritage Action Zone Scheme (HSHAZ), funded by Historic England, Oswestry Town Council and Shropshire Council, and is being delivered through the Future Oswestry Group, which is comprised of representatives from Shropshire Council, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District).
Cross Street, Oswestry
Ben Blake, from DPA design, shared more details about the development: –
“This flagship building is directly besides the iconic Grade I listed Llwyd Mansion building, and the development is nearing completion. The upper floors had remained vacant for many years and had suffered from neglect, but new life has been breathed into them with the formation of nine, new 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom flats. The flats offer convenient town centre living, whilst situated close to outstanding historic buildings.
“The next phase is to replace the whole of the ground floor shopfront, which will complete the shell of the exciting, flexible space for the retail tenant to fit out.
“The expertise of Shropshire Council’s historic environment team has been an invaluable resource in sourcing funding and advice, to ensure that the finished project enhances the historic core of this fabulous market town.”
Ben and the development team have also played a positive role upon the local wildlife in Oswestry, and have installed several swift nest boxes to ensure that red listed species have somewhere to rear their young when they return from their wintering grounds in the spring.
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing. said:-
“I’m really pleased the High Street Heritage Action Zone Scheme is helping to refresh market town high streets, and turn over what were once vacant and neglected buildings into valuable assets for communities. Good luck with the next phase!”
Councillor Jay Moore, Mayor of Oswestry, said: –
“This is a prominent building in the heart of the town centre which has needed investment. I am pleased that the High Street Heritage Action Zone funding, including Oswestry Town Council’s contribution, is making a tangible difference to the appearance of Cross Street.”
Adele Nightingale, Manager of Oswestry BID, also commented:-
“The BID are delighted to see this project coming to fruition having worked with the owner, Mark, to provide support at the planning application stage, through to assisting in grant funding for the works. This will bring a rejuvenating mix of exciting retail space and residential apartments to the heart of Oswestry town centre.”
