Location: Cumbria
Architecture - Conservation
This mixed-use redevelopment comprised 19 live/work units, seven dwelling houses, two new office buildings, and a series of workshop units, all sensitively designed and delivered on the site of a Scheduled Monument in Cumbria.
Situated at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, the site occupies a unique position between the Lakeside to Haverthwaite steam railway and the River Leven. A central component of the project involved the repair and restoration of the historic Backbarrow Ironworks—a nationally significant industrial heritage asset.
Backbarrow Ironworks is renowned as the site where Isaac Wilkinson, father of the celebrated industrialist John Wilkinson (associated with Wilkinson Sword), served as ironmaster in 1735. The scheme was carefully planned and executed to preserve the archaeological integrity and historical significance of the monument, ensuring its protection and conservation for future generations.
Through a balanced approach to conservation and contemporary design, the project successfully revitalised a heritage landscape while delivering high-quality residential, commercial and employment space.
Location: West Lancashire
Architecture - Housing
This proposed housing development in West Lancashire, designed for a private developer, comprises predominantly family homes supplemented by a smaller proportion of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The master planning process focused on creating a distinctive and attractive place to live, while maintaining strong contextual links with the surrounding residential streets. This was achieved through the careful evocation of similar density, rhythm, and scale, ensuring the development sits comfortably within its established neighbourhood.
A rigorous design evolution process was undertaken, exploring a range of layout strategies. Each option was assessed on its handling of street patterns, site permeability, access arrangements, density considerations, amenity provision, and the relationship with adjoining land uses. This iterative approach refined the proposal to a layout that offers both clarity and character.
The architectural form, scale and detailing were guided by an objective study of typical house types in the surrounding area, combined with contemporary residential design principles. Particular attention was given to achieving a sensitive balance between modern architectural expression and the expectations of traditional family housing. The resulting scheme integrates high-quality design with practical, appealing accommodation that responds to both market needs and local character.
Location: Liverpool
Architecture - Commercial
This project for a nationally recognised Shop at Home group involved the rapid conversion of an existing warehouse into a high-capacity call centre accommodating more than 600 staff.
Delivered as a fast-track programme, the scheme required the complete transformation of the original industrial building to create a modern, efficient and supportive working environment. The project incorporated new ancillary facilities, including breakout areas, a canteen, training suites and staff welfare spaces, all designed to enhance functionality and employee well-being.
Beyond meeting the client’s operational requirements, the development provided a valuable boost to the local economy, securing substantial employment opportunities for the surrounding community.
Location: National Sortation Facility, Coventry
Architecture - Industrial
This £20+m Distribution Centre is a major logistics facility designed for the high-volume sorting and distribution of goods to a nationwide depot network. Purpose-built for the Home Delivery Network, the centre is capable of processing over 50,000 parcels per hour, providing a critical link in the client’s national delivery infrastructure.
The building offers a total floorspace of approximately 21,000 sqm (226,000 sq. ft.), comprising 17,780 sqm of high-efficiency distribution space and 3,200 sqm of modern office accommodation. The layout and specification were developed to optimise operational flow, minimise handling times, and integrate seamlessly with automated sortation systems.
In addition to its operational importance, the facility delivers significant economic benefits to the local community. It supports employment for around 200 sortation staff, 80 drivers and 25 office personnel, offering substantial new opportunities in an area that had experienced economic decline following the closure of the former Peugeot Citroën manufacturing plant previously located on the site.
Location: West Lancashire
Architecture - Leisure
This £4+m leisure scheme involved the creation of a new football complex designed to provide a Premier League club with the essential facilities needed to support its development and long-term growth. The club, which operates a senior team alongside numerous youth and junior squads, had previously been constrained by having only a single pitch and limited amenities—significantly restricting its ability to progress.
The new complex includes a 5,000-capacity stadium, modern changing and staff facilities, a multi-purpose hall, and dedicated classrooms for use by local schools, enabling the site to serve as a wider community asset. All elements of the project were designed to meet the standards set by the Football Foundation, the organisation established by the Football Authorities and UK Government to promote and support the development of grassroots football.
Through thoughtful design and careful compliance with governing-body requirements, the scheme delivers high-quality sporting and educational facilities that will benefit both the club and the local community for years to come.
Call Us On:
Liverpool
Office: 0151 245 0157
Manchester
Office: 0161 341 0624
Preston
Office: 01704 565 327
Email:
info@smythandassociates.co.uk

