FWP delivers a standout vision of modern town centre living

Further details of leading architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP’s landmark town centre living scheme in Chorley have been unveiled.

The standout development, designed by FWP’s architects on the site of the Lancashire market town’s former magistrates court, will deliver 52 high-quality apartments and play a key role in Chorley’s ongoing regeneration journey.

Each property in the 11-storey building, including its duplex penthouses, will have access to a private balcony as well as a stunning communal open roof garden which will be accessible to all occupants.

The development will deliver 28 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom apartments in the heart of Chorley. It will also include three ground-floor commercial units to add to the market town’s vibrant mix of shops, bars and restaurants.

It will also feature planting at all levels in order to give it a distinctive appearance and boost the biodiversity of the area.

FWP’s design takes its inspiration” from neighbouring buildings – the ‘brutalist style’ police station and the ‘Italianate’ town hall. It incorporates the concrete frame of the station and the buff colouring of municipal building.

Planners have given the go-ahead for the development, following an application from Preston based PWA Planning. Its construction will follow the demolition of the old courts building in St Thomas’s Square, which has stood vacant since 2018.

FWP says the new development will help meet the growing need for new housing in Chorley and help bring more people into the heart of the town.

Brent Clayton, Partner at FWP, which has offices in Preston, Manchester and London, said: “Our brief was to deliver high quality housing and commercial facilities that will complement the existing surrounding urban context.

“The planned development will play a key role in Chorley’s ongoing town centre regeneration, breathing new life into a prominent site that has been vacant for some time and encouraging more people into the area.

“We have looked to create a landmark building that will deliver modern homes designed for town living, while also complementing Chorley’s unique and vibrant town centre and nearby buildings, including the very distinctive and instantly recognisable town hall.

“The result is an attractive and welcoming building which strives to promote healthy living for its residents through its external spaces. Now planning permission has been granted we look forward to working to progress the project.”

FWP delivered its innovative designs for the Chorley site for family-run developer Walker & Williams. It is the latest in a series of high-profile projects it has spearheaded for the company.

Established in 1984, Walker & Williams has developed a number of residential, commercial, hospitality and care schemes across the North West.

Max Walker-Williams, operations director at Walker & Williams, said: “We’re proud to be bringing forward this high-quality scheme of apartments that will provide new town centre living opportunities for Chorley.

“Our thanks to the whole project team for their determination and dedication in helping us get this planning approval over the line.

“We’re now looking forward to progressing to the next stage and securing a development partner to and getting the scheme moving.”

FWP’s work for Walker & Williams, which is also headquartered in Preston, includes designing the multi-million-pound conversion of a historic magistrates’ court in Ormskirk to create a five-star aparthotel.

That development will see the transformation of the building into the stylish Ormskirk Court Hotel, with 23 premium apartments, extensive landscaping, and new car park facilities.

The ground floor will host a fine dining restaurant which will utilise the historic Courtroom 1, with drinks begin mixed and served from the listed witness box.

Other Walker & Williams projects designed and delivered by FWP include The Hotel Chester – a £5.6m award-winning five-star boutique aparthotel scheme in the city that saw the transformation of a building dating back to around 1782.

FWP also led on The Winckley Square Hotel in Preston for the company, a standout £2.8m development in the city centre.

Brent Clayton said: “We’ve built up a good relationship with the client over a number of years and we understand their vision and ethos and commitment to quality.”