Century House

Employers Agent: McCombs Partnership Limited
Cost Consultants: McCombs Partnership Limited
Structural Engineer: J.P. Chick & Partners
Principal Designer/CDM: Barefoot & Gilles
Acoustic Consultant: Sound Acoustics Limited

Century House in Ipswich is typical of the trend to convert town centre commercial premises to residential use under prior notification Class MA permitted development rights. If the exterior of the building remains unaltered then the use of the building can be changed without the formal planning process.

Century House adjoins a Grade II Listed building and faces Willis House which is a Grade I Listed building designed by Norman (now Lord) Foster and completed in 1971. The building occupies a sensitive location and we were careful to carry out the conversion of the property with the minimum of external alteration.

In order for town centres to continue to be viable despite the migration of retail trading to the internet, the residential accommodation available must be attractive and sufficiently well-serviced to encourage home-working which in turn will stimulate the local economy.

Despite an irregular floor plan, the layout of each apartment allows for flexibility in use and provides an attractive environment for those home working. As for most commercial property in Ipswich town centre, the railway station is a short walk away which makes the development ideal for residents working from home for part of the week and commuting to London for the rest of the week. As a result, uptake of the Flats was very rapid upon completion.