BETA We use cookies to improve your experience. By using architecture.com you agree to our terms of use and use of cookies. This is a new RIBA online service. We would like to hear your feedback .

Find an architect

The Fitted Rigging House

Medway

Project Details

£3m to £4.99M

Alteration to existing property, Listed Building - Grade I, Scheduled Ancient Monument, Within a Conservation Area

Practice

Baynes and Mitchell Architects

4th Floor , 27 Poland Street , London , Greater London , W1F 8QW , United Kingdom

The Fitted Rigging House project brings into re-use the unoccupied floors of one of the two historically significant buildings of Anchor Wharf Storehouses at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. The building is one of a series of remarkable naval-industrial buildings constructed at the southern end of The Historic Dockyard Chatham in the late 18th century. Described in 2015 as “vulnerable” by Historic England, it is a scheduled monument, Grade I listed and sited in the Chatham Historic Dockyard conservation area. The fabric of the existing building has been protected in the long-term through sensitive refurbishment and creative re-use, whilst improved access will maximise public engagement with, and understanding of, this nationally significant built heritage. The previously unused floor spaces of the building have been converted into around 3,600sqm of 21st century office space, including new offices for the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Public benefit has been maximised through vastly improved access to the invaluable records contained in the Trust’s new library and archive. Additionally, a brand-new volunteer centre, conservation studio and teaching workshops have been created. Baynes and Mitchell architects undertook the feasibility stage of the project, preparing the architectural information that helped to secure HLF Stage 1 funding. Having then been appointed through competitive interview, we worked very closely with the client, project manager and design team to fully co-ordinate information for the HLF round 2 submission, tender and construction phases. We worked in close consultation with Historic England throughout the development process to arrive at creative new proposals for modern interventions within the historic fabric. Baynes and Mitchell provided full architectural services including the role of principal designer.? The project was Highly Commended in the Preservation and Rejuvenation category at 2019 Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards.