Portfolio

Chalklands, Dunstable

Woods Hardwick were engaged by Investment Properties (Luton) to assist with the development and modernisation of an existing out dated industrial site located on the Chalklands Estate in Dunstable.

The existing site was previously occupied by five low level 1930’s workshops and industrial units that had come to the end of the service life. The proposed redevelopment of the site comprises of 7 new units of classes E, B2 and B8 offer practical spaces for companies to work, store and trade from. The proposed units have been designed to accommodate the potential for two storey internal office spaces, should they be required by the occupants and each unit has separate entrance and service access features in order to provide a welcoming appearance for visitors and they have been arranged to accommodate occasional HGV deliveries.

A range of unit sizes are provided that are commensurate with those found on the existing Chalklands 2 development.  The proposed units have been carefully arranged, with the building mass spread out across the site in order to create a positive working environment for those using it and to prevent the site from appearing congested.

The addition of these new units helps to better connect the separate phases of the overall Chalklands redevelopment project, with the creation of vehicular and pedestrian links between the two sites.

Expectation is that the development design will appeal to a mix of tenants which will help to enhance the environment and provide a range of new employment opportunities available to the local community, thereby complying with the provisions outlined in the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan.

Influenced by the need to enhance the existing site conditions, the design is a response to consumer demand for modern industrial units and the proposed units have been designed to be sympathetic to the site context and be in keeping with the earlier phases of the Chalklands development. Careful consideration was undertaken to ensure that the new units do not encroach on the design of the existing building context.

The key building characteristics including the glazed entrance portal, the window modules and the corner features are typified by a blue reflective cladding and are to be replicated on all of the units, to add to the uniformity of the site.

The approach to the site from Luton Road is framed with the use of soft landscaping including trees and small plantings, this helps to make the site appear welcoming and softens the urban surroundings.

Numerous sustainability initiatives have been incorporated to reduce the buildings energy consumption, in order to target a ‘very good’ BREEAM rating. As part of the sustainability strategy, the site will make use of several cutting edge renewable energy solutions.