Laceworks Plans Unveiled
On the 21st May 2021, Akkeron Group released their plans to redevelop the historic Laceworks site in Barnstaple into new town houses, in collaboration with Homes England. The Laceworks is Grade II listed site located off Derby Road, which has stood empty since the factory was closed in 2013 and was purchased by Homes England in 2017 with the ambition of building much needed homes for the people of Barnstaple.
In early 2021 Akkeron Group agreed the conditional purchase of the Laceworks site from Homes England with the aspiration to work closely with Homes England to submit a joint planning application to North Devon council to restore and repurpose the Lacework Factory buildings as well as building new homes on the site. KTA Architects from Exeter have designed the plans which consist of an assortment of 65 apartments, townhouses and affordable homes, which are in keeping with the heritage buildings and using local materials such as red and cream facing brick. The Grade II listed factory and attached Edwardian block are proposed to be redeveloped into 22 roomy 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments and the west and east wings of the factory building renovated into 2, 3 and 4 bed town houses. In addition to these the plan is to demolish buildings at the back of the factory in order to build six new build homes as well as 29 affordable homes which will be a range of one, two, three and four bed homes each with a garden and also maisonettes. Between the homes will be landscaped courtyards, public open spaces and car parking.
Akkeron Chairman, James Brent said: “We are pleased to announce these exciting plans working with Homes England, to sensitively restore and regenerate a well-known Barnstaple landmark building of historical importance, and to create 65 new homes, including 29 affordable homes, to meet local needs. Laceworks Living will be a safe, attractive area for people to walk and cycle, as well as a fantastic place to live in the heart of Barnstaple. In addition, new local jobs will be created during the construction phase”.
Lisa Broom, Senior Development Manager at Homes England commented, “Having purchased the Laceworks factory in 2017, Homes England has completed the essential demolition and remediation works needed to help de-risk this challenging industrial heritage site. We are working with Akkeron Group who share our ambition to breathe new life into this historic site for future generations to enjoy”.
A public consultation has been launched at www.laceworksliving.com, allowing local people a chance to see the plans and share any ideas on a Feedback form survey, before the planning application is submitted to North Devon Council in a months time.
